PATIENT ZERO -The lone survivor
The Caloric Debt—the hunger caused by my regeneration—was back, clawing at my stomach walls.
"Eat," Malik said, pouring a jug of water. "Your metabolism is demanding payment. If you do not feed the engine, it will consume the chassis."
I didn't wait for manners. I grabbed a leg of roasted goat and tore into it. It was savory, rich, and perfectly spiced. I ate with a feral intensity, ignoring the grease running down my chin. I devoured bananas, mangoes, and chunks of bread.
Eliana ate too, though more slowly. She sat close to me, her eyes darting around the room, analyzing the exits, analyzing Malik.