Arya's grip tightened around her weapon. There was something deeply wrong about them—something just beneath the surface, pressing against their skin like an ill-fitting mask.
Ellie took a half step forward, her voice wary. "Eat what, exactly?"
The man chuckled, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the question itself. "Oh, you know. Whatever we can find." He paused — staring at them one by one. "There's always something to eat if you know where to look." His sharp eyes flickered over them once more, lingering on their arms, their throats, their exposed skin.
Zack exhaled slowly, studying them, his eyes narrowing. "How many trials have you been through?"
The man tilted his head slightly, considering the question. The others behind him didn't react, their gazes eerily vacant. Finally, he let out a low hum. "Hmmm — A lot."
Zack narrowed his eyes. "That's not an answer."
