The Cannibal's Revenge

Chapter 1

[1]

My blind date took me to a restaurant and only ordered one meal.

I said I wasn't hungry.

He chuckled, "No point in wasting food."

He quickly took my noodles and dumplings, and added a chicken drumstick and egg rolls for himself.

I watched as he ate greedily, his belly getting rounder. Under the table, my fingers flew across my phone's keyboard.

"Girls, you won't believe this, but I met the ultimate 'greedy guy' today... Just wait until you all meet him; it's going to be hilarious."

[2]

Two bottles of milk were emptied, and Domenic wiped his mouth, letting out a contented sigh.

I pushed away the murky air around us. The man across from me was tall and burly, yet he seemed awkward and shy, like a nervous teenager.

"Hehe, I quite like you. But you're so skinny. Do you not enjoy eating?" he asked with a curious tilt of his head.

Feigning shyness, I looked down and replied, "I'm dieting to make sure I look good for you."

In truth, I didn't care much for regular food. My true cravings were far more macabre. My favorite meal was young, strong human males.

Domenic stood at six feet, with broad shoulders, a strong back, long legs, and a fit waist-enough to keep my family satisfied for months.

Just now, Lisette was texting excitedly in the family group chat about wanting liver; she's a devoted fan of organ meats. Mom prefers hands, savoring the tender tendons at the joints.

Our whole family are monsters.

But we only devour the wicked.

The darker the soul, the better they taste.

With my new, youthful, and beautiful appearance, and my willingness to be compliant, Domenic, who had been single for 32 years, was very pleased with me. That evening, he invited me home to meet his parents.

The Elliott family lived in an old apartment building, and the interior was quite modest. The shrewd elderly couple were overjoyed when they heard I didn't want any wedding gifts and insisted I stay the night.

Clint had a limp and was very cunning. He pulled Domenic aside and whispered to him, his leering gaze occasionally sweeping over me.

Domenic, like a scared rabbit, buried his head in his chest. The old man knocked Domenic on the head and pushed him towards me.

Sensing something was wrong, I stood up to leave. Domenic suddenly grabbed me and carried me into the bedroom. His expression turned menacing, completely different from his earlier shy demeanor.

I screamed, and he covered my mouth. I bit him, and he, in pain, slapped me, kicked me twice, and started tearing at my clothes...

The night outside was dark and quiet.

I silently pressed against Domenic's back, inhaling the heady mix of guilt and lust emanating from his soul.

My mouth watered. My hunger became uncontrollable.

Fragmented memories flashed through my mind.

I gritted my teeth and dug my fingers into my arm. This wasn't the right time.

[3]

I woke up in a fit of tears and screams, threatening to call the police.

Domenic, who had been single for years, treated me like a precious gem he had finally discovered, trying to soothe me with patience.

"Laura, I just like you so much. I couldn't hold back yesterday. If you just behave, I'll always take care of you..."

Kimberly also put on a show, wiping away fake tears and holding my hand. "Dear, what's done is done. You like my son, so why not go to the courthouse and get the paperwork done?"

I almost believed her if it weren't for the fact that last night she was outside the door praising Clint's cleverness while laughing at my cries.

I didn't let anyone come near me, wrapping myself in my torn clothes, exuding humiliation and fear.

Clint was smoking his fourth cigarette of the morning, his large frame silently blocking the door amidst the swirling smoke.

"My son is young and strong, and he respects his parents. Marrying into our family is a blessing for a girl from the countryside like you. Don't be ungrateful!"

"You've already been with my son. If you don't agree, I'll spread the word in your hometown and see who would still want you!"

A family of deceitful schemers, their smooth tongues trying to deceive me.

I sniffed the air, catching a unique scent of meat.

Clint was already steeped in alcohol and his own wickedness. The aroma of wine and lean meat was my grandfather's favorite; he'd been craving it for months.

Initially, I was only interested in Domenic's body, but since his vile parents were offering themselves up, I might as well take them all.

The old couple had wronged me last night, and their evil deeds were done. Taking revenge on them would be just and lawful.

I pretended to be frightened, whispering to Domenic, "Please, don't do this... I'll agree, okay? But I can't just marry into your family without clarity. My parents live in the countryside; you have to come and formally ask for their blessing. Both families need to meet. Otherwise... otherwise, I'd rather die than marry..."

I nestled into Domenic's arms, and he held me, agreeing to everything. Clint, however, frowned, seemingly hesitant.

Kimberly quickly whispered in his ear, "Our son finally has a wife. What are you worried about? This chance won't come again. She has no background and a gentle nature, easy to manage..."

I knew what they were talking about.

Domenic couldn't get married now because he had killed someone and been to prison. The Elliott family was afraid I'd back out if I found out about his criminal record, so they chose to coerce me into it.

Chapter 2

[1]

**Immortal and Undying**

As an immortal spirit, I had long lost my sense of time. I didn't know how many days I had spent at the Elliott family's house; I only knew that I went to bed at midnight and woke up at six every morning.

Kimberly ordered me around, and Clint expected me to cater to his every need. Domenic called me "baby" and "wife" with every breath, yet he never lifted a finger to help. As I wiped the dining table, my compliant expression reflected in the glass surface, showing no trace of displeasure.

Two weeks ago, when I received the mission to eliminate Domenic, I was disposing of a murderer's remains by a trash can.

The rain pounded so hard that I couldn't keep my eyes open. A cold, aloof man in a pure black suit stood nearby, seemingly defying gravity and untouched by the downpour. The raindrops seemed to avoid him.

Timothy raised his hand and gestured towards me.

An invisible force flung me into a concrete wall across the street. With a loud crack, my head twisted violently on impact, and my vision dimmed.

The Grim Reaper, Timothy, tore off my ear from a distance.

"No. 27, how many times have I told you to eat less? You have a new mission."

At his words, I moved my head slightly. Then, using both hands and feet, I slowly crawled out of the wall.

Timothy continued, "The victim's family is desperate. The murderer who tortured and killed their daughter was released after just two years and is still at large. The killer's name is Domenic, and he used a mental illness defense to escape punishment..."

Injustice in the world gathered resentment.

When the relatives and friends of the deceased made desperate sacrifices to ensure the death of the wicked, the Grim Reaper would receive the commission and then assign the task to powerful spirits. My code name was 9527, a low-ranking ghoul...

Spitting out a piece of flesh, I pushed my dislocated head back into place. "Can I take him back home to kill this time? My family hasn't had fresh food in a long time."

Even after becoming a spirit, the pressure to survive remained.

There were five family members at home, all relying on me for sustenance, and I was the only one working to earn our keep. And I was assigned to a ruthless boss.

Timothy was silent for a moment, his eyes cold and stern. "You can do whatever you want with the body; I only need the soul. Remember, follow the rules, or face the consequences."

I knew well what he meant by consequences. Spirits' actions were monitored and restricted by the Grim Reaper. Violations that harmed society could result in anything from docked pay and imprisonment to complete annihilation.

Years ago, my sister lost control and went on a rampage. Timothy personally crushed the girl with pitch-black pupils who screamed in agony.

The snow around me was stained bright red.

[2]

I watched helplessly as a large red mark spread across my arm.

On the train heading back to my hometown, Domenic accidentally spilled his hot noodle soup on me.

Halfway through wiping it off, Domenic glanced at me with a perplexed expression. "Laura, this is boiling water. Doesn't it hurt?"

Being a spirit, I felt no pain, so I didn't react immediately. Realizing my mistake, I quickly gasped and wailed in pain.

"Oh no, it burns! It hurts so much!"

Domenic was visibly concerned. "Don't worry, honey. Let me blow on it for you."

Clint gave me a disapproving look, likely thinking I was being overly dramatic. Kimberly pursed her lips; her son had never shown this level of concern for her.

Throughout the journey, the elderly couple complained about everything, from how remote my hometown was to how crowded and burdensome my family seemed.

I smirked inwardly. They had come to propose marriage empty-handed. But outwardly, I remained meek and agreeable, nodding to whatever they said.

After getting off the train, we transferred to two more vehicles and walked for ten minutes before reaching my home.

My mom was an exceptional cook. Our family ran a restaurant in the village, a grand, four-story building blending traditional charm with modern elegance. The first two floors were for dining, and the upper floors were our living quarters.

My parents, decked out in their finest attire and jewelry, stood at the door with warm expressions, eagerly awaiting our arrival.

I exchanged a knowing smile with them.

Clint and Kimberly were taken aback by the impressive restaurant and quickly noticed the Lexus parked nearby. Their attitudes shifted immediately, and they greeted us with smiles. They were the type to quickly change their behavior towards wealth.

Clint had sought a matchmaker to find a bride for Domenic, specifically looking for girls from less privileged, rural backgrounds. He believed a modest woman wouldn't mind his timid son and would be willing to endure hardships and take care of their family after marriage.

Unexpectedly, they had overestimated their match with me, and embarrassment flickered across their faces.

As the parents exchanged pleasantries, Domenic suddenly leaned down and whispered to me, "Laura, why does your dad keep staring at me? Is he not satisfied with me?"

I saw my dad staring unblinkingly in our direction, his eyes devoid of any emotion, which made him look rather eerie.

I narrowed my eyes and spoke with a hint of coldness in my voice. "My dad is visually impaired. One night, a beast attacked him, slashing his eyes, and that beast got away..."

Hearing this, Clint and Kimberly were momentarily stunned, and their faces quickly showed insincere sympathy.

None of the three from the Elliott family noticed that despite the bustling surroundings, no one glanced at our restaurant.

Chapter 3

[1]

The adults were deeply engaged in a lively conversation, and the welcome feast was truly a lavish spread. There were lobster, abalone, roast pig, lamb chops, chicken, and beef brisket-all without a single potato in sight.

Kimberly, trying to suppress her craving, smiled and asked, "With all this meat, how do you all manage to stay so slim?"

Upon closer inspection, I realized that although my parents were dressed in luxurious clothes, they were actually gaunt and pale. My grandfather was little more than skin and bones. I was the only one with any noticeable flesh on my arms, but even that was barely enough to grasp.

Domenic and his father, less perceptive than the women, were startled once it was pointed out. Especially Clint, who was always suspicious by nature.

I quickly added, "Aunt Kimberly, our family has only become well-off in the past two years. Our elders are used to hardship and still practice frugality. We only prepare so much food when we have important guests. Here, try some of my mom's cooking."

With that, I picked up a piece of crispy roast pig and placed it on Kimberly's plate. The exquisite flavors burst in her mouth, and her face lit up with delight.

"Oh my, it's delicious, truly delicious! I've lived half my life and never tasted such wonderful roast pig! Domenic, Clint, you must try this!"

Seeing her reaction, Domenic quickly picked up a piece with his chopsticks. The next second, his eyes widened with an unprecedented taste experience. Even after finishing it, he was still licking his lips.

"Laura, your mom's cooking is incredible. I've never had such delicious meat. Being your son-in-law would be a real treat."

My mom beamed. "I'm glad you like it. I'll make more for you tomorrow."

Then, she turned her gaze to Clint. "Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your taste?"

Clint, noticing his wife and son devouring the food, felt a bit embarrassed. That ridiculous male pride always seemed to surface during times of humility, highlighting his inadequacy as the head of the family.

At this moment, my grandfather raised his wine glass. "It's fate that brought these two children together. From now on, my granddaughter will be entrusted to your family. I toast to you."

Clint downed his drink in one gulp. My dad also toasted him, and one after another, the alcohol began to break down Clint's guard.

Soon, the three members of the Elliott family were feasting heartily, red oil dripping from the corners of their mouths as they savored every bite. Their eyes gleamed with pleasure and satisfaction.

In that moment, they looked more like contented souls than we did.

[2]

11:30 PM, Clint, smelling of alcohol, was being helped upstairs by Kimberly. I led Domenic to the guest room to sleep.

Domenic was in high spirits today. My parents, gentle and kind, seemed to approve of him.

Just as we were about to ascend the stairs, a round object came hurtling towards Domenic, hitting him squarely in the chest. He clutched his chest in pain. When he looked up, he was horrified, unable to speak.

"A g-g-ghost..."

At the top of the stairs stood a little girl, exuding an eerie aura. She wore a blood-red dress, her eyes glaring with a piercing stare. The ominous ball had been kicked by her.

The girl looked at Domenic and gave a sinister smile.

Domenic immediately clung to my sleeve.

I turned on the light. "Don't be so scared. That's my little sister, Lisette."

The light softened the shadows on her face, revealing a ten-year-old girl with rosy cheeks and pearly white teeth, endearing and lovable.

She rushed over and hugged me. "Big sister, you're finally back. I missed you so much."

Lisette's gaze locked onto Domenic, absentmindedly licking her lips. I quickly pinched her, reminding her to be a bit more reserved.

Domenic, now at ease, came over to comfort her. "Are you hungry? Why didn't we see you at dinner?"

Lisette lifted her chin. "Hmph, who wants to eat gross food?"