Chapter Five:
Liza followed Theo into the grand dining room, where the table was laden with a variety of dishes, most of them centered around different kinds of meat. Roasted lamb, grilled steak, seasoned chicken, tender cuts of pork—all arranged with rich sauces and garnishes. The spread was overwhelming, a display of luxury and excess that made her feel both awed and uneasy.
Theo gestured for her to sit, taking his place at the head of the table across from her. He picked up his fork and knife, cutting into his steak with an ease that spoke of comfort and control.
"Eat," he instructed, watching her carefully.
Liza hesitated, looking down at her plate. The food smelled incredible, but her appetite was tempered by the tension she felt around him. She picked up her fork and tried a small piece of the roast, and the flavors burst in her mouth. It was delicious, even if the circumstances left her feeling conflicted.
"Do you always eat like this?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Theo smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "you didn't eat last night so decided to change up the food ."
She nodded, though she couldn't help but feel out of place. Her family's meals were simple and modest; this world of decadence felt like a cage, no matter how beautiful. But the weight of Theo's gaze held her in place, as if he were observing her every reaction.
As she ate, Theo leaned back, his intense stare never wavering. "You'll get used to it, Phoenixia," he said, almost as if he could sense her unease. "This is your life now."
She set her fork down, her eyes narrowing. "Stop calling me that. My name is Liza."
Theo tilted his head, his smirk returning. "Phoenixia suits you better."
Liza's frustration simmered, but she kept her tone even. "And what does Phoenixia even mean to you?"
He didn't answer, instead taking another bite of his meal, seemingly entertained by her defiance. "In time, you'll understand."
Silence settled between them, thick with unspoken questions. Liza clenched her fists under the table, determined not to let him see how much he unnerved her. She would find out what he wanted, but on her terms—not his