Egon stepped silently through a doorway, two steaming cups in his hands.
The sharp, roasted aroma of strong coffee filled the perfumed air and steadied me.

He looked different—his beard was freshly trimmed, and he wore an anthracite turtleneck
that accentuated his lean, athletic physique. His dark eyes met mine. There was no trace
of the predatory familiarity from the tavern in them—only weary relief and warm relaxation.

"You’ve made it through the worst of it," he said in a deep, rough voice. "The antidote worked.
How are you feeling after the antidote?"

Before I could answer, Stefanie entered behind him carrying a tray filled with pastries glistening
with honey and fruit preserves, slices of smoked ham, and soft-boiled eggs in polished silver cups.
She was wearing clean, fresh clothes, and her blonde hair shone gold in the midday light,
yet deep shadows lay beneath her eyes.

"It’s good you’re finally awake," she breathed, setting the tray down with trembling hands.
"You were completely out of it. While I was driving, Egon gave both of us an injection.
He said it would… neutralize the poison."

She shuddered visibly and avoided looking me in the eye. "Sarah… the tavern… those people…"
Stefanie fell silent.
The luxury of the penthouse felt soothing after the blood-soaked chaos.
Sunlight glared brilliantly outside the tinted window. I propped myself up against
the pillows and winced as pinpricks of returning sensation shot through my numb limbs.

“Stefanie,” my voice cracked, hoarse. “How? Why were you *there*?”
Her gaze finally met mine, filled with sheer fear and defiance.
“I followed you, Sarah! All the way to Romania!”

After we found that horrible picture and you started researching... cannibal cults,
I knew you were obsessed with it. I knew you would come here.

I thought... I thought I could help you, just as I’d promised back then.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “But I was abducted into the kitchen of that pub... and I
saw them... the hooks... the fire... the slaughtered bodies.” Her words choked off into
sobs, her shoulders trembling. The intense smell of ham suddenly turned into the sweet scent of
roasting meat.