Evan felt a buzzing in his head. He hadn't opened his eyes yet. He could feel a chair under his back. He tried to shift into a more comfortable position and spread his fingers. There was no resistance. He tried to move his hand.
His wrists were cuffed.
He instantly opened his eyes. He saw a pair of handcuffs. He tried to stand up and felt resistance across his chest and ankles. He looked down. A strong leather strap pressed against his chest. His ankles were secured to the legs of the chair.
He looked around. He was in a luxurious lounge. Burgundy carpet and wallpaper, paneling made of dark, almost black wood, brass wall sconces and a chandelier, and furniture that matched the room's opulence.
"You've finally woken up, sir."
He turned his head. A rabbit and a lizard stood by the wall, both in suits. The lizard kept staring at him. That didn't bother Evan — he was used to it. The rabbit seemed to have a different opinion. He gave the lizard a sharp look, and the lizard immediately straightened up.
Evan was about to say something when the rabbit stopped him with a gesture. He stepped forward like a soldier on ceremonial guard duty.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Emilio Velasco, butler of the Serrano family."
A memory from the conversation with Callisa's family surfaced in Evan's mind. Lysandra had said it was an exceptionally wealthy and influential hunting family — and her new employers.
"At the outset, I wish to assure you that you are not a prisoner, but a lawfully acquired trophy. Everything is being conducted strictly according to the letter of the law."
Evan looked at him. His brain still wasn't working at full speed.
"A trophy?"
The rabbit butler nodded.
"Captured during a legal hunt. Would you care for some water?"
"Please."
The butler stood beside Evan and nodded to the lizard. The lizard approached a cart, poured water from a crystal carafe into a glass, placed it on a tray, and brought it to Evan.
"Thank you."
He drank. The water was pleasantly cold.
"I understand you have many questions, but my master will answer them all. He should arrive shortly."
At that moment the doors opened and a jaguar in a suit entered. He sat down in the armchair opposite Evan.
"I didn't have the chance to introduce myself during the hunt. I am Mateo, the second son of the Serrano family. I'm the one who caught you."
Evan studied him. He wasn't angry with him, but there was something about his posture… He looked like wearing the suit itself tired him. Evan remembered the members of the elite he had met before. Mateo's demeanor was noticeably different from theirs. He was like something sweet in a sour salad — technically fitting, but…
"You're really a member of such a powerful family?" The jaguar and the servants widened their eyes. "Well… there's something about you… like you don't quite belong here."
The jaguar just sighed.
"Is it that obvious?" He turned to the butler. "Emilio. Pour us some rum or tequila."
The rabbit stood like an immovable wall.
"Strong alcohol before an important ceremony is not appropriate, young master. I can offer wine."
The jaguar sighed again and waved his hand. A moment later, two glasses of red wine appeared before them.
Mateo picked up one glass; the servant handed the other to Evan. He swirled it and smelled it.
"You're right. I don't feel like a hunter — or rather, I never thought I would be one." He looked into the glass. "I prefer racing on the track or sitting in the garage." He fell silent for a moment. "But Father keeps saying I should finally think about family tradition. There's also my perfect older brother Esteban."
He leaned back.
"Hunt a trophy! You need trophies! Over and over."
Evan looked at him with a hint of sympathy.
"Your family takes tradition very seriously?"
"You have no idea. Well, let's drink."
They both sipped the wine. Evan instinctively began analyzing the drink. Quite acidic, with notes of leather, vanilla, and spices.
"Is this Tempranillo?"
Mateo smiled and nodded.
"This wine pairs excellently with meat." He looked Evan in the eyes. "You're going to eat me."
The jaguar met his gaze.
"Yes. And I want to make your head into a trophy for the wall."
"I understand."
Everyone looked at him in surprise.
"Are you feeling alright?"
Evan's eyes widened.
"Well, most people scream and beg for mercy when they hear that, but you're sitting here calmly… and you've been wandering back and forth across the border of the red zone for several days."
Evan first looked confused, then chuckled softly, as if realizing he had done something silly.
"I've gotten used to it. People have tried to eat me more than once."
"How many times?" Mateo asked.
Evan thought for a moment.
"First there was the date with Callisa — I barely escaped her plate. Then Frida almost put me on a spit. Aiko tried to turn me into sashimi. Morona wanted to bite my head off. Then I moved in with them, so every few days they tried to convince me… um… in bed, to let them eat me. Then there was that thing with the white fox's club. Frida's father took me on a little trip through the factory line, and recently…"
Everyone listened with considerable shock.
"That's definitely too much. How are you still alive?"
Evan gave him a look that clearly said he had no idea.
Mateo bowed his head slightly.
"I'm sorry, but your luck ends here." He looked him in the eyes; his gaze was unwavering. "When I was chasing you, I felt more excitement than during any race. I don't intend to let you go."
He stood up and touched Evan's chin.
"You know… this is the first time I've felt this way. The satisfaction is greater than from all my racing trophies combined."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Evan smiled at the jaguar, who looked confused.
"You don't hold a grudge against me?"
The boy shook his head.
"Seriously?" Mateo looked even more confused.
"You know, some time ago I fell into the claws of a certain white fox."
The butler cleared his throat.
"Madame Albentine. Arrested for illegal kidnappings and running an illegal club. Sentenced to Line Number 8."
Evan nodded.
"That's right. She was a truly horrible person. Respect was the last thing you could expect from her."
He looked at his hunter.
"Unlike her, you play fair and speak openly. I don't get the feeling you see me only as proof of your status. I can say it again: I don't hold a grudge against you."
Mateo smiled, though it looked more like his stomach hurt.
"Well, I still have to inform you of one more thing. If you can point out any procedural error, I will have to release you immediately." He took a sip of wine. "There is an unbreakable rule: the trophy must be free of any legal ambiguities. The family hates dirty hunts."
He raised his glass toward Evan.
"So, Evan, my trophy — can you accuse me of any legal irregularity in the process of your capture?"
Evan thought for a moment. He had jumped into the red zone and run deeper into it… He could only smile.
"I can only ask for good treatment until the very end."
The butler leaned over them.
"Forgive me, but we must go now."
Mateo quickly finished his wine.
"Well, we have to go."
They began untying Evan.
"To the kitchen?"
"No, dear sir. To the presentation hall. You will meet the rest of the Serrano family. The ceremony is mandatory."
Evan was surprised when he heard that. He wondered what such a hall might look like. When he entered, he stopped in awe.
The hall wasn't particularly large, but it made up for it with its appearance. Dark wood paneling and flooring, burgundy carpets and upholstery, brass sconces and chandeliers. Yet all of it was overshadowed by elements that from the very first moment declared: "We come from afar and give this place special meaning."
On the walls hung large decorative fabrics with geometric patterns. Under the sconces stood vases with yellow spherical flowers. On the left wall stood a carved stone block the size of a large table, with a backrest featuring a bas-relief of a solar disk. The structure had many gold and jade elements. A carpet led from the pedestal to the opposite end of the hall. What was there was hidden behind a curtain.
Evan stared, completely captivated. They approached the block.
"Father… actually the whole family is obsessed with tradition. They kept telling me that hunting is more than just a chase. The ritual is the foundation of a hunter's and prey's honor."
He lowered his head slightly.
"Before, I thought they were exaggerating, but now I see they were right."
Evan looked around even more enchanted.
"All of this… for me?"
Mateo smiled awkwardly.
"Yes. This will be a nice… I mean, an elegant hunting reception."
The main attraction of the reception smiled awkwardly.
"You're not ready yet."
He looked surprised. Behind him stood the butler and several assistants holding a long piece of fabric, bowls of paint, and jewelry made of green stone.
"Honored sir, you must change."
Evan moved to the corner of the hall, where he removed his clothes. Two servants wrapped him in a very long embroidered sash with red patterns. They painted designs on his body. The paint had an interesting scent, but he couldn't quite place it.
After a few moments, Evan was kneeling on the stone block wearing something that resembled an Aztec loincloth. He had a jade necklace around his neck, red paint patterns on his legs, arms, and torso, and his hands were bound behind his back with braided yellow and red cord. Behind him was the solar disk. In front of him were bowls of corn, beans, dried peppers, and cocoa, along with bundles of marigolds. On both sides were two censers from which rose smoke with a resinous scent.
Mateo looked at Evan once more.
"I must admit, you look much better than I imagined. Like a trophy from the legendary wars of old."
"Thank you," Evan said politely, bowing his head.
The hunter sighed.
"Emilio, inform my family that everything is ready."
"Yes, young master."
The butler bowed and left.
A moment later, several people entered — jaguars. At the front walked a imposing jaguar who scanned everything with his gaze. Evan instinctively straightened up. When the man stood before them, he looked over Mateo, Evan, and the setup. A moment of tense silence followed. For some reason, Evan felt drops of sweat running down his back.
Then the jaguar smiled.
"Well done, son. Emilio told me about your conversation with the trophy. You finally sound like a true Serrano. Will you introduce us?"
Mateo cleared his throat and began speaking, gesturing toward Evan.
"This is Evan Smith, my trophy."
He then pointed to each member of his family in turn.
"Evan, this is my father, Don Alejandro Serrano."
Mateo's father stood tall and proud. Evan instantly sensed a resemblance to Arslan. He didn't need to speak for others to follow his orders — a single look was enough. He seemed very pleased.
"My mother, Donna Isabella Serrano."
The first thing Evan thought when he saw the jaguaress was that she reminded him of Callisa's mother. He felt she was the one who cared about the family's image. She looked at him like a valuable work of art up for auction.
"My older brother, Esteban Serrano."
For some reason, Evan was reminded of several corporate dramas. He looked like someone who could jump out of the bushes and redirect everything according to his own will. Evan felt a bit like a stock asset.
"My younger sister, Lucia Serrano."
To him, she looked like a young princess — the soul of the party.
"My grandfather, Hernando Serrano."
Here he thought of a classic old gentleman who sits in an armchair smoking a pipe. He leaned on a cane and looked at Evan with curiosity.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Evan said, bowing.
"What a well-mannered young man. A rarity these days. And so calm."
"Thank you, Doña Serrano."
The older jaguar approached him and narrowed his eyes.
"A human… I've heard so much, but I've never had the chance to see a live one before." He frowned slightly. "Very calm… very."
Evan didn't really know what to say to that.
"I know him! Porcelli wrote about him in his latest review!" The young jaguaress began searching for her phone in her purse, but her father told her to stop.
Esteban adjusted nonexistent glasses on his nose.
"Mateo, you reached for the highest shelf. Are you trying to prove something?"
At that moment, Evan understood what the hunter had said about his brother. It was enough to hear his tone. Esteban was the perfect heir, and he knew it perfectly. The typical, slightly nasty older brother.
At that moment the butler spoke.
"Club Chairman Edgar Strix."
An owl in a velvet green vest with a monocle on his beak entered the room.
"Honored Serranos. I have reviewed the recording of Mateo Serrano's hunt and found no legal grounds to deem the hunt unlawful."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman."
"Oh, it's nothing. I am honored that my club can take part in this historic moment in hunting history." He looked at Evan with genuine fascination. "The first human trophy in centuries."
"Centuries?" Evan asked, surprised.
"Exactly five hundred and twenty-three years, if we consider professional high-culture hunting."
"I see."
"Mr. Evan. The Serrano family places honor above all else. Every one of our trophies must be free of legal ambiguities. If you can point out any oversight, you will be released immediately." Silence fell for a moment, then: "I, Don Alejandro Serrano, ask whether Evan Smith, the trophy of my son Mateo Serrano, can point out any legal irregularity in the process of his capture."
Evan thought for a moment, then calmly replied:
"I cannot point out anything illegal."
The jaguar smiled broadly, and the club chairman adjusted his monocle with satisfaction.
"Excellent. There is no shadow of doubt over you. At this moment, I declare you the fully legitimate trophy of my son Mateo Serrano. It is a shame to lose such a well-mannered young man, but your life will end today."
Evan smiled slightly.
"So, to the kitchen?"
Don answered firmly: no. Evan looked as if he had suddenly been struck by shock.
"We care about properly documenting special trophies. If we cooked the whole dish, the head could not be properly prepared. You will be beheaded."
"I understand." Evan lowered his gaze, then raised it again and looked toward the curtain.
"Not yet. First comes the ceremony. Club members will arrive to meet you before dinner."
Evan smiled again, then suddenly shivered.
"Is preparing my head a good idea?" The Serranos seemed surprised. "Well, I've seen a few really badly done trophies on the internet."
"You're worried the taxidermist might do a poor job on your head?" Hernando asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Please don't worry. We will entrust you to the best experts. We guarantee that your head will become a magnificent trophy, and your body an exquisite dinner."
Evan smiled.
"Emilio, bring in the experts."
"Yes, Don Serrano." The butler bowed and left the hall. A moment later he returned and announced:
"Master Taxidermist Severyn Augypius. Master Chef Lysandra Vulpine."
Evan experienced a moment of shock when he heard the name. At first he thought it might be a coincidence. But it was her. She walked in wearing a chef's coat beside a vulture in a suit. When she saw him, she froze in place.
"Evan?"
"Hello, Lysandra."
Everyone in the hall looked back and forth between them.
"You know each other?" Alejandro asked the vixen.
"He's my sister's boyfriend."
Serrano approached the girl. He seemed to grow with every step. At the same time, Lysandra seemed to shrink.
"Miss Vulpine, I understand this may be difficult for you, but I must ask this question directly." The pressure was almost palpable. "Will your personal attachment prevent you from performing your duties with full professionalism?"
Lysandra tensed like a string. She looked at her employer and said:
"No, Don Alejandro Serrano. As long as it is legal, there will be no problems."
The jaguar smiled.
"Excellent. I don't have to look for another chef. Don't worry, we have already confirmed the legality of the hunt."
Lysandra looked as if she were standing in front of a speeding train. At that moment Evan leaned toward Mateo.
"Does your father always…"
"Always."
"I see. Lysandra." The vixen looked at him. "I'm counting on your skills. Since it's today, I want everything to be the best it can be."
Lysandra relaxed. She arranged her fingers like a certain chef holding a packet of spice mix.
"Of course, everything will be the best. For such an excellent Mesoamerican family, ingredients from their homeland are appropriate. You'll see — I will create a multi-course culinary masterpiece worthy of chronicles, myths, and gods."
She spoke with absolute confidence. Evan smiled. Don looked pleased.
"I hope it will be so. This is a very important occasion."
"Of course, Don Serrano. I already have several ideas. Evan will be excellent meat…"
She suddenly froze, as if she had run full speed into a wall. Shock appeared on her face, and her mouth moved silently.
"Don Serrano, may I ask for something?"
Serrano turned toward Evan.
"Yes, though I cannot promise it will be granted."
"It's about the girls. They've always been good to me. I would feel bad if they didn't get their share."
"I understand you mean Miss Vulpine's sister. Who else?"
"Frida Vollmond, Aiko Nekogawa, and Morona Florentine."
The owl cleared his throat. The jaguar turned to him.
"I support the request. I would be happy to meet Helga's daughter."
Then his gaze fell on Hernando. The old jaguar nodded with a slight smile. Finally he looked at Mateo. The young man glanced at his father, then at his trophy, and said:
"I see no objections. We can also invite Miss Vulpine's parents. Master Dorian is a wonderful restaurateur."
Evan suddenly perked up.
"That's an excellent idea. He performed my meat evaluation, so he'll definitely be able to help Lysandra."
The vixen had a completely unenthusiastic expression.
"Very well. Emilio, prepare the invitations and go as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Don Serrano."
The butler immediately left the hall. Lysandra and Mateo looked at Evan with slight concern.