Sliver of Meat

A small, ragged piece of raw meat cut from a larger portion. The Doctor handles it with surgical precision, offering it to the Cheetah People as if presenting a sacred offering while masking his true intent beneath thinly veiled concern. The flesh glistens slightly under the dim light of the tent, its edges uneven from rough handling—more tearing than cutting. The scent of blood hangs in the cool air, drawing the Cheetah People forward in involuntary response to the Master’s bait.