“How much farther is it?”

“You really have no patience, do you?”

Juliet scoffed, pretending to be insulted. “How dare you, sir! I have plenty of patience. Just not when it comes to my new husband taking me on some backwoods murder trail to have a dinner he says is to die for.” She smirked in the dark car. “I didn’t think we’d have to ACTUALLY die for it.”

Nick sighed. “It’s only a few more minutes and you will be thanking me for finding this place. It came highly recommended from everything I read. Even that one dude, that movie star you love, he likes it.” Juliet pursed her lips and crossed her arms. “Baby, would I ever steer you wrong? It’s off the beaten path because it’s that good. Like those little hole in the wall sushi places we always hear about.” 

“Why is it so good anyway?” She turned to look out the car window, shadows of trees illuminated by light and vanishing back into shadow as the car bumped along the dirt road. “How does it even get business?”

“The woman who owns it has an incredible story,” Nick explained. Juliet rolled her eyes as he launched into another monologue. Their entire honeymoon had been monologues about Nova Scotia. He had grown up here and was extremely informed about every nook and cranny it had to offer. Why she had agreed to the honeymoon here was now lost on her and she snuggled deeper into her winter coat. Hawaii, she thought, I could have said Hawaii. 

“She was all alone for months,” Nick was saying. Shit, Juliet thought. I missed the beginning. “She built a cabin herself from the trees around her and started getting inventive with what she was eating. Plants and wildlife, all cooked over a fire in this stone fireplace she built. Like a pioneer woman. When someone finally came across the cabin, she said she didn’t care about being rescued any more. She was staying put and that’s where the restaurant is.”

“In the cabin she was lost in?”

“Yup,” Nick said. He was beaming, she could tell even in the darkness. “Obviously it has been built up a bit more than what she had done. But she was out there alone for years. Snow kept falling and she was trapped. She did an interview with the Times, one of the few she has done, and said she always got disoriented when she tried to seek out help so she eventually gave up. She started having hikers find the cabin and would serve them meals and give shelter. So the restaurant was born. It’s very inventive, what she does.”

Juliet huffed onto the window, her breath creating a wet foggy circle of steam. “What kind of food is it?”

“It changes every day. It’s what she gathers. There isn’t a menu, I read. She serves you what she serves you. Unless you’re allergic or something, I’m sure.” He said the last part because he knew Juliet was opening her mouth to ask it. She hardly ever trusted him blindly. There was always a constant stream of questioning instead of merely enjoying the adventure. It was one of the things that gave him pause as he pulled out a ring to ask her to marry him. But it washed away into the corner where the rest of the traits about her he didn’t like but could deal with lived. I’m sure she has her own pile, he always reassured himself. 

“Sounds weird,” Juliet replied. “But if you’re excited, I’m excited.” She rolled her head to face him and forced a pleasant smile. She had wanted to eat in town, get a little tipsy, perhaps wander into the ocean late at night like they did years ago on a vacation in the Florida Keys. Though it was currently freezing so that was a bit far fetched. This was a thing he always did: found some strange, random event to attend that in the end only he will enjoy and yet somehow she is always dragged along. It was one of the first thoughts she had when he pulled out that ring: should she marry someone who always acted in his own best interest when it came to recreation and never asked her what she wanted to do? He was always assuming she would enjoy his activities; confident he could convince her to completely change her preferences. She placed it in her own pile of things she can tolerate because she knew he had one and the good between them radiated brighter than the bad. 

“Your destination will be on your left,” the GPS crackled. It had been going in and out for the last mile or so. Neither of them were concerned. There was only one road to get to this place and the same road took them back out. 

The headlights spread wide as the trees separated to reveal a small parking lot. There were three cars parked side by side with two empty spaces remaining. 

“How many people can this place serve with only five spots?”

“It’s very small,” Nick answered as he slowed the car down. “Super exclusive.” Juliet refrained from another eyeroll. 

The headlights splashed across a small, stout building with windows illuminated with a warm light. Shadows moved in front of the windows and as they crept closer, Juliet could see a long table in the front room with a few shadows milling about. Smoke poured out of a short chimney. There was a large front porch with a few chairs laid out in a horseshoe and a table made from a tree stump in the center. 

“It looks really nice,” Juliet admitted. Nick turned off the car, a grin on his face. 

“Oh, does it now?” he replied. Juliet let the eyeroll fly. “You’re curious, admit it. A mystery menu? Secluded in the woods of Canada? Come on, even Clooney couldn’t get a res.”

Juliet narrowed her eyes. “That so?” Nick cleared his throat. “We don’t want to be late.” He opened the car door with a flourish and Juliet became aware of the warm smile spreading across her face. As much as she could hate the random finds Nick collected, this one could be fun. She checked her makeup in the mirror and got out of the car. 

There was quiet music playing as they walked up to the porch. Smooth bluegrass that almost felt too American South for this part of the world. The front door was a brick red color with brass knobs and hinges. It swung open as they got closer to reveal a woman dressed in a sleek black cocktail dress, her hair pulled back tight making her high cheekbones and sculpted eyebrows hard to look away from. 

“Good evening. You must be the Warren party?” She smiled, her white canines pointed like fangs. Juliet flinched instinctively. “Right this way. Let me take your coats.” 

Juliet and Nick followed the hostess through the doorway. Immediate heat washed over them and their slightly chilled exposed faces. The interior of the cottage was as quaint as the outside. The doorway was cramped and lit by two sconces. To their right was the dining room. Two adults stood chatting by a blazing fire near the long table Juliet saw from the parking lot. To their right was a similar room that was filled with dishware, champagne flutes and wine glasses, organized silverware and napkins. Past the front two rooms was a narrow hallway that led to a well lit room in the back. Clattering and voices hinted it was the kitchen. 

“Would you like to enjoy a cocktail before the first course?” The hostess’ grin was even wider. “We are so happy to have newlyweds with us tonight. Congratulations to you both. What a stunning couple you are!” She clasped her hands in front of her face as if she was a child getting a treat. “My name is Chloe and I am here for whatever you shall need through this eight course meal.” “Eight courses!?” Juliiet blurted out, causing Chloe to flinch. “Sorry,” she muttered. Nick shoved his shoulder into her, silently letting her know his embarrassment which she could have guessed. 

Chloe giggled and waved her hand dismissively. “Do not worry. We know most folks do not commonly eat such a coursed dinner. This is a special moment and a special meal. Come inside, meet the Buckners. They will be your partners for tonight’s dinner.” Juliet and Nick shared a glance and followed Chloe into the dining room with the fire to meet their dinner companions. 

“Troy and Holly, this is Juliet and Nick. I hope first names are alright with you. We prefer them to the formalities that come with society.” Chloe ushered Nick and Juliet forward to Troy and Holly who were standing just as awkwardly. “I’ll be back with your cocktails.” She silently exited the room in one swift movement. 

Holly and Troy were slightly older than Nick and Juliet. They were dressed as though they had never had a meal outside of a local pub. Or an Applebees, Juliet thought nastily. They both wore comfortable, plain shoes, Holly in a loose pink blouse with sequins around the collarbone and Troy in a button up light blue shirt and slacks. This was clearly the nicest meal they had ever experienced and Juliet felt overdressed. She had purposely worn the only high end outfit she owned since Nick had advertised this spot as exclusive. She huffed slightly on her breath. Nick shoved into her again. “What?” she hissed back. 

“Be nice,” he whispered. “Troy! Holly! So great to meet you.” He strode forward, hand outstretched. Juliet watched Troy melt quickly and shook Nick’s hand with vigor. Holly glanced Juliet over twice and forced a smile. Juliet did the same and both women seeing the other in their uncomfortableness softened. ‘Holly, you look lovely!” Nick gushed. “Babe, come here.” Juliet sucked in a breath and widened her smile. 

“What are the odds we’d all meet like this?” Juliet offered a laugh with her comment and Troy and Holly echoed it. Chloe returned with two French 75s and scampered out of the room as quickly as she had entered. 

“Holly has been begging to come here for years!” Troy was explaining. “Apparently she read about it and saw a special on the Food Network. Obsessed ever since.”

Holly blushed. “I wouldn’t say obsessed! But yes, I have been a big fan of Windway Inn for a long time. I still can’t believe we snagged this reservation.” “Slow season,” Nick offered. “I grew up here.” Juliet clenched her jaw. There it is, she thought. The French 75 had cooled her anxiety for the moment and she released her mouth from its tense prison. No need to be an asshole, she thought. Let Nick have his night. 

“That’s what we came here, on our honeymoon,” Juliet said. Holly and Troy squealed simultaneously and offered congratulations. “How long have you two been married?”

“Oh gosh,” Holly giggled. “Over ten years now. Isn’t that crazy?” She looked to Troy who smiled affectionately after. “We never do things like this. We never have the money. But it was a gift from a friend who came here last year. She knew I had wanted to visit and I still am in shock!’

Juliet glanced around the room for the first time. She had been caught up in the chatter and ignored the decor. There were three paintings in the room hung on the walls. They all were images of a dark winter forest with massive snow drifts and heavy branches. Juliet stepped closer to the one nearest the fireplace and saw in the black trees a shadow coming forward. It looked like a hunched over person with impossible long arms and torso. Juliet flicked her eyes over to the two remaining paintings and saw a similar figure in each of them. It was creeping closer to the edge of the frame in each one. 

“I hate to interrupt but are we ready to sit for the first course?” Chloe stood in the doorway, plastic smile on her face, hands clasped at her waist. The group nodded and murmured confirmation. Chloe clapped lightly and gestured for them all to sit. 

“We get to meet her, right?” Holly asked. Chloe snapped her head towards her with darkened eyes. “Oh, sorry. I just thought --”

“Of course you do!” Chloe answered brightly. “But not until the meal is finished.” Chloe took a long look over the table and breezed out of the room. 

“Meet who?” Juliet said as she folded her napkin in her lap. 

“The chef,” Holly answered. “She’s very famous and I heard she comes out to greet every guest. I have so many questions.” Juliet smiled politely. “I bet!” she replied and immediately felt it came off coldly. Holly gave a weak smile and turned to Troy to have a separate discussion. “Was that rude?” Juliet whispered to Nick. 

He shook his head and pulled a vase of flowers that was centered in the table closer. “Do you think these are natural to the area?” Juliet sighed and fidgeted with her napkin. 

Clattering of plates and glasses entered the room with the servers. Two large trays carried by two young men were placed in front of each couple. They watched each other to time the reveal correctly and lifted the silver lids of the first course off in unison. 

A scent of lilac and wet earth filled Juliet’s nose. Nick made a pleasurable groaning sound. Looking down, there was a forest on her plate with two small purple mounds decorated with eggshell colored specks. 

Juliet looked to the servers who had faces of stone. They placed the lids on the trays and vacated the dining room. 

“Bon appetit!” Chloe chimed and also left. Juliet stole glances at Holly and Troy who were murmuring together, gazing at their dishes to see if they were the same or different. 

Juliet bit her lip in hesitation. “What is it?” she asked the table. “I, uh, I don’t recognize this meat. Is it meat?”

Nick bowed his head and opened his mouth but Holly got there first. “Oh, we don’t know til the end,” she said. “You see, Winifred Corey, the chef, she only tells her guests what they eat after the meal. And only if they insist.” She smirked excitedly. “Everyone gets a piece of paper she says you can’t open until you leave.” 

“What’s on the piece of paper?” 

Holly slyly glanced at Troy and Nick who both chuckled softly. Juliet felt her face grow hot. Nick finally found his people, she groaned internally.  

“It’s the name of the meal,” Troy said. “She names every meal something unique. I’ve heard some really bizarre ones.”

“Though you aren’t supposed to tell anyone,” Holly added. “But of course people have. There was one called Maple but I don’t think there was an ounce of maple in the meal. Isn’t that clever?”

Juliet presented a thin smile. No, that wasn’t clever, that’s stupid, she thought. I’m being too harsh. I need to let it go and enjoy myself. Nick caught her trying to correct her expression and squeezed her thigh under the table.

“Thanks for doing this,” he whispered. “Let’s eat!” Holly and Troy cheered and brought their forks to plates. Juliet sighed heavily and sliced a piece into the purple mound. 

Her knife glided through it as though it were butter. She gathered the slice, several of the white dollops and the greens onto her fork to create a complete bite. The first moment it touched her tongue, her mouth exploded with flavor. Earthy, rich notes washed over her taste buds. The greens had a leafy texture. She thought she tasted frisee, kale maybe, and something else she didn't recognize at all. The purple stuff turned out to be some type of meat. It was smooth and silky almost, sliding over her tongue and painting it with a flavor of sweetness with a bit of smoke. 

“Wow,” she breathed. She heard Holly and Troy chuckled. 

“See, I told you,” Nick murmured beside her. 

“What is this? I’ve never had anything like it.”

“We won’t know till the end, silly,” Holly exclaimed excitedly. “Should we guess?”

Troy held up a piece of the purple meat on his fork. “Liver of some kind. Maybe sheep?”

Holly frowned, another piece in her mouth. “Perhaps something bizarre like wolf?”

“Do people eat wolves?” Juliet hadn’t intended on making a joke but they all burst into laughter. The tension that had been lingering rose from off the table and evaporated. The stony servers returned with glasses of wine for pairing and to clear the first course plates. Chloe breezed in again, her eyes flitting to every surface to keep it in check. 

“Shall we continue? The second course is a dish we received only yesterday. It could not be more fresh!” With that, the two servers came into view, larger covered platters this time. They lay the two of them on the table and lifted the lids. 

The second course was made up of long, snake-like tubes dressed with edible violets and some type of sauce that gave off a mustardy scent. There were two serving platters of them giving an illusion of the tubes climbing across the table. New plates were given and Holly immediately cut into a tube nearest her. “Well, if she’s ready,” Troy said and followed suit. 

Nick had never tasted anything quite like it. Another mysterious meat but this time, it brought back memories of baseball games. It didn’t taste like a hot dog yet the memories lingered there, riding alongside the flavor he was experiencing. He could feel tears forming as good food tended to do to him. He blinked hard to avoid Juliet’s glare that he knew would come if she noticed he was crying at yet another meal. He cut off another piece. 

The third and fourth courses came and went. The third was a warm soup with floating bits of bay leaves, potatoes, and chunks of pale pieces that tasted like chicken soaked in butter. The fourth was a salad course of heaping greens, purples, and twigs that tasted like cinnamon. “Every inch is edible,” Chloe commented. 

The fifth course was served on two large platters again. When the servers lifted the lids, a collective gasp crossed the table. Two legs were presented above a bed of yellow flowers. “Deer, I think,” Troy was muttering. Juliet and Nick stood slightly to peer over the presentation. The way the legs were positioned, it looked like a person laying down in a field of flowers, their legs bent slightly in relaxation. 

“I hate to swear but fuck me,” Nick said as he bit into a piece of the leg meat. Juliet was having her own experience, diving in right after him. There was a surge of desire washing over her as every course was presented. She wanted more of it and was getting less and less polite in waiting. As this course was set down, her mouth began to water in a Pavlovian fashion. Just hearing the silver lid sliding off the platter sent her into an almost frenzy she had to grip the table to control. 

The sixth course arrived in spectacular fashion and beads of sweat formed on Juliet’s neck watching it be set down in a flurry of actual fire. A black cauldron over a bed of coals sat before them. Nick licked his lips and Holly and Troy were leaning over the table as if they were preparing to pounce. The lid was lifted and a wafting aroma of chocolate and lemon entered the room. Round bulbs floated in a thin mousse inside the bubbling bowl. Spoons were placed beside them and they instantly dug in as the server stepped back. Juliet hardly noticed Chloe doing her check in as she stuffed her face with the delicate taste of dark chocolate and citrus. The bulbs exploded in her mouth in a hot splash of bright flavor of lemon and lime. 

The seventh and eighth courses brought the fever down and Juliet felt herself relax again though her desire for more throbbed in her throat. The seventh was a berry tarte with flecks of gold leaf and the eighth was a small, simple dish of deep red sprayed across thick biscotti type cookies. It crunched in their mouths and every one of them groaned with pleasure. 

“We do hope you enjoyed yourselves. The evening is not yet over,” Chloe said. The two servers were gathering the final course dishes. “We have a coffee service as well as the full bar if you care to stay and meet our chef. She will be out shortly. The restrooms are down the hall to the right. Be sure to avoid the kitchen just beyond the toilets. It is off limits for guests.” She smiled brightly and flitted back into the hall.

“Be right back,” Juliet said as she stood. Nick kissed her hand and turned to Holly and Troy as she headed to the bathroom. The hallway was even narrower than it had first appeared now that she was standing in it. It was dimly lit by candles and the floors creaked showing their age. Juliet found the bathroom door labeled WC easily and was about to step inside when she heard a loud thump from the room next door. Knowing it had to be the forbidden kitchen, a slightly tipsy Juliet continued down the hall. 

There were two doors ahead of her. One to the right and one straight ahead. The door on her right was opened enough to see inside and Juliet gave it a small push to open even more. The widened door revealed a dim room with rows of hanging meat. Meat locker, she thought and reached to pull the door closed when something caught her eye. In the back corner, there was a massive piece of meat hanging, headless and long. It was secured by two thick legs similar to the fifth course. As Juliet’s eyes traveled down the body, she saw shoulders. The shoulders led to arms and the arms led to hands. A scream rose in her throat as a hand touched her shoulder.

“AH!” she yelped as she spun around to a startled Chloe. “What the fuck is that in there?”

Chloe’s expression remained polite. “That is storage for our meat. I should have mentioned it is also off limits for guests. It can be quite jarring to see.”

“A person, there is a person in there!” Juliet shouted, backing away. She hit the hallway wall behind her.

Chloe laughed a tinkling giggle. “Mrs. Warren, I do believe you saw one of our calves. They can appear very human like when hanging upside down. Now come, the chef is about to greet everyone.” Juliet was about to protest and then stopped, realizing how ridiculous she sounded. Jesus, Juliet, she cursed at herself. She followed Chloe back to the dining room and her bladder pounded as she sat down. She had forgotten to actually pee. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the great pleasure of introducing your chef for the evening and the owner of this establishment. Please welcome Winifred Corey.” 

A tall shadow crossed into the room. Winifred Corey stood before them, her shoulders hunched and her eyes buried deeply in dark circles. She was impossibly thin to a point of emaciation and Juliet flinched at the sight of her sharp shoulder blades protruding from under her chef’s coat. Her face was all bone, chin and cheeks rising above the thin flesh. Her thick hair was piled on her head giving a sense of a crown. Winifred smiled at them and to her surprise, Juliet felt warmth and joy in it. 

“My dear guests. I do hope you’ve enjoyed tonight’s meal. I hear we have newlyweds among us.” Chloe pointed to Juliet and Nick. “Let us raise a toast to you both for many years of happiness.” A champagne flute found its way to Juliet’s hand. Nick clinked his against hers and kissed her cheek. “I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I do love hearing about your experience. It is the greatest pleasure and why I do what I do.”

Holly stepped forward and began nervously babbling. Nick pulled Juliet aside. “Did you have any questions? It was good, right? I didn’t fuck up?” Juliet gave in, laughing softly.

“No, not this time,” she joked. Holly was asking how Winifred overcame being lost in the woods.

“Well, it was not something easily overcome,” Winifred said thoughtfully. “I decided I wanted to live and I had to learn how to do so. I spent eighteen months alone until the first hikers came and found me. At that point, I had gotten so used to living this way, I didn’t wish to follow them back.”

“But you were only twenty or so miles from town. Didn’t you ever want to get supplies or take a hot shower?” Troy asked. 

Winifred paused and watched Troy closely. “I did not know how close it was. I had injured myself several times trying to find my way home. I worried one time would be enough to injure myself beyond my basic healing skills.” 

“What was the purple stuff in the first course?” Juliet heard herself ask. She blushed hearing the sentence, knowing she could have worded it a bit better.

Winifred turned her sunken gaze at her. “I take from the woods. You have eaten many things tonight you would not normally find on a menu. The first course was rabbit liver, from a type of rabbit only found in this region.”

“I knew it!” Troy burst out. The group laughed. Winifred nodded at Chloe who grabbed a small basket that was sitting on a side table. Each couple was handed an envelope. 

“Please wait until you have left to reveal the titles of your meal courses and do try not to share it with others. We thank you for your patronage and congratulations again.” Winifred nodded, her hands clasped in thanks and turned to go.

“What happened to the hikers that found you? Why didn’t they bring a rescue team?” Nick blurted. Juliet felt him tense beside her as Winifred met his eyes. “Sorry, I know you’re probably exhausted. I just was curious why no one ever came to check on you.”

Winifred gave a hint of a smile. “Mr. Warren, I chose to stay in the woods as I mentioned. When hikers came to me and I fed them, I asked that they remain silent about my whereabouts as I was happy alone. They merely respected my wishes.” 

“Right, of course,” Nick said, embarrassed. “This was amazing, thank you again.”

“Of course,” Winifred replied. “Get home safely and do come again.” With that, her enormous form left the room. 

“Shall we?” Troy said, taking Holly’s arm. “Nick, Juliet, a real pleasure.” He shook their hands vigorously and Holly followed. “What a meal, huh?”

“Yes, quite a meal,” Juliet agreed.

“Best of my life!” 

Chloe handed out jackets and a cold gust of wind met them as the door was opened. Juliet held the white envelope in her hand, bending it under her tight grip. Her stomach was full yet hre desire was still burning. She wanted another taste of the fifth course, more of the first. Nick wiped his brow even in the cold and Juliet realized he was feeling the same. 

“Open it already,” Nick insisted as they plopped down in the car. Lights began to go out in the cabin as Juliet tore open the envelope. Her face scrunched in confusion. “What is it?”

“It’s just names,” she said. The envelope contained one piece of paper with delicate writing. It listed every course, underlined, with the title below it. “Like the fifth course is Nathan.”

“Weird,” Nick said, taking the paper to look for himself. “Oh, look, I guess the soup was Jim and Garrison. What does that even mean?”

“I thought it was supposed to tell us what it was?”

“Guess it shall remain a mystery. I think Troy was right. Definitely a wolf for one of those courses.” The car pulled out of the lot, its headlights hitting tree trunks once again. 

Juliet turned to watch the cabin fade into darkness. “Yeah, mystery it is.” She licked her lips, a hint of the final course still stuck to them making her mouth water all over again.