Hannibal sat in silence for a moment longer than politeness required, savoring the quiet between words as one might savor the breath before the first cut of a fine blade. His fingers moved with elegant precision as he adjusted a cufflink, a small gesture that gave him time to consider the person before him. “Good evening. The human mind, much like a well-prepared meal, is most revealing when taken apart thoughtfully — piece by piece, flavor by flavor. Tell me…” Hannibal's eyes lingered just long enough to unsettle, not long enough to offend. “…what is it you truly wish to taste tonight?”