#Precision Nutrition

[trouwnutrition]

Precision Nutrition: Tailoring Feed for Optimal Livestock Health

In the realm of livestock farming, one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring the well-being and optimal health of the animals. Precision nutrition has emerged as a game-changer, offering farmers a scientific approach to tailoring feed for their livestock's specific needs. By understanding and implementing precision nutrition principles, farmers can unlock the full potential of their livestock while promoting sustainable practices.

Precision nutrition involves the careful consideration of various factors that influence an animal's nutritional requirements. This includes the species, age, weight, and physiological state, such as growth, lactation, or maintenance. By taking these factors into account, farmers can formulate diets that provide the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for their livestock's optimal growth, reproduction, and overall health.

One of the primary benefits of precision nutrition is the prevention of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Imbalances in an animal's diet can lead to a range of health issues, including stunted growth, compromised immune systems, and decreased productivity. By tailoring the feed to the specific needs of each animal or group, farmers can ensure that their livestock receives the appropriate nutrients in the right proportions, promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of health complications.

Moreover, precision nutrition plays a crucial role in maximizing feed efficiency and minimizing waste. By providing the exact nutritional requirements, farmers can reduce the amount of feed needed while still meeting the animals' dietary needs. This not only contributes to cost savings but also reduces the environmental impact associated with feed production and transportation.

In addition to the benefits for livestock health and productivity, precision nutrition contributes to sustainable farming practices. By optimizing feed formulations, farmers can reduce the strain on natural resources, such as land and water, used for feed production. This supports the long-term viability of the farming industry while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Implementing precision nutrition requires a combination of scientific knowledge, advanced technologies, and careful monitoring. Farmers may leverage tools such as animal feed analysis, nutrient requirement calculators, and real-time monitoring systems to gather data and make informed decisions about feed formulations.

Furthermore, collaboration with animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and agricultural experts can provide valuable insights and guidance on developing tailored feeding programs for specific livestock operations. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that farmers have access to the latest scientific advancements and best practices in precision nutrition.

In conclusion, precision nutrition offers a comprehensive solution for optimizing livestock health, productivity, and sustainability in the farming industry. By tailoring feed to the specific needs of their animals, farmers can promote overall well-being, maximize efficiency, and contribute to environmentally responsible practices. As the demand for high-quality animal products continues to grow, embracing precision nutrition becomes increasingly crucial for meeting the challenges of the future while ensuring the welfare of livestock.

[projectserotonin]

Project Serotonin Helps You to Achieve Longevity

Take charge of your health and mitigate the risk of diseases with Project Serotonin. Our 8+ years of R&D on micronutrition, genetics, exercise, sleep, fasting, and lifestyle protocols ensure your hyper-personalized programs are driven by precision, and designed to help you achieve peak health and longevity. Join us today and experience the benefits firsthand.

Join Project Serotonin program for USA.

[rdontheroad]

Camping Nutrition: Incorporating Curcumin and Nutrient-Dense Foods into your Camping Meal Plan

When embarking on outdoor adventures, fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods becomes even more crucial. Camping provides an opportunity to connect with nature and nourish your body with wholesome ingredients that support your health and well-being. In this blog post, I’ll focus on camping nutrition and how to incorporate nutrient-rich foods and bioactives into your camping meal plan, with a…

[menjeet]

Understanding our evolution through the lens of diet and nutrition

The Community Nutrition Forum (CNF) in my home state of Kerala in India organized a “Webinarathon” in celebration of National Nutrition Month in September. 15 days of 1 hour sessions conducted by expert dieticians and nutritionists about a range of topics such as basics of good nutrition, diet for different diseases and diet for different age groups. I missed the first few sessions but since then…

[natecoumbe31]

It's not about discipline

Systems not discipline.

Having all the discipline in the world won’t help you eat better if the candy is the first thing you see on the counter. Being disciplined with your time is useless if your phone is set up to make social media easy to access. Discipline, like motivation, is fleeting and finite. Better to rely on systems and environments that support you instead. Take social media off your phone. Make it hard…

[prettymunchkin]

Optimizing Livestock Health: Feed Activities and Biosecurity Best Practices by Optima Life Sciences

Ensuring maximum health and productivity is crucial in this dynamic world of livestock husbandry. Optima Life Sciences is very well aware of the vital role of biosecurity and feed operations that prevent disease and promote livestock well-being.  

We’ll discuss the best practices recommended by Optima Life Sciences in this blog article for maintaining the health of livestock by using efficient feed management and biosecurity procedures.

Some best practices for feed management are: 

The proper sources must be chosen when it comes to feed management, according to best practices. Choosing a reliable supplier who maintains a high priority on quality assurance and follows stringent safety guidelines when it comes to feed ingredients. At Optima life Sciences, we stress on how crucial it is to use cutting edge processing methods to get rid of infections without sacrificing vital nutrients in the feed. Every aspect of feed management, from handling cleanliness to storage options, is carefully tuned to reduce the chance of disease transmission.

Some best practices for Biosecurity are:

Biosecurity can play a significant role in the success of a swine operation. The purpose of a biosecurity program is to protect animals from foreign pathogens they have not been exposed to. A biosecurity program helps minimize the impact of illness that are hard to identify. Make sure you are operating with biosecurity in mind when removing culls or mortalities from the herd. A technique such as stage loading could be a possibility for culls. Be cognizant of the contamination risks associated with rendering trucks. Inspect your animals regularly to ensure they are healthy and safe from disease. Vet any new animals before purchasing them to ensure they aren’t bringing disease to your property. Consider identifying an area as a quarantine zone for animals coming onto the farm which can be kept isolated from the other animals. 

With the combination of complete biosecurity policies with best practices of feed management, Optima Life Sciences can ensure a comprehensive approach to disease prevention in livestock production. While reducing the effects of disease issues, our customized solutions put animal health, welfare and productivity first. Providing our clients with surveillance networks because we recognize that early diagnosis and reaction to disease outbreak depend on proactive monitoring.  

[girlwithrituals]

GLOW UP GUIDE FOR 2025⠀

READ: On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And considering that 2025 is precisely these many days away, why not start with our glow up plan already?

Physical Glow Up-

BODY

— 5-10K steps a day.

— 7-8 hours of sleep.

— workout everyday for 1 hr atleast- yoga/stretching/pilates/cardio. a workout may take one hour, but your mood will be boosted for the next 12 hours.

— posture training.

— sunlight exposure after waking up for at least 10 minutes.

NUTRITION

— 2-3 liters of water every day.

— limit your caffeine intake.

— avoid sugars as much as you can.

— high protein diet, pre and probiotics.

— more fruits and veggies (+ green smoothies if you like).

— no junk/processed food/trans fat.

— no eating after 8 pm.

SKINCARE

— be clear on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive).

— once you're clear, use these accordingly- cleanser, toner, targeted serum, eye cream, moisturizer, sunscreen (≥50 spf).

— keep your bedding clean as well.

— no picking of skin on your lips, cuticle etc.

— gua sha to help improve blood circulation and lessen toxins.

— cold therapy may take three to five minutes of being uncomfortable, but your energy levels will be boosted for the rest of the day.

— remove makeup before you go to bed.

BODY CARE

— shower every day.

— exfoliate 2x a week.

— use body lotion (shea butter/aloe vera gel/coconut oil).

HAIR CARE

— wash hair 2-3x a week

— oil your scalp 2x a week, at least 3 hours before shampoo.

— hair mask 1x per week.

— never brush wet hair.

— use silk pillow case.

HYGIENE

— brush your teeth 2x a day, clean tongue and the roof of the mouth daily.

— floss daily.

— cut your nails 1x a week, never remove the cuticles.

— glycolic acid under arm for odor and discoloration.

— never use soap on your coochie.

Mental Glow Up-

MINDSET

— set clear goals- define and breakdown your aspirations.

— start your mornings with positive affirmations.

— surround yourself with uplifting content and people.

— be shamelessly selfish to your career and mental health, remove anyone or anything that doesn't align with your priorities and wellbeing.

— boost your brain health by these 4 neuroscience tools:

difficult first: start your day with the most difficult task (cortisol and dopamine are high in the body meaning that your body/mind is primed to work).

rest your eyes: introduce a micro-pause after learning by resting/closing your eyes - will help retain information better.

tomorrow's worries: write tomorrow's to-do list before bed as it is proven to be effective in helping you fall asleep.

find time to play: engage in low-stake play. can be anything you find fun but where the outcome doesn't matter (induces neuroplasticity + reduces stress).

MIND

— meditation might take as low as ten minutes, but your focus will be improved for the rest of the day.

— no social media after waking up and at least an hour before bed.

— keep aside 1 hr of time to read daily! reading a new book may take five hours, but you will keep the knowledge forever.

— journaling, gratitude.

— digital detox once a week or for 12 hours.

— limit unnecessary screentime, unfollow or cut off people you don't want to see.

JOURNALING

— choose a regular time each day to journal, making it a part of your routine.

— find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions. light a candle if you want.

— allow your thoughts to flow without censoring or editing.

— write about your feelings and emotions to understand them better. write about things you are thankful for to boost your mood. write about your short-term and long-term goals. identify what triggers certain emotions or reactions

— set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write continuously during that time.

— reflect on both positive experiences and challenges.

— make lists, journal your thoughts on these questions.

— journal at night to clear your mind before bedtime, because emotions and thoughts lose their power once we acknowledge them.

— a gratitude practice may take five minutes, but your mindset will be shifted for the rest of the day.

AFFIRMATIONS

— customise affirmations to your needs.

Personal Life-

WEEKLY TASKS

— initiate small changes: begin with small, manageable tasks such as making your bed or cleaning your room every sunday.

— celebrate your success: reward yourself when you achieve your goals or have a consistently productive week. consider treats like buying flowers for yourself or watching your favorite show.

DAILY WORK

— set achievable goals: establish realistic goals for the day, week, or month ahead.

— track your progress.

— organise your work space, declutter your shelves etc.

— embrace the power of lists: keep a list of tasks to be done and their deadlines. this way, you start each day with a clear plan. to make it visually appealing and motivating, consider using productivity apps like evernote, habit tracker, or notion.

PRODUCTIVITY TIPS

— wake up early.

— plan ahead everything, do scheduling. you can use:

google calendar / notion / tasks .

— if the task takes less than 2 minutes to finish, do it immediately.

— countdown rule, if you are procrastinating, count 1-2-3-4-5 and jump.

— start slow, don't rush and try to do everything at one time.

— follow a proper routine, use app locks based on screentime.

— pomodoro technique, 25 min work, and 5 min break.

— schedule longer break times as well e.g 30 min nap.

[iliveinprocrasti-nationn]

anyway in other news if rodents have no haters i’m dead

(disclaimer this is not because i think they’re vermin or anything. i find them fascinating. this is a personal vendetta)

[dailynewskit]

Omega-3 discovery moves us closer to 'precision nutrition' for better health

PUFAs metabolic pathway and summary of genome-wide association from previous CHARGE GWAS of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in European Americans. The summary of results from previous CHARGE GWAS of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in European Americans. + and − signs indicate the direction of the associations for the minor allele of the most significant variant at each locus. The variants used to determine the directions of…

[market-insider]

Greening Agriculture with Nano Fertilizers: Market Insights and Prospects

The global nano fertilizer market size is expected to reach USD 9,377.3 million by 2030. The industry growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for better crop yields due to a significant rise in the global population and limited availability of key resources like land.

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Nano Fertilizer Market Report

Growing focus on increasing the quantity of yield has led to the indiscriminate use of fertilizers in agriculture. This can result in both environmental and agricultural catastrophes by degrading the quality of the soil. According to a report by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), natural resources such as water and arable land are on the verge of exhaustion. Furthermore, degradation at a high rate continues due to intensive urbanization and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Thus, the declining nutritional quality of food and degraded quality of soil continues to drive a gradual shift toward nanotechnology in agriculture. Nano fertilizers remains an ideal prospect to maintain the quality of soil while meeting production target.

The use of nano fertilizers can help in reducing chemical fertilizer consumption by 80 to 100 times, thus reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. For instance, the demand for nano urea is increasing worldwide as it has the ability to replace regular urea usage at a relatively lower cost while offering high yields to crops. By 2023 nano urea is expected to replace the usage of 13.7 million tons of conventional urea. Thus, the huge demand for nano fertilizer from the agriculture industry along with supportive government policies continues to promote newer and more efficient agriculture techniques.

The importance of policy framework remains paramount to promote sustainable growth, and such framework is already in place for nano fertilizers in key regions. For instance, U.S department of agriculture in 2020 announced to make USD 250 million investment through its new grant program. This initiative was taken to support new innovative and more efficient fertilizer production in the region. Additionally, USDA seeks growth in competition as it aims to allay concerns regarding supply chain. With its new initiatives, the USDA continues to introduce more transparency for consumers to make them aware of the safety of agriculture produce. These initiatives aimed at gauging the use of fertilizers, seeds, retail markets, continue to generate momentum for the eco-friendly and high-yield promising nano fertilizers.

[nutritionfinder]

Unlocking the Power of Genes: A New Era in Nutrition

Did you know your genes could be influencing your food choices? Discover how groundbreaking research is unlocking the power of genes to revolutionize personalized nutrition. #NutritionFinder #Genetics #PersonalizedNutrition

Our genes play a significant role in determining our dietary preferences. In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified nearly 500 genes that directly influence our dietary choices. This discovery marks a significant stride towards the development of precision nutrition strategies aimed at improving health and preventing disease. The Genetic Influence on Our Diet The study, one of the…

[trouw-nutrition]

Significance and improvement in Feed Formulation Technologies

Feed formulation technologies play a crucial role in animal nutrition by providing balanced and cost-effective diets for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species. These technologies aim to optimize nutrient composition, enhance animal health and performance, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall profitability for farmers.

Here are some significant aspects and improvements in feed formulation technologies in animal nutrition:

Precision Nutrition: Feed formulation technologies have evolved to consider individual animal requirements, allowing for precise nutrient delivery. This approach considers factors such as species, breed, age, weight, production goals, and environmental conditions. By tailoring diets to meet specific nutritional needs, animals can achieve optimal growth, reproduction, and overall health.

Nutrient Balancing: Advanced feed formulation tools enable precise balancing of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These technologies optimize nutrient ratios to achieve proper growth, muscle development, immune function, and reproductive performance. Balancing diets also helps prevent nutrient deficiencies or excesses that can lead to health issues or inefficient feed utilization.

Ingredient Evaluation and Substitution: Feed formulation technologies allow for thorough analysis and evaluation of various feed ingredients. This includes assessing nutritional content, digestibility, and potential anti-nutritional factors. With access to a wide range of ingredient options, these tools help in finding suitable substitutes to optimize diets while reducing costs and maintaining nutritional value.

Feed Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability: Improved feed formulation technologies focus on enhancing feed efficiency, minimizing waste, and reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. By formulating diets that maximize nutrient utilization and minimize nutrient excretion, these technologies help reduce the environmental footprint associated with animal farming, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use.

Software and Data Integration: Modern feed formulation software and tools leverage computational algorithms and data integration to optimize formulations. They incorporate extensive databases of ingredient composition, nutritional values, and feeding trial results. By utilizing historical data, these technologies can make accurate predictions, adjust formulations, and track performance to continually improve animal diets.

Nutrigenomics and Functional Feed Additives: Emerging fields such as nutrigenomics explore the interaction between diet and gene expression in animals. Feed formulation technologies can incorporate this knowledge to develop diets that promote desirable gene expression patterns, improving traits such as disease resistance, growth, and feed efficiency. Functional feed additives, such as prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, and phytogenics, are also incorporated into formulations to enhance gut health, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

Optimization of Feed Costs and Availability: Feed formulation technologies consider cost-effective ingredient selection and availability, considering market prices and local availability. They optimize diets to reduce feed costs without compromising animal health or performance, helping farmers maintain profitability even during fluctuations in ingredient prices.

Overall, the significance of feed formulation technologies lies in their ability to provide balanced, customized, and sustainable diets for animals. These advancements contribute to improved animal health, production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic viability for the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries.

To Know more: https://www.trouwnutritionasiapacific.com/en-in/our-approach/our-products-and-programmes/

 Reach out to us on customercareindia@trouwnutrition.com

[rdontheroad]

Wilderness Foraging: 7 Wild Edibles to Discover on Your Next Arkansas Camping Trip

In the heart of Arkansas’s wilderness lies a hidden treasure trove of edible delights waiting to be discovered. Embarking on a camping trip in this picturesque state offers more than just scenic views; it presents an opportunity to delve into the diverse array of wild foods that thrive in its landscapes. In this blog post, we’ll explore foraging with a look at seven wild edibles to discover…

[natecoumbe31]

"I can't eat fries, right?"

Do French fries and pizza have a place in a “healthy” diet? Well, I’m sad to say… They absolutely DO! I’m sad to say it because I’ll get a ton of hate from people who disagree. Or tell me that’s irresponsible advice.  But what’s truly irresponsible is causing people to deprive themselves and triggering disordered eating patterns.  If you tell yourself you can’t eat something, that’s a…

[prettymunchkin]

At Optima Life Sciences, we prioritize disease prevention in feed activities and biosecurity through meticulous best practices. From sourcing high-quality feed to stringent processing techniques, we ensure the elimination of pathogens. Our storage and handling procedures maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination, complemented by regular sanitation protocols. Quality assurance via rigorous testing and traceability of feed sources enhances safety standards. Integrated biosecurity protocols, including controlled access and comprehensive staff training, further fortify our commitment to minimizing disease risks. With Optima Life Sciences, farms can trust in effective measures that safeguard animal health and uphold a secure environment for livestock production.

[smokesandsonatas]

Twisted Wonderland but make it grounded in dark reality. I drafted this around late 2023 and I just finished this now, haha. As always read at your own discretion and enjoy!

Warnings: Implied cannibalism. Dread.

Characters: Floyd and Jade, Leona, Ruggie, Rook, Idia, Lillia, Malleus, Others.

Not beta read.

Food.

- Any substance consumed by an organism for nutritional support. A means for survival.

You’ve always known most of them are peculiar creatures. Sharp teeth, mismatched eyes, monstrous forms, fins that glint with predatory sharpness, and horns that pierce the sky with arrogant pride. They embody the villains from the old fairy tales back in your world, grotesque and terrifying in equal measure. You suppose they function like civilized beings—they’ve learned to blend into human society, after all—but you can’t help but notice just how different, how unnervingly similar, they are to one thing: food.

The dishes at this college are like nothing you've ever tasted. Perhaps it's because many of them are children of royalty, so even the cafeteria food tastes like something out of a king's banquet. The pickiness of their palates is evident in every bite, in every carefully crafted dish. But there are things you find more intriguing than their refined taste; something almost hypnotic about the way they eat, especially when they don't mind you watching.

The scent of something delicious invaded Ramshackle Dorm in the dead of night. You assumed Grim was cooking, as ridiculous as that sounded, but found the little gremlin snoozing soundly beside you. Maybe it was the ghosts? But as you descended the stairs, you found the kitchen empty, devoid of any culinary activity. One glance at the night sky over Sage’s Island told you it was around 3 AM—far too early for breakfast, and far too late for dinner.

You tried to go back to sleep, but the tantalizing scent of roasted meat kept you awake, gnawing at your resolve until you could no longer ignore the hunger pangs twisting your stomach. Leaving Grim behind, you draped the sheets over his body, muttering a promise to return soon. Your curiosity and hunger led you to the cafeteria, which should have been deserted at this hour, but to your surprise…

They were all there. The ones you’ve grown closest to.

They were gathered around a long, elegant table, the atmosphere eerily reminiscent of Mostro Lounge—dim lights casting soft, ominous shadows across their faces. The table was laden with exquisite, expensive cuts of meat, arranged in a feast fit for monsters. And in the center of it all, a massive stack of roasted meat commanded your attention.

It looked…perfect. The tenderloin, you assumed, was butter-soft, with a thick, moist cut that bled a light pink from the center. The outer layer was roasted to a flawless crisp. But something about the presentation unnerved you, a chill creeping up your spine.

The pile of meat looked too much like the carcass of a person. Or a beast, perhaps. It was hard to tell. But you could almost see the outline of a body, as though someone—someone about five or six feet tall—had been subjected to the furnace’s extreme heat, roasted beyond recognition. Was that hair you saw near what should have been the head? Before you could inspect further, a voice called out to you.

"Ah! You're here! Come and join us, Shrimpy!" Floyd’s voice rang out, cheerful and disturbingly eager. His sharp teeth gleamed in the dim light, rows of jagged edges that could tear through flesh with ease. Beside him, Jade chuckled, slicing into a slab of meat with surgical precision, the knife gliding through like it was cutting butter.

Your eyes scanned the gathering. At the head of the table sat Tsunotaro—Malleus, the prince of fae. You frowned, under the impression that he usually is not invited in gatherings like this. But he nodded at you, a small, regal acknowledgment. “I was invited by Lilia,” he explained, his voice low and melodic. You glanced at his plate—a half-eaten steak submerged in a thick, red sauce. The metallic, almost fishy scent wafted up, assaulting your senses.

Before you could react, Lilia appeared beside you, his small hand guiding you to a seat. His right hand held a wine glass filled with a creamy red liquid that clung to the inside of the chalice. You tried to dismiss the fact that it looked too much like blood—thick, viscous blood. Surely, wine wasn’t supposed to look like that, but who were you to judge?

“Bonjour, Trickster! ~” Rook’s voice whispered in your ear, and when you turned, you were met with a sight that made your stomach turn. The smell hit you first—foul, putrid, like a freshly killed animal left to rot. It was too strong, the copper and iron scent so overpowering you had to fight to keep your expression neutral.

You hope your face does not betray the constriction of your throat.

“Rook,” you managed to say, swallowing down the bile that threatened to rise. “What…uhm, what is that?”

Rook laughed, the sound as sharp as the glint in his eyes. “Liver pâté, my dear,” he said, twirling his fork. “If it’s a strong scent, I apologize. It’s from the raw liver I like to eat with the liver pâté.”

Raw…

You tried to ignore the word. Back in your world, people ate raw food—sushi, for instance. So whatever Rook had on his plate was none of your business. At least, that’s what you tried to tell yourself.

“Shishishi, the food is sure delicious, especially when I’m getting it for free!” A voice cackled, startling you. You almost jumped out of your seat at the sight of Ruggie, devouring his meal with a voracious appetite. His sharp teeth ripped through the flesh with ease, tearing the meat from the bone in one swift motion. Red droplets—blood?—splattered across his chin, and you watched in horror as his tongue darted out to lick it clean.

“Oi, Ruggie, have some manners,” Leona growled from beside him, his voice gruff and annoyed. He wasn’t eating, his plate already littered with bones, but he was sipping from a glass filled with a red liquid. You wanted to believe it was wine, but the scent…The scent was as repugnant as the raw liver on Rook’s plate. It was metallic, nauseating

—blood.

A shiver trickled down your spine.

That same scent wafted from Malleus and Lilia’s glasses, clinging to the air like a dark cloud.

“You’re one to talk!” Ruggie retorted, his mouth full of meat. “You’ve never eaten a rat before, Leona-san.”

You blinked. Did you hear him right?

Your train of thought was interrupted by Malleus’s voice from your left.

“Shroud,” the prince of fae said, his tone commanding yet gentle, “drink this and replenish your energy.” You watched as Malleus offered Idia the same drink he was consuming. And to your shock, Idia accepted, his expression one of reluctance.

“I don’t really mind drinking this stuff, but I just don’t like eating much…” The Ignihyde dorm leader mumbled, his voice trailing off. You glanced at his plate—a barely touched piece of ‘steak’ with a small cut in the corner, oozing something you didn’t want to identify.

You could barely breathe as you watched Idia reluctantly take a sip of the viscous liquid from Malleus's chalice. His face remained as pale as ever, though a faint hint of color touched his cheeks. The sight was unsettling, and you couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of dread tightening around your chest.

"Not a fan of solid food?" Jade's voice slithered into your thoughts, pulling you from the trance. His mismatched eyes glinted in the dim light as he calmly sliced through his portion of meat, each movement precise and almost too graceful. "It's an acquired taste," he continued, offering you a smile that somehow did nothing to ease your growing anxiety.

Your gaze shifted to the plate in front of you, untouched and ominously inviting. The stack of meat in the center of the table loomed like a dark specter, its presence a constant reminder of the unease gnawing at your mind. You felt a pressure to partake, to show your acceptance of their world, but every fiber of your being screamed against it.

"Come now," Lilia's playful voice broke through the tension, "you should try it at least once. After all, it's not every day you get to dine with such esteemed company." He winked, the gesture meant to be comforting, but it only made you more wary.

You glanced around the table, noting the expectant gazes directed your way. Floyd’s sharp grin was still fixed on you, his eyes gleaming with mischief, while Ruggie gnawed contentedly on his bone, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Rook, watched you with a keen interest, his fork poised elegantly in his hand.

Leona’s gaze was the most unsettling, though. His amber eyes were half-lidded, seemingly bored, yet there was an intensity in them that made you feel like prey. His fingers drummed lazily on the table, and you couldn’t help but notice the slight curl of his lips, as if he was waiting for you to make a move.

Your gaze drifted across the table, stomach churning with a mix of disgust and dread. The dim light flickered, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance across their faces—no, across their true forms. You blinked, the image wavering as if your mind was trying to shield you from something it wasn’t ready to comprehend.

Floyd’s laughter echoed, a sound that grated against your nerves. For a split second, you saw something else—an elongated, sinuous form, slick with scales, teeth sharper than any blade, rows upon rows of them, stretching endlessly down a gaping maw that promised nothing but pain. You shuddered, the image vanishing as quickly as it appeared, leaving you staring at the harmless, smiling face of the boy who once called you Shrimpy. Jade is no better. You can see the muscles bulging as his back turns, with sharp rows of fins scattered along his spine. If you were behind him right now, you’re certain he would cut you in half.

Your eyes flicked to Ruggie, who was gnawing on the bone of his meal with unabashed relish. But in the periphery of your vision, his form distorted—muscles rippling beneath fur that was too thick, claws that scraped against the table, and a maw that was too wide, too hungry, filled with jagged fangs meant for tearing, ripping, devouring. He glanced up, catching your gaze, and you quickly looked away, the image of the beast-man fading back into the all-too-familiar figure of a mischievous boy. Leona on the other hand, sit still. The image of a lion assessing it's prey. You dare not look at his eyes burning holes through your skull—you feel it.

Idia, who sits apart from the others, his presence a dark shadow at the table. There’s something about him that feels different, even among these monsters. His connection to the underworld is undeniable, a guardian of the boundary between life and death. The flickering blue flames of his hair and the way his eyes pierce through the darkness suggest something far older and more terrifying than any of the others—a being who has seen what lies beyond the veil, and who has perhaps brought a piece of it back with him.

Rook, you cannot even begin to comprehend how a human—like yourself, is able to blend in with them.

But the worst was Malleus. The prince of the fae was calm, serene even, but there was something wrong—horribly wrong. His eyes glowed too brightly, their green hue pulsating with an otherworldly light. And then, for just a moment, you saw what lay beneath that regal facade—a towering figure, wings that stretched endlessly, blotting out the sky, horns that twisted and curled like a crown of dark thorns. His smile was too sharp, too knowing, as if he could see right through you, into the very depths of your soul.

You closed your eyes, refusing to look at anyone anymore.

You tried to swallow your saliva, but your throat was dry, your mouth parched. The air was thick with the scent of blood, the tang of iron clinging to your tongue. They were all looking at you now, waiting, expecting you to take a bite, to join them in this feast.

Lilia’s voice broke the silence, light and playful as ever. “Come now, dear. Don’t be shy. You wouldn’t want to insult your hosts, would you?”

The pressure was unbearable, the weight of their gazes pressing down on you, suffocating you. Your hand trembled as you reached for the fork, the silver glinting in the low light. You knew, deep down, that whatever you saw—whatever you thought you saw—a no mere trick of the light.

They were not like you. They were never like you.

"I," you hope your voice does not shake, "I am full." You nodded, convincing them. You let out a nervous laugh, quickly standing up as you find the place too suffocating. Chair scraping the floor. "I'm fine! Really, I—ah, I need to go back, I have to catch some sleep and Grim is alone."

Floyd is quick to be by your side. His smile, wide and filled with sharp teeth, is unsettling. "Eh, Shrimpy, do you not like the food?" He asks, worry in his voice. You know it's fake: he's mocking you.

"I am good," you say with a strained smile. Please let me go, please, please—

"I insist," Malleus interjects, his voice smooth but commanding. "This is a feast meant for sharing. It would be rude to leave before sampling a morsel."

As if on cue, the others start to close in. Rook leans in closer, his eyes glinting with an unsettling mix of curiosity and amusement. "The flavors are truly exquisite, you know. Not something one should miss out on."

Leona’s gaze is heavy and piercing, his voice low and rumbling. "I’ve seen your kind turn down more robust fare than this. Surely you can handle a small bite."

Your attempts to excuse yourself only seem to stoke their interest further. The way they move, their unnervingly smooth motions, reminds you of predators circling their prey.

You might just be one tonight.

Floyd’s grin widens as he leans in closer, his breath hot against your neck. "Come on, Shrimpy. Just a taste. I promise it won’t hurt."

The pressure is mounting. They are pushing you to stay, to partake in their feast, and the atmosphere thickens with their silent insistence. Malleus’s eyes bore into you with a knowing gaze, his hand extending with a glass of the viscous red liquid. "Just a sip, if you please."

Every attempt to excuse yourself only seems to make their eyes narrow further, their smiles widen just a little more. The eerie calm of the feast surrounds you.

It is when you see the meat properly that you made up your mind to escape. It is in someone's plate, you do not know who.

It's in the shape of a finger. A charred fingernail dipped in red.

Floyd let out a yelp as you finally push him off of you, your steps quickening as you trace back where you came from: The path to Ramshackle dorm.

You heard Jade reprimand Floyd, the latter angry when you pushed him: How dare you Shrimpy was all you heard before you were out of their sight and you're running back, panting, to your safe space, Ramshackle.

Only to pause as Crowley stands in the steps of your door. His mask drowning the glint of yellow from holes that was supposed to be his eyes.

What... what the fuck.

Crowley approached you slowly, as if he's reaching out to a wounded prey, this is the first time you've ever seen him serious. You take a step back, should you run in the other direction? Where will you escape, Heartslabyul? Will they take you in there?

The headmaster let out a sigh, "My students here at Night Raven should perhaps know kindness from their teacher," he declared dramatically. Then he gave you pouch, full of madol. Thaumarks.

This is a bribe. Crowley is bribing you.

"Our little secret, alright?"

You blinked. What...?

"A little compensation for your troubles, for I am truly kind."

He then disappear, leaving you stunned.

At exactly 3:33 AM, a realization hit you. You are in the company of creatures far more dangerous than you ever imagined, their monstrous forms hidden just beneath the surface. One wrong step, one mistake, it can all come down. Crumbling to pieces.

It is inside when your knees give out, you slide through the door of the Ramshackle, too weak to stand anymore.

This is the truth: you are in the company of creatures mimicking humans, their monstrous forms hidden just beneath the normal exterior. But what terrifies you most is not the thought of what they are—but the thought that, perhaps, they see you as something less than human too.

The truth of what they were—what they really were—lurked just out of reach, like a shadow at the corner of your vision, waiting to pounce the moment you let your guard down.

But you knew better. Something had changed.

And as you sit there, the only protection you have are rotting woods that make up your dorm. You are just within the circle of monstrous beings in their friendly human skins. You are a magic-less, pathetic alien.

For in a world filled with monsters hiding in plain sight, the only question that remained was this:

What would happen when they decided they were tired of pretending?

Perhaps you will find out soon.