The Heartwood and i pray to god you dont come back here anymore

the flash of her fangs halted the boy; he was impressed by the old woman's fierce response when her neck could be so easily snapped. tongue lolled; he became aware that they were not alone.
vengeance lurked. this annoyed merrick rather than empowered him; he would have preferred to be left alone during his pursuit of this particular game.
the lake. intestines.
could it be?
the boy's single eye burned; lips trembled with an excitement he did not bother to hide. "let me guess," merrick purred, tongue slipping to lave dry lips. 
"big dark man, scarred throat?" he truly was guessing now, thrumming on hope's edge he was correct.
"i ripped his guts out, old lady. don't fuck with me."