Luke sat with his gaze lowered, his posture weighed down by a sombre air that clung to him.
Before him rested a large bowl of fish chowder. The aroma rose warmly, rich and inviting—yet it did little to stir his appetite, much less his spirit.
Around him, the others had already begun helping themselves, ladling the steaming broth into their own bowls. The scent alone was enough to awaken their hunger, drawing them in without resistance.
Eli was the first to take a bite.
His eyes widened almost immediately as the savoury flavour spread across his tongue. He then glanced at the others, as if to confirm what he had just tasted.
"…Is it really the same as hers?" Noah asked, leaning forward slightly.
Alex and Drystan shared the same curiosity. The three of them had never tasted Anna's cooking before—they had not been present during the journey to Port Braska—and could only rely on the others' words.
Eli slowed, smacking his lips thoughtfully as he tried to recall.
