[Ace's POV]
My fork hovered over the steaming dishes when Ovelia's hand darted in front of me, depositing a glistening piece of roasted meat onto my plate. Her fingers brushed the plate with a soft clink.
"A, try this first!" Her eyes sparkled, and her lips pressed together in a way that screamed mischief.
I speared the morsel carefully, the tines scraping against the plate. The meat tore easily under my teeth—tender, with an unexpected sweetness beneath the savory crust. As I swallowed, I became acutely aware of six pairs of eyes locked onto me.
"It's good," I said, pausing mid-chew. "Tastes like rabbit but... sweeter?"
Ovelia's face lit up like a festival lantern. "I'm so glad you like it! That's ricefield rat. Mrs. Melinda says they're very clean—only eat grains and—"
My throat constricted mid-swallow. The utensil slipped from my fingers with a clatter. Across the table, Ray's shoulders shook violently, his knuckles white where he gripped his knees to contain his laughter.
