"I don't know," Alexander admitted. "But I know this—you're learning things with each tool. Care, patience, generosity. What if the real protection is what you're becoming through using them? Someone who understands feeding people on a level most chefs never reach?"
That was... actually a disturbing thought. Not because it was wrong, but because it implied the tools had a purpose beyond just making better food. Like they were teaching her something specific, building toward something.
Seven tools meant seven lessons.
So...what happened when somebody collected and learned all seven of them?
"You're spiraling," Alexander observed. "I can see it happening."
"Sorry." Marron forced herself to take a breath, to focus on the present instead of the terrifying unknown future. "You're right. I'm overwhelmed."
"Understandably so."
