The scent of roasted meat and spiced vegetables filled the air as Lucian and his students sat around the long wooden tables, digging into the grand feast. After days of exhaustion, scarce rations, and near-death experiences, the spread before them felt almost surreal.
Julien tore into a roasted leg of beast, grinning between bites. "Now this is what I call a proper reward."
Mira sipped from her goblet, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily. "Feels too generous. What's the catch?"
Felix, already on his third plate, waved off her concerns. "Who cares? If it's a trap, at least I'll die full."
Lucian leaned back, watching his students eat with an amused smirk. It was rare to see them so relaxed. They had earned it. But even so, Mira had a point. This entire event had been brutal, and kindness wasn't a trait he associated with their hosts.
