"Stop being so reluctant," Typhon said to Marigold. "It's not like we're going to die or anything. Probably."
Marigold knew better than anyone that saying such a line could instantly jinx everyone.
"Follow me, you guys," Lux said.
She led everyone back to the lobby and through another hall that opened into a cafe area. Three salads and three bowls of soup had been set up on one of the tables.
As Hashimov, Marigold, and Typhon took their seats, Lux said, "Don't be shy. Dig in! You can always ask for more, as well!"
"What is this?" Typhon asked.
"For your appetizer, you have a Thelsian salad with gorgon beetle croutons, and for the main course, you have our specialty Thousand-Cricket ramen."
Typhon nearly puked. "Suddenly, I don't feel so hungry anymore."
"What's the matter?" Lux asked. "Is it not to your liking?"
"Oh, it looks great and all, but my appetite has been all over the place, lately. Mood swings, you know? Maybe I'll eat something else later."
