He stopped short when he saw Lina. She stood there, her eyes red and watery. It was clear she had been crying, and her tired face showed she was no less drained than he was.
Seth's gaze softened despite himself. He sighed, running a hand over his face as if to brush away his annoyance.
"What do you want to eat?" he finally asked, his tone calmer.
Lina looked up at him, surprised by his change in tone, and gave a shy smile.
"Anything… as long as you're the one making it."
Seth shook his head with a resigned sigh. "Fine. Let's go. I'll make something quick."
They went downstairs together, Seth grumbling the entire way, but his heart felt just a little lighter.
– – –
Seth prepared a hearty stew with the last bits of meat he had on hand. The aroma quickly filled the small kitchen, and Lina, ravenous, wasted no time diving in.
