Chapter 201: Love Hate Relationship
"Eat slowly," Lunara said, her voice softer now, watching the boy slurp up his noodle soup like he hadn’t eaten in days. Which, judging by the way his thin fingers gripped the chopsticks, might’ve been true.
The boy didn’t answer. He barely even looked up. Broth dribbled down his chin, and he used the too-long sleeve of his shirt to wipe it away before diving right back in.
Adam leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like he thinks we’re running a charity."
"You tagged along," Eryx muttered without looking at him, poking at his own food with a measured calm that was clearly forced. "No one asked for your commentary."
Adam shrugged, undeterred. "And miss this happy little reunion? Not a chance."
Lunara rolled her eyes. She shifted her attention back to the boy, whose bowl was already half-empty. "What’s your name?" she asked again, gentler this time.
The boy paused. For a moment, it looked like he might pretend not to hear her again, but then, almost grudgingly, he muttered, "...Ren."
"Ren," she repeated, giving a small nod. "How old are you?"
He hesitated. "Twelve. I think."
Eryx looked up then, frowning. "You think?"
Ren didn’t answer. His eyes dropped back to his bowl.