The cafe was warm and softly lit, tucked between two stone buildings just off the Scholars' Tower grounds. Steam curled gently from cups and plates, carrying the comforting scents of bread, herbs, and something sweet baking in the back.
Liora sat across from me, hands folded tightly in her lap.
In front of her sat a plate piled with food far too generous to ignore—fresh bread, sliced fruit, a bowl of stew still steaming faintly. And yet she only stared at it, eyes flicking between the plate and the table as if unsure she was allowed to touch any of it.
I watched her for a moment.
She hasn't eaten properly in days.
[Lack of nourishment detected,] Nero said. [Emotional damage correlates strongly with empty stomachs. Recommend immediate consumption.]
"Liora," I said gently.
She flinched slightly, then looked up. "Y-yes?"
"You can eat," I said, smiling. "I ordered it for you."
Her fingers twitched. "I know. I just…"
She trailed off, gaze dropping again.
