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“What?” I ask in confusion. “I thought you’d be excited.”

Ben glares up at me from underneath a swath of dark hair. “Do not grab something from the stove without oven mitts.”

“It’s lukewarm at best,” I roll my eyes and pull my hands from his to heft the platter again. “See?”

I skip past him to take the plate to the table, and suddenly, the severed hand isn’t stomach-churning anymore. Everything is looking up today.

I sigh with contentment as I realize that all the place settings are already done, breakfast steaming from several plates. The dishes with the toys and the hand are set up in the center like some messed up decorations, but I don’t even care.

I set the platter in front of Ben’s usual spot and pull out his chair to pat the seat with a grin as I look back at him.

“Give in, sunshine. You’re about to get spoiled,” I bounce in place again, unable to contain my glee.

Ben sighs in resignation. “You adapt too quickly for my peace of mind, Bees.”

Everyone takes a seat after eyeing me for my crazy behavior. Kimi is next to Ben, then Mal. Mitri sits to the left of my place setting and then King.

I squeeze Mitri’s shoulders and lean down to kiss his cheek again. I can’t help myself. His jaw is like iron, his hair is way too soft to be real, and he smells delicious.

Ben watches, keeping his expression under lock and key, and Kimi stares with a knife clutched in one hand.

I feel bad for giving Mitri so much attention without noticing everyone else's efforts, so I round the table and kiss Ben’s cheek with a quick hug.

After a brief hesitation I lean over to kiss Kimi’s cheek as well and whisper, “Your service, Kimi.”

Where did my fear of him go? How cheap am I that I got brought to the dark side by cooking?

Oh, well. That kitchen makes the best food ever.

I take my seat and clap my hands together over my yogurt. “Breakfast and question time.”

Everyone digs in as I turn to Mitri, “Why do you think that Humans will be food again? It’s a big leap, and I’m having trouble following the logic.”

“I would be pleased to tell you,” He lifts up a perfectly cut slice of ham and chews thoughtfully. “When you replace the bond.”

I frown at him and hold my spoon to point, “You know I’m going to do that when I regain my strength, so you don’t need blackmail.”

He continues calmly eating without looking up.

“You actually bonded? How?” King asks incredulously.

“I have no idea,” I shrug and refocus on Mitri. “The point is I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s curious. Mal asked us all to communicate more, and it’s a fair ask. He’s an ally, isn’t he? A friend? Letting him know what’s going on in your brain will help him to help you.”

Mal’s eyebrows rise as he watches me gesturing around with my spoon. Then he looks at Mitri with a scowl, obviously not expecting this to work.

“Please,” I tack on quickly, just in case.

Mitri continues eating slowly, and my shoulders sag in disappointment.

“Three of this territory’s delegates are of the old world,” he speaks between bites like a gentleman, focusing only on his plate.

“What does that mean?” I ask and start using my spoon for its intended purpose, subconsciously keeping pace with his bites.

“They are of a time before records,” he explains. “It is no secret to any of the ancients that they miss those days. I can see this being their aim. The rest are young and foolish. They do not understand what they will bring about.”

“If they aren’t puppets,” I argue. “We can’t just assume everyone is in on this conspiracy.”

“I have to agree,” King nods. “Whatever purpose is housed in that ring is powerful. Very few could resist.”