"Nix, let me try yours too, alright?"
Nix had been the quickest this time. He immediately lifted the piece he'd just cooked and placed it into Rory's bowl.
"Rory, mine's ready too," Jasper added right after, unwilling to fall behind.
Xarion and Paros didn't say a word, but their actions were just as swift. Each of them added a dumpling to Rory's bowl.
Even Wen, usually so quiet, mustered his courage. Carefully, almost timidly, he placed the piece he had cooked into her bowl as well.
In the blink of an eye, Rory's small bowl was completely full.
Rory didn't know what to do.
Yuel glanced at the mountain of dumplings in her bowl and smiled. He picked up a few strands of bright green vegetables from the pot and placed them neatly on top.
Looking at her, he said gently, "Rory, you can't just eat meat. You need a balanced diet."
The moment those words fell, everyone else fell silent.
