“She needs rest and a meal first.” Malice's voice echoes off the stone walls, breaking me from my trance and sending me crashing back to reality. I pull away from Cyprien with flaming cheeks, unable to bring my gaze to meet Malice’s heated stare.

“We all need something to eat,” he continues, turning his attention toward Roark. “Especially that one.”

My stomach flips at the mention of food, and the blood drains from my face as I’m reminded of what I might need to consume now that my powers are awakened. “I don’t… I’m not hungry.”

Malice’s gaze squints with sympathy. “You don’t have to worry about that, little one. You are still very much human—at least partly—and you can still have your beloved crackers and nut butter.”

“But in Slaine’s dungeon…”

“A side effect of your demon fully awakening,” he answers. “Not to mention the stress of being locked away in a dark pit with the constant, looming threat of death. That would make anyone lose their appetite.”

“Oh,” I whisper, a wave of relief pouring over me. “That’s good to know.”

He nods tersely. “Yes. The rest of us, however, will need something more… substantial. We can’t go to the human realm to hunt—I’m certain by now, Slaine has surrounded the door between worlds—but the creatures of The Far Place will work for the short term.”

“But the creatures here are so gross,” Cyprien groans dramatically.

“Agreed,” Lir murmurs, his face pinching in disgust at the thought. “I think I’d rather go without sustenance.”

“Speak for yourselves.” Roark rises out of the water, palm pressed to his rippling abdomen. “I’m fucking starving. I’d eat an arachnyx soul if that’s what’s available.”

“We all know your standards are nonexistent, Roark—no need to remind us.” Cyprien rolls his eyes to the ceiling. “I personally will not be partaking in that meal.”

“We’ll hunt along the coastline,” Malice interjects. “The beasts there are far better than anything found inland and are much easier prey.” His gaze narrows on Cyprien in a hateful glare. “You will partake, and you won’t complain—because you will need all your strength if you want to protect Dagny.”

At the mention of my name, Cyprien’s demeanor changes entirely, his expression softening at the corners of his eyes and the curve of his mouth. “Fine. If it means I can better serve my mate, I’ll try it.”

“As will I,” Lir agrees, nodding his head with resolution. “Gladly.”

We all turn our gazes toward Kaebl, who shrugs nonchalantly. It’s our only option. I have no objection.

“Perfect.” Malice claps his hands together, his smile widening. “In that case, I’m going to check on Fenryr.”

I gaze around the pool, noting for the first time he’s not with us. “Where did he go?”