Rowan's response was swift, her voice edged with that same guarded skepticism she always carried. "Nice of you to offer me company," she said, adjusting the hood of her cloak as if reinforcing the invisible barrier between herself and them. "But I decline."
Dorian didn't look surprised. If anything, he seemed to expect it. He merely offered a small smile and shrugged. "Fair enough."
Before the tension could stretch any further, a loud, unmistakable grrrrrowl echoed through the cavern.
Everyone paused.
Markus, standing near the center of the group, winced as he clutched his stomach. "…That was me," he admitted with absolutely no shame.
Kael snorted. "That sounded like a beast."
"I am a beast," Markus said proudly, flexing an arm before waving them forward. "Come on, let's eat first. We've been fighting nonstop, and I, for one, refuse to go into another battle on an empty stomach."