I tawt I taw a puddy cat

MEANWHILE - IN THE GROTTO:

Amilia is sat at a large table now currently occupying the open space in the grotto that Amilia and the others enter not that long ago.

Beside the cat is a currently tied up Lani, now tied with a ribbon as the bow string was cutting into her skin.

A plate is then placed in front of Amilia and she sees a luxurious meal on said plate, freshly cooked grickhen, beautifully roasted potatoes, steaming carrots with a side of an unfamiliar green and yellow casserole-like food.

Amilia takes a deep breath, inhaling the sweet cacophony of smells rising into her nostrils, just the smell alone takes her to a mental plane of absolute hungering bliss.

Her stomach growls, almost demanding she tuck into the meal but she waits as the other sitting Darkcross members are receiving their plates.

A few moments pass and the entire table is sat with plates in front of them.

Amilia looks around at all of the Darkcross members but that's when her attention is taken by Ivellise who taps her glass with her fork as she wishes to speak.

"Brothers, sisters, guest, today is a grand day for our family! Today, thanks to our guest, we now have a demon-kissed in our possession!".

The Darkcross members all cheer.

"Yes, this means that we are one step closer to ruling this H'nod forsaken continent! Now, it will take time to break him, but as us women know, it doesn't take long to break a man" Ivellise and the women all let out a collective chuckle.

"However all of that can wait for tomorrow! For tonight, we celebrate!".

The Darkcross all cheer once again as they drink and feast with Amilia following suit.

Amilia dives into her meal, enjoying every bite that practically bursts with flavour, she can't even fathom the last time she enjoyed food this much.

Her mind begins to waver, at first, she "gave" John to Ivellise to try and save all of their lives, however, just this meal alone, it not only fills her stomach but also fills her pride, all these people readying because of something she totally, one hundred percent, did on purpose, at least to their knowledge.

Her street rat mindset kicks in more than ever but it's all stopped when she looks at the entangled Lani.

The fairy sits there, a sad, almost dejected, look on her face, tears practically welling in her eyes.

Amilia sees that look on Lani's face and it reminds her, of herself.

Just a week ago.