Kate moved carefully, serving each plate one by one. The hot steam rose, drifting into their noses, burning down their throats. It was unbearable torture. They coughed lightly, fanning the air, trying to look irritated, but their eyes betrayed them, watering from the scent.
Alex finally folded his arms. His tone was like a command.
“You can eat.”
As tradition demanded, Mr. Haron—head of the table—was the first. He smirked, ready to spit it out, already rehearsing the insult in his head. He scooped a spoon, swallowed…
And froze.
The taste hit him like lightning. It traveled through his veins, slamming into his chest, exploding behind his eyes.
His throat expanded in shock as he gulped down hard. His eyes popped wide, blood rushing to his face. Before anyone could blink, his spoon clat
