Alisha’s POV
Why is Louie here? Looking at Louie's surprised expression, I knew he was also stunned to see me here. I turned my head to glance at Gray, then back at Archie. The current situation felt oddly reminiscent of our previous encounter at Blood Dawn, where tension seemed to hide a hint of awkwardness. I was afraid that Archie might provoke Louie or Gray on purpose again.
Absolutely, Archie asked without reservation, "Why are you two here? If you don't have any important matters, it's best to leave. My wife and I are here to keep my grandmother company, and we don't want any other interruptions." Archie's voice, unburdened by restraint, cut through the atmosphere like a blade. His inquiry, direct and unapologetic, hung in the air. It was obvious that he was driving Louie and Gray away.
Hearing Archie's words made me feel both angry and embarrassed. Gray and Louie had also taken care of us and offered help at Blood Dawn before. How could we just treat them like this?
I shot Archie an angry glare and then turned to Gray and Louie. My voice, tinged with an undercurrent of apology, broke through the strained air, "Forget his words. I offer my sincere apologies. You came to visit Shaunda, right? Please stay here to talk with Shaunda. She must be very happy to see you. Our presence has inadvertently disrupted your visit with Shaunda. Please forgive our intrusion."
Louie approached me with a tray of desserts. His words, laced with a gentleness that belied the situation's complexity, sought to soften me, "No need for apologies. Gray and I just got here. Have you had anything to eat on the way? I just got some desserts from the kitchen. If you're hungry, feel free to have some."
My stomach rumbled softly in response to the mention of food, a reminder of the day's sustenance-scarce journey. Indeed, I hadn't eaten anything the whole day, only having a bowl of bitter medicine. Louie's words instantly reminded me of my hunger. The temptation of the desserts laid out like a mosaic of flavors beckoning to my senses, and my mouth started to water. Looking at the tempting treats in Louie's hands, I couldn't help but nod with gratitude. Then Louie delicately placed the tray on the nearby table.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I looked at Shaunda. She patted my stomach gently with a smile. I knew she was urging me to eat the treats.
As my fingers reached for a delectable piece of dessert, the air suddenly grew heavy with Archie's displeased outburst. His words, a lash of disdain that bore no restraint, sliced through the air like a chilling wind. "Why are you so gluttonous? You see a plate of desserts and you're already drooling, like more than the pigs on the farm."
Anger and humiliation surged within me, an indignant response to his brazen comment. How could he belittle me in front of others? For a fleeting moment, a surge of rebellion coursed through my veins, pushing me to fling the dessert at him.
But before I acted, Shaunda's swift reaction was a balm to my wounded pride. Shaunda slammed the table in anger. The table's resounding thud, a mark of her disapproval, echoed like a clear note of rebuke. Even as Archie squirmed under the weight of her gaze, I found solace in her silent defense. I didn't know what Shaunda and Archie communicated through their mindlink, but the result of their communication was palpable—after a while, Archie huffed and walked away. This small victory brought me an unexpected surge of satisfaction. Archie had always infuriated me, and now Shaunda was finally giving him a lesson.
Shaunda's gentle touch, a soothing pat on my head, offered both comfort and apology. Then she glanced at the omega behind her. The omega got her meaning and told me, "Luna, take yourself. Shaunda asked me to instruct the kitchen to prepare more of your favorite dishes."
Louie also added, “Yeah, eat what you like, and I will get more food if you need. You have treated me before, and now I am happy to use Shaunda’s food to repay you, and I bet she won’t mind it.” Shaunda smiled with a nod. Louie's response, tinged with casual ease, only reaffirmed his affable nature. His words lifted a weight off my shoulders, releasing my tension. I hesitated briefly and then said, "Thank you, but this is sufficient for me." The words flowed from me with a mixture of bashfulness and gratitude.
I had been overly worried about Shaunda's health before with no appetite and suddenly felt so relaxed after knowing Shaunda was fine. Now, my hunger surged forth with renewed intensity. A meal long overdue lay before me, and I surrendered myself to the feast, barely noticing the figures around me. The food disappeared with each voracious bite, my focus consumed by the sustenance my body craved. A fleeting sense of self-consciousness gripped me as I realized that all eyes were on me, the act of eating magnified by their collective gaze. A flush of embarrassment crept up my cheeks, my gaze dropping to the table as if to escape their scrutiny.
Gray's soft laughter, a melody of amusement, cut through the atmosphere like a gentle breeze. His gesture, a glass of juice extended toward me, was a salve to my self-consciousness. Accepting it with gratitude, I met his gaze. I don't know why, but every time I see Gray, I feel a sense of calmness and inexplicable joy in my heart.
However, the tranquility was shattered by Archie's sudden reappearance. His entrance, laden with an assortment of food, heralded a dramatic turn. The pile of dishes that he deposited on the table loomed like a mountain. Then he said, "Aren't you hungry? Go ahead and eat them. These are enough for you.”
Staring at the towering pile of food in front of me, I blinked and said, "But I'm already full."
Archie's expression instantly darkened, and he questioned, "Why is it that you refuse to eat my food? You enjoy Louie's offerings, but my food doesn't suit your taste?" His tone, a blend of frustration and accusation, cut through the air like a blade. His words left me dumbfounded, a sudden target of his ire that I couldn't fathom.