99
~Bella's POV
I tore into the food like a starving animal, my hands shaking as I scooped rice into my mouth. The flavors exploded on my tongue, spicy, rich, and deeply satisfying. I barely chewed before taking another bite, alternating between the stew-soaked rice and the tender grilled meat.
The soup was next. I picked up the bowl with both hands, my fingers barely steady, and took a long sip. Warmth spread through my chest, easing the hollow ache in my stomach. I dipped a piece of the fresh, crusty bread into the stew, watching it soak up the thick sauce before taking a huge bite.
I didn't stop. I couldn't. My body took over, desperate for nourishment. I ate fast, almost too fast, as if the food would disappear if I didn't finish it quickly. Each bite filled the empty space inside me, pushing away the hunger that had consumed me for days.
