"Alright, everyone!" Ren announced brightly. "Form a single-file line!"
Miraculously, the snake beastmen obediently scrambled over each other, their tails swishing as they hurriedly formed a neat, orderly queue down the dark corridor.
Just as the line settled, the crowd suddenly parted like the Red Sea. Syris glided past his subjects, stepping into the scullery. The beastmen immediately lowered their heads, bowing in deep reverence to their king.
But Syris wasn't paying them any mind. He was completely mesmerized. He walked slowly toward the sprawling feast on the prep tables, drawn in by the intoxicating scents of garlic butter, fried fats, and reducing berries. He stared down at the bright crimson swamp crabs and the perfectly golden, lacy lotus chips. It looked even more beautiful than it smelled.
"Is this..." Syris wondered out loud, his amethyst eyes wide with genuine awe. "Is this really food?"
