Maya realized he was being serious, and her heart began to race. His compliments meant a lot.
"Thank you," she said and began to eat as well.
Theo joined them, picking up a spoon.
As they ate, Maya did most of the talking, her hazel eyes sparkling as she tried to cram ten years of life into a single evening.
"He won't tell you, Mister Alias, but Theo became the fiercest fighter in the Lower Ward!" Maya said, waving her wooden spoon dramatically. "About four years ago, some thugs from the Upper District tried to shake down the well-workers. Theo stood right in the middle of the path and refused to move."
"Maya, eat your stew," Theo muttered, his bronzed face darkening as he focused entirely on his bowl.
"No, let her speak," Alias said softly, his silver eyes fixed on Theo. "I want to hear."
