After playing with the baby for some time, Lavayla straightened, letting out a small breath of satisfaction.
She stepped back outside toward the entrance.
Mirek was still there.
But he was nearly done.
Large portions of meat had already been separated and stacked neatly on a flat stone slab, trimmed with surprising care. The beast's hide—thick, dark, and still faintly warm—had been folded and packed to one side, away from the water and out of the way, just as she'd hoped.
Lavayla slowed her steps, stopping a few meters away.
She hesitated.
Then, scratching lightly at her cheek, she asked, voice tentative,
"Um… is this beast meat even edible?"
Mirek paused mid-motion, one claw still embedded in flesh, and glanced up at her.
She hurried to add, waving a hand awkwardly,
"I mean—I forgot to ask earlier. I really don't want to eat something that's going to taste horrible."
The question hung there for a beat.
Mirek stared at her.
Then—
"…Edible?" he repeated slowly.
