The soup was ready by sundown.
Neve stood over it in the kitchen and breathed in the steam. Meat floating on the surface, broth a deep, rich colour, the herbs he had added from his medical memory doing something to the smell that salt alone never could. He had spent all afternoon on it. He had tasted it three times and adjusted twice, and now it was exactly what he wanted it to be.
Cael had tasted it an hour ago and gone quiet as he didn't even expect it himself.
"It's better than the first time," he had said.
"Of course, I had to make it better. I used herbs this time," Neve said.
"Herbs? What herbs?"
"The ones that work."
Cael had wished to ask more questions but had not pushed further, which was one of the things Neve appreciated about him.
Neve was in the bedroom adjusting his clothes when he heard the voices at the cave entrance. He stopped moving and listened.
Gideon first. Then his brother, Soren.
