Cedric pulled a low-grade mana stone from his pocket, the faint blue light humming in his palm. He dropped it onto the counter with a dull clink, then reached over and plucked one of the tomatoes from the wooden shelf.
He exhaled slowly, realizing the change, though his pride resisted admitting it.
Alric leaned closer. "Cedric?"
He reached forward and snatched another one off the shelf before Cedric could protest.
Rowen's gaze flicked to him briefly, but he said nothing.
Alric turned the tomato over in his hand as if inspecting it for hidden tricks. Then, without warning, he bit down hard.
Crunch.
Juice spilled over his lips and slid down his throat. He grimaced at the sourness, ready to scoff
but his words caught in his mouth.
