To have one of the greatest heroes of your time not only step away from the table while also insisting someone else might need her let that hollow feeling grow.

What was there to understand? She'd read so many books. She'd practiced so many times!

She stood upright and her smile was bright and sunny. "I wouldn't dare take away an ounce of these wonderful flavors from anyone else! Won't you try just one bite?"

Madhuri opened her arms and the other chairs at the table pushed out. Rising from the seats were shadowy figures holding forks and knives, beady red eyes turning to watch the elezen girl.

"Just. One. Bite."

"Just oNe biTe."

"JuSt One Bite."

They had become to chant in wispy voices, rhythmically pounding the table with their fists.