Vex finally smiled, the expression breaking through his solemn mask like the sun parting storm clouds.
"Good," he responded, his voice regaining a fraction of its usual warmth. "Now we can get started."
He turned back to the Tiger King. Vex walked over to the makeshift bed of furs and knelt down. He gently lifted Kael's head, supporting the thick neck with one arm, and brought the small wooden bowl to his lips.
With the care of a nursemaid, Vex tipped the bowl, allowing the neon blue liquid to flow gently into Kael's mouth. He massaged Kael's throat to encourage him to swallow without choking.
Once half the contents were gone, Vex lowered Kael's head back onto the furs and stood up. He walked over to Ren, the bioluminescent crystals reflecting in the remaining liquid.
Ren nervously took the bowl from him. It was warm to the touch.
She raised the vessel to her face, sniffing tentatively. It smelled bittersweet, like dark chocolate mixed with electric ozone.
