Ren's face flushed a bright, tomato red. It wasn't from a fever this time, but from pure, unadulterated mortification.
Her face twisted in disgust at his threat. The idea of Vex chewing up the mushrooms and spitting them into her mouth like a regurgitating pigeon was enough to cure her stubbornness instantly.
"I'll eat! I'll eat!" she shrieked, snatching the leaf and the bowl from his hands.
She downed most of the water in one go, the cool liquid soothing her parched, dried throat. Then she shoveled the Snow Mushrooms into her mouth with much gusto, chewing furiously. She hadn't realized how truly hungry she was until the food hit her tongue.
Vex watched her, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He reached out and patted her head gently.
"Good girl," he remarked, his tone indistinguishable from an owner praising a stubborn puppy who finally ate its kibble.
