Midnight Swarm

Thalia accepted the carved bowl, dipping her wooden spoon straight into the rich broth. The honey-glazed rat flank was tender, practically melting over her tongue with sweet, savory fat. Beside her, the golden-brown wheat buns gave off a warm aroma that filled the cramped room. She tore off a thick piece of crust and dipped it into the gravy, chewing slowly to savor the flavor. Real wheat flour wa