The lodge was warm.
Warmer than anything Han Yu had felt in weeks. The moment he stepped inside, the heat from the stone furnace washed over him, and the smell of roasted meat made his mouth water almost painfully.
It was like being struck by a memory of comfort that his body had nearly forgotten existed.
He sat cross legged with the hunters around a large wooden table. Plates of spirit beast meat were being passed around, some already sliced, some still sizzling from the fire. The unfamiliar scent made Han Yu pause.
'Seasoning!'
Actual seasoning.
He picked up a piece of grilled wolf shoulder and saw crushed red flakes and green herbs stuck to the charred edges. The moment he bit into it, the savory burst mixed with spice made him exhale sharply.
"How did I ever eat without this…" he murmured.
