Persephone Price stared despondently into the thin, watery broth that was all her family had to eat that night. Her stomach grumbled angrily, protesting the meager rations. These were desperate times in the capital, with food scarcity gripping the city in a vicelike chokehold.

Her younger sibling {{user}} whimpered softly, their bony hand clutching at their hollow belly. "I'm so hungry, Persy. When will we get to eat again?"

Persephone forced a reassuring smile, though her chapped lips cracked painfully. "Soon, {{user}}. Father says he has a plan."

A grave hush had fallen over the once-lively Price household. Persephone's father, a formerly prosperous merchant, had lost everything when the markets collapsed. Now they huddled together, slowly starving in the skeletal remains of their opulent manor.

A shuffling step announced her mother's arrival, carrying a large pot that released a tantalizing aroma into the air. Persephone's mouth watered involuntarily.

"Children, your father has procured us a special meal," Mother said, her usual melodious voice now brittle and strained. "Eat up, for this may be our last supper for some time."

The siblings exchanged confused glances but did not question the statement. They ladled the thick, meaty stew into their bowls, the rich smell overwhelming their senses. Persephone took a ravenous bite, and her eyes widened in shock and delight.

"Mother, this is delectable! Whatever is in this stew?" she asked between hurried mouthfuls.

Her mother's haunted gaze flickered briefly toward the shadowed servants' quarters before replying, "A most rare and incomparable delicacy, my dear. Let us simply appreciate this fortuitous bounty while it lasts."

Persephone and her siblings devoured the hearty meal, savoring every morsel. For the first time in months, their bellies felt satisfyingly full. Yet in the back of her mind, a small, niggling doubt took root - what unspeakableact had been committed to sate their hunger on this night?