Suddenly, a growling noise interrupted her thoughts. Assuming it was her stomach, she quickly finished her bread.

But then, another growl echoed, louder this time. She realized it wasn't her stomach but Bennett's.

She turned to see Bennett's head hanging low, his messy hair covering his face, creating the appearance that he was asleep.

However, Ariana was not deceived. She knew he was too cautious to sleep under such circumstances, likely scheming something in his mind.

Nevertheless, he had gone a whole day and night without food or water. He must have been exhausted.

"Hey," Ariana whispered to him. "Are you hungry?"

When Ariana spoke, Bennett raised his head slowly. He remained silent, responding instead with a grumble from his stomach.

"Fine," muttered Ariana, her annoyance palpable at his demeanor.

She retrieved a new loaf of bread from her bag, removed the packaging, and approached him.

The aroma of the bread seemed to rejuvenate Bennett somewhat. His eyes suddenly became alert and fixated on it.

Observing his reaction, Ariana thought of Holden and Adrian, who were missing and likely hungry. Annoyed, she withdrew the bread just as she was about to hand it to him.

While Ariana didn't intend to let Bennett starve to death, she also had no interest in hand-feeding him. She picked up a slender stick from the ground, impaled the bread on it, and held it to his mouth.

“Here, eat."

Ariana's expression was one of clear disgust, her actions reminiscent of feeding an animal, which made Bennett's face darken. Clenching his teeth, he said in anger, "What is this, feeding a dog? Can't you just tear it up and give it to me?"

"You wish," Ariana responded icily. “I'm already being kind by not tearing you apart. Holden and Adrian have no one to feed them, yet here I am, taking care of you."

The mention of Holden touched a nerve, but Bennett quickly regained his composure and snorted. “You really have a sharp tongue. But that's all you have. You're more timid than a hamster I once owned."

With that, he stooped to take a hefty bite of the bread on the stick, chewing with vigor. His cheeks ballooned, making him look quite Like a hamster.

Ariana couldn't suppress a laugh. "I thought you preferred birds of prey. Who knew you had a fondness for harmless hamsters as well?"

"You don't understand," Bennett replied, taking another bite. "A true animal lover appreciates all creatures, unlike someone who professes a love for dogs yet cowers at a mastiff.”

“Why not just say my name?" Ariana rolled her eyes, fed up with the ongoing exchange, and urged him, “Come on, hurry up; my arm is getting tired."