The moment Athena stepped outside, she spotted Rhydric sitting on the edge of the pool, a cigar resting between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily around him as he stared into the water, his posture relaxed but unreadable.
She walked over and sat beside him, dipping her legs into the pool. The cool water lapped gently against her skin.
He clearly noticed her, but he didn't turn. He just kept smoking, the smoke slipping out through his nose and mouth in slow exhales.
Athena glanced at him several times but he didn't react.
"Do you always smoke like that?" she finally asked.
"Why do you care?" he replied at last, turning his head to look at her.
"I don't care," she muttered, looking away. "I'm just asking."
The words came out softer than she intended.
She stared at the ripples in the water, her brows knitting together.Why was he acting so distant?
Rhydric took another slow drag from the cigar, the ember glowing briefly before dimming again.
"You look pale," he said.
