Phonos stiffened as she said goodbye to Helenus, back straightening and posture becoming rigid. He told himself it was because she was pointedly taking so long when he clearly needed her urgently. Besides, Helenus was a terrible man for a daughter of the Underworld to be spending her time with. She needed to be surrounded by her own people more, to spend more time with her family.

He didn't respond to her comment about calling, his expression warped to something sharp as he stared at Helenus. The man quickly said a pleasant goodbye to Melinoe, glared at Phonos, and then promptly slammed the door behind them as Melinoe was suddenly pulling him down the hall. The touch burned with its spontaneity, surprising him and causing him to yank his arm back, free from her.

"He was unable to come himself and requested that I might take his place. Apparently he was worried your company might be too consuming to risk a mere call." His voice was flat, hollow. Phonos jabbed the elevator button with his thumb as they arrived, staring at the numbers and pointedly avoiding looking at her.