“’My company might be too …consuming?’” she repeated, arching an eyebrow at the currently closed elevator door before finally glancing up at him, mildly irritated. Meli’s tone was even, feeling no real need to raise her voice regarding the matter at hand. It wasn’t the fault of Phonos that her was interrupted. Based on his reaction, however, he did not seem pleased about any of it.

But then, when was Phonos actually pleased about anything?

“Did he bother explaining just what it is that my presence is so direly needed for that he felt compelled to send someone to fetch me?” Melinoe sighed, looking up at the elevator light as it dinged its arrival. “Not that it matters. I think I am more disappointed that he has so little faith in me to come of my own accord.”