A flicker of flame, a deep inhale, and then the scent of smoke was wafting gently through the air. Night tilted her head back and exhaled, a hedonistic smile tugging across her lips. It was illegal to smoke in public places, but the gods never did have much respect for mortal laws. Nyx owned this bar, and she’d be damned if she couldn’t smoke in it.
She glanced over at Ares, frowning when she saw the expression on his face. Did he really want to know that badly? Or was this just another one of his mood swings? Relaxing back against the bar, she crossed her legs and took a few moments to observe him in silence.
“All right,” she finally said, tilting her head and leaning forward. If Ares really wanted to know, she’d tell him. And if he didn’t... well, she was going to tell him anyways. “You put on this attitude, the one that says you hate everything and just want to have a good time, but that’s not really you. All your ranting and complaining is just a cover, one you use to hide the fact that you don’t feel anything at all. And because you can’t feel, you go around pushing everything and everyone to the limit, just hoping that something somewhere will spark a little bit of emotion in that tattered soul of yours.”
After taking a sip of her drink, she continued. “Now, I would have to say that this stems from some sort of deep seated issue. Maybe something having to do with your father. Or perhaps your family in general, since every time I mention them you either withdraw or get angry. Or maybe it’s the fact that, after all these years, you still haven’t found your purpose. A place where you belong.”
She took another drag from her cigarette, her expression turning defiant. “Of course, I could be completely wrong. And even if I’m right, you’re welcome to deny it. It’s not a pleasant assessment, after all. Tonight was supposed to be fun, not depressing.”