Run Away, Astrid

vi. smoke and mirrors

vi. smoke and mirrors

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Warning: This chapter contains depictions of violence that may be upsetting for some readers.

As the chilly breeze caresses Astrid's skin, her summer hat slips to the ground. She attempts to reach for it, and when she finally does, she drops her wallet. Then she puts on her hat before picking up her wallet.

Upon picking up her wallet, she sees a small photograph of her and Selene. Her eyes have widened.

They are in the marina's port area, preparing to embark on Athena's private motor yacht. There are some people around the port, so Astrid has her guards up. Who knows, someone might recognize her?

Astrid exhales a sigh. She turns around to face Athena. "Is Theodore not coming with us? I thought we'll wait for him to arrive."

When Astrid awoke yesterday, Theodore was no longer among them. Damon was the only one that accompanied them to the hotel. Athena reasoned that her confidant had a few things to attend to, therefore he would be late.

This morning, the yacht they have been waiting for arrived. They are currently boarding the ship to depart. Astrid realizes that Theodore has not yet arrived to keep them company.

Athena smiles, stepping on the yacht gangway. "As I've said, he has some matters to take care of. It would take him some time to catch up with us, but I'm confident he will meet us shortly. You don't have to be concerned about him, love. He's simply out there doing his job." She reaches out her hand to Astrid.

"I see . . ." It is the only response Astrid could give before taking Athena's hand and boarding the yacht.

The yacht sets off as soon as everyone is on board. So far, no inconveniences or hurdles have prevented them from departing. Everything is going swimmingly. The sun is beaming overhead, the waves are calm, and the wind is not blowing hard. It's a beautiful day.

Is it?

As the ship sails away, Astrid sits quietly on one of the sundeck's cushion seats, gazing out at the sea's crystal-clear water. She looks up to see a flock of birds fly away.

Since earlier, Astrid has been deafeningly silent. She has already strolled about the boat, but she's not doing anything enjoyable. She only stares at the water, as though lost in contemplation, and isn't amusing herself. If she isn't staring at Athena or Damon, she is staring at the water. She also refuses to consume some snacks.

Athena notices it, but she couldn't entertain Astrid as she is busy discussing matters with Damon, making sure that their departure is a success. After that, she approaches her lover to ask, "Is there anything wrong? You're too quiet."

"Yes, there is," Astrid admits. She casts a worried glance toward Athena.

Athena frowns and takes Astrid's hand in hers. "What's our problem? Tell me what is bothering you."

Astrid lets out a sigh. "I still can't get over what happened yesterday. I'm curious how my family found me considering the hotel is literally in the middle of nowhere. I've thrown away anything that might lead them to me. There's no way they could trace me."

Athena listens. She gives herself a moment to think. Before she could even speak, Astrid says something, "Do you think someone followed us?"

"Most likely. If someone did, then they probably followed us here as well."

Astrid's expression brings a small amount of surprise to Athena. Unlike the last day, she isn't reacting apprehensively. Astrid seems calm this time, but Athena could still feel that she's nervous. Astrid is softly trembling like a shaken leaf.