Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground

Chapter 1431  Favor

"Why are you even doing this?"

"Because I have what you don't, human decency."

"You!? Human decency… Aurora Ravenstein? That's totally news to me."

Aurora glared at Caldor. Though he was older than her, he knew her enough to keep a safe distance before he ran his mouth.

"Then how can you explain what I'm about to do?"

"Beats me. But I'm sure there's a good explanation in there somewhere."

"Mom."

They both turned towards Ember who was walking between them. Aurora blinked rapidly, trying to signal her, but all she got was a look that screamed, what are you doing?

"Hmm? What did you say, sis?"

"Ember wait—"

"Mom asked."

"I knew it!" Caldor burst into laughter. "Human decency, my ass! The Aurora I know doesn't give a shit."

"Ember! Why did you say that? I told you that in confidence!"

Ember shrugged, with barely any change in expression. "Truth."

Aurora could only sigh, then sent Caldor, who hadn't stopped gloating, a glare.

"This right here is why you're still single."

"Hey!" Caldor protested. "That's low, even for you. Hitting my sore spot like that…"

"Lonely."

"Not you too, Ember!"

As Aurora started to chuckle, Caldor dropped silent after that, settling into a deep frown. Though he looked sad, he'd been right about one thing, Aurora didn't give a fuck.

'I'm surprised Atticus did that though. Is he alright?'

An hour ago, Aurora had been called by Anastasia where she'd been told what occurred between Atticus and Zoey. Atticus was many things, but Aurora would've never imagined him a cheater. He was the most loyal person she knew. Regardless, what happened had already happened, and Anastasia had asked her for a favour, to get Zoey out of her training room.

'Would she even want to leave?'

It was a question born out of laziness. Though she pitied the girl, if it was a choice between Atticus and Zoey, she'd pick the former even if he was in the wrong. That was simply how families were.

You always pick family.

'Since Mom asked, I'll have to try my best.'

There were only two people Aurora would do anything for in this world. Atticus was one, and the other, Anastasia. She was just that grateful for meeting and falling under the care of such a selfless and loving woman.

They reached Zoey's training room on the hill, and Caldor and Ember turned towards Aurora.

"Good luck."

"Bye."

"Wait! Aren't you guys coming with me?"

"Hell no. I love drama, but I never like being involved in them."

Caldor firmly shook his head, while Ember gave a simple, "No."

With gritted teeth, Aurora was forced to go in on her own. Luckily, since she usually visited Zoey, Anastasia knew the access code to the training room.

'Let's just get this over with. She's probably training hard to forget everything that happened.'

As Aurora entered, she'd expected to see Zoey training hard. After all, it was what she would have done if she was going through some emotional turmoil. However, what she met was a quiet training room.

On one side of the room was a figure huddled up by the wall with her head facing the ground.

"Zoey?"

Aurora called out but no response came. She didn't even raise her head.

'Damn, was it this bad?'

She had to admit she'd never seen Zoey like this before. After her incident with the Spirit King and her subsequent recovery, she'd always been confident and direct. But now…

"We're all going to the main coliseum for the Concord Games. You should come with."

"…."

'Should I just leave?' Aurora released a sigh. But despite her not giving a fuck claims, seeing was different from imagining. It didn't feel right leaving after seeing her like this.

'I'm cleaning up your mess, Atticus. You owe me!'

Aurora settled down beside her and went silent for a moment. Only the sounds of Zoey's slow breathing echoed.

"I'm sure Atticus didn't mean to do that to you…"

At the mention of his name, Zoey raised her head and turned towards her.

'Her eyes.'

 Aurora narrowed her gaze. Zoey's eyes were intense, lifeless even. And that was not even counting her pale features.

"I'm sure there's a reason he did—"

"I asked him… if he still… loved me. Do you know… his response?"

Aurora shook her head.

"Nothing." Zoey's voice broke slightly. "He… didn't say anything. So don't say he didn't mean what he did."

Her tone was low and trembling, worn out from crying, from not speaking for too long.

As Zoey lowered her head back to her lap, Aurora stood up.

"So? So what if he cheated on you? Is this what you're going to do with your life now? Sit here and drown in your feelings?"

She pointed toward the door. "Because that'll be the stupidest shit I've ever seen in my life. The truth is, no one fucking cares. The world outside is still moving, with or without you."

When she got no answer, Aurora released a deep breath to calm her nerves. The air around her was already growing scorching hot.

"The Spirit King," she said.

Zoey's grip tightened on her arms.

"He killed your mother, your grandmother, your entire family. And you're telling me that because Atticus kissed another girl, you'll just… give up? You won't even take revenge on him?"

Aurora lingered for a response, but Zoey didn't lift her head. Her own teeth clenched, she was angrier than she'd expected. 'Why?' Maybe because she'd once been like this. Helpless and broken. Her father had called it training, but it had been torture.

If not for Atticus…

Aurora shook her head. "We're leaving in thirty minutes. If you're not outside by then, we'll leave without you. I'm sure your family is watching, proud of what you've become."

With that sarcastic remark, Aurora turned and left the room, leaving behind the suffocating silence and a still Zoey, whose grip on her arms had tightened. A single tear slipped from her eyes and hit the floor.