Ares waved both hands over his head the second he spotted Vael stepping through the entrance of the restaurant. The place was crowded and loud, filled with clinking glasses, conversations, and soft music playing from hidden speakers. The atmosphere was relaxing enough.
Vael walked toward them with a hard expression on his face. His jaw was tight, and his shoulders looked tense beneath his black jacket.
Theon leaned closer to Ares and lowered his voice. "Looks like he's in a terrible mood."
"No kidding," Ares muttered.
Vael reached their table and dropped into the empty seat reserved for him. He barely spared them a glance before grabbing the menu.
Theon cleared his throat dramatically. "Why do you look like someone stole your favorite toy?"
Vael grumbled. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Oh, now I definitely want to hear it," Theon said. "How did last night go?"
Vael looked up sharply. "Are we here to discuss me or celebrate good news and chill?"
