Chapter 76: Theatre
The group stood in front of a tall building that clashed with its surroundings.
Modern brick and wood restaurants flanked it on either side, only embellishing the Roman-style columns and masonry on display. A slanted marble roof was suspended by four spiraling beams that were set into the top of a flat foundation.
A large doorway was set into the middle, with a series of windows surrounding it. Dozens of wealthy patrons walked inside, whispering in hushed tones.
For an unknown reason, Charon found it hard to go up the stairs, his robes strangely firm in their desire to stay out. The others continued without him, not noticing his disappearance, until Liam paused, took a few long steps back, and roughly shoved him forward.
"Don’t want to be caught alone out here. Might be confused for a pickpocket. Liable to get yourself hurt."
Shaking himself out of his stupor, he thanked Liam and rushed to catch up.
The interior of the theatre was no less opulent, with dozens of expensive-looking paintings and portraits hanging on the walls. A few cased items were placed on pedestals, some plaques beneath them for onlookers to read.
Of them all, only Annie bothered to stop and give them a glance, her eyes dancing as she eagerly drank up the historical information.
’She really likes learning. It’s admirable.’
Charon had never been much of a reader himself, preferring to go off exploring and writing his own adventures, but it was hard not to watch Annie get so engrossed in what she was doing.
His cheeks turned red as he looked away.
’It’s totally because of her excitement, not because she is super pretty or anything! It couldn’t be that! I am a respectable young man with far larger things to worry about than a beautiful girl my age!’