Annabeth's pov

WHAT IN HADES JUST HAPPENED

That was my only thought as I began leaning my back against the door to Percy's study. My whole body was still tingling from what had just happened. Leaning against the door was nice because it felt as though someone was countering my weight by leaning against the door as well. It was kind of a nice moment. Until it ended when whatever pressure was against the door moved and I realized how alone I was in the hallway. I didn't let myself think it was Percy, I don't know why. Maybe there was more comfort in believing that it was my imagination.

I had so many questions. Too many to count. I guess I took too long. That's why he said goodbye. My stupid brain was so hung up in the moment of my first kiss proper that I didn't know what to say. Now he probably thinks the worst. I need to explain. But not now. I need to calm down, and get my heart rate down in particular. I don't know how long I stood there. But it didn't seem like too long.

I just don't understand. We've only been hanging out for a little while, how could he admit that he loves me. I mean I kind of figured out that he liked me. But love? Really?

Something didn't make sense. There were so many things running around in my brain that I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. So I decided to go to the kitchen and make myself a snack. I realized I hadn't eaten in a pretty long time.

When I arrived in the kitchen the sun was just above the horizon. I guess I'd stood at the door longer than I thought.

Then I noticed the trays on the counter. Once again Hazel had prepared us breakfast. Bless that girl. That means less work for my in a few hours time. I thought as I put my tray on the table and began picking at the food.

For a long time I just sat there in the blissful silence, content in the nothingness that consumed my mind. It was almost like an escape. From everyone and everything. Though sometimes it can lead me to some thoughts and memories that I'd rather forget.

Not today though. Today it was formulating a plan. Thinking of every possible outcome. Planning my every movement and word.

And if my mind is as good as always, there is nothing that could surprise me. ( Try me, challenge accepted )

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After I finished preparing for what I was about to do, it was time to turn thoughts into actions. I was balancing a tray of food, my dagger was behind my back tucked into the folds of my belt. Just in case.

I walked cautiously up to Percy's study. As if he could hear me coming a mile away and could see my thoughts if I made a single sound. I don't know why I'd suddenly become so careful around him. Normally I could be around him and it was like I'd known him my whole life.

But today he was a stranger in my home. Yes, even though I've only been here a month or so, this is my home. This place took me in as a girl off the streets. The people here made me feel more at home than I ever did in that village.

After all, family isn't always the people you share blood with, it's the people you're willing to die for.

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I arrived at the door and placed the tray on the ground as always. I knocked on the door and tried to be reasonable first.

" Good morning Percy. " I paused to see if there was a response from him. When there was nothing I got slightly curious. I then heard a soft sound that resembled snoring.

It was almost ten o'clock. How on earth was he still sleeping. Though I decided not to question it. Since it made this part of the plan that much easier. I tried my hand at the door knob. It was unlocked. Thank the gods. I opened the door so slowly I thought he'd wake up and the door would only be half way open.

Once the opening was big enough for me to slide through, I slipped inside making as little noise as possible. Inside was not what I expected. ( image above )

It was gorgeous. Though it looked like it could greatly benefit from a good dusting on some of the bookcases. It quickly became my new favourite room. Though that fact must remain a secret, assuming he didn't catch me. There was a side room behind a large wooden door similar to the ones in front of the library. That would be explored only if there was time. Behind the door was where the snoring was coming from. I then decided to stay away from the door at nearly all costs.

I moved my attention to the stunning desk in the middle of the room. Though something confused me, Percy'd always said that I couldn't come in because of his work, yet from the looks of things nobody had touched the desk or anything on it in a long time. Why was he lying to me. What was so important that he couldn't let me in. If he claimed to love me. Why would to feel compelled to hide things like this.

Things weren't adding up. I refuse to be lied to. I'd already put up with my fair share of that and he knew it. He was the only person in the world who I'd felt comfortable enough to share that with. I was an open book to him, why would he hide things from me in return.

Completely enraged, I walked right up to the wooden door not caring how much noise I made. I turned both handles in unison and in a push of strength I forced the doors open.

In the room there was a balcony that must have a gorgeous view of the sunset. And a beautifully crafted table with oddly random objects. A golden spear, and a silver bow were leaning against the table with a large bronze hammer nearby. On the table there was an ornate hand mirror and a stunning jewel that I could've sworn I'd seen somewhere else in the castle. And next to the table stood a suit of armour. It was odd group but I felt drawn to them. Almost like there was a connection between me and them.

I turned my attention to the other side of the room to a small poorly lit alcove. In it was a bed and on it was a sleeping figure. It was too dark to make out anything descriptive. It looked to be Percy's height. Though I still advanced with my hand on the hilt of my dagger. I grabbed a candelabra off one of the other tables. And advanced.

As I approached the sleeping figure things began to both scare and confuse me. Instead of Percy's lightly tanned skin, the creature had a bright green tone in its complexion. Though I would hardly call it skin. It looked like the pelt of a dragon similar to the ones I read about in books. It's ears resembled fins. And from what I could see it's hand were webbed like a crocodiles.

This wasn't Percy. I don't know what this was. I pulled my dagger out from behind me. And bent over to see it's face.

Just my luck.

A drop of melted wax dripped off the candelabra and onto it's shoulder. Quickly it woke up and saw me. It looked more scared than me. It's eyes widened and then it spoke.

" Annabeth! What are you doing here! " It screamed.

" What are you and what have you done with Percy. " I responded. While trying to avoid showing emotions through my voice. Though to be honest I was terrified. " How do you know my name. "

" Annabeth, please believe me. I am Percy. I swear. " It sounded so desperate I almost believed it.

" You're lying! I'm not stupid! Do you think I'm that stupid! " I yelled back. I was tired of lies. This was the breaking point.

" Of course not. You're the smartest person I've ever met. And it was stupid to think I could keep this from you for much longer. " After that statement the creature looked at the table longingly. Almost like he wanted to apologize to the objects on it. I realized I could use them as leverage. I grabbed the jewel. " If you don't start giving me some actual answers I will drop this. I'd hate to see it break. "

There was a complete and utter look of fear on the creatures face.

" Annabeth, please. Don't do anything you'll regret later on. I swear I'll explain everything if you put Hazel down. " It's voice was shattered.
" I don't think I could live with myself if something happened to her. "

" Are you stupid? Hazel is my friend, and human. This is a jewel. An inANIMATE
OBJECT " I screamed. " STOP WITH THE STORIES. I WANT THE TRUTH AND I WANT IT NOW. "

It raised its hands, in surrender.

" I'm not asking you to not be mad at me. I deserve it, I know I do. But don't punish Hazel and Frank along with me. If anything happens to her not only could I never forgive myself. But Frank would have my head for it. " The creature had gone down on its knees while saying this. It was begging me.

I'm not a cruel person, I could see the desperation on it's face. I put the jewel on the table slowly and once it was back in its place relief washed over the face of the creature.

" Okay, the jewel is on the table. Safe and sound. Now if you are who you claim to be. I need proof. Tell me something only Percy would know. " I demanded. My grip still strong on the handle of my dagger.

" I know that I'm the only man besides your father to ever tell you you're beautiful while looking straight into your eyes. " It said slowly standing up. " I know that you want to be an architect because it was your mother's dream that she could never fulfill. I know your nickname for me is Seaweed Brain because of my love of the ocean and the fact that you think I'm a dimwit. "

My hand was shaking so hard I dropped my dagger. This is impossible. How could this be Percy.

" It's me Wise Girl. " He tried to reach or to me but I stepped away.

" No. You're not Percy. Sure you know those things but you're not him. " My hands were still shaking and so was my voice. " If you were Percy you would know how much I hate secrets and lies. And I'd hate to break it to you but this is a pretty big lie. Percy claims to love me, and you don't keep secrets from the people you love. "

The monster had no answer for me. He tried to reach out to me again but I ran. I didn't care where I was going. I just needed to be away from that.

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Tears blurred my eyes as I ran out the kitchen door to the garden on the grounds. I just kept running. I had nothing on but the clothes on my back. I didn't even have my dagger.

I came to a river. There was a bridge but it looked like it hadn't been used in years. I could hear footsteps coming up behind me and decided it was my only option.

The bridge was creaking under my weight the second I set foot on it. I only got halfway across it when the rotted wood gave out and dropped me down to the icy cold water of the river.

The current was strong. Too strong for me to swim against. My dress caught on something and I was stuck. I knew eventually my strength would give out and I would drown. I saw no point in delaying the inevitable.

I stopped struggling.....
And the world went black.....

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Hey guys, I know I've been gone for a while. I'm truly sorry. I just hadn't been able to bring myself to write for a while. I'm ok now though. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry not sorry for another cliffhanger. Don't forget to comment and criticism. And also vote please.

Stay amazhang

- Buddy_2002 💙💙💙