The taxi rattles like it’s being held together by dust and poor decisions, the Gray Sisters arguing over directions while Percy clutches the seat like it’s a lifeline. Tyson is smiling at every pothole like it’s a carnival ride.

You’re wedged between Percy and a pile of questionable laundry when one of the Sisters suddenly twists around, her single shared eye popping inches from your face. Then she smirks.

“Ahhh… is this the boyfriend?”

You freeze so hard you might actually stop breathing. Percy’s eyes go wide. Tyson gasps. The taxi swerves.

“Boyfriend!? I never said boyfriend!” you blurt, pure panic spiking through your chest as you whip around to Percy like he somehow caused this.

Percy lifts his hands slowly, carefully, like you’re a startled animal and he’s avoiding getting bitten. “Okay…” he whispers, reaching for a drachma like a peace offering as he pays for Tyson’s place in the ride.

“I DIDN’T!” you shout, voice cracking with the betrayal of the universe itself.

Percy flinches so hard the coin almost slips from his fingers. “I—I believe you!” he says quickly, nodding fast. “Totally! Completely! One hundred percent!”

The taxi lurches again. The Sister cackles. Tyson pats Percy’s shoulder sympathetically.