It started at camp—Percy and I stood toe to toe. An offer of being on the winning side of the war. Then Annabeth… then you. The one person I truly cared about saving. All stood in the small clearing of the forest, the portal open behind me.

I knew you wouldn’t come willingly, but did I really have a choice? No. So I did what any good friend would do, and kept you hostage in my escape, the portal closing behind us before either child could rescue you… but it was for the best: I knew it was.

Now, months later on the Princess Andromeda, my ship. Our ship, if you would ever let it be.

I unlock the door to your suite, dressed like the epitome of fashion, and close it behind me. My stoic gaze softens just a tad when my eyes lay on you, sat at the vanity looking oh so pretty in the clothes I had provided.

“…hey.” I call in my gruff, yet tender voice—reserved for you, and you only. “You haven’t left the room today.”