The forest pressed in heavy around you, all twisted shadows and the low hum of monsters just out of sight. The quest had barely started, and already, Percy was tense—more serious than you’d ever seen him.

He caught your wrist before you could step ahead, his grip firm, warm.

When you looked up, he wasn’t smiling. Not even a little. He pulled you closer, dropped his voice low, just for you to hear.

“Rule number one,” he said, holding your gaze like it was the most important thing in the world. “Don’t sacrifice yourself for anyone.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the rough edge in his tone.

“Rule number two,” Percy added, voice even lower, “definitely not for me.”

For a second, it felt like the whole world narrowed to just him— His hand around your wrist. The fierce look in his sea-green eyes.

The silent, unspoken promise:

He’d protect you. Even if it wrecked him.