Annabeth woke to the feeling of Percy shaking. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she turned to see Percy beside her, his face twisted in distress, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. His fingers clutched the sheets tightly, his whole body tense.

“Percy,” she whispered, sitting up. He didn’t wake.

Frowning, she placed a gentle hand on his arm, then shook him lightly. “Percy, wake up. It’s just a dream.”

His eyes snapped open, wild and unfocused, his chest rising and falling too fast. For a moment, he looked lost—like he wasn’t in their cabin at Camp Half-Blood, but somewhere else entirely. Somewhere darker.

Annabeth didn’t hesitate. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, pressing her forehead to his. “You’re okay,” she murmured. “I’m here. You’re safe.”

His breathing slowed as he clung to her, grounding himself. Eventually, he let out a shaky sigh, burying his face in her shoulder.

“Sorry,” he mumbled, voice hoarse.

Annabeth shook her head. “Don’t be stupid, Seaweed Brain.” She ran her fingers through his hair, soothing. “You’re not alone.”

He exhaled, his grip on her tightening for a second before loosening. “Thanks, Wise Girl.”

She only hummed, holding him until his breathing evened out again. Until he drifted back into sleep, this time without nightmares.