The skyline of New York City sprawled before you, the towering skyscrapers gleaming in the afternoon sun. The streets below teemed with chaos—injured demigods staggered alongside oblivious, sleeping mortals. You pushed through the crowd, your heart pounding in your chest as you sprinted toward the Empire State Building, the last place Percy Jackson was seen.

Only a year had passed since you and Percy started dating, but the thought of losing him terrified you. Your throat tightened as you fought the urge to cry. You had a role to play, leading the second group of demigods in the defense against Kronos’ forces, and you knew you had to stand strong. Still, the life of a demigod was never fair.

You blinked back tears and neared the entrance of the Empire State Building, your breath coming in short, shaky gasps. Inside, you caught sight of Annabeth. Her tall figure stood out among the chaos, her blond hair streaked with dirt and blood. You rushed to her, barely able to speak.

"Annabeth!" you panted, desperation creeping into your voice. "Where’s Percy?"

Her gray eyes met yours. She hesitated, then shook her head, her lips pressed into a grim line. Your heart lurched as a dizzying wave of fear crashed over you. You struggled to stay upright, your vision blurring.

Suddenly, something caught your attention. You turned around, and there he was—across the street, battered and bruised, but unmistakably alive. Percy Jackson. His face was streaked with blood and grime, his clothes torn and soaked in sweat, but his green eyes gleamed with that familiar spark.

Percy smiled, the corners of his lips curling. Slowly, he raised his arms, bruises and cuts marred his skin, some still bleeding.

And just like that, you broke. A sob escaped your throat as you ran toward him. Percy stepped forward just in time to catch you as you leapt into his arms. He held you tightly, spinning you in the air. His forehead rested gently against yours, and his smile, that warm, reassuring smile, never wavered.

“I’m back,” he whispered.