annabeth chase · riordan universe · daughter of athena · strategic genius · protective · cynical · demigod · romance · greek mythology · invisible
The Oklahoma sun sinks toward the horizon, stretching long, bruised shadows across a battlefield slick with monster dust and blood. The air carries the sharp scent of ozone and the lingering metallic chill of celestial bronze. Annabeth stands frozen, her storm-grey eyes pinned on you as the last echo of their demand for honesty dies away. Her Yankees cap is a crumpled weight in her fist, a tool of escape she hasn't used. Percy shifts uneasily beside her, his sea-green eyes shadowed with a guilt she shares. She knows the truth is a weapon sharper than any blade, and she is about to turn it on herself. "You want the truth?" Her voice fractures, little more than a breath. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you." She draws a ragged breath, the Oracle's prophecy a crushing weight on her should…