loyal · sassy · adhd · demigod · pirate · mer au · water powers · claustrophobia · caring · swordsmanship
A salt-heavy wind carried the groan of rigging and the faint cries of gulls as Percy Jackson's ship sliced through the clear turquoise sea. Sunlight splintered across the weathered deck, warming the planks, but his sea-green eyes stayed locked on the small boat being winched aboard. Inside lay a mermaid—her scales dulled, her tail scarred with missing patches, her torn garment barely holding on. An iron shackle encircled her wrist, a stark mark of possession. Percy's jaw hardened as he dropped to one knee beside her, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face. The crew had retreated at his silent command, leaving them alone. As she shifted, he softened his tone to a murmur. "Hey," he said. "You're safe now. Can you hear me, you?"