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chapter forty-five ( the last olympian ) ❝ to family! ❞
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I felt stupid for passing out in Percy's arms in seeing Luke's body be taken by the Fates. But I was so tired ... and in so much pain ... and I don't even know. The grief I felt for Luke was different than others I've felt when someone I cared about has passed. I don't know whether it was the exhaustion of watching so many go, or whether it was a sad understanding. A realisation that Luke was better off now. That he was now free, and at peace, and had a second chance; to make everything right. It was sad, but there was also something happy about it.
When I came to, I was surprised to feel no pain at all. I looked at my fingers and saw no bruises or cuts, I could move my arm without any trouble. I felt someone brush my hair out of my face and there was Hannah, cupping my cheek with a tearful smile.
She didn't need to say anything. I sat up and I wrapped my arms around her, holding tight. She held my head, letting out a few relieved sobs. It was over. We had won. I'm alive. We're alive.
"I'm so proud of you," said Hannah in a whisper, running her hands through my hair.
Hearing those words made me break out into a few tears. I held on tighter and closed my eyes, burrowing my head into the crook of her shoulder; into a mother's touch; one that meant more to me than my real mothers ever did.
"Thanks, Mom," I whispered back.
Her breath hitched. She froze for a second, but then relaxed and pressed a loving kiss to the side of my head.
Even though I wanted to stay with her, I also wanted to find the others. Making my way into the throne room, Zeus was halfway through making a speech. Careful, I slipped in unnoticed, coming to stand in with Grover, Annabeth and Percy.
"Miss much?" I asked Percy in a whisper.
"Nobody's planning to kill us, so far," he replied back, leaning in close.
"Wow ... first time today."
He snorted and I hid a smile. Grover and Annabeth nudged us because Hera was giving us dirty looks.
"As for my brothers," Zeus said, "we are thankful━" he cleared his throat, like the next words were hard for him to get out, "━erm, thankful for the aid of Hades."
The god nodded. He had a smug look on his face, and I smirked. He had most definitely earned the right; him and Nico. He patted his son on the shoulders, and Nico looked happier than I have ever seen him. It made my heart flutter.
