Betrayed But Never Forgotten

KILL him now or later

Annabeths pov

Rage surged through my veins like Greek fire. I could kill Jason now or later – my mind settled on now. Without hesitation, I lunged at him, the familiar weight of my drakon-bone dagger finding his throat as we crashed to the ground. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, but I didn't care. I pinned him down, my knees digging into his chest.

Fear flickered across his face for a split second before he forced it behind that infuriating mask of indifference. My grip tightened on the dagger's hilt until my knuckles turned white.

"What did you say to him?" I snarled, close enough to see the tiny sparks of electricity dancing in his blue eyes. The exact words had been lost to distance, but Percy's reaction told me everything I needed to know. Percy Jackson, who had faced down titans and giants, who had fallen into Tartarus itself, didn't run from anything – unless it cut deeper than any monster's claws could reach.

"I said the truth," Jason replied, his voice steady despite the blade at his throat. "Someone had to."

Around us, a crowd was gathering. I could hear the whispers, see the phones coming out to record what was happening, but I didn't care. Let them watch. Let them see what happened when someone hurt Percy Jackson.

"The truth?" I pressed the blade down harder, letting him feel its icy kiss. "The truth is you're jealous. The truth is you can't stand that Percy earned his reputation while you're still riding on your praetor status. The truth is you knew exactly which wounds to reopen." My voice dropped to a whisper that only he could hear. "You knew about their sacrifices. You knew what their deaths did to him. You're not speaking truth, Jason Grace. You're wielding pain like a weapon."

Something dark flashed across his face. "You don't know everything, Chase. Maybe it's time someone reminded Percy that actions have consequences. That being a hero means—"

"Being a hero?" I cut him off, my laugh bitter and sharp. "You want to talk about being a hero? While you're manipulating new campers, spreading lies, attacking someone you called friend? Is that your definition of heroism?"

Jason's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath his scar. "You're just like the rest – blind to his faults, to the wake of destruction he leaves behind. Some wise daughter of Athena you turned out to be."

My dagger pressed deeper, drawing a thin line of red. "Say that again," I challenged, my voice deadly quiet. "Say one more word about—"

Strong hands suddenly grabbed my shoulders, pulling me off Jason. I thrashed against the grip until I recognized Chiron's voice, stern with barely contained anger.

"This is unacceptable behavior," he declared, his tail flicking agitatedly. "Return to your normal activities immediately. Ms. Chase," his disappointed gaze fell heavily on me, "I expected better from you."

"But Chiron, he—" I started, but he held up a hand, silencing my protest.

"To the Big House. Now." His tone left no room for argument as he cantered away.

I spun around to confront Jason again, but he had already disappeared into the crowd – a coward's retreat. My hands were still shaking with adrenaline and rage.

Piper appeared at my side, her hand gentle but firm on my shoulder. "Hey," she said softly, her kaleidoscope eyes full of understanding. "I know you want to kill Jason – believe me, I get it. But right now, Percy needs you more than Jason needs a beating."

"He deserves worse than a beating," I growled, but the red haze of anger was already starting to clear from my vision.

"Oh, he'll get what's coming to him," Piper assured me, a dangerous edge to her usually melodic voice. "But Percy's alone right now, probably drowning in memories Jason dredged up. You really want to waste time here when you could be helping him?"

She was right, of course. I took a deep breath, sheathing my dagger. "Watch Jason for me? Something's not right with him, and it's not just jealousy."

Piper nodded grimly. "Already on it. Go take care of our Seaweed Brain. And Annabeth?" she called as I turned to leave. "Next time you decide to kill Jason... save some for me."