𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖 ༄ ᴘercy ᴊᴀᴄᴋꜱᴏɴ

my exemplary disguise skills are revealed

Percy seemed to spring into action immediately, slipping his invisibility cap on and disappearing.

Me?

Well, I needed to pee. Very badly. It seems that riding a pegasus for hours on end, after a full night of sleep was not beneficial for your bladder.

I heard Percy whisper, "I'm going to follow Thorn. Try and make a disguise and follow me."

I cleared my throat."Maybe after. I'm gonna pop to the mall actually."

There was a pause. I couldn't see him, but I could imagine him staring at me incredulously. I grinned guiltily at the air, before turning and heading to the mall.

It was loud and busy, but the bathrooms on the top floor were extremely clean and also surprisingly empty. I finished in there quickly, in case someone died and I wasn't there to see it.

I hopped into the elevator, pressing the button for ground floor. Another person was already in there.

He was quite handsome, I couldn't help but think. Blonde sandy hair and blue eyes. A scar that ran from the bottom of his eye to his chin.

Elavator music began to play as I tapped my fingers against my thigh in time with the music. I couldn't help but feel awkward as we stood together in silence.

Was I the only one imagining this awkward silence? Is it just in my head? Should I say something to diffuse the tension? Just wait till I get out?

As always, I went with the stupidest option. "I like your scar."

His head snapped towards me, a confused expression on his face. "Hmm?"

"Your scar. I like it. Makes you look badass."

He smiled, but raised his eyebrows in a way that made you think he didn't believe you. "Thanks. I like your smile."

I couldn't help but grin again, and he smiled in amusement. "Are you here on a trip?" He asked.

"Nah, I'm here with some friends."

His expression flickered. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Oh! Uh, I actually go to a camp."

His expression fully darkened. "Oh."

The awkward silence was back. "What about you? Are you here with your friends?"

"No. I have a meeting." His tone was colder.

"Nice." I drawled. Only three more floors. I was nearly there.

"What's your name?" He asked.

Maybe it was his cold tone that made me lie. Maybe it was the way he immediately switched up when I mentioned a camp. Maybe it was the fact that he had a scar, and when he smiled, his eyes crinkled the way Connor's and Travis's had.

"Neela."

A pause. The elavator dinged at the second floor. He moved forward.

"What's yours?"

He glanced back.

"Luke."

The doors closed again.

Lee's words came back to me.

Luke.

The traitor. He was here. We were all in danger.

The doors dinged at the ground floor and I rushed out, wishing desperately that I had at least asked Percy where he was going.

I left the mall first, eyes roaming desperately for anyone I knew.