𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋¹ || 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐗𝐗

✦ 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐈𝐃 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 ✦

THE MORNING WAS SOMBER AT CAMP HALF-BLOOD AS THE SUN CAST A SOFT GLOW OVER THE GROUNDS. In the midst of packing and preparations in front of her, Aurora's thoughts were consumed by one pressing matter: Percy.

She couldn't bear the thought of him being out there, unaware of the possible danger that loomed over him. As Chiron packed his belongings, Aurora approached him, her expression earnest and determined.

"Chiron," she began, her voice tinged with urgency, "I need to go. I need to find Percy. I can't just sit here and do nothing. His place is here at Camp, he needs to know what's going on."

Chiron paused, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of concern and reluctance. "My dear, Aurora, I understand your concern, but it's too risky. We can't afford to put you in harm's way as well."

Aurora's resolve remained unwavering as she pleaded, "I already am, Chiron. The borders are weak, you are leaving, then we have Tantalus being here with no care in the world. Please, Chiron. Percy is my friend, my family. I promise I'll be careful. I'm asking you cause I know Tantalus won't let me."

After a moment of contemplation, Chiron sighed, his expression softened by compassion. "Very well, Aurora. I trust your judgment. But be cautious, and return as soon as you can. I'll arrange for Argus to take you to Percy's apartment before he leaves."

Relief washed over Aurora as she thanked Chiron profusely before rushing off to get ready to leave.

As Argus prepared to depart, she couldn't shake the sense of urgency that drove her forward, fueled by the need to ensure Percy and the Camp's safety at all costs.

✦

The streets of Manhattan bustled with activity as Aurora made her way to Percy's apartment building.

With a sense of urgency driving her every step, she summoned her powers, cloaking herself in invisibility, and unfurled her wings, soaring silently to the back of the building where Percy's window awaited.

Peering through the glass, Aurora blushed.

It was her first time seeing Percy physically in months. Aurora's gaze lingered on Percy's sleeping form, taking in the subtle changes in his appearance.

His frame seemed somehow taller, more defined, with muscles starting to form beneath his bare torso. The tousled locks of his raven hair, longer now than she remembered, framed his face in a disheveled halo.

A blush crept into Aurora's cheeks as she observed him, a mixture of admiration and something else she couldn't quite name stirring within her.

She quickly averted her gaze, chiding herself for such unbidden thoughts in a moment of vulnerability for Percy. Yet, she couldn't deny the undeniable allure of his newfound strength and rugged charm, even in the midst of his troubled slumber.