𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋¹ || 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐂𝐈𝐈

✦ 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 ✦

PERFECT. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT. TOO PERFECT— MAYBE AURORA SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. Her life continued as normal. Weeks flowed seamlessly for Aurora, each day feeling like a comforting echo of the last. She spent cherished moments with Percy at his home, getting to know his parents, Sally and Paul, better.

They were warm and welcoming, treating her like family from the moment she stepped through their door. Whether it was Sally teaching her a new recipe or Paul sharing stories about his days as a teacher, Aurora felt at home.

Back at Camp Half-Blood, life was equally routine yet fulfilling. Under Chiron's wise guidance, she continued her studies, and her training, honing her skills and pushing her boundaries. She took on a nurturing role with the newer campers, guiding them through their initial days with a mix of kindness and firmness.

The bond between her and Percy only grew stronger with each passing day. Every week, when Percy wasn't swamped with schoolwork, they would go on dates, exploring new places and making new memories.

Percy even took it upon himself to teach her how to skateboard, resulting in a few comical falls and a lot of laughter. Their evenings were often spent watching movies, baking cookies, or simply lying down, gazing up at the stars, and sharing whispered dreams and hopes.

Aurora also found herself accompanying Annabeth to Olympus occasionally. While Annabeth focused on architectural plans and layouts, Aurora would lose herself in her art, painting vibrant landscapes and intricate designs. Her creations, filled with emotion and beauty, now adorned the walls of Olympus, a testament to her talent and passion.

Yes, everything was perfect. Perhaps too perfect. The tranquility was almost unnerving, a calm before the storm.

And just when Aurora thought she had found her slice of paradise, when she felt like she could truly bask in the joy and love surrounding her, it all came crashing down.

✦

The air was crisp with the chill of winter, the world blanketed in a layer of pristine white snow. Despite the cold, there was a warmth in the air— a sense of anticipation and joy.

Percy had managed to secure an early winter break from school, giving him and Aurora three precious weeks together. The prospect of such uninterrupted time made their hearts swell with happiness.

As Percy stepped into Camp Half-Blood, his gaze immediately sought out Thalia's pine tree, their chosen meeting spot. A figure was already waiting there, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, casting a golden halo around her.

It was Aurora, her eyes sparkling with excitement and her cheeks flushed from the cold.

Seeing Percy, her face broke into a radiant smile, and she bounded towards him, her boots crunching in the fresh snow. They met halfway, wrapping their arms around each other in a tight embrace, the kind that spoke volumes, conveying months of longing and love.