❝In a fight, they're lethal. Around each other, they melt❞
"I'm fine." I said, trying to hide the frown and tears that threatened to spill.
Percy looked at me once.
"I'm not going anywhere, unless you tell me what's wrong," he declared and I would h...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"What are you doing, Jackson?" hissed Dr. Thorn when Percy stopped with his eyes closed. "Keep moving!"
Caelan snaked his arm around my shoulder, holding Bianca's hand in his other hand and I kept my hand clasped tightly around Nico's. We exchanged looks as our younger siblings watched Percy and Dr. Thorn exchange words. The conversation went something similar to this.
Caelan: If we get the chance, run. I'll help Percy distract Thorn, but you need to get out and run
Me: What, no! You'll get both of you killed.
Caelan: You will do as I say, Nova.
Me: Since when are you the boss? We agreed on making decisions together. Not you doing something and me following blindly
Caelan: Papa told me to protect you, Nico and Bianca. You will listen to me, little girl.
I let out an audible gasp and Percy turned towards me but I waved him off, keeping myself from crying. I roughly shoved Caelan's arm off and moved to the other side of Nico.
"Nova?" Nico whispered and I leaned down so he could whisper in my ear. "Are you and Cae arguing again?"
I choked back a sob. I didn't mean to worry them. "No, bud. Just trying to figure out a plan."
Thorn herded us outside and I tried my best to ignore the looks my siblings were shooting my way. He marched us into the woods. We took a snowy path dimly lit by old-fashioned lamplights. I watched Percy shiver and I took my jacket, wrapping it around his shoulders. He looked back and I smiled. After making sure Nico and Bianca weren't looking, I flipped Caelan off and he did it back.
"There is a clearing ahead," Thorn said. "We will summon your ride."
"What ride?" Bianca demanded before I could stop her. "Where are you taking us?"
"Silence, you insufferable girl!"
"Watch how you're talking to my little sister." Caelan stepped in front of Bianca and Nico, not bothering to shield me which I was thankful for. I wasn't a little girl and I didn't want my brother's protection.
Dr. Thorn made a growling sound that definitely wasn't human. It made the hairs stand up on the back of my arms and neck stand up. "Halt."
The woods opened up to a cliff facing the ocean. I knew from the faint sound of waves churning below that the drop would be deadly. Dr. Thorn pushed us towards the edge and Percy stumbled but I wrapped an arm around his waist before he could fall and Bianca grabbed one of his hands.
