Revenge of the Wraith

Prologue

So while the prologue may not seem like it, this is an incredibly dark book. Do not read it if you have a history of abuse or if you do not like horror.

"Hey Annabeth!" Percy yelled from his cabin. She ran over, her blonde curls bouncing with each step. "Hey Percy, what's up?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

"I wanted to ask if you wanted to go to the lake. We've got free time for the first time in nearly a year, and I'd like to make the most of it before we're sent off again to do the gods' bidding." He grinned, his sea-green eyes sparkling with excitement.

She smiled, leaning in to peck him on the lips. "I'd love that, Seaweed Brain. Let me grab my swimsuit." She jogged off to her cabin, while Percy walked over to the lake.

He arrived early and decided to set up a little camp for them. He gathered some stray sticks from around the lake and arranged them in a cone-like shape near the entrance. He lit the fire using Riptide and a rock he found nearby.

"Aww, you didn't have to make it special," a familiar voice said behind him. He turned to see Annabeth and smiled. "What do you mean? Of course I did."

"You always make me feel special, even when I think you can't top yourself," she said, looking at him with admiration. He was too busy gazing at her to notice if she said anything else.

Her amazing blonde curls were lit up by the full moon, which did a brilliant job of highlighting her features. Percy was mesmerized.

"Percy, if I wanted to get stared at, I would've gone to the Aphrodite cabin," Annabeth said, her cheeks turning pink.

Snapping out of his stupor, he apologized. "Sorry, we haven't had a moment like this in such a long time. With my recently recovered memories, it feels like it's been even longer. And the fact that you look amazing tonight doesn't help."

She blushed and kissed him, much longer than before. When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless. Annabeth snuggled next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. The warmth of the fire and Percy's body made a perfect pillow.

"So, what's been on your mind lately?" Annabeth asked, her voice soft.

Percy shrugged. "Just... everything. The quests, the battles, the prophecies. It feels like we never get a break."

"I know what you mean," she agreed. "But moments like this make it all worth it. Being here with you, it's perfect."

He looked down at her, his heart swelling with affection. "You know, you're pretty amazing, Wise Girl."

She chuckled. "And you're not too bad yourself, Seaweed Brain."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling of the fire and the gentle lapping of the lake providing a soothing background. Annabeth soon fell asleep, her head resting on Percy's shoulder. He watched her for a while, feeling content.

Just as he was about to doze off, he felt a presence behind him. Turning around, he tried to see who it was, but a strong hand grabbed him. "Don't worry, I won't hurt her. I came for you," a gruff voice said.

Percy struggled, but he was overpowered. He began to fall asleep due to his asphyxiation. All he saw at the end was Annabeth's peaceful form in a shroud of his rapidly closing vision.