The Breaking Point

Jealousy

The golden morning light filtered through the trees of Camp Half-Blood as the demigods gathered for another round of training. Percy stood with his sword in hand, watching the others prepare for the day's activities. The looming threat of Kronos and Voldemort weighed heavily on everyone, but there was something else adding to the tension—Annabeth.

She had been giving Hermione cold looks since the previous night, and the way her eyes followed Percy now was far from subtle. It was like she was waiting for a crack, something to exploit. The jealousy radiating from her was thick enough that even Grover had mentioned feeling it through his empathy link.

As the demigods stretched and prepared their weapons, Percy found himself paired with Hermione for some light sparring. The closeness of their training brought back the conversation they'd had by the lake, and though there was still some unspoken tension between them, Percy felt more at ease with her than with anyone else. That didn't stop him from glancing at Annabeth every few moments, catching her shooting daggers at Hermione with her eyes.

"I can feel her staring," Hermione whispered, her brow furrowed as she blocked Percy's incoming strike with a simple parry.

Percy smirked, stepping back and lowering his sword for a moment. "You get used to it."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

They both laughed softly, but the moment was brief. Annabeth's voice cut through the air.

"Looks like someone's gotten soft," Annabeth called out, her tone sharp and filled with accusation. "You two seem to have plenty of time to chat."

Percy stiffened, his grip tightening on his sword. He didn't want another confrontation, not here in front of everyone. "We're training just like everyone else, Annabeth."

She crossed her arms, walking closer. "Is that what you call it? Training? Or are you just distracted by other things?" Her eyes flicked toward Hermione, her tone dripping with venom.

"Annabeth, knock it off," Percy said, trying to keep his voice calm but firm. "This isn't the time for this."

"Isn't it?" Annabeth shot back. "I wonder how Harry and Ron would feel if they knew you were spending all your time with her while they're off fighting Voldemort."

Hermione bristled at the mention of her friends, and Percy felt his patience wearing thin. He turned to face Annabeth fully, his voice low. "They'd understand, Annabeth. You don't."

Annabeth's expression hardened. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could say anything, a light, dreamy voice cut through the tension.

"Oh, you two should stop bickering. The vibe is completely off today." Luna Lovegood approached, walking over to where they were standing, her wide, curious eyes taking in the scene. Neville trailed behind her, looking somewhat awkward but ready for training nonetheless.

Annabeth scowled but didn't respond to Luna, instead turning away with a frustrated huff.

"Thanks, Luna," Percy muttered, giving her a small smile. He was grateful for the distraction. Luna's presence had a way of diffusing tension, even if her remarks were often a bit offbeat.

Luna smiled dreamily. "It's nothing. There's been a lot of negative energy in the air lately. I'd recommend everyone wear a necklace of dirigible plum."

Neville, who had taken a seat on a nearby rock, chimed in. "Hermione, Percy, how are Harry and Ron doing? It's been ages since we heard from them."

Percy looked to Hermione, who sighed softly before responding. "They're managing. Dumbledore has them busy, though they don't tell me much through letters. I worry about them."