Born To Die

Flashback chapter from Lukes perspective

Luke's POV

The Princess Andromeda is a monster of a ship, and running it requires every ounce of my attention. It's not just about keeping the ship afloat, though—there's always something else in motion. Orders from Kronos, strategies for recruiting new demigods, planning the next phase of our plans. It's exhausting.

I haven't had much time to visit Isla like I promised, and that weighs on me more than I care to admit. She's been on my mind constantly. I know she's angry, I know she's hurting, but every time I'm about to slip away for a moment to see her, something else comes up. It's always something. And now, with the ship running at full speed, there's barely a moment to breathe, let alone think about anything else.

As I walk through the upper deck, Alison catches my eye again. She's lounging on the railing, casually flipping through a book, though I can tell her attention isn't really on the pages. She flashes me a smile, one of those wide, predatory grins she always gives me when she wants something.

"Luke," she purrs, leaning a little closer, her eyes glinting with something I can't quite put my finger on. "You really should take a break. You look exhausted."

I don't want to admit it, but she's right. I am exhausted. Running everything, keeping the ship in line, making sure every plan goes according to Kronos' orders—it's wearing me thin. I force a smile, trying to keep it casual.

"I'm fine, Alison. Just... got a lot on my plate right now."

Her laugh is soft, but there's something too knowing about it. She sets the book down, and suddenly, she's standing next to me, her fingers brushing against my arm. "I get it. You're a busy guy. But you should still relax. You know, I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to. Or... something else."

I force myself to keep my expression neutral. She's flirting. Again. Honestly, it's starting to get old. But what's worse is that, despite myself, I feel a flicker of guilt. Isla... she's out there, somewhere, waiting for me to show up. To visit. To show her that I haven't forgotten. And here I am, stuck in a situation that feels more and more like a distraction.

"I'm not interested, Alison," I say, my voice quieter than I mean for it to be. "I've got other things on my mind."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unbothered by my rejection. "Other things? Like Isla?"

The name catches me off guard, and I feel a flicker of irritation rise within me. "What about her?"

Alison steps a little closer, her voice lowering, almost taunting. "I can tell she's been on your mind. But I'm not sure she's as devoted to you as you are to her. You've been keeping your distance, Luke. She might get the wrong idea."

I grit my teeth, pushing back the storm of frustration building inside me. "I know what I'm doing, Alison. Don't worry about it."

But the truth is, I am worried. I'm worried because the longer I stay away from Isla, the more I feel like I'm losing her. I haven't been there for her. Not the way I should've been. And every day that passes, I can't help but wonder if she'll start to think I've abandoned her for good.

But then, just as quickly as the feeling appears, I push it down. I can't let myself be consumed with guilt. I made my choices. I chose this path with Isla. I've always chosen her.

Alison seems to sense my frustration. She leans in a little closer, her fingers brushing the back of my hand. "If you're feeling conflicted, Luke... maybe you should consider what you really want. You've been stuck here, busy with all of this... but what about you? What makes you happy?"

The question lingers in the air, heavy and insistent. I want to answer her. I want to tell her that I'm doing this because it's what I have to do. That I'm doing it for Isla. But the words are stuck in my throat.