The aftermath of the battle was quiet. The sounds of victory were muted by the toll it had taken on the camp. Many campers had been injured, though none fatally, and the camp was exhausted. But there was relief in the air as the survivors gathered around the campfire to tend to wounds and share their stories of survival.
Annabeth sat beside Piper, her body sore from the fight, but her mind was clearer than it had been in weeks. The battle had been grueling, but the moment it was over, something else had shifted within her. She looked around at her friends, at the campers, and she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time—hope.
"You did good today," Piper said softly, nudging Annabeth with her shoulder.
Annabeth smiled, her heart swelling at the words. "We did good. Together."
The fire crackled between them, and for the first time since the battle, Annabeth felt at peace.
SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER, I AM STUDYING FOR MY EXAMS!
