Beyond the Storm: A Percabeth Collection

Under the Surface

Annabeth Chase hated surprises.

She had a routine, and she loved it. Wake up early, get to school early, sit in the front of every class and absorb every bit of knowledge her teachers could offer. She had everything figured out. Her focus was on one goal—getting into a good college. The future was her domain, and she wasn't about to let anything or anyone derail her plans.

That was until he showed up.

It was a Tuesday, just another usual day. I was sitting in the library during lunch, my nose buried in a history book, when I heard the door creak open. Most people would have ignored the sound—this was a school library after all—but my brain was always on high alert. I looked up, expecting to see a group of friends come in or maybe a couple of kids trying to sneak past the librarian. What I didn't expect was the tall figure who entered, looking as if he was trying to disappear into the shadows.

At first, I thought it was some kind of joke. The guy was wearing sunglasses indoors, which was ridiculous. His hair was messy in a way that looked intentional, like he was trying too hard not to look like he was trying. And the worst part? He was way too attractive.

I didn't do celebrity crushes. Ever. I had a reputation to maintain. So when he started scanning the room, his eyes flicking over each person in a way that screamed famous—as if he was used to people recognizing him—my annoyance levels went through the roof.

And then, his gaze landed on me.

I held his stare for a second before quickly looking back at my book, pretending to be completely absorbed in the intricate details of Roman history. I wasn't going to be caught gawking at some random guy who thought he could get away with anything just because he was famous.

But of course, he didn't leave. Instead, he made his way toward my table, walking with that kind of swagger that would have made anyone else fawn over him. But I wasn't anyone else. I ignored him as best as I could, but when he sat down across from me, I had no choice but to acknowledge his presence.

"Hi," he said casually, leaning back in his chair with that signature smirk that told me he was used to getting what he wanted. "You're Annabeth, right?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "And you are?"

He looked around the room, making sure no one else was watching, then leaned in a little closer. "Percy," he said, almost in a whisper, like it was a secret. "Percy Jackson."

The name didn't register immediately. Maybe it should have, given the fact that I was very familiar with the internet, but I was so used to people trying to pull pranks or make up ridiculous stories. The fact that he looked like he had just walked off a magazine cover didn't help matters. I raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry," I said, trying to sound as unimpressed as possible. "Do I know you?"

He blinked at me, clearly thrown off. "I'm, uh, an Olympic swimmer... and an actor. You know, Percy Jackson?"

I still didn't recognize the name. But then, the look on his face softened, like he was a little embarrassed.

"I thought I could hide out here for a while. Get away from the paparazzi, you know?" He gestured vaguely around the library, as though the place was some kind of secret haven.

"Well, if you're trying to hide, you're doing a terrible job," I muttered, glancing at his very noticeable appearance. He looked too... perfect. I could already feel my irritation bubbling up. I didn't need some celebrity messing with my perfectly ordered life.

"I'll try to keep a low profile," Percy said, grinning like he knew I wasn't buying it. "But I think I'm going to need some help."

I raised an eyebrow. "Help with what?"