A Forgotten Maiden

Chapter 21

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the apartment, casting golden streaks on the walls as Calypso bustled about, trying to keep things organized. The smell of toast and coffee wafted from the kitchen, a weak attempt at normalcy as the group prepared for their first day back at school after their short, unplanned absence.

Eve sat at the kitchen table, her shoulders hunched and her expression stormy. She picked at a piece of toast, clearly not interested in eating it. Her sketchpad lay untouched next to her, a rare sight that only emphasized her unease.

"You don't have to do this," Percy said, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. His tone was firm, but there was an edge of softness beneath it. "Nobody's forcing you."

Eve's head shot up, her eyes blazing. "You think I don't know that? It's not about being forced—it's about surviving."

Calypso entered the room, her hands on her hips. "Eve, nobody's going to hurt you. You've been through worse."

"That doesn't mean I want to walk back into a place where everyone stares at me like I'm some kind of freak," Eve snapped, pushing her chair back and standing abruptly.

The tension in the room thickened. Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I get it. School isn't exactly my idea of a good time either, but we can't avoid it forever. If we keep hiding, it's just going to get worse."

Eve glared at him, her fingers gripping the edge of the table until her knuckles turned white. "You don't get it. You've been labeled a terrorist. You're used to the stares, the whispers. I'm not."

Percy flinched at the word, but he didn't argue. Instead, he took a deep breath, as if steadying himself. "Fine. If it'll help you feel safer, I'll bring something."

Calypso froze mid-step, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean, 'something'?"

Percy turned and disappeared into his room without answering. When he returned a moment later, he was tucking one of his pistols into the holster at his side, concealed under his jacket.

"Percy," Calypso said sharply, her voice laced with concern. "You can't just walk into a school armed. Do you remember what happened the last time people thought you were dangerous?"

Percy's jaw tightened, but he met her gaze evenly. "I remember," he said quietly. "But if it's the difference between Eve feeling safe enough to leave this apartment or not, I'll take the risk."

Eve looked at him, her expression wavering between guilt and gratitude. "You don't have to—"

"Yes, I do," Percy interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "We're a team, Eve. And that means I have your back, no matter what."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them. Finally, Eve nodded, her defiance softening. "Alright," she murmured. "Let's go."

The walk to the school was quieter than usual. Percy stayed close to Eve, his eyes scanning the surroundings out of habit. Calypso trailed slightly behind, her worry etched into her features.

As they approached the building, Eve's steps faltered. The looming facade of the school seemed to grow taller with every step, the murmur of students gathering outside like a rising tide of anxiety.

Percy noticed and stopped, turning to face her. "Hey," he said, his voice low. "One step at a time. Nobody's going to mess with you while I'm here."

Eve hesitated, then nodded, drawing a deep breath before following him through the gates.

The whispers started almost immediately. Eyes turned toward them, students nudging each other as they passed. Percy kept his head high, his expression unreadable, but Calypso could see the tension in his shoulders.