The Sea Tyrant's Obsession (PJO x ROR) 18+ WTM/WTS Book 1

Spending Time With Her Cousins (Unknowingly)

(Present)

Percy awoke to the soft murmurs of water and the faint glow of the enchanted lanterns outside her balcony. For a moment, the surreal beauty of her room and the events of the previous day felt like a dream. But the weight of reality pressed down as the memory of Poseidon's betrayal and her current stay in Helheim resurfaced.

A gentle knock on her door broke her reverie.

"Come in," she said, sitting up and smoothing her tangled hair.

The door creaked open, and Macaria stepped in, a serene smile on her face. "Father wanted to let you rest, but my siblings and I thought you might like some company today. Would you join us for breakfast?"

Percy nodded, grateful for the warmth in Macaria's demeanor. "I'd like that."

As they walked through the maze-like corridors, Percy noticed more of the palace's intricate beauty. Macaria occasionally pointed out rooms and artifacts, her explanations soft and patient.

When they reached the dining hall, Melinoë and Zagreus were already seated. Zagreus grinned and waved. "Morning, Percy! Sit next to me—I saved the best spot for you."

"Don't flatter yourself, Zag," Melinoë muttered, her mismatched eyes flicking toward Percy. "But yes, sit here. It's easier to explain things when we're not shouting across the table."

Percy laughed and settled between the two.

"Where are your parents? They are not joining us?" She asked.

"They're attending to matters of the realm," Macaria explained as she took her seat. Her tone was calm, though there was an edge of formality to her words. "Father is overseeing petitions from the newly arrived souls, and Mother prefers the quiet of her garden in the mornings."

Zagreus leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily. "Which means we've got you all to ourselves."

He winked at Percy, making her look away, her face reddening slightly.

The breakfast was unexpectedly lively. Zagreus recounted tales of his many attempts to escape the Underworld, painting vivid pictures of battles, bargains, and mishaps. "You'd think after the hundredth time, Father would let me win one."

Macaria chuckled. "Or you'd think you'd give up trying to cheat death."

"Where's the fun in that?" Zagreus replied cheekily.

Melinoë, though quieter, contributed with sharp remarks that made Percy laugh despite herself. "He's not trying to cheat death; he's just bad at it."

As the meal wound down, Zagreus leaned forward, his silver hair catching the faint light. "So, Percy, do you want to meet our dog?"

"Sure. Is your dog named Cerberus?" Percy asked curiously.

There's a good chance Cerberus exists in this world, Percy thought.

"Yes. How do you know th—oh wait! Of course, you would know!" Zagreus smacked his forehead.

"Right... you guys watched my life too," Percy deadpanned.

The atmosphere suddenly grew awkward.

"How about we take Percy to see Cerberus?" Macaria suggested, breaking the tension.

The group quickly finished their meal and led Percy out of the dining hall, guiding her deeper into the palace.
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The chamber they entered was immense, its ceiling stretching higher than any other room Percy had seen. At the center, sprawled across a bed of soft obsidian cushions, was Cerberus. The massive beast stirred at their arrival, three enormous heads lifting in unison to greet them.