Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter 31

Damian's POV:

Will, Shadow, and I left my room. I had changed into something more... Olthen-like. Shadow held my hand as we walked, my only source of comfort at the moment. My little alone time with her was completely gone, but more important matters were at hand. Myra was weakening fast and now I have to pretend to be the person I hate most to keep Rose from destroying our only chance at freedom. Hopefully she'll buy it. I tried to think like Olthen would. He was cold and analytical. He didn't care about anyone or anything other than his plan. He views us all like pawns. But he'd have more interest in Rose or Myra because he can't replace them easily. Shadow squeezed my hand and smiled. I summoned all of my courage as Will unlocked the door, making sure my face was void of emotion. He gave me a nod and I entered the room. Will shut the door behind me. Rose was sitting on Will's bed, fidgeting with her ring. She looked up as I entered the room. "Rose." I greeted curtly, making sure I sounded cold.

"You must be Olthen." She said, sitting up and scrutinising me. It took everything I had to not flinch under her steely gaze. I simply nodded in reply.

"What is it you wanted to ask me?" I did my best to sound mildly interested. Rose's eyes narrowed before she responded, making me nervous.

"What are you planning for Myra and I?" She reminded me of a lawyer. Her eyes stormy yet her face was calm. The force behind her voice was immense, as if it were challenging me to try and lie.

"That doesn't concern you right now." I replied flatly, hoping my voice wouldn't betray the fear I felt coursing through me.

"It does actually. It's our future. And Myra can't even think straight because of you." She spoke, the amount of venom in her voice growing. I noticed one of her fists clench shut.

"You'll see with time then. Do you have any relevant questions?" Olthen was condescending and controlling, and he made sure everyone knew that. I was trying to be like him, but Rose might actually kill me.

"Relevant? I'm asking about my life! Myra's life! Why are you doing this to us?!" She spat. I could feel the tension in the room rising.

"I think you've asked enough questions, Prisoner 17." I said coldly and stood up, walking away. Right before I reached the door I was slammed into the wall. I gasped in shock, completely disoriented. Rose took advantage of this and knocked my legs out from under me. By the time I managed to gain my bearings, I was on my knees in front of Rose, and she had an axe I'd never seen before lightly grazing my neck. I was heavily breathing. Any type of movement would get me killed. She was far enough away that I couldn't reach her with my weapon and I couldn't hurt her anyways. Will would kill me. She stared me down, looking me straight in the eyes. She pushed the axe even closer to my neck. I could feel the cold metal against my flesh. I bit my lip nervously and, although I tried to restrain it, let out a weak whimper. "Rose... Don't do this. You don't know what you're doing." I tried to keep character, but my voice gave way, cracking a bit. Her face softened with confusion as she looked me over again. With her spare hand she grabbed my chin, tilting it upwards so she could see my face better.

"Who are you?" She asked, staring at me. She didn't bother to move her axe.

"I-I... I'm Olthen..." I stammered, squirming under her glare. Trying and failing to be threatening.

"No... no you're not. Tell me who you are or I swear I'll slit your throat right now." Rose ordered. She acted more like Olthen than I did. Being familiar with obedience, I focused my eyes on the ground submissively and started to talk.

"My name is Damian..." I answered her quietly.

"Why are you posing as Olthen." She growled. I didn't look up.