The Great Huntress

Chapter 7- The Portal

We reached the campsight. A few hunters came out of their tents and went off to the woods. As Annabeth came out of our tent, she glanced my way and waved.

“I must go. I’ll see you later.” Neona said as she fled.

I walked towards Annabeth. “Good morning.” I sighed.

She looked at me and frowned. “Didn’t you sleep well last night?” She must’ve noticed the dark circles in my eyes.

“Not really…”

“What happened?” She asked, looking concerned.

“Nothing. Just couldn’t sleep, I guess.” I lied. But Annabeth didn’t look convinced.

“Annabeth Chase, Lady Artemis would like to have a word.”

We turned our heads and saw a hunter. She looked younger than we are but her eyes looked old.

Annabeth sighed and looked at me, “I’ll see you later, Kaye.”

I nodded. Just when Annabeth left, Percy came out of the tent panicking. Once he saw me, he called “Kaye! Something’s wrong with Alex!”

I ran to their tent and went inside. I saw Alex lying on the floor, he was struggling and talking. I knelt beside him.

“No…. don’t …. I can’t….she….” Alex said as he struggled like he was fighting. I touched his arm and he felt hot; like he has a fever. His face was bright red; like he’s angry.

“What’s wrong with him?” Percy asked, panicked.

“I—I don’t know. I think his having a nightmare…” I was shaking him, but he wouldn’t open his eyes. The dream was really strong.

“Take me… not her….” Alex said. What was he talking about? I’m starting to worry. My heart was beating fast.

“Alex…Alex! Wake up!” I yelled at his face; not sure if that would work.

He suddenly stopped struggling, his breathing slowed down. “I love you… “Alex whispered. And I saw a tear trickle down his cheeks.

I looked at him and wondered. Was he talking about me?

“That’s it—”Percy said. He grabbed a glass and splashed water on Alex’s face.

Alex woke up; his eyes wide. “Hey!” he yelled.

I sighed in relief. Alex looked at me; he was surprised to see me beside him.

“Sorry man… I had to do it. You were SCARING us.”

Alex looked confused. He looked at me, “What are you doing here?”

“I think you were having a nightmare. Percy called me, when you were acting…strange.”

“Strange?” he asked, like he had no idea what just happened.

“Strange as in talking in your sleep…and struggling like your being attacked.” Percy said.

Alex’s eyes were wide once he heard what happened. He sat up and said, “Percy…could you leave us for a minute.”

“Uh, sure. Hey Kaye, have you seen Annabeth?”

“She’s with Artemis.” I said.

“Thanks.” Percy left without saying another word.

I turned to Alex, he looked at me and I saw deep sadness in his eyes. “Are you okay?” I asked as I run my fingers through his hair to soothe him. He closed his eyes and sighed.