Signs of a Storm

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter 45: The End of the World As We Know it

I was running to the Big House with Nico di Angelo by my side, the horrible thundering world behind us. It was well past sun-down, but neither of us could've fallen asleep anyways. I saw the lights in the distance, and followed them, until we were breathing before the front door. I knocked once, and the door swung open to a frizzy-haired, sleepy looking Rachel.

"Tara? Nico? C'mon in, I guess. Don't want those harpies and monsters getting you." She welcomed us inside, and shut the door behind us.

I shakily made my way to the living room, and was followed by Rachel. She collapsed on the sofa, and almost fell asleep on us. Realizing what was happening, she snapped her wide green eyes open again, and waited for one of us to speak.

I opened my mouth, but Rachel spoke before I could, "I know exactly what's happened here. You two are lovebirds, but your fathers don't really agree." I gave her a questioning look, but she just gestured to our hands tightly clasped together.

"Exactly." I said, sighing.

Nico scooted closer to me, and gripped my hand tighter, as if he'd lose me if he let go. I wasn't going to second-chance that.

"I don't really know how to help; all I can say is that the big three are angered. That I think we can all see clearly." She turned upside down, looking very worried.

"Tara, they don't control us, we can do whatever we want, and it's our lives. I think we should have a say in this." Nico whispered next to me.

"Thanks, I guess. I'll see if anything gets better. And if you can keep quiet about this, that'd be great." I smiled at Rachel, and she grinned back.

I stood, and walked out of the Big House as fast as possible. The cold air surrounded me again, but it was nothing compared to the warmth of Nico by my side.

"Well, this is a great way to say goodnight." I joked, leaning in to hug him. Nico was still new to this, as was I, so we quickly embraced, then parted.

"Things will get better, it just comes with time."

I sighed, and wrapped my arms around him once more, trying to block out the taunting voices of our fathers. Why couldn't I be happy? My whole life had been a major drag, and now, I finally had a reason to love life, and yet they were still trying to take that away, too.

"I hope." I mumbled.

Nico took my face in his palms, and stared me in the eyes. "And if it doesn't, we pave our own path." He leaned forwards and properly put his lips on mine once more. My heart fluttered, and I couldn't breathe. The rumbling became stronger.

"Oh, shut up, would you." I mumbled at the gods.

They unhappily protested by striking one more flash of lightning, and one last shake of the ground. It may have been just me, but I swear I heard waves crashing in the distance. Nico gave me a worried glance. I returned the favor.

"Hopefully everything will be okay by tomorrow." I whispered, and walked off the steps, towards my cabin, where I hoped that sleep could overtake me. Turning back, I saw a sharp flash of black, but Nico was gone.

Typical.

~*~

Once the morning rays of light struck me in the eyes, I blinked wildly and rose from bed. I was greeted by a nasty looking room. Usually, our cabin was decorated beautiful stones and glowing walls. Today, the light, fantastic walls were grey and black, streaking across the room like I was unwelcome. Angered, I balled my fists.