Percy Jackson Little Sister (Sequel To "Broken" Written by Tyler Jane Smith)

Chapter 63

Danny:

We walked for a few miles before we found shelter. The air was thick and dusty, and the sky was so dark it was nearly black. The only light source being the twinkling stars that shone up above.

Selena strode on purposefully ahead, and I glared at her back as I walked- feeling annoyed and embarrassed and frustrated. But most of all, confused.

Zöe and Damien hung back to walk next to me. They both gave me sympathetic, apologetic looks as if trying to say sorry for their friends behaviour- but they didn't say anything. And I was grateful. I wasn't in the 'chatting' mood.

When we finally reached a decent shelter. The sky was pitch black, the stars standing out- glowing in their glory. The shelter was a small cave, with damp mossy walls and a draft that blew constantly.

As soon as we had all clambered in, I took out my measly excuse for a 'blanket' and curled up in a dark corner. Not bothering to say goodnight to anyone.

I pretended to sleep. But I could hear everything that was going on.

Damien seemed to be asleep. But Zöe and Selena were bickering in harsh whispers.

Zöe seemed to be scolding Selena, and Selena was half-heartedly fighting back. They went back and forth for a while, until Selena made an impatient noise and sighed- giving in.

There was a shuffling, and then someone was moving across the cave floor. Coming towards me. “Danny?” it was Selena. “Danny, I know you're awake.” I said nothing. Only rolled further away from her.

She sighed dramatically and then there was more shuffling. And then her blanket was on the floor, and she was lying next to me. “I'm sorry, okay? You know me well enough to not expect some big, soppy apology. But I'm sorry for what I said, I didn't mean it. You are one of us, in all the ways that matter. And we do need you. I need you.” A wave of relief washed over me. As well as affection. Affection for Selena.

I didn't reply, and instead I reached out- until I found her hand, and then I took it- holding it in my own.

She gave a small gasp, but didn't pull away.

And that's how we fell asleep. Lying next to each other. Holding hands.