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

Chapter 72

Damien:

I watched her, and I saw the hesitation in her eyes. As well as the frustration, and the anger and heartbreak and confusion.

Her hand was trembling and her face was pale. I was scared she would faint.

She looked at the boy, not moving the gun away from his head. And for a long moment she was still and silent. I held my breath.

And then, something changed behind her eyes. And I saw just how wrecked she really was. Her eyes held a sadness that no fourteen year old should ever feel. And there was something else there too, a sort of sparkle. And behind the sadness. I could see something else.

Zöe Jackson. The real Zöe Jackson.

Because behind all that sadness and resentment, there was a flicker a pity for the boy. And a sparkle of kindness. Her face softened. She blinked. And I knew her decision was made.

She couldn't shoot the boy, she couldn't live with his blood on her hands. Because she is Percy Jackson's little sister. And she's kind and brave and loyal and good. Just like her brother.

She let the gun fall to the floor, where it landed with a clatter.

And then she looked up, at the boy, who was staring at her- open mouthed. “Just run.” She spoke flatly, emotionlessly. “Run and never ever come near any of us ever again.” He nodded. “I hope you regret what you did for the rest of your life. I hope the ghost of Selena, the innocent you shot, haunts you for eternity.” He blinked. And she shoved him forwards. He took one last look at us, and then he ran.

Zöe turned to look at me. Her eyes were lost and distant. And then she was walking forwards, and my arms were out. And I was hugging her close to my chest.

And we stayed like that, in each other's arms, as we cried.