Aftermath-Percabeth

Chapter Fifty-Two

Percy shoved past Austin and into the infirmary.

"Annabeth?" Percy called out, his voice hollow with anxiety. He rushed into the infirmary and saw Annabeth sitting up in one of the beds, a hesitant smile on her face.

She looked frail and she was as pale as a sheet, but she was alive. She was still wearing the clothes from their date night, which seemed more like weeks ago than hours.

"Annabeth," he said as he rushed over to her side. He instantly grabbed her hand. "Thank gods you're alive."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and laughed weakly. "You think a hellhound could take me down, seaweed brain?"

Her voice was raspy, but Percy was overjoyed to hear her talk. Anything to prove she was still alive and near him.

"I'm so sorry," he started, tears welling in his eyes. "I can't believe that happened. I should've protected you better, I should've finished the hellhound off."

"Percy, it's not your fault," Annabeth said forcefully. He still wasn't convinced. "And you practically saved my life. Did you walk here?"

Percy shrugged. "More of a panic run, but yeah."

"Your arm—are you okay?" Annabeth asked as she placed a hesitant hand on his injury. He winced, causing her to quickly move away. "Percy, you're hurt!"

Percy shook his head. "I'm fine, I swear. Chiron made me have some ambrosia. You're the hurt one."

Annabeth gripped his hand tighter. "Austin told me I'd be better in about a day, so we should probably stay here overnight. Where are the kids?"

"Oh gods, I completely forgot," Percy admitted, his eyes widening. "They're still with Hazel and Frank."

"They could be in worst hands," she said with a feeble laugh. Then her stormy eyes widened. "Wait—you said you never finished off that last hellhound, right?"

Percy nodded wearily. He was still ashamed of that fact. "Yeah, I guess so. Why?"

"The kids!" Annabeth shrieked. "They're still at home! The hellhound was running towards their direction, and—!"

"Annabeth, calm down," a child of Apollo said as she rushed over to her. "Too much stress will not help your injuries in the slightest."

Percy shook his head and squeezed Annabeth's hand tighter in reassurance. "I'll call Hazel and Frank. Everything will be fine."

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," the child of Apollo said as Annabeth breathed in a shaky breathe.

"No!" Annabeth begged desperately. Her eyes were wide with fear. "Let him stay!"

The child of Apollo frowned and glared at them pitifully as if they were considering it.

"I'll go call Hazel and Frank," Percy suggested as he reached for his phone. He didn't want to further stress out Annabeth. "I'll be right back, Annabeth. And the kids will be here soon, completely safe. I promise."

Annabeth nodded anxiously and Percy could tell she was trying her best not to completely lose it....just like he was.