Death and Shadows

Ch.2 Questions and an Offer

A/N. Hey, guys! So just a little note, I did kind of write most of this a long time ago in a journal, so I'm going off of that while changing my own terrible writing from back then to hopefully a better written story. The first iteration of Lia's daggers I actually wanted them to look like a picture I found off of the internet that was a lot simpler instead with the same silver handles and onyx gem on the top of the handles. Then I did research on actual Greek daggers and decided to make her have one that actually existed during the time. I found out actually that Lia's blade is the same kind as Piper's, but made of a different metal and look of course. Ok, that's it. Enjoy!- Anna

~Nico's POV~

When I became conscious again, I felt a stinging pain in the back of my head. Opening my eyes, I saw that I was in a very big warehouse that was dimly lit by what looked like firelight, casting a warm orange glow across the floor. Blankets covered my body and a pillow rested under my head. I lifted my head up a bit, and saw a person kneeling by a fire. When I first looked at the girl, I thought she was Bianca.

She had the same thick black hair and olive skin, and looked about my age. The girl wore a black bomber jacket over a grey T-shirt, jeans, and black boots. She turned to look at me. Once I saw her eyes, I knew she wasn't my sister. The girl had bright blue eyes, like a clear afternoon sky.

"Oh, hey, you're up. I was getting worried," the girl said with a small smile.

She shuffled over to me and I tried to back away, but the pain in my head made me wince in pain when I moved.

"Hey, it's okay, kid! I'm not going to hurt you," the girl said, now kneeling by my side, putting her hands up. Her tone made me relax slightly, but I still kept my guard up. The girl pulled out what looked like a lemon bar from her jacket pocket, and held it out for me to take. I looked at the bar cautiously then back at the girl. I didn't trust her yet.

The girl rolled her eyes. "It's ambrosia, kid. I said I wasn't going to hurt you. Look."

The girl put the food back in her pocket, and picked up a sharp piece of wood from the ground. Swiftly, she slashed it against her arm and the wood left a small scrape on her arm. The girl took out the yellow food again, broke off a small piece, and ate it. Her cut healed over almost instantly.

The girl held out the ambrosia to me. I took it slowly, then ate it. Instantly, warmth filled my body, and I felt my wounds healing. The girl smiled a bit, and shuffled back to the fire, poking at the flames with her sharp piece of wood.

It was silent for a bit.

I sat up to fully examine the girl. She didn't look like she was going to turn into a horrible monster. Plus, she did heal me. But why did she save me? And what did she want from me?

"So...who do I have the pleasure of saving today?" the girl asked, looking at me.

I hesitated before answering, "Nico. Nico di Angelo."

"Well, hello, Nico di Angelo. I'm Lia Callahan. Nice to meet you." The girl gave me a smile, and added a stick to the fire.

I shifted uncomfortably. "Um, thanks for helping me, and not leaving me to the monster, I guess."

"You're welcome. I couldn't just let you be eaten. You'll probably have a headache for a bit." Lia then looked at me with curiosity. "What were you doing in the alleyway? Are you homeless or something?" She grimaced at her words. "Sorry. That was rude. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."