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CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE xlv. self-preservation is truly your greatest weakness _______
Jumping into water was something that Sebastian Rais thought he'd never dare to do. But it seemed a fitting punishment to begin his suffering for his countless crimes. He had a part in so many deaths.
Tiberius, Gemellus, Julia, Gaius, Maria, Carix and his entire family, Anne, Livia, Lucia. And that's not even considering the people he didn't know. The people he used as blood-bags, walking meals for him to feast on whenever he wanted. Or the people who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and were unfortunate enough to encounter a merciless vampire who took his time killing his prey. Who killed them slowly and painfully, with no remorse.
And perhaps he should thank all of these dismal souls in the river for finally helping him see the truth. Maybe it wasn't vampirism that made him a monster. Maybe he just was one.
Him becoming one of these souls seemed like the better choice anyway. If he carried on, he'd only end up killing Percy. It was in his nature, was it not? To destroy everything he's ever cared about?
The water enveloped him. He remembered when he and Percy had gone underwater. When Sebastian had kissed him. But this time he couldn't breath.
Harsh reality hit him harder than the water. He was going to die. He was going to drown here and become one of these miserable souls, trapped for eternity. Maybe it was what he deserved, but what about Percy? He'd just left Percy all alone in the heart of Tartarus.
He wouldn't make it out either way.
The voice seemed to be coming from every angle. It was as clear as day, unlike the distance desperate shouting of Percy Jackson. And it wasn't like the wailing of the wayward souls. It was calm, focused and smug as hell. Probably because he was hell.
If Sebastian could speak while drowning, he'd have a few cruel words to say to Tartarus. But he was forced to be silent while Tartarus taunted him.
No matter which choice you made, he would end up with the same fate, Tartarus gloated. Killed at the last hurdle. The only difference would be that you'd be there to see it before I killed you myself.
Sebastian tried to scream. A few bubbles escaped his mouth but he was too close to death for anything more. His head felt like it was being crushed. Water was wrapping around his lungs, squeezing them so he couldn't breath anymore.
But I could keep him alive, I suppose. Provided you do something for me.
Sebastian knew better. He knew that anything Tartarus had to offer would not be reliable. And even if he was speaking the truth, Sebastian would have to do something horrible to obtain it. But he was prepared to do anything to save Percy. Percy had to survive even if Sebastian didn't.
