Maddy’s POV 
Whipping around, I storm away from the climbing wall, eyes stinging with angry tears. I stomp across the green, not even noticing the slight rumbling of the earth or the little cracks that split the ground apart behind me. Annie is shouting my name over and over, but I ignore her.

I can’t believe they think I’m behind all of this. Why would I do that? Why would I hurt other people? They don’t even know me! I’m not some traitor. Gods, why is everyone so stupid?! I have no idea why there was an earthquake, but the one thing I know for sure is that it wasn’t me who created it...Not that anyone would actually believe me if I told them that.

I’m so wrapped up in my thoughts that I don’t even realize where my feet have brought me until the sweet smell of hay fills my nose and something soft brushes against the side of my head. 
Hey Maddy, what’s wrong?
“Penny?” I wipe away the tears that are blurring my vision to see the pretty palomino nuzzling me.
Yup, that’s me… you look like you could use some time away from everybody. Want me to give you a ride?

“That sounds perfect.” 
10 minutes later, I’m soaring through the sky on Penny’s back, her golden wings slicing through the clouds. This has got to be the best feeling in the world.

“This is incredible!” I shout in awe, staring at the ground zooming by far below me.
I knew you’d like it! 
Penny dips and dives, turns and leaps, giving me the ride of my life. I chat with her as she flies, telling her my entire story and all about my friends, while she tells me about her own life. She then goes off on a rant about her best friend, Blackjack, who also happens to be Percy’s favorite Pegasus. 

“Best friend? From the way you talk about him, he sounds like a lot more than a friend, if you get my drift,” I giggle.

She snorts, and I’m sure she’d be shooting me a glare if she wasn’t focused on flying.
Oh, shut up.

I just laugh and pat the side of her neck. 

We touch down in the grass outside the stables and I dismount, immediately looping my arms around her neck in a gentle hug. She nuzzles her head against my back and huffs,
I know you feel like everybody is against you right now, but stay strong. Trust your friends, and trust your brother. They’ll stick by you, and so will I. If you ever need me, you know where to find me. Or just give me a whistle, I’d be glad to hang with you anytime.
“Thanks, Penny. For everything.” I smile at her.
Anytime girl.
 
The mare wraps a feathery wing around me in a hug before trotting back to the barn, white tail swishing behind her. I turn and head off in the direction of the Hades cabin. I’ve got to talk to Amelia.