Atlantis buzzed with the usual hum of royal affairs-meetings with advisors, discussions of sea territory disputes, and plans to strengthen the palace defenses-but Percy was struggling to stay focused. His mind felt like it was veiled in mist, thoughts drifting like waves without direction. He knew something was off, but he couldn't quite grasp what it was. Every time he tried to pin down the source, it slipped away, just beyond his reach.

In the middle of a council meeting, he stared blankly as his advisors outlined Atlantis' trade routes, his attention only vaguely on the conversation. He was barely aware when Thalia nudged him, trying to bring him back to the discussion.

"Percy," she whispered, her voice laced with concern, "Are you okay? You seem... distracted."

Percy blinked, shaking himself out of his daze. "Yeah, I'm fine," he muttered, though he knew it was a lie. "Just... a lot on my mind."

Thalia didn't look convinced, but she let it slide, her gaze lingering on him, worry flickering in her eyes.

---

Days went by, and the feeling only intensified. Percy felt it in every meeting, every meal, even when he trained. It was like a shadow looming over him-a feeling of something undone, someone forgotten. It gnawed at him, and no amount of effort could shake it.

At a gathering one evening, he found himself half-listening to Nico's latest report on border defenses when it finally hit him. A memory-a promise-flashed vividly in his mind: his mother's kind eyes, the warmth of her hug, and her voice telling him to take care of himself.

He staggered, gripping the edge of his throne, his breath caught in his throat. How could he have forgotten to say goodbye to his mom? To Paul? They hadn't heard a word from him since he'd left, and here he was, playing at being a king and god.

A flood of guilt washed over him, hitting harder than any battle wound. He'd been so wrapped up in his new role, so consumed with Atlantis, that he'd forgotten the people who had been there since the beginning. The people who had believed in him no matter what.

Thalia, noticing his expression, reached out. "Percy? What's wrong?"

Percy looked down, shame coloring his cheeks. "I... I never said goodbye to my mom, or to Paul," he whispered. "I just left without a word, and they're probably wondering if I'm even alive."

The council fell silent, the weight of Percy's words sinking in. Jason placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's not too late. Go see them, Percy. They'll understand."

Percy clenched his fists, the guilt eating away at him. "I've been so wrapped up here, I... I forgot them. I feel like an awful son."

Thalia squeezed his arm gently. "You've been dealing with a lot. But go. They'll forgive you-you know that."

Nico offered a rare smile. "Take some time. Atlantis can wait a day. We'll hold things down."

Percy took a deep breath, nodding as he met each of their encouraging gazes. He would make things right-he had to.