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IN THE MORNING Amara stood next to Luke while Chiron was explaining the Oracle.

"The Oracle has confirmed what we expected, that this quest will proceed towards the Underworld, where you will confront the god who has rebelled against his brothers. Hades. The entrance to Hades' domain lies under the city of Los Angeles. This is where you will journey to. Time is short. I have selected our most compelling candidates from which you will choose two to join you on this quest and ensure that we succeed." Chiron spoke to the cabin counselors.

"Annabeth." Percy spoke up, looking at the girl.

"Customarily, one waits to at least hear a name or two before choosing. Are you sure you don't wanna hear more?" Chiron questioned Percy, looking down at him.

Amara felt Luke's lips close to her ear. Luke kissed her cheek, pulling her closer.

"Aw, young romance." Amara cooed, rubbing Luke's chest.

Luke smiled softly, rubbing her back "He has no idea what he's getting into. Annabeth is a great fighter."

"Damn right." Amara smiled softly, looking over to Chiron.

Here it was. The first quest-mate was about to be announced.

"The first quest-mate shall be Annabeth Chase! Now, on to the other candidates." Chiron looked around to everyone.

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AMARA WAS FIXING Her bed when Annabeth came into the room. Annabeth handed a bracelet to Amara.

"What's this?" Amara questioned, putting it on with a confused expression.

"Since I know you're like my sister, you can use it to spy on me or check in. Like a looking glass." Annabeth explained, putting her own bracelet on.

Amara smiled softly, rubbing her bracelet "That's sweet of you, Anna. Thank you."

Annabeth hugged Amara, smiling softly "Don't kick Luke's ass before I get back."

Amara chuckled, hugging Annabeth back. The two girls stuck together no matter what.

"No promises." Amara giggled, pulling away from Annabeth.

Annabeth sighed, looking up at Amara "I'll contact you if I need you."

Amara kissed her head, giggling "You better. I love you."

"Love you, too, Ames." Annabeth waved at Amara, walking out of the Demeter cabin.

Amara fiddled with her camp beads, staring out the door. Annabeth was strong and Amara knew that.

"Be safe out there, Annabeth." Amara mumbled to herself, sitting down on the bed.

❀ ❀ ❀

LUKE KNOCKED ON Amara's cabin door, before sitting on her bunk. Amara rested her head on his arm.

"Hey, you." Amara smiled softly, lacing their fingers together.

"Hey yourself." Luke chuckled, rubbing his thumb on her arm.

The two sat like that which felt like an eternity. Amara sighed, biting her lip. Luke noticed her sigh, looking at her.

"You okay?" Luke looked down at her, stroking her hair.

Amara nodded, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. Truth was she wasn't okay and Luke knew it. Amara sat up, fiddling with her fingers.

"Cas?" Amara looked over to Luke, biting her lip.

Luke raised a brow, still looking at her "Yeah?"

Amara sighed, rubbing her beads "The reason I got upset with you about Thalia isn't only because you didn't help me...I liked you back then and I still like you now.."

Luke pursed his lips together, reaching out for Amara's hand "Really?"

Amara nodded, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles "Would I lie to you?"

Luke shook his head, stroking her cheek. Amara kissed his palm, leaning closer to him. Luke hummed, leaning in as well. Amara smiled softly as their lips met. Luke picked Amara up, placing her in his lap.

Amara pulled away, running her fingers through his hair "Whoa..."

Luke chuckled, biting his lip "Been waiting five years to do that."

Amara giggled, burying her face in his shoulder. Luke kissed her head, rubbing her back.

"We kissed two times today, what now?" Amara looked up at him, blushing.

Luke continued to rub her back, kissing her head once more "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Amara cupped his face, nodding "Absolutely."

Luke smirked, kissing her again. Amara kissed back, laying back down on the bed.

"Promise me we never go through that again." Luke frowned, stroking her cheek.

Amara nodded, kissing his palm "I promise."

Luke sat up, taking off his shirt and pants, leaving him in his boxers. Amara blushed, kissing his temple.

"Forever?" Amara mumbled, sticking out her pinky with a soft smile.

Luke laced his pinky with hers, smiling softly back "Forever."

Amara got under the covers with Luke, resting her head on his chest. The two fell asleep.