︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

DAYS IN THE SUN

chapter forty-two
❛ 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛. ❜

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

AMARA WALKED BESIDES Percy on their way out from Olympus, her fingers interlaced with his while her head rested on his shoulder. At least, until they spotted Hermes in a side courtyard. The god was staring at an Iris-message in the mist of a fountain, a frown lacing his lips.

Percy glanced to Amara. "I'll meet you at the elevator."

"You sure?" He gave her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand as their interlaced fingers dropped back to their sides. "Okay Seaweed Brain, I'll meet you by the elevator."

She walked forward a couple steps before turning back around, Percy was already staring at her with a smile. Her boyfriend motioned his head towards the elevator. With a final nod, she turned around and began making her way to the elevator.

Waiting for her at the elevator, was someone she hadn't been expecting. Zeus had changed out from his battle armor, back into his regular dark blue suit. A smile curled onto his lips at the sight of his youngest daughter, his arms opening as Amara quickly buried herself within them.

"My daughter," Zeus said. But it wasn't like he was going to say something, more like he was taking in the fact his youngest had managed to survive the battle that many lost their lives too.

One of his hands gripped the back of her head, holding her in a gentle but firm hold as sighs of relief escaped the god. He had caught glimpses of her during the fight, the stab wound she had taken for the Jackson boy and even her action against Kronos on Olympus.

If there was one thing to know for certain, she was growing more powerful and proving to all why she was a daughter of Zeus. She demonstrated it everyday, easing through every challenge with a breeze.

"How are you feeling," the king of the gods broke the hug. "Little storm cloud?"

She couldn't help the eyeroll at the action, but managed a smile regardless. "Better," Amara admitted truthfully. "Especially after Apollo's healing."

Zeus nodded, but he hadn't been referring to her injures. "I mean, how are you feeling."

The brunette went quiet, debating on how to answer the question until she finally sighed. "Like a weight has been taken off my shoulders, I guess? I just need to heal and cope with . . . with them being gone."

The god nodded, wrapping an arm around his daughter as the two stood in silence before he broke it again. "You did well," he said. "My daughter, you are growing more powerful everyday."

Amara looked up at her father, a smile resting on his lips. "Your blessing," she asked. "Why did you give that to me?"

"My dear, you never needed my blessing to do what you did against Kronos. You already had that strength within you, just needed a little push is all."

"What do I do now with your blessing?"

Zeus smiled, rubbing his hand up and down her arm reassuring. "Amara, you are one of my strongest children. I know, you will do what is right with the power bestowed upon you by the fates."

She nodded, looking down the rainbow path until the god broke the silence. "I must go, there is much to be done."

Amara couldn't help the frown that tugged at her lips, but Zeus sent her a warm smile. "I will visit you soon, raindrop, I promise."

With that, the king of the gods disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Not long after Zeus disappeared, Percy arrived at the elevator. She raised a brow at her boyfriend. "Why do you smell like burnt electricity?"

"Long story," he mumbled, quickly interlacing their fingers. Together they made their way down to the street level, neither of them saying a word. When they got into the lobby, they found Sally Jackson, Jada Beckendorf, and Paul arguing with the bald security guy, who'd returned to his post.

"I'm telling you," Sally yelled. "We have to go up! Our children—"

The eldest Jackson cut herself off, her eyes widening when they landed on the son of Poseidon. "Percy!" Sally lunged, wrapped her son into a hug.

"Amara!" Arms wrapped around the brunette, her eyes widening as she was pulled into a hug. The familiar smell of smoke washed over her, and it didn't take a genius to figure out it was Jada Beckendorf.

"We saw the building lit up blue," Sally said. "But then you didn't come down. You went up hours ago!"

"They were getting a bit anxious," Paul said drily.

"I'm all right," Percy promised as the mothers let their children go. Until suddenly Sally wrapped her arms around Amara in a hug. The demigod froze, looking to her boyfriend for help. But Percy only held a smile, accepting the arms Jada had thrown around him as she pulled him into her own hug.

Finally, Amara wrapped her arms around the older woman and Sally's grip on her tightened almost immediately.

Sally and Jada soon pulled away, leaving the demigods be when Percy's attention landed on his step dad. "Paul," he said. "That was wicked sword work."

Paul shrugged. "It seemed like the thing to do. But Percy, is there really . . . I mean, this story about the six hundredth floor?"

"Olympus," the Jackson boy said. "Yeah."

Paul looked at the ceiling with a dreamy expression. "I'd like to see that."

"Paul," Sally chided. "It's not for mortals. Anyway, the important thing is we're safe. All of us."

Just then Nico ran in from the street, and his face screamed something was wrong.

"It's Rachel," he said. "I just ran into her down on 32nd Street."

Amara frowned. "What's she done this time?"

"It's where she's gone," Nico corrected. "I told her she would die if she tried, but she insisted. She just took Blackjack and—"

"Hold up," Percy demanded. "She took my pegasus?"

The son of Hades nodded. "She's heading to Half-Blood Hill, she said she had to get to camp."

The children of the big three didn't waste any time, rushing out of the Empire State Building. "What was she thinking?" Amara asked as they ran for the river.

The traffic was horrible. Everybody was out on the streets gawking at the war zone damage, police sirens wailing on every block. They ran, pushing through mobs of dazed mortals that clogged the sidewalks.

"She'll never get through the defenses," she continued. "Peleus will eat her."

"We've got to hurry." Percy glanced at Nico. "I don't suppose you could conjure up some skeleton horses."

Nico wheezed as he ran. "So tired . . . couldn't summon a dog bone."

Finally they made it to the shoreline where Percy let out a loud whistle. Two wake lines appeared in the grey water, and a pod of hippocampi broke the surface. They whinnied, shaking the river muck from their manes. The hippocampus in front was much bigger than the others, a ride fit for a cyclops.

"Rainbow!" Percy called. "How's it going, buddy?"

The creature neighed.

"Yeah, I'm sorry." The son of Poseidon apologized to the sea creature. "But it's an emergency. We need to get to camp."

Rainbow snorted.

"Tyson?" Percy said. "Tyson is fine! I'm sorry he's not here. He's a big general now in the cyclops army."

"Neigggggh!"

"Yeah, I'm sure he'll bring you apples. Now, about that ride . . ."

Amara watched as Percy and Nico hopped onto the hippocampi, her boyfriend eagerly looking at her but she shook her head. "I'll summon the winds or get Aella, follow behind you two. You know I don't do well with—"

Percy slid off his hippocampi, waddling his way through the water back to the shore where he slightly towered over the brunette. "Amara, come on, nothing's going to happen to you. I promised, remember?"

A soft smile was curled on his lips, his sea green eyes staring into hers. After a moment, she finally sighed and nodded her head.

A grin replaced Percy's smile. His eyes shined with mischief as his arms wrapped under her legs and shoulder, hoisting her into his arms. A surprise laugh escaped her lips, her arms wrapping around his neck and they made their way into the water.

Percy placed her onto the hippocampi first, sliding on behind her and pulling her against him with his arms around her waist.

"Let's go," he instructed Rainbow and in no time the trio were speeding up the east river, heading for Long Island Sound.

It seemed like forever until they saw the beach at camp. Percy thanked the hippocampi and hopped into the water, hoisting Amara into his arms once more as they made their way to shore. He placed her down only once her feet were able to touch the sand, and they were greeted by Argus waiting for them. He stood in the sand with his arms crossed, his hundred eyes glaring at them.

"Is she here?" Percy asked.

He nodded grimly.

"Is everything okay?" Amara said.

Argus shook his head.

They followed him up the trail and towards the Big House, where something was definitely wrong. Green light was shooting out all the windows, Chiron laid on a horse-size stretcher by the volleyball pit. He was surrounded by satyrs and Annabeth.

Rachel Elizabeth Dare stood at the bottom of the porch steps, her arms raised like she was waiting for someone inside the house to throw her a ball.

"What's she doing?" Annabeth demanded. "How did she get past the barriers?"

"She flew," one of the satyrs said, looking accusingly at Blackjack. "Right past the dragon, right through the magic boundaries."

"Rachel!" Percy called, but the satyrs stopped him when he tried to go any closer.

"Percy, don't," Chiron warned. He winced as he tried to move. His left arm was in a sling, his two back legs were in splints, and his head was wrapped in bandages. "You can't interrupt."

Amara raised a brow, confused on what there was to interrupt.

"I thought you explained things to her!"

"I did. And I invited her here."

Percy stared at the centaur in disbelief. "You said you'd never let anyone try again! You said—"

"I know what I said, Percy. But I was wrong. Rachel had a vision about the curse of Hades, she believes it may be lifted now. She convinced me she deserves a chance."

"And if the curse isn't lifted? If Hades hasn't gotten to that yet, she'll go crazy!"

Amara leaned towards Annabeth. "I thought she already was?" The daughter of Athena covered her mouth to hide her laughter.

The Mist swirled around Rachel, the mortal shivering like she was going into shock.

"Hey!" Percy shouted. "Stop!"

He ran toward her, ignoring the satyrs. The son of Poseidon got within ten feet, and eventually hit something like an invisible wall. He bounced back and landed in the grass.

Rachel opened her eyes and turned, like she was sleepwalking.

"It's all right." The redheads voice sounded far away. "This is why I've come."

"You'll be destroyed!"

She shook her head. "This is where I belong, Percy. I finally understand why."

The house rumbled. The door flew open and green light poured out. Mist curled into a hundred smoky serpents, slithering up the porch columns and curling around the house. Then, the Oracle appeared in the doorway.

The withered mummy shuffled forward in her rainbow dress. Her hair was falling out in clumps. Her leathery skin was cracking like the seat of a worn-out bus, her glassy eyes stared blankly into space.

Rachel held out her arms, but the mortal didn't look scared.

"You've waited too long," Rachel said. "But I'm here now."

The sun blazed more brightly. A man appeared above the porch, floating in the air. A blond dude in a white toga, with sunglasses and a cocky smile.

"Apollo," Amara said while raising a brow at the sun god. He winked at her, but held up his fingers to his lips.

"Rachel Elizabeth Dare," Apollo said. "You have the gift of prophecy, but it is also a curse. Are you sure you want this?"

Rachel nodded. "It's my destiny."

"Do you accept the risks?"

"I do."

"Then proceed," the god said.

Rachel closed her eyes. "I accept this role. I pledge myself to Apollo, god of Oracles. I open my eyes to the future and embrace the past. I accept the spirit of Delphi, Voice of the gods, Speaker of Riddles, Sear of Fate."

Amara didn't know where she was getting the words, but they flowed out of her as the Mist thickened. A green column of smoke uncoiled from the mummy's mouth and slithered down the stairs, curling affectionately around Rachel's feet. The Oracle's mummy crumbled, falling away until it was nothing but a pile of dust in an old tie-dyed dress. Mist then wrapped around Rachel in a column.

For a moment, Amara couldn't see her at all. Then the smoke cleared.

Rachel collapsed and curled into a fetal position. Nico and Percy rushed forward, but Apollo protested against the sons of Hades and Poseidon. "Stop! This is the most delicate part."

"What's going on?" Percy demanded. "What do you mean?"

Apollo studied Rachel with concern. "Either the spirit takes hold, or it doesn't."

"And if it doesn't?" Amara asked.

"Five syllables," Apollo said, counting them on his fingers. "That would be real bad."

Despite Apollo's warning, Percy ran forward and knelt over Rachel. The Mist sank into the ground and the green light faded, but Rachel was still pale. She was barely breathing.

Then her eyes fluttered open. "Percy."

"Are you okay?"

The redhead tried to sit up. "Ow." She pressed her hands to her temples.

"Rachel," Nico said. "Your life aura almost faded completely. I could see you dying."

"I'm all right," Rachel murmured. "Please, help me up. The visions, they're a little disorienting."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Percy asked.

Apollo drifted down from the porch. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the new Oracle of Delphi."

"You're kidding," the blonde and brunette duo said together in unison.

Rachel managed a weak smile. "It's a little surprising to me too, but this is my fate. I saw it when I was in New York. I know why I was born with true sight. I was meant to become the Oracle."

Amara blinked. "You mean you can tell the future now?"

"Not all the time," she said. "But there are visions, images, words in my mind. When someone asks me a question, I . . . Oh no—"

"It's starting," Apollo announced.

Rachel doubled over like someone had punched her. Then she stood up straight and her eyes glowed serpent green.

When she spoke, her voice sounded tripled like there was three Rachels talking at once.

"Eight half-bloods shall answer the call.
To storm or fire, the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath.
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."

At the last words, Rachel collapsed. Nico and Percy caught her and quickly helped her to the porch.

"I'm all right," she said, her voice returning to normal.

"What was that?" Amara asked.

She shook her head, confused. "What was what?"

"I believe," Apollo said. "That we just heard the next Great Prophecy."

"What does it mean?" Percy demanded.

Rachel frowned. "I don't even remember what I said."

"No," the god mused. "The spirit will only speak through you occasionally. The rest of the time, our Rachel will be as she's always been. There's no point in grilling her, even if she has just issued the next big prediction for the future of the world."

"What?" Percy said. "But—"

"Percy," Apollo said, "I wouldn't worry too much. The last Great Prophecy about you took almost seventy years to complete. This one may not even happen in your lifetime."

"Maybe," Percy said. "But it didn't sound so good."

"No," said Apollo cheerfully. "It certainly didn't. She's going to make a wonderful Oracle!"

Nico made his way beside Amara, gently tapping the older demigod and earning her attention. "Come on, there's someone expecting you."

She raised a brow at the younger boy, turning her attention back onto her boyfriend one last time. But, he and Annabeth seemed busy questioning the sun god so she quickly followed after Nico.

The children of Zeus and Hades made their way into the forest, the former being unaware of the son of Poseidon following behind since he already knew the younger demigod's plan.

"Nico," Amara called. "Where are we going?"

"Right here." The di Angelo boy stopped in front of a pit, turning around to face the girl with a smile. "I had to call in a favor from my father, but, Percy agreed you needed this."

"Percy?" Fingers slipped beside her own, her head jerking to the side to find the son of Poseidon with a soft smile.

"I'm sorry," Amara held a confused look. "What exactly do I need?"

With a small raise of the son of Hades' hand, a sliver form flickered into existence as it appeared over the pit. Her knees grew weak, nearly falling to the floor if it hadn't been for Percy wrapping his arms around her and hoisting her up.

"Ara," the ghost of Beckendorf greeted before his attention turned to Percy. "You kept your promise, I see."

The Jackson boy nodded, resting his head on his girlfriend's shoulder. "I told you, she would make it out of the battle alive."

"I appreciate it man."

"Anytime."

Tears began welling up within her eyes. Amara's grip on Percy's hands tightening, knowing full well it was him that was preventing her from falling to her knees and she finally spoke.

"You left me," her voice croaked. "You promised you wouldn't as my older brother and you did."

A guilty look flashed across Beckendorf's face, the son of Hephaestus scratching the back of his neck while he thought over his next words. "I know, Ara." He finally said. "And I'm so sorry, it wasn't my intention to leave you behind."

Tears began streaming down her cheeks, thunder rumbling in the distance. "How could you do that to me." She cried, a sob escaping.

"It'll be okay," Beckendorf promised. "You have mom and Percy, Jake, Thalia and so much more. You're never alone."

The brunette shook her head, unable to stop her cries as tears flooded her vision. "But, I want you."

Beckendorf met eyes with Percy, the younger boy attempting to soothe his girlfriend by tracing circles on her hand. "Ara, did Percy tell you my last words?"

"No," she sniffed. "I refused to hear them unless they came from you."

Beckendorf laughed, shaking his head at the younger girl. "You never change, do you? How about I tell you them now, okay?"

Wordlessly, she nodded and attempted to hold back another sob. "Amara Rose Grace," Beckendorf started. "At first, you were just a kid who needed a friend and I was more than happy to be that friend to you. But now? You have become family and I will promise you something. Even if I can no longer physically be by your side just know."

The son of Hephaestus paused, giving the younger a smile. "You will always be my little sister, no matter what."

Amara nodded, biting her lips to prevent another sob from escaping while Beckendorf gave the Jackson boy a look. "Take care of her, Percy."

"You know I will."

"Ara," Beckendorf said. "It's time for me to go."

She shook her head wildly, tears flowing faster as she cried. "Please," she begged. "Don't leave me again!"

"Amara," Charles said gently. "I have never left you, but, I have to get back to Silena. We'll be waiting for you, okay? Don't join us too quickly though, we want to know everything when we see you again."

Amara nodded, unable to form the words as Beckendorf sent Nico a nod. "Thank you, for making this possible."

The son of Hades nodded, and with a swipe of his hand the son of Hephaestus was gone.

The brunette let out a loud cry, falling to her knees and Percy had no choice but to follow as she let out heart broken sobs. He pulled her into her chest, wrapping his arms around the girl as she finally grieved the older brother she had lost.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

The remainder of the day campers trickled in from New York by car, pegasus, and chariot. The wounded were cared for and the dead were given proper funeral rites at the campfire. Silena Beauregard's shroud was hot pink, embroidered with an electric spear. The Ares, Aphrodite, and Zeus cabins all claimed her as a hero and lit the shroud together.

Ethan Nakamura was given a shroud, black silk with a logo of swords crossed under a set of scales. Dinner at the pavilion was uneventful, the only highlight was Juniper the tree nymph, who screamed, "Grover!" and gave her boyfriend a flying tackle hug, making everybody cheer.

The scene itself remind Amara of Silena and Beckendorf, making a frown appear on her lips as she watched them go down to the beach to take a moonlit walk. She quickly drew her attention away from the couple, focusing back on her task.

Mrs. O'Leary romped around happily, eating everyone's table scraps. Nico sat at the main table with Chiron and Mr. D, and nobody seemed to think it was out of place. Everybody was patting the di Angelo boy on the back, complimenting him on his fighting.

Slowly, the dinner crowd trickled away. Some went to the campfire for a sing-along, others went to bed. Percy was sitting at the Poseidon table by himself, making a small smile appear on her lips as she made her over to him.

"Hey." Amara slid next to him on the bench. "Happy birthday and one year anniversary." She held out a huge misshapen cupcake with blue icing.

Percy stared at her. "What?"

"It's August 18th," she said. "Your birthday and the day you asked me out, remember?"

Percy's face paled, and she knew he had completely forgotten while she offered him a smile. "Make a wish."

"Did you bake this yourself?" Percy asked.

"Tyson helped."

"That explains why it looks like a chocolate brick," he said. "With extra blue cement."

Amara laughed for the first time in days, causing a smile to appear on Percy's lips. He was quiet for a second, then blew out the candle.

They cut it in half and shared, eating with their fingers. They watched the ocean. Crickets and monsters were making noise in the woods, but otherwise it was quiet.

"You saved the world," Amara said, breaking the silence.

"We saved the world."

"And Rachel is the new Oracle, which means she won't be interested in anybody."

"You don't sound disappointed," Percy noticed.

The brunette shrugged. "Oh, I don't care."

"Uh-huh."

She raised a brow. "You got something to say to me, Beasty?"

"You'd probably hit me."

"You know I'd hit you."

He brushed the cake off his hands. "When I was at the River Styx, turning invulnerable . . . Nico said I had to concentrate on one thing that kept me anchored to the world, that made me want to stay mortal."

Amara kept her eyes on the sky. "Yeah?"

"Then up on Olympus," he said. "When they wanted to make me a god and stuff, I kept thinking—"

"Oh, so you wanted to."

"Well, maybe a little. But I didn't because I thought, I didn't want things to stay the same for eternity, because things could always get better. And I was thinking . . ."

"Anyone in particular?" She spoke in a teasing tone, trying to hold back her smile.

"You're laughing at me," Percy complained.

"I am not!"

"You are so not making this easy."

Another genuine laugh escaped her lips as she turned her body towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I am never, ever going to make things easy for you, Seaweed Brain. Get used to it."

She pressed her lips against him, the kiss only lasting a few seconds before she pulled away. But, she kept her hands around his neck. "You're stuck with me forever."

Percy smiled widely, surging forward and pressing his lips to Amara's once more. She smiled through the kiss, the boy pulling her closer by his arms wrapped around her waist. Butterflies erupted throughout her entire stomach and she felt her mind spin, like she was losing grip on reality.

"Was the cupcake really that good to earn a kiss like that?" Annabeth said, announcing her presence and breaking the couple apart.

Suddenly the pavilion was filled with torchlight and campers. Clarisse and Annabeth led the way as the eavesdroppers charged and hoisted them both onto their shoulders.

"Oh, come on!" Percy complained. "Is there no privacy?"

"The lovebirds need to cool off!" Travis Stoll said with glee.

"The canoe lake!" Conner Stoll shouted.

With a huge cheer they carried them down the hill, but they kept them close enough to hold hands. Amara was laughing, while Percy's face was completely red.

The smile was soon ripped away from her lips when she noticed they weren't messing around about the canoe lake. She had thought it was all fun and games, until her whole body was engulfed in the freezing lake.

Panic swept into her body, her eyes were squeezed tight with fear while her legs kicked aimlessly. Suddenly, a pair of hands were placed on her face.

"Hey, Amara," Percy's voice reached her ears. "You're okay. Open your eyes, you're okay." 

The son of Poseidon's voice soothed her worries, and she did as she was told. She stopped kicking her legs, opening her eyes to see her boyfriend staring at her with a gentle look. He had formed a bubble around them, surrounding the couple from their thighs up.

When she looked back at Percy, a smile was laced on his lips. "See? I promised you nothing bad would ever happen to you near water again. I'm always going to be with you, Beauty."

A smile appeared on her lips that was quickly wiped off by Percy cupping her cheeks and pulling her lips against his. Her eyes fluttered closed, her arms wrapped around his neck and she was immediately tugged closer to the demigod.

To sum it up, it was the best underwater kiss of all time.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

Camp had gone late that summer, lasting two more weeks than usual. But Amara had to admit, those two weeks were the best of her life.

Grover had taken over the satyr seekers and were sending them out across the world to find unclaimed half-bloods. So far, the gods had kept their promise. New demigods were popping up all over the place and not just in America, but in a lot of other countries as well.

That evening was the last night of camp, the bead ceremony. The Hephaestus cabin has designed the bead this year. It showed the Empire State Building, and etched in tiny greek letters spiraling around the image, were the names of all the heroes who had died defending Olympus.

"Never forget this summer!" Chiron told them. He had healed well, but he still trotted in front of the fire with a slight limp. "We have discovered bravery, friendship, and courage this summer. We have upheld the honor of the camp."

Everybody cheered. "And now," the centaur continued despite the loudness of the campers. "Early to bed! Remember, you must vacate your cabins by noon tomorrow unless you've made arrangements to stay the year with us. The cleaning harpies will eat any stragglers, and I'd hate to end the summer on a sour note!"

The next morning, Annabeth, Amara, and Percy stood at the top of Half-Blood Hill. They watched the buses and vans pull away, taking most of the campers back to the real world. A few old-timers would be staying behind, and a few of the newcomers.

"Goodbye," Rachel said to them as she shouldered her bag, looking pretty nervous. "You'll do great." Annabeth hugged her, over the past two weeks she had started becoming friends with the mortal.

The redhead bit her lip. "I hope you're right. I'm a little worried. What if somebody asks what's on the next math test and I start spouting a prophecy in the middle of geometry class? The Pythagorean theorem shall be problem two . . . gods, that would be embarrassing."

Amara smile, giving Rachel a reassuring look. "You'll be fine, like Annabeth said."

Rachel smiled. "Well," she said. "You two be good to each other." She looked at Amara and Percy before zoning in on Percy. Before he could protest, the redhead ran down the hill to catch her ride.

Amara like usual was returning home with Jada Beckendorf. Annabeth would be staying in the city, attending a boarding school and living with the brunette and Jada while she made plans for the new Olympus.

The guard dragon Peleus curled contentedly around the pine tree underneath the golden fleece and began to snore, blowing steam with every breath.

"You've been thinking about Rachel's prophecy?" Her boyfriend suddenly asked Annabeth.

The blonde frowned. "How did you know?"

"Because you're a daughter of Athena," Amara remarked causing Annabeth to bump her with her shoulder.

"Okay, so I have," Annabeth admitted. "Eight half-bloods shall answer the call. I wonder who they'll be. We're going to have so many new faces next summer."

"Yep," Percy agreed. "And all that stuff about the world falling in storm or fire."

Annabeth pursed her lips. "And foes at the Doors of Death. I don't know, but I don't like it. I thought . . . well, maybe we'd get some peace for a change."

"Wouldn't be Camp Half-Blood," Amara protested against her oldest friend. "If it was peaceful."

"I guess you're right . . . Or maybe the prophecy won't happen for years."

"Could be a problem for another generation of demigods," Percy agreed. "Then we can kick back and enjoy."

Annabeth nodded, though she still seemed uneasy. A thought crossed the brunette's mind as she looked at the demigods with a smirk.

"Race you to the road?" She said, unlacing her fingers from Percy's and began backing up.

"You are so going to lose." Amara took off down Half-Blood Hill, Percy sprinting after her while Annabeth watched and laughed.

Eventually, her boyfriend caught up to her as Percy caged her in his arms and spun her around. And for once, she didn't look back.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

02-13-25

     hello hello ! ugh, and with that being said days in the sun is officially over. i cannot thank each and everyone of you enough for all the love, support, comments, and reassurance you have shown me over the years with this book. thank you for loving amara as much as i have loved writing her. honestly i don't know when book two will be out, because i might release a twilight book first then secretly work on book two. i'm not entirely sure yet what one i will be doing ! basically, when one is uploaded is when it will be revealed lol. thank you all so so much, and i hope to see you in my future books <3