something new | pjo

xix. a different inheritance

With that, she mounted her glowing chariot. Light seared the air, forcing them to look away. When the brilliance faded, she was gone.

"Well," Dr. Chase muttered, dazed. "Extraordinary woman. Though between us, I still prefer Athena."

Annabeth turned toward him. "Dad, I... I'm sorry that—"

"Shh." He hugged her. "Do what you must, my dear. I know this isn't easy for you."

Annabeth gave him a strangled look. He hugged her quickly, murmuring reassurances. His words were steady, but Daphne could hear the tremor under them. Mortals could pretend at bravery all they liked, but the divine always rattled them.

The beat of wings overhead interrupted the farewell. Out of the fog descended three pegasi—two white as snow, one black as midnight.

"Blackjack!" Percy grinned.

The black stallion whinnied. Percy tilted his head as if listening."Nah. These are my friends. We need to get to Olympus pretty fast."

Daphne blinked. "Wait. You can talk to horses?"

"Not horses. Pegasi." Percy scratched the stallion's muzzle. "It's... a Poseidon thing."

She raised a brow. Of course it is. Gods forbid this boy ever be ordinary.

The professor gawked openly. "Remarkable! How does the wingspan counteract the mass—"

Blackjack cocked his head.

"Why, if the British had had these pegasi in the cavalry charges on the Crimea," Dr. Chase said, "the charge of the light brigade—"

"Dad!" Annabeth snapped before he could launch into a lecture on aerodynamics.

Dr. Chase blinked. He looked at his daughter and managed a smile. "I'm sorry, my dear, I know you must go."

He quieted, but his eyes lingered on her like he was memorizing every detail before she vanished again. "Annabeth. I know... I know San Francisco is a dangerous place for you. But please remember, you always have a home with us. We will keep you safe." he whispered.

Annabeth didn't answer, but her eyes were red as she turned away. Dr. Chase started to say more, then apparently thought better of it. He raised his hand in a sad farewell and trudged away across the dark field. She mounted Guido, her shoulders stiff. Thalia swung up behind her own steed. Percy vaulted onto Blackjack. Both turned to Daphne expectantly.

She shook her head. "Not this time."

Thalia frowned. "What did Artemis mean about your gift?"

Daphne smirked, masking the sudden tightness in her chest. "I have a few ideas." She closed her eyes, exhaling. Julius. Rise.

The earth cracked faintly, and then he was there: tall, armored, eyes hollow yet blazing under her control. The mist curled around him, shaping him into something almost human to mortal sight.

Annabeth gasped. "What—what is that?"

Percy paled. "It's still creepy every time."

"Sure my darling Perseus." Daphne gave a short laugh. "He grows on you."

Thalia arched an eyebrow. "So this is goodbye?"

"For now." Daphne hesitated, then added, "Try not to let Olympus burn down without me."

Percy chuckled. "No promises. See you at camp Daph, be careful."

"You too, gods know how easy it is for you to get into trouble, Perce," Daphne snickered.

They shared a look that lingered longer than it should have. Daphne hated how it sent warmth crawling up her neck. The pegasi launched skyward, their wings beating the fog into silver wisps. Soon the three riders were only silhouettes against the glittering crescent of the city.

Daphne stood alone with Julius, the field eerily quiet again.

She looked up at the new constellation. A huntress immortalized. A girl who chose loyalty, even against the odds. Is that supposed to be my reminder, Artemis? That I don't get to choose which half of my blood wins?

She sighed and adjusted her bracelet-sword. "All right, Julius. Lead the way."

The skeleton soldier inclined his head. And together, they walked into the darkness.

▫️▫️▫️𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞▫️▫️▫️

💠💠💠