TWELVE ENORMOUS THRONES MADE a 'U' around a central hearth, just like the placement of the cabins at camp. The ceiling above glittered with constellations—even the newest one, Zoë the Huntress, making her way across the heavens with her bow drawn.
Stella's heart clenched at the sight of Zoë's constellation. Her return to consciousness had been a mere respite from the somber reality, Zoë was gone. Her stubborn efforts were futile. Now she had another friend, another void to mourn.
She didn't even want to think about her attempt to heal Zoë, her body involuntarily shivered at the memory of the pain they shared. Compartmentalization became her refuge, a familiar fortress against the overwhelming grief threatening to engulf her.
Awakening on the back of a pegasus, holding onto Percy's waist, marked her arrival in Olympus. Whatever thoughts she had about Zoë and her powers, she shoved them down. Her focus shifted to the impending audience with the Olympian gods, a realm where raw emotions might not find a fitting place.
All of the seats were occupied. The all-powerful gods and goddesses, each about fifteen feet tall, turned their eyes on them at once.
"Welcome, heroes," Artemis's proclamation echoed through the expansive throne room.
"Mooo!"
There was a sphere of water hovering in the center of the room, next to the hearth fire. Bessie was swimming happily around, swishing his serpent tail and poking his head out the sides and bottom of the sphere. He seemed to be enjoying the novelty of swimming in a magic bubble.
Grover was kneeling at Zeus's throne as if he'd just been giving a report, but when he saw them, he cried, "You made it!"
He started to run toward them, then hesitated, realizing he was turning his back on the king of the gods. Seeking approval, he glanced back at Zeus.
"Go on," Zeus said. But he wasn't really paying attention to Grover, the Lord of the Sky was staring intently at Thalia.
Grover trotted over, every clop of his hooves echoed on the marble floor, cutting through the silence. Meanwhile, Bessie continued his aquatic ballet, splashing within the magical enclosure. The hearth fire contributed its crackling chorus to the unfolding symphony.
Stella looked nervously at her father. Apollo's concerned gaze bore into her. She knew that he knew what had happened on Crissy Field. She wondered what judgments lingered in his thoughts, her recent decisions laid bare before the god of prophecy. Was she a disappointment? She didn't heed his warning, and look how that ended up.
Grover enveloped each of them in warm embraces, the tightness of his hugs a testament to the relief he felt. Finally reaching Percy, Grover grasped his arms. "Percy, Bessie and I made it! But you have to convince them! They can't do it!"
"Do what?" Percy asked, his confusion mirrored by his companions.
"Heroes," Artemis called.
The goddess slid down from her throne and turned to human size, a young auburn-haired girl, perfectly at ease in the midst of the giant Olympians. She walked toward the demigods, her silver robes shimmering. There was no emotion in her face. She seemed to walk in a column of moonlight.
"The Council has been informed of your deeds," Artemis told them. "They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act."
The gods exchanged glances and muttered among themselves. It was evident that not all were in unanimous agreement, but nobody protested.
"At my Lord Zeus's command," Artemis continued, "my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes..."
She turned to face the other immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?"
Artemis looked around at the assembled gods, meeting their faces individually. Zeus in his dark pin-striped suit, his black beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes sparking with energy. Next to him sat a beautiful woman with silver hair braided over one shoulder and a dress that shimmered colors like peacock feathers—Lady Hera.
On Zeus's right, Percy's father, Poseidon. Next to him was a huge lump of a man with a leg in a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard, fire flickering through his whiskers—Lord of the Forges, Hephaestus.
Hermes, wearing a business suit, flashed a wink in the heroes' direction as he checked through messages on his Caduceus mobile phone. Apollo had relaxed the serious expression he had on a minute ago, now lounging on his golden throne with an air of nonchalance. He offered them a thumbs-up, seemingly lost in his own world with iPod headphones on.
Dionysus looked bored, twirling a grapevine between his fingers. Ares sat on his chrome-and-leather throne, glowering at Percy while he sharpened a knife.
On the ladies' side of the throne room, a dark-haired goddess in green robes sat beside Hera on a throne woven of apple tree branches. Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest. Next to her sat a beautiful gray-eyed woman in an elegant white dress. She could only be Annabeth's mother, Athena. Then there was Aphrodite, who seemed to smile at them, and Stella couldn't help but notice the faint blush on Percy's cheeks.
All the Olympians in one place. Stella marveled at the sheer concentration of power, it was a miracle the whole palace didn't blow apart.
"I gotta say," Apollo broke the silence, "these kids did okay. Especially, my Stella here." He cleared his throat and began to recite: "Heroes win laurels—"
"Um, yes, first class," Hermes swiftly interjected as if he wanted to avoid Apollo's poetry. "All in favor of not disintegrating them?"
A few tentative hands went up—Demeter, Aphrodite.
"Wait just a minute," Ares growled, pointing a finger accusingly at Thalia and Percy. "These two are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here—"
"Ares," Poseidon interrupted, "they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits."
"Nor my daughter," Zeus grumbled. "She has done well."
A flush of embarrassment tinged Thalia's cheeks as she averted her gaze to the floor.
Athena cleared her throat and sat forward. "I am proud of my daughter as well. But there is a security risk here with the other two."
"Mother!" Annabeth protested. "How can you—"
Athena cut her off with a calm but firm look. "It is unfortunate that my father, Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic. As we know from the Great Prophecy, children of the three elder gods...such as Thalia and Percy...are dangerous. As thickheaded as he is, Ares has a point."
"Right!" Ares said. "Hey, wait a minute. Who you callin'—"
He started to get up, but a grapevine grew around his waist like a seat belt and forcefully pulled him back down.
"Oh, please, Ares," Dionysus sighed. "Save the fighting for later."
Ares cursed and ripped away the vine. "You're one to talk, you old drunk. You seriously want to protect these brats?"
Dionysus gazed down at them wearily. "I have no love for them. Athena, do you truly think it safest to destroy them?"
"I do not pass judgment," Athena said stoically. "I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide."
"I will not have them punished," Artemis said. "I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."
"Calm down, sis," Apollo teased, earning a glare from her. "Jeez, you need to lighten up. I agree with you, anyways."
"Don't call me sis!" Artemis snapped at him before turning to the rest of the Olympians, "I will reward them."
"Well," Zeus grumbled. "Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have agreement on that?"
A symphony of nodding heads rippled through the divine gathering, a reluctant consensus emerging among the gods.
The realization struck Stella with an unwelcome pang as she connected the dots—Bessie. She widened her eyes at the thought of the innocent, cute animal being killed.
Percy voiced out, "Bessie? You want to destroy Bessie?"
"Mooooooo!" Bessie protested.
Poseidon frowned. "You have named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?"
"Dad," Percy said, "he's just a sea creature. A really nice sea creature. You can't destroy him."
Poseidon shifted uncomfortably. "Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or—"
"You can't," Percy insisted, turning to Zeus. "Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, Bess—the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as...as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"
Zeus seemed to consider this, his eyes drifting to his daughter Thalia. "And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? You, my daughter, will turn seventeen on the morrow, just as the prophecy says."
Stella spoke up. "Sir, you have to trust them."
Zeus scowled, the embodiment of skepticism. "Trust a hero?"
"Stella is right," Artemis said. "Which is why I must first make a reward. My faithful companion, Zoë Nightshade, has passed into the stars. I must have a new lieutenant. And I intend to choose one. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately."
Zeus inclined his head, summoning Artemis closer. Their conversation, veiled in secrecy, unfolded in hushed tones as the Lord of the Sky leaned down to lend an ear.
"Stella," Percy said under his breath. "Don't."
She frowned at him, puzzled. "What?"
"Look, I need to tell you something," He confessed, his words stumbling out in a rush. "I couldn't stand it if...I don't want you to—"
"Percy?" Stella interrupted, worried about his anxious rambling. "You look like you're going to be sick."
He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. And then Artemis turned.
"I shall have a new lieutenant," she announced to the hall. "If she will accept it."
A quiet protest slipped from Percy's lips, a murmur unheard amid the tension that gripped the room.
"Thalia," Artemis addressed, "Daughter of Zeus. Will you join the Hunt?"
A stunned hush enveloped the room. Percy's gaze fixated on Thalia, disbelief etched on his features. Stella, however, smiled knowingly, as if she had glimpsed the threads of fate weaving this very moment. Annabeth, too, seemed to anticipate the outcome, her hand briefly squeezing Thalia's before letting go.
"I will," Thalia declared with unwavering resolve.
Zeus rose, his eyes full of concern. "My daughter, consider well—"
"Father," Thalia said. "I will not turn seventeen tomorrow. I will never turn seventeen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."
She knelt before the goddess and began the words Stella remembered from Bianca's oath, what seemed like so long ago. "I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men..."
Afterward, Thalia surprised Percy, and perhaps even herself, with a gesture of friendship. She approached him, a smile playing on her lips, and gave him a big hug before the entire assembly.
When she pulled away and gripped his shoulders, Percy said, "Um...aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"
"I'm honoring a friend," she corrected. "I must join the Hunt, Percy. I haven't known peace since...since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home. But you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."
"Great," He muttered with a twinge of sarcasm.
"I'm proud to be your friend."
She hugged Annabeth, who was trying hard not to cry. Thalia grabbed Stella, having her join their hug as she held them tight. Then she even hugged Grover, who looked ready to pass out, like somebody had just given him an all-you-can-eat enchilada coupon.
Then, Thalia went to stand by Artemis's side.
"Now for the Ophiotaurus," Artemis said, her voice commanding the attention of the Olympians.
"This boy is still dangerous," Dionysus warned. "The beast is a temptation to great power. Even if we spare the boy—"
"No." Percy looked around at all the gods. "Please. Keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him."
Doubt lingered in the air, and Hephaestus, with a rumble in his voice, voiced the skepticism. "And why should we trust you?"
"I'm only fifteen," He asserted. "If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years."
"Two years for Kronos to deceive you," Athena said. "Much can change in two years, my young hero."
"Mother!" Annabeth said, exasperated.
"It is only the truth, child. It is bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the boy."
Poseidon stood. "I will not have a sea creature destroyed if I can help it. And I can help it."
He held out his hand, and a trident appeared in it: a twenty-foot-long bronze shaft with three spear tips that shimmered with blue, watery light. "I will vouch for the boy and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."
"You won't take it under the sea!" Zeus stood suddenly. "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."
"Brother, please," Poseidon sighed.
Zeus's lightning bolt appeared in his hand, a shaft of electricity that filled the whole room with the smell of ozone.
"Fine," Poseidon said. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor."
Zeus contemplated this before saying, "All in favor?"
A large number of hands went up. A majority in favor swayed the balance, with only Dionysus, Ares, and Athena abstaining.
"We have a majority," Zeus decreed. "And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes...I imagine we should honor them. Let the triumph celebration begin!"
☀︎
The Olympian party was not just a celebration; it was an eruption of divine revelry, a symphony of festivities that surpassed any mortal gathering in scale and grandeur.
The Nine Muses orchestrated the tunes, and Stella realized the music effortlessly transformed to suit the preferences of each attendee. The gods could listen to classical and the younger demigods heard hip-hop or whatever, and it was all the same soundtrack. No arguments. No fights to change the radio station. Just requests to crank it up.
Dionysus went around growing refreshment stands out of the ground, and a beautiful woman walked with him arm in arm—his wife, Ariadne. It was a rare sight to witness Dionysus looking genuinely happy.
Nectar and ambrosia overflowed from golden fountains, and platters of mortal snack food crowded the banquet tables. Goblets, equally golden, were filled with whatever drink the heart desired.
Grover trotted around with a full plate of tin cans and enchiladas, and his goblet was full of double-espresso latte, which he kept muttering over like an incantation: "Pan! Pan!"
Gods, reduced to human size to avoid inadvertently trampling partygoers, kept coming over to congratulate the heroes.
Stella spotted Hermes making a beeline toward Percy and seized the opportunity to find her father. Her eyes scanned the room, looking everywhere for a sign of his sandy head and bright smile.
"Star," A familiar voice resonated behind her. She turned swiftly, and there he was—Apollo, her father.
"Dad!" She exclaimed, relief flooding through her. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him. Apollo, in turn, enveloped her in a comforting embrace, offering the support she so desperately needed.
"I'm sorry," Stella said, pulling back and averting her gaze to the floor, "I let you down."
Apollo extended out a hand, gently raising her chin to meet his gaze. "You're too hard on yourself," He said, smiling at her sadly.
"But you warned me," Stella confessed. "You told me I couldn't save everyone, but I didn't listen. I couldn't control my powers; they controlled me."
"No matter the light, the Archer must endure, for she does not hold the cure," Apollo recited. It was part of the prophecy that had set them out on their quest.
Stella's lips parted in realization. She had overlooked that crucial aspect of the prophecy, feeling as if she had heard those words ages ago when, in reality, it had been just a few days.
"These events were woven into the prophecy. Bianca and Zoë, their fates were sealed. And you, my archer, didn't hold the cure—you couldn't heal them because you were not supposed to. Bringing back souls teetering on the brink of death is only something gods are capable of, and sometimes even that isn't possible. Death is not to be messed with."
The weight of truth hung in the air, a somber reminder of the limits imposed by fate and the intricacies of being half god, half human.
"I had to try. How was I supposed to let Zoë pass without having tried everything I could to save her? How could I live with myself if I had just abandoned her?" Stella questioned, her eyes searching her father's for a response.
Apollo maintained a steady gaze, "It is the burden of love and compassion that makes us attempt the impossible. You tried because you care deeply, and that compassion is what sets you apart."
"But I failed," Stella whispered.
"No, you did not fail. You faced the challenges fate presented, and you persevered. You fought for those you hold dear. That, in itself, is a victory," Apollo assured her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.
Stella's brows furrowed, grappling with the conflicting emotions within. "But Zoë... and Bianca... they're gone. I couldn't save them."
Apollo's expression softened, and he drew her into another embrace. "There are battles we cannot win, no matter how valiantly we fight. Acceptance is sometimes the bravest course of action."
Stella, her eyes teary, leaned into her father's comforting presence. "I just wish I could have done more."
"You did everything within your power and more. And that included risking your own sanity... I know you were overpowered, but think about the pain you inflicted upon yourself."
Stella, her voice choked with emotion, murmured, "I couldn't let her go."
"That is the strength of your heart, my Star. Just remember you are not alone in carrying this burden. Your grief is shared by those who love you."
Stella sighed, the heaviness in her chest not easily lifted. "What now, Dad? Where do we go from here?"
"Now, we heal. The scars may linger, but with time, wounds find solace. And you will rise stronger from the ashes of adversity."
As he spoke, a soft glow enveloped Stella's wounds, a divine touch to aid the mending process. The healing energy, a gift from her godly parent, sought to soothe the anguish that lingered within her.
"Take the time you need, but do not let grief chain you indefinitely. The world still needs its defender, and you have a destiny that stretches beyond the pain of the present."
Stella nodded, absorbing the wisdom in Apollo's words. The hall of the gods, once filled with the weight of fate, now seemed to offer a glimmer of hope amid the shadows.
"But, the prophecy—"
Apollo interrupted gently, "Prophecies are threads woven by the Fates. They guide, but they do not dictate every nuance of existence. Your choices, your resilience, shape the tapestry of your destiny."
"Thank you, Dad," she said, her voice a mere whisper.
Apollo smiled warmly, his love for his daughter evident in his gaze. "You'll find your way, Star. Now, go and rejoin the celebration. I believe you have an overdue conversation with my sister."
With a nod, Stella took her leave, making her way through the lively throng of gods and demigods as she looked for Artemis. The hall echoed with laughter and music, the glow of Olympus casting a brilliance upon the gathering.
She found the goddess next to one of the refreshment stands, Thalia by her side. As Stella approached them, Artemis exchanged a quiet word with her new lieutenant, and the girl respectfully walked away.
"Lady Artemis," Stella greeted the goddess.
"Hello, Estella," Artemis acknowledged with a nod. "I am glad to see you are feeling better, or at least in better shape than when I saw you last."
Stella took a deep breath, "I believe I owe you an answer."
Artemis's silver eyes glinted, "I believe you do."
"Immortality, being free of my fate," She began, "it all sounds so wonderful. But I can't. I can't leave behind my friends, my camp. So, I am going to have to graciously deny your offer."
The goddess nodded, "I respect your choice, but I hope you thought it through."
Stella, resolute in her decision, affirmed, "I did, I really did."
Artemis's lips curved into a subtle smile. "Alright. But just know, I believe you have the spirit of a true huntress. Just because you declined my offer does not dissolve you of that power."
"Thank you," Stella replied, a genuine appreciation coloring her words for the profound acknowledgment bestowed upon her by her godly aunt.
For some reason, Stella felt the overwhelming need to tell Percy her decision. "Excuse me, I have to find—" She started to tell Artemis.
"Go," The goddess interjected, as if she knew who exactly Stella was talking about.
Gratefully acknowledging Artemis with a smile, Stella set off, once again searching the room, except this time for Percy Jackson.
She was immediately blindsided when someone stepped in front of her, blocking her view. Stella looked at who had interrupted her search, and her mouth fell open when she realized who it was.
"Aphrodite," Stella breathed out, her initial awe quickly giving way to composure.
"Hello, sweetie," Aphrodite said, her perfect pink lips curved up in a smile, her sea-green eyes twinkling.
"Um—" Stella said, still stunned by the beauty of the goddess of love.
A giggle fell from her lips, "I think those were Percy's first words to me too."
Stella came back to her senses when she remembered that Aphrodite had summoned Percy into her limo to have a conversation, whatever that entailed. Then after that, he acted all weird with her and didn't even give her all the details from their meeting. The only takeaway Stella had was that there was a possibility Percy harbored feelings for Annabeth, information he hadn't cared to share with her.
"Right," Stella replied, resisting the urge not to roll her eyes.
"Oh darling, no need to get jealous!" Aphrodite continued, seeming to draw amusement from Stella's reaction.
"Jealous? I'm not jealous. You yanked my friend away from us in the desert and then left him all stupid!" Stella retorted.
Aphrodite hummed, "I tend to have that effect on most men and women. But it is no matter, Percy has eyes for a certain someone."
Stella mumbled, "Yeah, I know. Annabeth."
The goddess doubled over in laughter, wiping away the tears that had formed at the corners of her eyes. "Sorry. I see your father didn't tell you anything... good."
Stella furrowed her brows, puzzled by Aphrodite's cryptic remark. Was the idea of Percy liking Annabeth that laughable? If not the daughter of Athena, then who?
"Anyways, dear, I'm glad you're no longer unconscious. There's some work to do on your love story, and that requires you to be awake. Don't get too distracted with what's to come."
That left her only more confused but eager to end the conversation with the goddess of love. Stella looked past Aphrodite and spotted Percy in the palace courtyards, engaged in conversation with—oh gods—Apollo.
"Okay, will do! Now, thank you, it's been fun, but I have to go, excuse me!" Stella blurted out before rushing past the goddess, making her way toward her father and the son of the sea.
As Stella closed the distance between them, the vibrant banter of Apollo and Percy reached her ears. She caught snippets of Apollo's offer for Percy to drive the sun chariot and receive archery lessons.
"Thanks," Percy told him. "But seriously, I'm no good at archery."
"Ah, nonsense," Apollo said. "Target practice from the chariot as we fly over the U.S.? Best fun there is!"
"Dad!" Stella exclaimed, playfully sliding an arm around her father's shoulders. "You weren't bothering Percy, I hope."
Apollo laughed, waving off her concern, "Never. I was just telling Percy here that I could teach him some archery."
Percy and Stella exchanged a glance, the mention of archery lessons sparking the same memory between them.
Stella cracked a smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Trust me, I've tried. I think sea spawn here is unteachable."
"Hey!" Percy protested with a good-natured grin.
Apollo narrowed his eyes at the two demigods, "Ah, yes. That reminds me, no more taking my daughter underwater, Jackson."
"To be fair, Clarisse was going to kill us if we didn't hide from her," Stella offered, and Percy's smile deepened at the memory.
"Hmmm, fine." Apollo said before his eyes shifted behind them, "Hermes is waving me over. I'll catch you two later."
They watched as Hermes clasped Apollo's shoulders, and they began to dance. However, she sensed a shift in Percy's demeanor. His once bright smile had faded, replaced by a more somber expression. Concerned, Stella turned to him, her eyes searching his face.
"What's wrong? I hope he didn't bother you," Stella inquired, referring to Apollo.
"No, he was fine. I had worse conversations, trust me," Percy reassured her.
She arched a brow, "What happened then?"
Percy proceeded to recount his conversation with Poseidon, revealing the unsettling news about Luke's survival. His boat had sailed out of San Francisco, with the remains of Kronos and the aim of retreating and regrouping before launching another assault.
"And that's not all," Percy added, standing closer to Stella so only her ears heard what he was about to disclose.
He delved into the discussion with Athena, where she had exposed his fatal flaw—his personal loyalty.
Stella hated to admit it, but the truth of Athena's revelation was not exactly shocking. Percy's loyalty, an unyielding force that bound him to his friends, was a defining aspect of his character. A quality she admired but now recognized as both a strength and a vulnerability.
"I'm here for you, Perce," She whispered to him, her words a silent promise that echoed with unspoken understanding.
Her fingers gently reached out, brushing against the new streak of gray in his hair—a tangible mark of their shared ordeal, a painful souvenir from holding Atlas's burden. The streak mirrored hers exactly, a silent testament to the bond they shared, etched in shades of silver that whispered tales of sacrifice and strength.
"So," Stella said. "What did you want to tell me earlier?"
The lively rhythm of music filled the air, creating an infectious energy that echoed through the streets. People around them swayed and twirled, lost in the enchantment of the celebration.
Percy's gaze met hers, and he hesitated for a moment before responding, "I, uh, was thinking we got interrupted at Westover Hall. And...I think I owe you a dance."
A slow, teasing smile curved on Stella's lips. "All right, waterboy."
Percy extended his hand, and she placed hers in his, letting him lead her into the heart of the dancing crowd. The world around them melted away as Percy's hands settled on her waist, and Stella draped hers over his shoulders. She didn't know what everybody else heard, but they moved to the rhythm of the slow song that played.
"I didn't," Stella blurted out.
Confusion flickered in Percy's expression. "Didn't what?"
"I turned down Artemis's offer to become a Hunter," She elaborated, her eyes locking onto Percy's.
A spark of understanding ignited in his eyes, "Oh, cool." His nonchalant tone shifted, giving way to a grin. "I know I was against it, but I really want what's best for you, Stella. Why'd you say no?"
As they continued to sway to the music, Stella laid her head on Percy's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I can't run away from my fate forever... and I could never leave you guys."
Percy smiled, his gaze softening, "Really?"
Stella lifted her head, meeting his eyes with sincerity, "Yes, really."
In a spontaneous move, Percy twirled her around, the music shifting to a happier tune. The world spun around them, but in that dance, Stella and Percy found a moment of shared happiness and understanding, their bond strengthening with each step.