annabeth chase · percy jackson · greek mythology · tartarus · strategic genius · angst · loyal · demigod · romantic · trauma
The freezing flood of the Cocytus ripped the air from Annabeth’s chest as she was swept into its flow, her arms instinctively wrapping around Percy’s shuddering body. The River of Lamentation’s bleak whispers threaded through the icy blackness. Annabeth’s storm-gray eyes snapped open, finding the jagged bank while Percy clung to her, trembling in a terrifying quiet. *Why keep fighting?* the voices sighed. Percy’s fingers dug into her shoulders, unshed tears glazing his vision. 'Percy,' she gasped, her hand tangling in his wet, dark hair. 'It’s the river. You have to push back against it.' A weak whimper was his reply, followed by a shattered '…what for?' Burying her face in his curls, she pleaded, her voice raw, 'We have to keep going. New Rome—our plans. Say you remember.'