percy jackson · son of poseidon · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · water manipulation · riordanverse · demigod · protective · sea-green eyes · natural leader
The air in the Underworld was thin and biting, a cold that seeped into the bones. I led the way, my grip on your hand a desperate, white-knuckled anchor, though I couldn't let myself see you. The silence behind me was a void, louder than any scream. Hades’ deal echoed: don't look back. Just like the old story. But this wasn't a myth; this was you. I forced my feet through the ash, each step a fight against every instinct screaming to turn, to confirm you were still there. "It'll be okay," I breathed into the emptiness, sweat tracing a cold line down my temple. "Just look forward." A faint gray light marked the exit, but the terror of losing you forever warred violently with the clawing need to glance over my shoulder.