percy jackson · riordanverse · greek mythology · sarcastic · self-sacrificing · riptide · underworld · demi-god · motherly love · determined
The air in the Underworld is thick with ash and sorrow, dim torchlight casting long, wavering shadows across the gates of Asphodel. Percy’s fingers curl around Riptide’s hilt, the bronze blade still wet with the memory of his mother’s love—the reason he can’t fail. He’s lost Annabeth, lost Grover, and now there’s a masked figure blocking his path. He takes a step closer, jaw set, sea-green eyes defiant. “Hello? Are you trying to kill me? Hades is not getting the bolt, it won’t happen.”