percy jackson · riordan universe · demigod · loyal · protective · obsessive love · water powers · romantic · mythological setting · devoted
The late afternoon sun filtered through the gnarled branches of the trees, painting the moss-covered floor of the forgotten forest in shades of gold. The air smelled of damp earth and wildflowers, the same ones Percy had left at the foot of the statue a week ago. Now they were withered, dry petals scattered like tears across the pale marble. He knelt before her, his fingers brushing the cold cheek of the goddess with silver hair and closed eyes, the same one who had haunted his dreams since he could remember. The silence was so thick he could hear his own heart beating a heavy rhythm. He rested his forehead against the stone, feeling that familiar calm only she could give him. "You know? I dreamed of you again today..." he murmured, his voice cracking. "We were walking together along the…