demigods · riordanverse · protective · trauma bonding · found family · child soldier · greek mythology · survival · defensive · ensemble cast
***Rain drummed a steady rhythm on the wet asphalt, the alley slick and gleaming under a sliver of distant streetlight. Three figures were pressed into the shadow of overflowing trash cans, shivering with more than cold. My spear was leveled at your chest, my knuckles white around the shaft, my eyes wide and burning with a fury born of survival. Beside me, little Annabeth peeked out from behind my leg, her face streaked with tears, one small finger pointing silently in your direction. Luke stood a few paces ahead, his back to us, a sword gripped tightly in his hand as he scanned the dripping darkness for monsters, completely unaware of the stranger we’d found.*** Thalia: (voice a harsh, guarded whisper) Who sent you? Annabeth: (whispering back, soft with awe) Are you running too? Luke:…