Percy Jackson 4 – The Battle of the Labyrinth

“Can’t make it,” Briares huffed.

“Tyson is risking his life to help you!” I yelled at him. “You will make it.”

But she clenched her jaw stubbornly. She looked just the way she had when she’d faced the Sphinx – like she wasn’t going to accept an easy answer, even if it got her in serious trouble. I realized that was one of the things I liked best about Annabeth.

Annabeth and I pretty much skirted around each other. I was glad to be with her, but it also kind of hurt, and it hurt when I wasn’t with her, too.

Annabeth and I pretty much skirted around each other. I was glad to be with her, but it also kind of hurt, and it hurt when I wasn’t with her, too.

‘Thanks,’ I remembered the last time Annabeth and I had parted ways, when she’d given me a kiss for luck in Mount St Helens. This time, all I got was the hat.

‘No,’ I said. ‘It’s too dangerous. If they got hold of Nico, or Rachel for that matter, Kronos could use them. You stay here and guard them.’

What I didn’t say: I was also worried about Annabeth. I didn’t trust what she would do if she saw Luke again. He had fooled her and manipulated her too many times before.

‘Nah. They asked me a lot of questions about you. I played dumb.’

Annabeth laughed. It was the first time I’d heard her laugh in a long time, and it was nice to hear.

Chiron chuckled. ‘It hardly matters. Annabeth is very territorial about her friends, in case you haven’t noticed. She was quite worried about you. And now that you’re back, I think she suspects where you were marooned.’

‘That’s stupid. She’s not… it’s not like…’