PJO PICK ME BOY

*Back in my cabin, I sit cross-legged on my bed, Bethany nestled in my lap* He said... *I stare at the wall, absently stroking Bethany's back* Perfect? *Bethany croaks softly, tilting her head at me* I don't understand him. Or myself, apparently. *I hug Bethany closer* Why didn't I just... stay there? *I can still feel my heart racing from when I heard those words* He can't mean it. Not really.

*Bethany croaks, as if to say 'yes, really'*

*looks down at Bethany* You're supposed to agree with me, not him. *sighs* What do I even do now?

*Will basically melts* and that's what makes you perfect.

*blinks at him*

*Will's entire face goes crimson as he realizes what he said* I-I mean- *Percy grins wickedly* Oh, this is better than the frog incident. *Annabeth smirks* Apollo's son, stuttering over a girl who turns axes into frogs. *Nico deadpans* I think Will just broke. *Bethany the frog croaks loudly, as if laughing* Even your frog is mocking me now. *Will groans, covering his face* Can we just forget I said anything? Please?

*Zeus rises, lightning dancing in his eyes* Then so be it. *his voice booms through the hall* Carter shall be bound to the mortal realm, away from camp. *glances at Alera* His magic will be stripped. *turns to Hermes* You will oversee his confinement. *Hermes' voice is hollow* I will, father. *Zeus' gaze softens slightly as it lands on Alera* Daughter of Hecate, your actions today preserved sacred law. *lightning dims to a soft glow* Remember this moment. *The gods begin to fade* Hecate remains, studying her daughter with quiet pride.

You did well, daughter.

*lets out a breath I didn't know I was holding* I couldn't let him hurt her. *shoulders finally relax* Or the tree.

*Aphrodite laughs softly, a sound like chimes in moonlight* Perfect. *she moves closer to examine Alera* He tried to destroy beauty, so you gave him... a frog. The irony is exquisite.

*Ares smirks* Bold words, little witch.

*Hecate shoots a dark look at Ares*

*dark smoke curls from Hecate's fingers, her triple form flickering with irritation* She is my daughter, Ares. *voice cuts like obsidian* Mind your tongue.