DIVINE » l. valdez

xvi

❝it's time to make the world our own ❞

The demigods filed behind Annabeth down the ladder. The Romans parted like the Red Sea, clearing a path for Annabeth. They looked nervous, their bodies bruised and bandaged from their recent fight with the giants. None of them were armed. No one attacked.

Hina saw entire families flooding into the forum. Parents held babies, couples stood together, watching the newcomers with curiosity. She was amazed, all of these people were demigods, and yet they'd made a life in New Rome. They were living like normal people, they grew up, they had families. It was everything Hina wanted, but never thought she could have. 

A baby mewled beside Hina, staring wide eyed at the demigods. Hina's heart melted seeing the tiny infant. She waved, earning a giggle from the baby. "Hi, sweetie," she cooed quietly, enjoying the attention from the child.

Leo watched Hina with a smile dancing on his face. She was standing in a foreign city, after being threatened to be blown from the sky, playing with a baby. 

The city was gorgeous. The smell of baking bread wafted from nearby bakeries, the gurgling of a water fountain filling their ears distantly. Flowers were blooming all around the city, filling the streets with colour. 

Leo grabbed Hina's hand, pulling her along behind Annabeth as they neared Reyna. 

The demigod was in full Roman armor and a purple cape. Dark hair tumbled across her shoulders. Her eyes were as black as obsidian. She had the same powerful presence Jason had as she stood before the Romans.

The Greeks fanned out behind Annabeth who stood facing Reyna. They mirrored each other, in the way the girls held themselves, the almost unnoticeable fear behind their eyes.

Then, someone else emerged from the crowd of Romans. The way Annabeth stumbled backward, Hina knew it must have been Percy. 

He carried himself calmly, his dark hair side swept as if he'd just come from the beach. His eyes were a shining green like the ocean. He was without a doubt, handsome. He was tall, lean, tan, and muscular. He wore an identical toga to Jason. 

The praetor Reyna straightened. With apparent reluctance, she turned toward Jason.

"Jason Grace, my former colleague..." She spoke the word colleague like it was a dangerous thing. "I welcome you home. And these, your friends—"

Annabeth rushed forward, ignoring the shock stares from both sides. Percy moved towards Annabeth. Some Romans reached for swords that weren't there. 

Percy threw his arms around her. They kissed, Hina smiled wistfully watching the two. They seemed to be made for each other.

Percy pulled away and studied Annabeth's face. "Gods, I never thought—"

Annabeth grabbed his wrist and flipped him over her shoulder. He slammed into the stone pavement. Romans cried out. Some surged forward, but Reyna shouted, "Hold! Stand down!"

Hina's hand flew to her mouth, suppressing a gasp.

Annabeth put her knee on Percy's chest. She pushed her forearm against his throat. 

"If you ever leave me again," she threatened "I swear to all the gods—"

Percy had the nerve to laugh.

"Consider me warned," Percy said. "I missed you, too."

Annabeth rose and helped him to his feet. 

Jason cleared his throat. "So, yeah....It's good to be back." 

He introduced the group to Reyna, Piper by his side. She seemed a little upset that she didn't get to use her prepared lines. Then, Jason motioned to Leo and Hina. Hina mumbled a quiet 'hi' while Leo flashed a peace sign.