Chapter One
Annabeth Chase was many things. But gullible, was not one of them.
"What's in it for you, if I... er, agree to your plan?" She said cautiously.
"Well, you know, the usual..." said the black-haired teenager from across her.
She rolled her eyes. "And just what do you mean 'the usual'?"
He studied her for a moment, as though sizing her up. "Your friend. Thalia. I want a chance with her."
Shock filtered in, but she refused to show it. "That isn't my choice. It's hers."
"That may be," he continued. "But you haven't even allowed me to get close to her. When I win, you will stop. You'll let me try with her. If she refuses, however, is a different matter, and that's up to her."
She thought it over for a moment. A game. Both pretending to love each other. But only until one of them actually does fall in love. And then the winner gets their prize. Could she really do it? Could she really put her friend on the line like that? She was about to refuse, when her pride stepped in.
What ever happened to being sure of success? hissed her pride. After all, if - sorry, when - you win, will it truly matter what you risked to earn that victory? Will it truly matter once you've played the player?
Before common sense could step in, her pride won her over.
"Deal."
"Alright, then." Said the boy, clearly not have expected her to accept quite so quickly.
"So, shall we?"
"We shall."
And with that, Nico took her hand and led her out of the room.