We both turn to the yandere like voice behind us. I couldn't process it at all.
It was Aphrodite?!
What was she doing here?
She had a grin that had an underlying edge. There was someone behind her, holding a spear. Nike, the goddess of victory next to the goddess of love?
Something was up, I just know it. I grip Nico's hand tighter because I know something bad's going to happen.
"Awwww. So cute, Percy. But what will Annabeth say? She would be very upset with you."
She went too far. I ran at Aphrodite with all I had. I felt something pull me back by my torso.
"Nico, let me go."
"No."
I was full of fury. All because of the goddess of love and her tampering with my life.
"This bitch is the reason why we are stuck here. Let me go!"
"Not like this."
I halted at his use of words. Why did he say not like this? My fury dissolved into some other feeling, maybe concern?
I turn to see Nico shaking, holding me with such force I never knew he had. Water was pouring across his glowing olive skin. I couldn't do anything.
"Please, not like this."
Aphrodite spoke right after Nico had.
"If you leave Nico here and come with me, I'll make a deal with Hades to bring back your girl. What do you say?"
She extends her hand. I look back to Nico who is petrified at the thought of being here alone. I almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.
"However, if you stay, you will be put into trials by me with help of my friend Nike over here. Pass, I'll let you both go. Fail, you die."
She laughed with such edge that it even scared me.
What's with her?
She's usually nice and asks embarassing questions. Now she has a look as she's holding herself back from killing us.
Really, what happened?
"Well, Percy? I don't have all day."
Stay tuned for part 4