sink or swim
"I hate you," she spits, hands shackled and eyes furious. "I hate you and I will always hate you, Jason Grace."
"Oh," he laughs lightly, "trust me, I believe you. But you're doing it all wrong, aren't you, daughter of wisdom? You're supposed to beg mercy from the evil guy. Say that you'll change sides. Maybe even offer other things."
She spits at his feet. He draws the wind to remove the viscous liquid from his shoes. It blows right back into her face.
"Where's Piper, then?" she seethes, "I'd like to talk to a sane person, please."
"Piper is dealing with the other prisoners."
"I don't care. I want Piper."
"Don't speak to me like that."
"I will speak to you any damn way I want to, traitor."
Jason clenches his fists. "Gwen. Call Piper before I kill this—"
"Former friend?"
"—prisoner."
"Alright, sir. She will be here soon."
Jason scowls and throws his fists into the wall before walking out, his long cape following him. Gwen sends Annabeth a pitying look. She looks as if she wants to say something but stands back up to attention when Piper enters.
"Oh, Annabeth—"
"Shut up, Piper. Shut up and tell me why you're still here and still smiling and still kissing him when he has clearly lost his mind."
"He has not lost his mind."
"Are you blind? He—"
"I know that it seems like he has, but he hasn't, trust me."
"You're asking me to trust you?"
"Let me have that, Annabeth. Please."
"You are—"
Piper leaves. The next day Annabeth is sentenced to her execution.
"She asked to pardon you. It was he who demanded death."