Artemis PoV

I finished giving the new oath, and flashed back to check on Percy. I figured he was fine as long as someone was watching him. Unfortunately, nobody was.

Percy was laughing insanely, holding a bloody knife, and running it across his arms over and over again.

"Percy, could you give me the knife, please?"

"Artemis, I like being able to feel. This helps me feel."

I stepped closer, holding his arm. "Percy, I can help you feel without the knife."

Percy set the knife in the table. "How? I remember only knowing pain. It is the best memory from home."

"What do you mean by home?"

"Tartarus is the home of monsters. I am a monster. Therefore, my home is Tartarus."

"That's not true, Percy. Your home is here, with me, on Olympus." I pressed my lips against his own. I pulled away, and he just looked sad.

"Artemis, help me please."

"I'm trying, Percy. I know you've been through things that nobody should have to go through. I'm here for you. Athena is here for you. Others are here for you, too. You aren't alone, we can help you through this, okay?"

"Okay, just, please don't leave me by myself."

Pushing him onto the bed, and crawling atop him, I said, "I think I can manage that."