Reyna walked slowly down the hill towards camp. Her mind was racing. How could she, of all people, ever believe that Percy Jackson would give her a chance. It was better for everyone if he just left. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. You are in control, she told herself. Nothing is wrong. He is leaving and that is the end of that.
Strolling through New Rome calmed Reyna. It was a warm night, the sky full of stars. She stopped by her favorite cafe and ordered her usual: hot cocoa. Sipping the cocoa gave her a sense of familiarity and peace that she had not felt since Percy's arrival. It only supported her decision that Percy must leave.
Discarding her empty styrofoam cup into a roadside garbage bin, Reyna realized she felt better about herself than she had in months. She felt...stronger. Taking control of the situation and sending Percy away settled her. She no longer had to fear the way she felt about him, because he would never be coming back.
You deserve to relax, she told herself. You deserve a bath and a spa treatment.
She turned onto the road heading towards the bath house, located near the center of town. Reyna loved the bath house. The steamy air scented with oils and fragrances always calmed her. The attendants knew exactly what fragrances to use to relax and soothe her. The massages were fantastic, but usually reserved for after-battle rewards. Reyna chuckled to herself. Nothing screams hardcore preator more than a girl who gets a massage right after battle, she thought as she pushed open the bath house doors.
She was greeted by the warm, steamy, fragrant air rising from the central bathing pool. She smiled at the desk attendant. "Could I have an exclusive pool, please?" The attendant smiled back. "I'm sure we could arrange something for the preator of New Rome," she said good-naturedly. The attendant motioned to another attendant standing by the door. "Rhea, please take Ms. Reyna to pool 23."
Rhea looked down at a clipboard she was holding. "I believe that pool is occupied, Ms. Reyna. Shall I find you another one?"
"No," Reyna said. "That's fine. That's what Roman bathing is all about, after all!" She laughed. "I'd enjoy the company anyway."
"Follow me then, please," said Rhea briskly. "Shall I take your toga?"
"That's ok," said Reyna, following Rhea down a long hallway. "I'll do it. I just need a long bath after a day like today."
Rhea smiled. "I'm sure the praetorship of New Rome is no easy task. Ah, here we are," she said, motioning to a wooden door. "Pool 23. Exclusive to only our most honored guests."
"Thank you," said Reyna gratefully. She pushed open the door into the quiet, dim room. She walked in and turned her back to the pool so she could undress. Slipping off her toga and undoing the belt that held her sword felt wonderful. She basked in the warmth of the room before turning around and slipping into the blissfully warm water. She closed her eyes and let the water cascade over her body, dampening the ends of her long dark hair.
"Um," said a deep voice, interrupting Reyna's reverie. "Maybe I should go…"
Reyna kept her eyes shut. "You don't have to go," she said. "We're exclusives, it's ok. Just pretend I'm not here."
"Yeah...that's probably not going to work Reyna," said the voice. Reyna furrowed her brow. Why did that voice sound so familiar? She cracked open an eye. In the dim room she couldn't make out the stranger's face. "I'm sorry," she said politely. "Do I know you?"
"Reyna." The deep voice sounded remorseful. "Don't be like this. Just talk to me."
Just then the voice registered. Reyna's heartbeat spiked. Oh gods, she thought, this can't be happening.
"Reyna, we can't sort through this until you talk to me," continued the voice.
Oh gods oh gods oh gods oh god-
"Reyna-"
Reyna jumped out of the pool. "I'm sorry," she said hurriedly. "But I really need to go."
Percy lunged after her. "Reyna!" he exclaimed. "Just talk to me!"
Reyna grabbed the toga lying on the floor and punched her arms through. "Percy, I can't do this," she said, her voice muffled by the fabric. "I'm sorry, ok? Please...please just leave me alone."
She spun around to leave, but the floor was wet from her hasty exit from the pool, and in the dim light she didn't notice the puddles until it was too late. Her feet flew out from under her and she landed with a splash in the middle of the pool, smacking her head on the edge.
"Reyna!" Percy dived in after her. He lifted her limp body above the surface of the water and dragged her to the edge of the pool. "Reyna, say something!"
Reyna groggily opened her eyes. "Ow..."
Percy laughed. "I never thought I would be happy to hear someone say ow. You've got a pretty good-sized gash on your forehead though."
Reyna reached up and felt her forehead. Her fingers came away red and sticky. She felt dizzy and her vision started to go black. "Percy…" she said weakly. His face appeared blurry above hers. His eyes were full of concern. "What is it, Rey?" he asked.
"I...I don't feel too good…"
"Reyna?" Percy's voice faded into oblivion as the blackness swept over her.
