While Spying on a Best Friend
Percy waited until everyone was in bed, then slowly tip toed out of his cabin to Athena's. He crouched low, behind the steps. He had a feeling that Annabeth would be doing something secret tonight, and he was right. In less than five minutes, he heard Annabeth open the creaky screen door and step onto the wooden porch. From watching her shadow, he figured that she was creeping ever so slowly down the steps.
As soon as she hit solid ground and began heading for the forest, he trailed her like a new puppy, not taking his eyes off her long enough to rub sleep from their thoughts. They walked until they reached the forest, and then Annabeth followed a trail that made no sense to Percy. He thought about turning back before he got lost, but that was out of the question. He already was lost.
As silently as he followed his friend, Percy noticed that she was even more silent. They were nearing a large oak tree, and it seemed as if that was where they would end their journey.
At that moment, however, Annabeth disappeared. Percy shook his head, unable to believe what he had just seen. When he still saw no sign of her, he scoured the oak with his eyes, looking for a logical explanation to the fact that he was now very much alone.
Suddenly, Percy stopped dead. He was positive that he had heard a sound from behind him. He never had the chance to turn around.