Chapter 2

*One week later*

Annabeth's POV

It's getting around the time again. The time of the murder.

I was thinking of telling some of my "friends" about it, but anyone who was worth telling was occupied for the past few days. All of them have a boyfriend or had to do something immediately after school.

Eh, what can I say. My friends never have time for me.

I just have to hope to the gods above that none of them are the victim, or I'm wrong about my assumptions.

Malcolm was even more protective walking home today. He said, no, demanded that I was going to go to the local shop and buy food with him. Not that I'm complaining. I don't want to be home alone.

At the store, he didn't let anyone approach me. At all. He's one of the few brothers that actually cares what happens to his siblings.

Well, he had an impact on Malcolm's actions. He's why I'm so unapproachable.

Betrayal… It's a terrible thing. It changes everyone.

Then again, I guess I'm thankful to him in one way. He proved that Malcolm cared for me by doing everything he did.

I'm good at getting off topic.

After finishing up and buying the groceries, it's near dusk. My brother had to go and give Mom something, because she forgot it at home. I ensured him that I'll be safe, as I had a room on the second floor, and I had to get started on a paper for school. He reluctantly left, and I started on my homework after I closed all windows and doors, strapping my knife to my belt.

Halfway through the paper, I went downstairs to get some water. When I got back to my room, I dropped my glass.

A man was standing opposite me, cloth covering everything below his eyes and his hands on a blade, leaning against the wall.

I didn't waste a second before my instincts kicked in. Unsheathing my knife, I charged at him.

He had lightning fast reflexes, and defended himself with skill rivalling the best of soldiers, maybe even better. For every attack I carried out, he had the perfect answer. It wasn't long before I was the defender.

He swiftly unarmed me before I could react, and I was panting against the sharp edge of his sword. I glanced up at him, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Are you done?" We made eye contact, and I glared at him.

He wasn't even fazed. I wasn't going to win a one on one fight with him, even if I got my knife back, and Malcolm wasn't going to be home for another hour or so.

I closed my eyes. "Just kill me already."

He chuckled underneath the black cloth. "Nah, I already like you better than the others."

Thanks for reading! Sorry about my very random updating "schedule." I've been kind of busy and was kind of desperate to upload a chapter, so sorry if this is rushed (which it is. Don't lie.)

-KawaiiChick