Chapter 3

The next time Percy went to visit Artemis, she was different. She was still beautiful, but she was also cold and distant. She didn't smile as much, and she didn't seem as interested in talking to him.

Percy asked her what was wrong, but she just said that she was tired. She didn't want to talk about it.

Percy was worried about Artemis, but he didn't know what to do. He didn't want to push her away, but he also didn't want to see her like this.

He decided to talk to Annabeth about it. He knew that she would be able to help him.

Percy went to Annabeth's house and told her everything. Annabeth listened patiently, and then she said, "I think I know what's wrong with Artemis."

"What is it?" Percy asked.

"She's in love with you," Annabeth said.

Percy was shocked. "What?" he said. "But she's a goddess."

"I know," Annabeth said. "But that doesn't mean she can't feel love. And she's clearly in love with you."

Percy didn't know what to say. He had never thought of Artemis in that way before.

"I don't know what to do," he said.

"I think you need to talk to her," Annabeth said. "You need to tell her how you feel."

Percy nodded. "I will," he said.

Percy went back to the forest and found Artemis. She was sitting on a rock, looking out at the trees.

Percy sat down next to her and took her hand. "Artemis," he said. "I need to tell you something."

Artemis looked at him. "What is it?" she asked.

Percy took a deep breath. "I'm in love with you," he said.

Artemis' eyes widened. "You are?" she said.

Percy nodded. "I am," he said. "I've never felt this way about anyone before."

Artemis didn't say anything for a long time. She just looked at Percy with her beautiful eyes.

Finally, she said, "I'm in love with you too, Percy."

Percy smiled. "I'm so glad," he said.

Artemis smiled back. "Me too," she said.

Percy and Artemis kissed. It was a soft, gentle kiss, full of love and promise.

When they pulled away, Artemis said, "I have to go now."

"Why?" Percy asked.

"I can't stay," Artemis said. "I'm not supposed to fall in love with mortals."

Percy's heart sank. "But what about us?" he asked.

"I don't know," Artemis said. "I'll have to think about it."

Artemis turned and walked away. Percy watched her go, and he knew that he would never forget her.

Later that night

Percy was sitting in his room, thinking about what had happened. He couldn't believe that Artemis was in love with him. And he couldn't believe that she was going to have to leave him.

He heard a knock at the door, and he got up to answer it. It was Annabeth.

"Hey," she said. "Can I come in?"

Percy nodded and stepped aside. Annabeth came in and sat down on the bed.

"I know what happened," she said. "Artemis told me."

Percy sighed. "I'm sorry," he said.

"It's not your fault," Annabeth said. "I know you didn't mean to fall in love with her."

"I know," Percy said. "But I still feel terrible."

"I know," Annabeth said. "But you can't help who you fall in love with."

Percy nodded. "I know," he said.

"I'm not mad at you," Annabeth said. "I just...I need some time to process everything."

"I understand," Percy said.

"I'll be back," Annabeth said. "I promise."

Annabeth stood up and walked to the door.