Chapter 409: Chapter 409: Annabeth’s Determination

[Third Person Pov]

After Lucian and Annabeth exited the family diner together, each holding their drinks, the cool air outside greeted them like a quiet reset after the tension they had just endured. The faint noise of passing cars and distant chatter filled the street, but Lucian barely registered any of it. He was still grumbling under his breath, his irritation simmering just beneath the surface. Annabeth, meanwhile, calmly sipped her drink, her eyes fixed on him with open amusement.

“Stupid asshole,” Lucian muttered, his voice low but venomous. His teeth clenched around his straw, flattening it slightly as he bit down harder than necessary. “Who says something like that to their own child? He’s supposed to be a god, a king, and yet he has no sense of decorum whatsoever.”

Annabeth didn’t respond immediately. She simply watched him, her straw resting between her lips as she drank, letting him vent. “So what now?” she asked gently, her tone casual, clearly trying to steer his mind somewhere else.

Lucian exhaled deeply, his shoulders rising and falling as he forced the tension out of his body. Without hesitation, he reached over and grabbed Annabeth’s hand. His grip was firm. “You know what? No,” he said, his voice gaining resolve. “I won’t let assholes like Agares or my father ruin today. I won’t let them take this from us.”

He intertwined his fingers with hers, holding her hand with quiet certainty. “I promised you a date today,” he continued, glancing at her with determination. “I’ll be damned if I go back on my word.”

Annabeth’s expression softened immediately. She slowly sipped her drink, her eyes never leaving his face. There was warmth there, affection, and most significantly…Love. Her lips curled into a small smile around the straw. “Don’t worry so much about it,” she said softly. “Despite how everything turned out… I had fun.”

“Not to mention,” she continued, her fingers tightening slightly around his hand, her grip filled with quiet determination, “this date has been more than insightful. I have a clear path now. I know exactly what I need to do to grow stronger.”

Lucian raised an eyebrow, curiosity replacing his frustration. As they began walking together down the street, their hands still joined, he turned his head slightly toward her. “Oh?” he said. “Do enlighten me.”

Annabeth didn’t hesitate. “I’m thinking of going on a quest.”

“Huh?” he asked, completely caught off guard.

She met his gaze without wavering. “I started thinking about it during Lord Hades’ explanation. That’s why I asked him if there were any good demons out there.” Her expression hardened slightly.

Lucian studied her face carefully. He could see it now—that quiet fire behind her eyes. “What exactly are you planning?” he asked cautiously.

Annabeth’s answer came without hesitation. “I’m planning on searching for the Ars Goetia,” she said. “In other words, the Book of Solomon. The grimoire that belonged to Solomon himself, the one said to grant dominion over the seventy-two demons of Hell.” Her fingers tightened around his hand. “I want it. Now more than ever.”

Lucian just stared at her, his drink still in his other hand, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. He could feel the stubborn resolve radiating from her, not just through her words, but through her grip as well. She wasn’t joking. She wasn’t uncertain. She had already decided.

“It was humiliating,” she admitted quietly. “The way Agares defeated me. I couldn’t do anything. He swatted me aside like I was nothing. Like I didn’t matter.”

She paused, her gaze lowering slightly. Lucian didn’t interrupt. He knew she needed to say this.

“And worst of all,” she continued, her voice softer now, “I wasn’t any help to you. We’re supposed to be partners, but right now… I’m too weak for that to mean anything. Instead of supporting you, I was just a burden.”

Lucian’s expression tightened. “Now hold on,” he said gently. “I think you’re being a little too hard on yourself—”

“Am I wrong?” Annabeth cut in sharply, scoffing. Her eyes snapped back to his, filled with defiance and pain. “And don’t try to stop me.”

Lucian immediately raised his free hand in surrender. “Alright, alright,” he said quickly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to undermine your determination.” His expression softened, sincerity replacing everything else. “If this is what you want to do, then I’ll support you. Like the loyal husband I am.”

Annabeth nearly inhaled her drink. She choked, coughing violently as the unexpected words caught her completely off guard.

Lucian chuckled, stepping closer and gently patting her back. “Sorry, sorry,” he said between quiet laughs. “But I mean it. Whatever you need, just say the word. You know you can count on me.”

Annabeth wiped her lips, her cheeks faintly warm, though she quickly composed herself. A small smirk formed on her face as she looked at him again. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Lucian smiled in return, relieved to see that look on her face again.

He gave her hand a gentle tug. “Come on,” he said, his tone lighter now. “Since we’re in London, we might as well make the most of it. Let’s check out some landmarks.”

Annabeth didn’t resist. She followed naturally, their hands still joined, their steps falling into quiet sync as they disappeared into the city together.

…

Lucian and Annabeth stood before the towering silhouette of the famous clock tower commonly referred to as Big Ben, its massive clock face gleaming faintly against the London sky. Annabeth, as expected, had launched into a detailed explanation the moment they stopped walking. She spoke about its neo-Gothic architectural style, the craftsmanship behind its construction, and the political symbolism embedded in its very stones. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she gestured toward different sections of the structure, fully immersed in her element.

“Uh huh…” Lucian replied flatly after one of her longer explanations.

“Oh wow,” he added a second later, nodding as though he understood every word.

“Never would’ve figured that out,” he continued in the same monotone voice.

Annabeth didn’t even pause her sentence before punching him sharply in the arm.

“Argh!” Lucian yelped, grabbing the spot dramatically before breaking into laughter. “Haha, I’m sorry. I know you find it interesting, but to me it’s just a clock named Ben.”

Annabeth stared at him as though he had personally offended centuries of British history. “Ugh, it is more than just a clock,” she snapped, rolling her eyes. “You have the audacity to call me uncultured sometimes, but you’re honestly no different.”

She crossed her arms and lifted her chin slightly, her expression turning almost aristocratic. “In fact, I’d argue I’m probably far more cultured than you are.”

“How fascinating…” Lucian responded in the same lifeless tone.

Her eyes narrowed immediately. “Do you actually want to get punched again?” she warned, her voice low and dangerous.

Lucian wisely chose not to answer that.

…

Later, they made their way toward the iconic London Eye. The massive observation wheel slowly rotated above the Thames, its glass capsules carrying tourists high above the city skyline. They decided to get on, and while inside the capsule, Lucian leaned back casually, enjoying the view in silence.

By the time they stepped off the ride, the banter had resumed naturally.

“What? No fun facts about this Ferris wheel?” Lucian teased, nudging her lightly with his elbow.

Annabeth crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in a small pout. “What’s the point? You wouldn’t even listen. I’d just be wasting my breath.”

“True,” Lucian admitted without hesitation, shrugging as if that settled the matter.

She stared at him in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable.”

As they continued walking through the bustling crowd, weaving between tourists and street performers, a girl who looked around their age came rushing through the walkway. She seemed distracted, glancing behind them as if trying to catch up to someone.

She collided directly into Lucian’s arm.

“Ah—!” she cried out as she lost her footing, nearly face-planting onto the pavement.

Lucian reacted quickly, grabbing her firmly by the waist and steadying her before she could fall. He raised a brow as he took in her appearance: blond hair streaked with bold red highlights, wide startled eyes staring up at him.

“Are you alright?” he asked calmly, his lips slowly curling into a grin.

“Uhh…” The girl’s brain appeared to short-circuit as she stared at him. For a moment she simply blinked, as if trying to process what she was looking at. She had never seen anyone nearly as handsome as Lucian, it was like a God was trying to desperately blend in with mortals and failed. “I—I’m fine. You’re finer—I mean no! I didn’t mean— I mean I didn’t mean to say that!”

She clamped her hands over her mouth, mortified, especially when she noticed the faintly amused expression forming on his face.

“Sadie!”

The shout snapped her back to reality. She turned toward two other girls waving at her from a short distance away.

“Pardon me!” she squeaked before hurriedly stepping out of Lucian’s hold and rushing toward her friends.

When she reached them, she grabbed one of them by the shoulders dramatically. “Oh my days!” she gasped. “I think I just ran into the love of my life! I am absolutely in shambles right now!”

All three of them peeked over toward Lucian, Sadie subtly pointing in his direction behind her back.

Lucian, sensing the stares, slowly glanced over his shoulder. His eyes locked onto Sadie’s for a brief second, and with a playful smirk, he shot her a wink.

Sadie’s face immediately turned bright red.

*Whack!*

The sharp sound echoed loud enough that even Sadie and her friends flinched.

Annabeth’s hand had connected cleanly with Lucian’s cheek.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” Annabeth snapped, her eyes blazing. “I am standing right here beside you and you’re winking at another girl? Do you want to get smacked?”

“Ow! You already hit me!” Lucian protested, clutching his reddening cheek. “What’s the point of threatening me after the fact?!”

Despite his complaint, a mischievous grin tugged at his lips. “It wasn’t flirtatious,” he added casually. “I just thought she was someone I knew. That’s all.”

Annabeth stared at him in disbelief, her eye twitching slightly. “I am going to beat the fuck out of you,” she said coldly, with absolutely no hint of joking in her voice.

Lucian took a careful step to the side.

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