RECLUSE - (n) a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.
MAISIE ELLIOT WAS ANGRY.
Angry at the world.
Angry at the Gods.
Angry at the demigods who seemed to move on too fast.
And when forced onto a quest with three stranger...
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MAISE DIDN'T LIKE THIS GIRL
When she made it to the bottom of the staircase, Maisie could feel the power radiating from her. She looked at them with no friendliness, no expression on her face.
"Father will want to see the one called Jason," she said.
"Then it is him?" Zethes said excitedly.
"We'll see," said the girl. "Zethes, bring our guests."
They all stepped forward, but Leo stayed behind. The girl had frozen Leo in place with a single look.
"Not you, Leo Valdez." She spoke.
"Why not?" He whined.
"You cannot be in the presence of my father," she said. "Fire and ice— it wouldn't be wise."
"We're going together," Jason insisted, putting a hand on Leo's warm shoulder, "or not at all."
The girl tilted her head, like she wasn't used to people telling her no. "He will not be harmed, Jason Grace, unless you make trouble. Calais, keep Leo Valdez here. Guard him, but do not kill him."
Cal pouted, "Just a little?"
"No," she demanded. "And take care of his interesting suitcase, until father passes judgement."
Piper and Jason turned to him with concern. Silently asking if he was okay with it.
"It's fine, guys," he said. "No sense causing trouble if we don't have to. You go ahead."
"Listen to your friend," the pale girl said. "Leo Valdez will be perfectly safe. I wish I could say the same for you, son of Zeus. Now come, king Boreas is waiting."
PIPER, JASON, AND MAISIE ASCENDED UP THE ICY STAIRCASE.
Maisie could faintly feel Zethes's sword poking into her spine as she walked behind the groups. She wanted to turn and give the Boread a piece of her mind, but she contained herself as to not cause trouble.
She watched as Jason clutched Pipers hand for support. Making Maisie only feel more alone than ever, as they whispered to each other quietly.
The ice princess turned once they reached the top of the staircase. Glaring at Piper and Jason's intertwined hands. They both jumped apart suddenly, hands smoking with frost.
"Warmth is not a good idea here," the princess advised, "especially when I am your best chance at staying alive. Please, this way."
