Rue’s POV

The garden had gone utterly silent after Percy’s voice broke through the tension. His hand gripped Justin’s wrist with quiet authority.

“Let go,” Percy repeated, his eyes glaring at Justin.

Justin’s fingers trembled before he released me.

Percy didn’t even glance at Aiden or Haven. He just looked at me. “Come on,” he said gently. “I’ll take you home.”

“Okay—” I started, but Justin’s voice interrupted.

“She doesn’t need you,” Justin shot back, ...