Rue’s POV

The next morning Percy took me for archery at the newly built mall. The shooting range sat at the edge of the eastern side, and even at this time, the mall was beginning to get crowded.

I stood at my station with the bow resting lightly in my hand. The string hummed faintly as I pulled it back.

Behind me, Percy clapped once.

“Well,” he said lightly, “I’m starting to feel insulted.”

I lowered the bow and glanced back at him.

“Why?”

He folded his arms, leaning casually ...