"Beyond the Threshold of Fate"

As the figure stepped forward, Apollo's eyes narrowed, his gaze possessively wrapping around me like a protective mantle. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he instinctively moved closer, his arm brushing against mine. Annabeth raised an eyebrow, her expression amused, but Apollo didn't seem to notice. His attention was fixed on me, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that made me feel like a prized possession. "Who are you?" Annabeth asked, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her voice firm but cautious. The figure didn't respond, its eyes never leaving mine. "Percy Jackson," it repeated, its voice low and husky. "The Oracle's prophecy has set you on a path from which there is no return. Are you ready to take the first step?" Apollo's arm tightened around my shoulders, a subtle but possessive gesture that made me feel like I was his. I tried to shake off the feeling, but it was hard to resist the warmth of his body, the sense of protection that came with having him by my side. "I think I can handle this," I said, trying to sound confident, but Apollo's grip on my shoulder didn't loosen. "Oh, I think you can handle it, Percy," Apollo said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm not sure I want you to." Annabeth's eyes widened, her expression surprised. "Apollo, what's going on?" she asked, her voice hesitant. Apollo's eyes never left mine. "I think it's time I took a more active role in Percy's life," he said, his voice low and husky. The figure took a step closer, its eyes fixed on Apollo. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Apollo," it said. "Percy Jackson's fate is not yours to control." Apollo's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "We'll see about that," he muttered, his hand tightening around my shoulder. I felt a surge of frustration, mixed with a little fear. What was going on? Why was Apollo acting like this? But before I could ask any questions, the figure spoke again. "The path ahead of you is fraught with danger, Percy Jackson," it said. "But I will give you a choice: you can walk through the doorway, or you can turn back. The choice is yours." As the figure spoke, the doorway behind it seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. I could feel the vibrations of the harp string humming in the air, calling to me like a siren's song. I looked at Apollo, his eyes still fixed on mine, his face set in a determined expression. I looked at Annabeth, her eyes wide with concern. And then I looked back at the doorway, feeling the pull of the unknown. "What's on the other side?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The figure smiled, its eyes glinting with amusement. "That, Percy Jackson, is for you to discover."