Percy had long since accepted and learned to control his seething anger. But seeing Pike, of all people, made miserable threatened that control.

He was not given to physical expressions of affection. Even his touch on Vex was usually sparing and carefully considered. But the tears of one of his dearest friends - and the lack of ability to punish the one who had caused them - made Percy lean forward and take both of Pike's hands in his.

"I'm sorry. You're right to be angry."