Percy awoke to the sound of laughter and busy feet tapping against the floor.
Unwilling to move from his comfortable position, he lay prone for a minute longer.
He maintained that position for long enough for the laughing voices to be replaced by outraged screams.
It was those screams that finally convinced him to get up.
It wasn't a dream.
Percy glanced down from the top of his bunk bed, gaze sweeping the surroundings room.
I'm really here.
A half dozen blonde teenagers ran across it like headless chickens.
On the other side of the room, bunk beds like the one he sat on were arranged against the wall.
Their silent occupants observed the commotion happening below with the same numb fascination as he did.
None of them were blonde.
Sea green eyes grew distant as the previous day's events replayed in his mind.
"It is okay, Percy. I trust him."
He gripped the blanket—tightly enough for his knuckles to whiten.
I don't trust him.
The guy had dropped down from the sky with lizard wings growing out of his back—
and then he ate the Minotaur's heart.
Raw!
As if that wasn't enough, he barely looked any older than Percy himself.
How could his mother trust him so completely?
From the glowing red eye, all the way to his eerie manner of speech—
Ladora Buné had "monster" written all over him.
"Hey—you up there! Stop spacing out so hard."
Percy gaze snapped down.
He was met with the disgruntled blue eyes of a boy a few years older than him.
"What do you want?" he asked.
With everything he had to deal with, small talk was the last thing on his mind.
"What's with that tone?" the boy asked. "You brat."
He clicked his tongue and pulled out an old navy bracelet from his washed-out jeans.
Percy's eyes widened.
He recognized that bracelet.
It was the gift his mother had given him on his tenth birthday.
He never went anywhere without it.
"Luke told me to give this to you. You…" His voice trailed off mid sentence. "… lost it on your way to camp yesterday."
How could I have lost it? I never took it off.
"Who is Luke?" Percy asked.
The chaos around them had quietened the moment that name was mentioned.
The other children watched their exchange with interest.
It was the most attention Percy had received from them ever since he moved into House Hermes.
The blond boy stretched upward and threw the bracelet in an arch.
It landed directly on Percy's lap.
"Better keep that safe from now on. We wouldn't want you to lose it again, right?" he drawled. "In any case, Luke is our Head of House. He's also one of the oldest half-bloods around."
The boy peered up at him—then turned away slowly.
"He told me to call you to his room—the one upstairs—not even a wide-eyed new blood like you could miss it."
A familiar shiver shot up Percy's spine as he climbed down from his bed.
His walk through the well-maintained hallways of the mansion was accompanied by memories of first being called up to the principal's office—and then being scolded for his 'delinquent behaviour'.
How was it his fault that strange things kept happening around him?
At least now I know I'm crazy.
It wasn't paranoia if they really were after you.
Like his mother taught him, Percy did not forget to remember his manners.
He knocked on the wooden door and only entered once he received confirmation that he was allowed inside.
The interior of the House Head Room was nothing like what he expected.
The comfortable-looking beanbags surrounding the round table in the middle of the room were interesting, but Percy's attention immediately fixed itself on something else.
Placed carelessly on the table, a couple cans of soda and unopened bags of chips tempted him with their appetizing looks.
A light chuckle alerted him to the older boy lounging on a black office chair.
The running computer behind the room's sole occupant displayed a first-person shooter game.
"You can take the coke if you want. I have plenty more where they came from," Luke said. "Feel free to help yourself to the chips too."
The vertical scar running down the side of the college-aged boy's face creased as he grimaced.
"You went through quite the order yesterday—let this cheer you up a bit."
Percy stood frozen at the entrance.
He didn't know what kind of reception he had been expecting, but this wasn't it.
None of the other children had seemed to care about the circumstances surrounding his arrival at their camp.
With his mind made up, he strode forward and lifted one of the soda cans off the table.
After casting the muscular boy a quick glance— receiving an amused nod in return—he seated himself on one of the beanbags.
"I'm sure you have questions," Luke said. "Truth be told, so do I. So how about we play a game? You answer one of mine, and in return, I answer one of yours."
The corner of his mouth lifted.
"Does that sound good?"
A salted potato chip crunched in his mouth as Percy bit down on it.
After a moment of consideration, he nodded.
Despite his resolution not to think too much about things he couldn't change, the monster's words echoed through his mind.
Hold onto your questions tightly, and never let anyone tell you that there are things you're not allowed to know.
"Very well," Luke continued, his smile deepening.
"My first question—who was that boy your mother disappeared with? The abilities he displayed were extraordinary, even for us."
His brows drew together.
"Our esteemed teacher's reaction to his presence was also quite unusual."
Percy swallowed a sip of Coke.
"I don't know," he said, shaking his head. "I never met him before."
Luke frowned.
"I see."
"My turn," Percy said, lowering the can to his knee.
"What is all of this? Mr. Brunner—"
His paused.
"Chiron… He didn't tell me anything. He just said he would send someone to give me an introduction today and then left."
Anger rose from his core, spreading through his body like a poison.
"First—my bitch of a teacher transforms into a bird monster and tries to kill me, so I have to kill her with a damn pen—that's somehow also a sword—then the Minotaur chases me for hours and almost kills my mom… only for some winged devil to appear and trick her into going with him."
His voice lowered, gaze dropping to the floor.
"And now I'm here—in some strange camp—and nobody explains anything."
Luke, who had observed him quietly until he finished, leaned forward, resting his arms and his knee.
"You're right to be angry, Percy," he said calmly.
"What happened to you isn't fair. No demigods
should ever have to experience something like that. I'm sorry you had to."
Percy's breath eased as he met Luke's gaze.
Weirdly enough, that does make me feel better.
"What do you mean by 'demigod'?" he asked.
The short silence that set in was broken by an amused snort.
"It's even worse than I thought," Luke muttered, leaning back against his chair. "You, Percy, are the son of a god. You see, the Greeks had it right all along. The gods, the nymphs… the titans. They're all real. I'm told you met Grover? He's a satyr."
Percy blinked.
"My father is a god?" he said slowly. "But Mom said he was lost at—"
He paused, glancing around the room.
"So that's why this house is called Hermes. You're all his children! Am I too?"
A shadow flashed over Luke's face.
It faded almost too quickly for Percy to notice.
"I'm afraid not," he said. "You're unclaimed."
He exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair.
"My father is the lord of travelers. He takes in all of those who are lost. That's why those without a place to go—like you—are allowed to stay here with us."
Those without a place to go….
"In any case, don't worry about it too much," Luke continued. "Nothing is set in stone yet. You've only just arrived, and there's still time for your father to claim you. In the meantime, I don't mind you staying for a while longer."
Percy nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Thanks for that, but…" He lingered for a moment. "Where exactly is here? What is this place?"
Luke crossed his leg, spreading his arms out to the side.
"This," he said, "is Camp Half-Blood. It's where demigod's come to take shelter from the monsters hunting them, learning how to become perfect little soldiers for the gods above while doing so."
His voice lowered to a whisper.
"This is a bit of a secret, but if you ask nicely, I will share it with you."
Percy instinctively leaned forward, nodding rapidly.
"Tell me, please."
Luke smiled, his tone returning to its usual pitch.
"Alright, listen closely," he continued. "It is said that a long time ago, this place was more than just a camp. It was a sprawling city where demigods could live in peace and luxury—without fear. However, only after they completed their years of service."
Percy could not contain his questions any longer.
"What service?" he asked. "What did they have to do?"
Luke shrugged.
"According to the stories, they lived in a time of constant war and strife. Naturally, those demigods were called upon by the gods to fight their battles."
His expression darkened.
"After all, that is the only reason us half-bloods exist."
Percy's brows furrowed.
We exist to fight for the gods? I don't want that…
"Let me ask you something in return," Luke continued, his eyes narrowing. "If every child from every god was called upon to fight… then who were they fighting against?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Who do you think the enemy was?"
Percy hesitated, thinking back on Mr. Brunner's lessons.
"I don't know," he said. "Maybe… the Titans?"
Luke stared at him for a moment longer—
then smiled.
He lifted himself out of his chair and crossed the space between them.
"Maybe you're right," he said. "Who knows? It's only a story after all."
He grabbed a can of Coke and shot Percy a sidelong glance.
"It's almost time for breakfast," he added. "A friend of mine will show you around camp after that."
He turned around, heading toward the door.
Just before leaving the room, Luke cast him a mischievous smirk over his shoulder.
"Once you're finished with that, pay me a visit at the arena… I will show you how to wield that pen sword of yours properly."
He sauntered out of the door—without looking back.
Leaving Percy with even more questions than he entered the room with.
—————
"He will be good to go by the end of the day," the sun-kissed teenager in a white coat said, staring down at him with an impassive look on his face.
"I suspect his sustained unconsciousness can, for the most part, be attributed to excessive mental strain—rather than any form of physical affliction."
Percy nodded, turning his attention back to his best friend.
The satyr was lying motionlessly on the infirmary bed.
"That's a relief," he whispered. "Thank's for letting me know."
He placed his hand on Grover's arm, squeezing softly.
The demigod standing by his side cleared his throat.
"The Head of House Athena has arrived some time ago," he said. "She says she's here to finish your integration into our camp."
With his message delivered, the boy turned around and walked off.
Finally… she sure took her time.
Percy rose to his feet and left House Apollo through the same hallways he had taken to enter.
Once he passed the front entrance, he was met with a blonde girl, tapping her foot impatiently against the stone floor.
Her grey eyes pinned him down with a glare.
"Where were you?" she said harshly. "You were supposed to wait for me at the mess hall! Who even told you that the infirmary was here?"
She lifted her hand, cutting Percy off before he could explain himself.
"It doesn't matter," she added. "Just come with me."
The girl pivoted sharply and stormed off.
Percy blinked, staring after her.
What's her problem?
After it became clear that she had no intention of waiting for him, he quickly followed behind her.
To his mounting annoyance, the girl—Annabeth, as she eventually revealed—kept up her rude behavior throughout the entirety of the tour.
She dragged him from the armoury, to the Pegasus stables, all the way over to the volleyball field with an expression on her face that made it look as if physically hurt her to do so.
Once they arrived at the Amphitheater, Percy finally had enough.
"What is your problem?" he snapped. "I've done nothing to you—I didn't even know who you are an hour ago!"
Annabeth stopped abruptly.
"You want to know what my problem is?" she asked, staring daggers at him.
"Yes!"
"You are!"
She closed the space between them in an instant, poking her index finger into his chest.
"Not only did you somehow live your entire life without having to worry about monsters—unlike literally everyone else," she continued, "but the first real fight you get into…you have the chance to slay the Minotaur!"
Her eyes burned like molten steel.
"Do you have any idea what the rest of us would do for a chance to earn glory like that? But no, we didn't get it—instead, you did."
Her teeth clenched tightly.
"And then you squandered it! You let some weird monster swoop in and take it for himself! That is the problem I have with you."
Percy retreated backward, returning her glare with rising fury.
"Do you think I wanted this?" he said. "I don't give a damn about the glory of slaying a million Minotaurs!"
His voice rose.
"If surrendering all the glory I will ever earn to a monster means keeping my mom safe, then I will do that gladly."
He planted his feet, his jaw tightening.
"So don't give me that crap! If you want to fight monsters—then stop hiding in here and go outside. There are plenty of them out there."
Their glares collided in a clash of wills.
Annabeth was the first to avert her eyes.
She clicked her tongue, taking a few steps back.
"Do you think you're the first?" she asked, her voice softening.
Percy frowned.
"What do you mean?"
She stared at him with less heat in her gaze than before.
"The first to have put their mortal parent in danger with their presence," she added.
Percy blinked, his shoulders loosening as he considered her question.
"I don't know," he said. "I haven't thought about it."
Annabeth exhaled, turning her back on him again.
"Come," she said quietly. "Let's finish this tour…We've wasted enough time already."
The next hour passed in what could only be described as awkward silence.
Percy didn't know how to address the tension between them—so he simply stayed silent.
He quietly nodded along to Annabeth's explanations of the different landmarks.
When the tour was finished, they had arrived back at the living area.
Mansions, temples, and villas were arrayed in a U shape around a brightly burning hearth.
"So…," Percy said, voice hesitant. "That's it?"
"Yes," Annabeth answered. "That's it."
Silence settled as their eyes met—the weight of something unspoken lingering heavily between them
"I guess, I'll see you arou—"
The words died in Percy's throat as his gaze locked onto the passing figure of a girl—unlike any he had ever seen before.
She looked less like a person, and more like a painting come to life.
Percy's lips parted.
"You boys really are all the same," Annabeth muttered, rolling her eyes as she followed his line of sight.
"Take this as the last piece of advice I'm going to give you."
Her voice hardened.
"Stay away from her."
While Percy had heard, and understood, Annabeth's words, he was physically incapable of tearing his gaze away from the unfamiliar girl.
Not until she entered—and fully disappeared—inside the stately mansion with an owl sigil on its front.
———————
Audrey exhaled deeply, resting on the edge of her full-sized bed.
While her new room in Camp Half-Blood paled in comparison to the accommodations Ladora had provided her with, she truly could not complain too much.
She was well aware of the fact that not every Olympian House allowed its children to have individual rooms.
She had gotten lucky.
House Athena valued privacy and quiet.
As such, there would always be enough rooms for them to both sleep in and study.
Audrey was not exactly sure how that worked—so she just attributed it to some sort of divine magic.
To her immense disappointment, Ladora had already told her that her own magical journey was unlikely to advance while she was stuck here.
The mystic arts were something only shared amongst the children of Hecate.
The only thing the rest of them had access to was the Mist—which was as good as useless against anything supernatural.
A series of knocks forced her attention outward.
"The door's open," she called.
She turned her head to the side, shoulders tensing as the beautiful girl she had met the previous day entered her room.
Let's hope my theory's correct.
The older girl swept her gaze across the minimalistic furniture and shook her head.
"I know you just moved in, my dear Audrey," she said, "but this will not do at all. If you want, I can send over some of my girls to make this place actually liveable for you."
Isabella's purple eyes gleamed like polished amethysts.
When the silence between them started to stretch, she arched a brow.
Audrey gritted her teeth, fighting the fog that threatened to overwhelm her mind.
"You're a daughter of Aphrodite, right?" she asked.
Isabella nodded, a curious glint entering her eyes.
"You're also the Head of your House," she continued, biting down on her tongue. "Is it really alright for you to be here?"
Isabella slowly advanced toward her.
"Of course it is," she said. "Your cute siblings wouldn't deny me. Doing so would be terribly rude of them, don't you think?"
Isabella extended a hand, raising it toward Audrey's cheek.
"Stop doing that," Audrey snapped.
She shot upward, taking a hold of the offending limb.
Blood pooled into her mouth from how hard she had bitten down on her tongue.
"Stop doing what?" Isabella asked, tilting her head.
"Don't act stupid. You know what you're doing."
Audrey's harsh words were met with a tinkling laugh.
The other girl smiled softly and sat down on the bed next to her.
Without even a hint of shame at being caught, she inclined her head, meeting the stormy glare bearing down on her without blinking.
"I'm impressed," she said. "I really am. You figured that out rather quickly."
Her tone lowered, even as her smile remained unchanged.
"However, I really am not doing anything. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about what you're feeling right now. It is a natural consequence of my presence."
Audrey blinked.
What?
"Do you still wish to talk?" Isabella continued. "I did mean what I said yesterday, you know? I would prefer it if we were friends."
Crimson eyes flashed through her mind.
"Yes," Audrey said. "I still want to talk."
Her glare eased.
"We can be friends."
Isabella perked up, revealing a set of pearly white teeth as she grinned widely.
"Excellent," she said. "I have so many questions to ask you!"
She clung to her side like she did the day before.
"Come. My little doves told me that something interesting is going to happen at the arena in a few minutes. Let's talk on the way there."
Audrey sighed quietly as she was once again swept away by the other girl's pace.
I really hope I won't come to regret this.
Once they arrived at the arena, it was already in the midst of filling up with a rapidly increasing number of demigods—from all Houses.
Contrary to her expectations, they did not have to wait in the line that had formed at the entrance.
As soon as Isabella drew near, the crowd parted before her—as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
The premiere daughter of Aphrodite paid them no of mind.
Her eyes were reserved only for Audrey as she guided them to the most comfortable-looking of the spectators' seats.
"They're going to start soon," she said.
Who is going to start? Start with what?
As soon as Audrey had seated herself, she cast a glance down at the expansive arena center.
The young boy—whose mother Ladora had abducted—and an older teenager were facing off a couple feet away from each other.
"That is Luke Castellan," Isabella said. "He's the Head of House Hermes."
Audrey's attention was stolen away by the girl to her side—just as the duo below exchanged their first strikes.
"Most demigods here are younger than him," she said. "Why is that? Where do the older ones go?"
Isabella smile thinned.
"Can you not guess it?"
"… They die."
"Correct. I'm afraid our kind was never meant for longevity."
Booming jeers and laughter resounded through the arena as Luke sidestepped a wild slash.
A lopsided smirk twisted his features as he tapped Percy on the backside with the flat side of his sword.
"How is that possible?" Audrey asked, disregarding the spectacle taking place below. "Isn't this place meant to be a safe haven?"
"Safe?" Isabella repeated, chuckling faintly.
The sound was so lovely it almost managed to overwhelm the tight control Audrey had maintained over her emotions, ever since they left House Athena.
"I suppose you could call it that," she continued. "Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how safe the camp is if the campers themselves don't stay."
The laughter faded from her voice.
"And they never do. Whether it be for glory, for greed, for pride, or for love… eventually all demigods choose to leave this place."
Audrey eye's narrowed.
"What about you?" she asked "Do you also want to leave?"
"Whatever would I do that for, you silly girl?" Isabella asked. "There is nothing the world outside could offer me that I cannot acquire from in here."
Audrey's lips curved upward, her shoulders loosening.
For the first time since they met—
the smile had slipped from Isabella's face.
I can work with this.