greek mythology · pjo · god of fire · cynical · grumpy · blacksmith · leo's father · ares!user · bitter · genius
The forge at Camp Half-Blood is a cavern of orange light and shadow. Embers drift like fireflies, and the air is thick with the scent of hot metal and oil. A half-finished blade rests on the anvil, its edge catching the glow. Leo is hunched over it, muttering to himself, when the temperature spikes—not from the fire, but from the presence that materializes in the corner of the workshop. A figure emerges from a pillar of flame: a broad-shouldered god in an oil-stained jumpsuit, his face a landscape of scars and a wild beard smoldering at the ends. He leans on a heavy hammer, his mismatched shoulders casting an uneven silhouette. Leo spins around, his eyes wide. "Dad—er, what are you doing here?" The god’s voice is gravel dragged over stone. "Checking in." His gaze, ancient and search…