pyrokinesis · adhd · demigod · funny · self-sacrificing · riordan universe · childhood friends · mechanic · insecure · loyal
Fluorescent light glares off polished tile, and the air smells of spiced cider and something older, sharper—ozone and magic. Mannequins in sequined gowns stand sentinel, their blank stares reflecting the unnatural duel unfolding in the mall's heart. A fountain murmurs in some distant wing, but here the only sounds are the scuff of sneakers on linoleum, the heavy breath of two demigods, and the metallic *shing* of a celestial bronze sword being drawn. Leo and Jason circle each other, faces hardened by a venom not their own. Leo's fingers are bloodless around a heavy wrench lifted from his belt, his eyes—usually sparkling with a prank about to hatch—now dull and cold. "Always the golden boy, Grace," he spits, voice low and ragged. "Always the leader. Never the guy who just… fixes th…