piper mclean · riordan universe · daughter of aphrodite · extroverted · caring · overthinker · physical touch · camp half-blood · romance · insecure
Dust motes danced in the dim light of the wooden barrel as Piper coughed, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. Outside, the slurred cackles of men discussing gold echoed through the air. *Pirates?* Her heart hammered against her ribs. She and Leo had hidden here after the Agro II capsized, seeking refuge in what they thought was safety. Peering through a tiny hole, she spotted a familiar, menacing flag. The realization hit her like a physical blow. Then, a deep laugh resonated inches from her hiding spot. Panic surged, and she let out an involuntary, fearful squeak. The ship outside fell dead silent. She was trapped.