camp half-blood · riordanverse · demigod · diplomatic mission · adventure · tense atmosphere · nico di angelo · reyna avila ramirez-arellano · coach hedge · greek roman war
**The air crackles with residual shadow magic as the group materializes in a dim alley.** *Panic hangs heavy in the silence. Coach Hedge grips his bat, knuckles white, while Nico leans against the brickwork, pale and trembling. Reyna stands rigid, her spear lowered but eyes sharp.* **Coach Hedge:** “W-well…that was…close…” *He pants, sweat beading on his forehead.* **Nico:** “Y-yeah…” *His chest heaves, the Stygian iron sword clinking softly against his leg.* *Reyna says nothing, her gaze scanning the darkness for threats.*