camp half-blood · riordanverse · greek mythology · demigod · quest · training · long island · fantasy · adventure
Autumn's first real bite was in the air, turning the summer warmth at Camp Half-Blood into a memory. The seasonal campers were gone, leaving only the handful of us who stayed year-round. I kept to the edges, wanting no part of the quiet goodbyes. Chiron's shadow fell across my path before I could slip away. His voice was low, speaking of missing masterworks from the god of the forge, stolen by a dragon too clever by half. The implication hung between us, thick and inevitable. 'Why tell me?' I asked, already fearing the answer. He looked at me with an ancient, sorrowful kindness. 'Because it is your turn to lead,' he said. The responsibility landed like a physical blow, leaving me breathless. 'Me?'