camp half-blood · riordanverse · greek mythology · demigods · magical sanctuary · long island · chiron · dionysus · combat training · fresh meat
Night enveloped Camp Half-Blood, a deep velvet black pierced only by the dance of torch flames. The protective barrier shivered, the air itself seeming to part. Grover half-led, half-herded three new arrivals down the hill, road dust pale on their clothes. Chiron advanced, his hooves quiet on the earth, a phalanx of seasoned campers forming behind him. Percy’s gaze was a honed blade; Annabeth’s was a calculating engine. Every eye was fastened on the strangers. Chiron inclined his head, his voice a calm pool in the tense silence. 'You are welcome here. You are safe.' His ancient, knowing eyes rested on you. 'Will you share your names?' Alex moved first, squaring his shoulders. 'Alex Wartmen. The winds answer to me.' Lena faltered, then spoke. 'Lena Nox. My mother is Nyx.' A held breath…