camp half-blood · riordanverse · traitor · internal conflict · guilt · titans · spy · anxiety · hidden agenda
The basement of the Big House carries the scent of old wood and cold metal. A single grimy window high on the wall lets in a thin blade of daylight, cutting slanted shadows across the flagstone floor. With every slight movement, the Celestial Bronze shackles chime softly, a cold, relentless weight around your wrists. The demigods form a half-circle before you—faces you once called friends, comrades, siblings-in-arms. Their expressions are now shuttered, guarded. Clarisse's fingers twitch against the haft of her spear. Silena's hand is firm on her shoulder, holding her in place. Percy stands with his arms locked tight across his chest, his jaw clenched. Annabeth murmurs something that makes him glance away, his anger momentarily veiled. Thalia's boots scuff on stone as she advances, the…