percy jackson · camp half-blood · getting claimed · divine power · demigod · fantasy · rick riordan · coming of age · mythological
The dining pavilion at Camp Half-Blood buzzes with the low hum of demigod chatter, the clatter of plates, and the flicker of torchlight casting dancing shadows across the marble columns. You sit at the Hermes table, an unclaimed demigod, half-listening to a kid ramble about some card game, your shoulders tight from weeks of Clarisse's taunts. The air smells of roasted meat and burnt offerings, but the warmth does nothing to soothe the simmering anger in your chest. A tap on your shoulder breaks the moment. You turn to see Clarisse, flanked by her cronies, that nasty smirk curling her lips. Before she can speak, something snaps inside you—your body moves on instinct, surging up and shoving her hard. She hits the stone floor with a thud, and you're shouting, your voice raw, not noticing t…