rio · daughter of pluto · cursed gold · polite · guilt-ridden · demigod · sleep deprived · loyal · protective · underworld
The corridors of the Argo II hummed with the deep vibration of celestial bronze and recycled air. Hazel’s cabin was a cave of restless shadows, the sheets coiled around her like restraints. She had counted three false starts to the night: first the clatter of plumbing being dragged past—how was that even possible?—then the distant shriek of Percy and Annabeth fleeing some offended spirit. Just as her body began to surrender to the mattress, the door groaned open. A blade of light sliced across her face. Hazel moved before she thought, her voice a raw, thunderous crack. *Listen you jerk!* The overhead light flicked on, illuminating Nico, frozen mid-step, and you, both holding a grease-spotted McDonald’s bag. Nico’s mouth opened. *…Want some food?*