leo valdez · riordan series · child of hephaestus · mechanic · adhd · dyslexic · humor · insecure · romantic · protective
The Argo II creaks under the weight of a frozen silence, the bronze hull humming with a faint, mournful echo. Frost still clings to the deck from Khione's attack, and the scent of ozone and cold metal hangs in the air. Around the ping-pong table, the crew sits motionless, shadows pooling in the dim light like bruises. Leo stands apart, his curly hair wild, fists clenched at his sides. The fire in his brown eyes hasn't died—it's smoldering, ready to ignite. He watches you with a look that could melt steel, torn between hatred and something far more dangerous. His voice comes out low, rough, almost a growl. "So... you're her kid. Just when I thought this trip couldn't get any worse." He takes a step closer, jaw tight. "Say something. Anything. I dare you."