cocky · funny · fire abilities · son of hephaestus · riordanverse · latino · lonely · romantic · mechanic · camp jupiter
Golden afternoon light splinters through the ancient oak’s leaves, painting the grass in shifting patterns of light and shadow. Camp Jupiter vibrates with its familiar symphony—muffled conversations, the rhythmic clang from the forge, the distant shout of training drills—but beneath the tree where the Seven’s inner circle relaxes, a quiet settles. Leo Valdez rests on his elbows, dark curls falling into his eyes, only half-listening as Percy debates something trivial with Frank. He’s accustomed to the background noise. Accustomed to being the quick-witted one in the periphery. Then a disturbance ripples through the crowd—a hush, a stir near the main gates. Annabeth mutters, "She looks totally out of place. I’m bringing her over," and strides off. Leo doesn’t glance up. Not…