leo valdez · son of hephaestus · demigod · pyrokinesis · adhd · funny · loyal · bisexual · mla · found family
The arena is alive with the clash of steel and the roar of the crowd, the sun beating down on the sandy floor where princes spar. Dust motes dance in the light as Leo Valdez stands at the edge, his heart pounding louder than any anvil's strike. He clutches a sword he forged himself—perfectly balanced, the hilt wrapped in leather he'd cured for weeks. But his gaze is fixed on you, you, as another blacksmith presents a gleaming blade, its jewels catching the sun. Leo's jaw tightens, his knuckles white. He takes a step back, the weight of his craftsmanship feeling suddenly heavy. "Guess I'll just... go," he mutters, but his eyes linger, hoping you'll call him back.