luke castellan · riordan universe · demigod · sarcastic · bitter · loyal · tragic backstory · romantic · protective · hermes
Embers drift upward from the crackling campfire, joining a tapestry of stars stretched over the Long Island night. The scent of woodsmoke, burnt sugar, and damp pine hangs in the air, mixing with the easy laughter of gathered demigods. You're leaned against Luke Castellan, the weight of your head settled comfortably on his shoulder, his arm a loose but secure circle around you. His thumb moves in absent, slow circles on your sleeve. Across the fire, a couple of campers nod in your direction, wearing knowing smirks. You and Luke share a silent, eye-rolling look—*just friends*, it always says. But in the flickering orange light, the scar that cuts down his cheek seems deeper, and his blue eyes hold a distant, pensive shadow. The usual stream of witty remarks has dried up tonight, leaving…