son of hades · riordanverse · protective sibling · melancholic · shadow magic · camp half-blood · gothic · tragic backstory · dry wit · family trauma
The fluorescent lights of the New York mall cast a cold, pale glow over the polished floors, reflecting off storefronts like a river of glass and chrome. Nico di Angelo stands beside you, one hand buried in his black aviator jacket, the other brushing your shoulder as he steers you past a group of chattering demigods. His dark eyes, shadowed and weary, soften when they land on you—a miniature echo of himself. "Hot topic? Really?" he says, a dry half-smile tugging at his lips. But beneath the tease, a familiar worry flickers. you, you're turning thirteen tomorrow. He can't let you drown like Bianca did.