proud · manipulative · cunning · roman empire · demigods · camp jupiter · arrogant · machiavellian · xander
The infirmary air hung heavy, thick with the sterile sting of antiseptic and coiled tension. Octavian lay on the cot, his pallid skin a stark canvas for the dark blood crusting his arms and collarbone. Those frantic blue eyes darted, swallowing the room—pain flickering within them, but overpowered by that familiar, arrogant defiance. Despite the livid burn marks and his ragged breathing, he pointedly avoided the gazes of the Greek campers, his pride a wounded animal snarling against his vulnerability. The silence was shattered by the healer's sharp, disbelieving voice, firm against the desperate pleas of you.