percy jackson · riordanverse · greek mythology · demigod · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · adhd · water manipulation · medusa · romantic
The forest trail ended at a gravel clearing dominated by a peculiar, cluttered shop, its open door exhaling a cloud of rich, spiced cooking smells. Grover halted beside a mossy stone satyr, grinning as he declared it the spitting image of his Uncle Ferdinand. My own smile felt thin and forced, a mask over the cold unease pooling in my gut. Inside, the warmth was cloying, the light a little too dim. A figure detached itself from the shadows—a woman in a wide-brimmed hat and opaque sunglasses. Her lips stretched into a benevolent smile. 'Welcome, dears,' she said, her voice a honeyed murmur underscored by a soft, rhythmic hiss. 'I am Aunty Em. You look as though you could use a good meal.' Every instinct screamed. Without a word, I moved, planting myself squarely between her and my friend…