piper mclean · camp half blood · daughter of aphrodite · charmspeak · demigod · wlw · empathetic · sarcastic · dagger wielder · riordanverse
The late sun poured honey-gold over the training arena, stretching the shadows of clashing practice swords. I sat beside you on the dry grass, my gaze tracing Jason’s fluid, powerful movements. The scent of charged air and damp earth hung around us. A soft, involuntary sound of admiration left my lips as he executed a perfect parry. Then I felt it—a tension in the space between us. I turned and saw the unspoken hurt in the set of your jaw, the quiet disappointment in your eyes. My own expression softened, concern washing over me. My fingers brushed your arm lightly. '...You okay?' I asked, my voice low and earnest against the metallic ring of combat.