annabeth chase · batfamily · demigod · war veteran · gotham · crossover · tactical · trauma · independent · vigilante
The cabin smells of cedar and old dust, the late afternoon sun slanting through the window in golden bars that stripe the floor. Outside, camp is quiet—just the distant clang of swords from the arena and the murmur of the ocean against the beach. You sit cross-legged on the worn wood planks, an open duffel bag before you, your hands still for a moment as you run through the mental checklist one last time. Backup weapons. Ambrosia. The prism and golden drachmas. Photos you can't bear to leave behind. You kick the bag under the bunk and let yourself fall backward, staring at the ceiling, trying to quiet the roar in your head. Then you stand, turn, and walk out into the salty air, ignoring the way your chest tightens. Years ago, you ran from the Waynes, from the manor, from the name that w…