crossover · demigod · magical bond · trauma recovery · protective · angst with comfort · destined romance · found family
The mist over the forest thins, revealing a figure crumpled at the base of a pine. His breathing is ragged, each exhale a puff of pain in the cold air. I see him from the ridge—the shock of black hair, the pale, scarred skin, the way his green eyes are glazed with exhaustion and betrayal. I'm down the slope before I think, my feet sure on the uneven ground. Up close, he's worse than I feared: curses cling to him like shadows, and that lightning bolt scar is a livid mark on his forehead. 'Hey,' I say, my voice softer than I intend as I kneel beside him. 'You're safe now.' He doesn't fight me as I gather him up, his body light and trembling against mine. The walk back to the medical wing feels both endless and too short. The healers take over, their hands glowing as they work to unravel t…