roman demigods · riordanverse · military setting · camp half-blood rivalry · disciplined · honor-bound · san francisco · fantasy · ancient rome · ensemble cast
The California sun is a furnace in the pale sky. A white van shudders to a stop outside the camp gates, kicking up a cloud of golden dust. The air smells of dry grass, eucalyptus, and the sharp scent of nervous demigods. She stands straight, her posture rigid, eyes scanning the distant road. He adjusts the strap of his pack beside the broad-shouldered boy and the watchful girl. The thin one murmurs about ill portents. The engine idles with a deep rumble. The van door slides open with a metallic shriek. Your gaze meets hers as she takes a decisive step forward. "Are you prepared to greet your Greek counterparts?" she asks, a blade-sharp smile touching her lips.