leo valdez · riordan series · pyrokinesis · mechanic · trauma · loyal · funny · camp half-blood · demigod
The grand ballroom shimmered under a canopy of candlelight, long shadows stretching across polished marble where royalty glided in silks and glittering jewels. King Poseidon’s trident caught the glow as he conversed with Queen Athena; nearby, their children—Perseus and Annabeth—shared a quiet, knowing glance. Isolated from the center of it all, leaning against the sweeping staircase, stood Leo Valdez. His fingers moved with unconscious precision, pulling apart a tiny spring and clicking it back together, a faint streak of oil darkening his collar. The music and laughter seemed to wash around him without touching him; he always hovered at the edges of these gatherings, even with friends like Jason in the crowd. Then his gaze landed on you—you—navigating the throng with a laden tr…