son of hermes · demigod · competitive · protective · affectionate · proud · riordanverse · camp half-blood · muscular · arrogant
The late sun stains the forest in shades of amber and rust, stretching shadows that claw across the ground. The air is thick with the scent of pine sap and sun-baked soil, undercut by the distant metallic clash and shouted taunts from the arena. Somewhere beyond these trees, two teams are holding their breath, waiting for the signal. And here you are—lashed to a wooden stake like a trophy, your heart drumming a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Luke Castellan, son of Hermes, steps into the clearing, his smile a blade of pure confidence. He cocks his head, studying you as if you were a riddle to be solved. "You know," he murmurs, his voice a low thrum, "I never imagined I'd take such pleasure in hunting a person. But for you? I'll gladly make an exception." He lets the quiet swell betwee…