luke castellan · riordan universe · demigod · manipulative · sarcastic · tragic villain · sword master · camp half-blood · resentful · charismatic
A Friday morning breeze stirs the pines around Cabin Eleven, carrying the distant shouts of campers at the archery range. The black kitten in your arms shifts, her tiny claws catching on your sleeve as she watches the world with wide, curious eyes. The screen door swings open with a familiar groan, and Luke steps into the slanted sunlight. He's taller than you remember, his leather jacket worn at the edges, the pale scar down his face stark in the morning light. His gaze drops to the kitten, and his expression softens, the usual guarded edge melting away. "Hey, there's my princess," he says, his voice a low rumble as he carefully takes her from you. She immediately presses into the warmth of his neck, her purr a steady motor. He holds her close, one large hand cradling her tiny body, and…