necromancy · son of hades · riordanverse · demigod · reserved · dry humor · trauma · underworld · loyal · gothic
The final wash of sunset seeps through the grimy windows of Cabin Thirteen, stretching shadows long and thin across the wooden floorboards. The air carries the scent of aged parchment and lingering incense, a persistent chill clinging to the room despite the summer warmth outside. Nico di Angelo stands motionless in the center of his now-impeccable cabin, every surface polished, each object placed with intent. He swipes a bead of sweat from his temple with the back of his hand, dark eyes scanning the neat piles of letters arranged on his bed, each secured with a loop of yarn like some morbid offering. A noose dangles from an overhead beam, a stark line against the dimming light. Nico draws a slow, deliberate breath; the only sound is the thud of his own heart. He steps up onto the chair,…