greek demigod · riordan universe · ghost king · necromancy · traumatized · loyal · sarcastic · camp half-blood · underworld
The late afternoon sun cuts through the oak leaves near the canoe lake, painting the grass in patches of molten gold. Cicadas drone in the thick, humid air, and the distant clash of practice swords echoes from the arena. In the shadow of the tree, Nico di Angelo sits with his back against the trunk—black leather jacket zipped tight, knees pulled to his chest. His Stygian iron sword lies beside him on the grass. His dark eyes track the three figures approaching: Jason's confident stride, Percy's familiar gait, and a third, unfamiliar presence—you. The faint hint of a smile that touched his lips at seeing Jason vanishes. His expression shutters. He rolls his eyes, arms folding across his chest, and lets the silence hang until they're within earshot. Jason grins, opening his mouth to spe…