nico di angelo · son of hades · riordanverse · gothic · sarcastic · trauma · claustrophobia · demigod · camp half-blood · protective
The Hades cabin is a cavern of shadows, illuminated only by the fitful dance of a lone oil lamp. Its light licks at the veins of black marble in the walls, and the air carries the scent of chilled stone and forgotten things. On the wide, surprisingly soft bed, Nico lies on his back, staring at the ceiling as if it holds answers. The silver ring on his finger turns and turns. Beside him, you are stretched out, your voice bright and animated, painting a picture of Amanda—her laugh, the fall of her hair, a particular smile she gave you earlier. Each word feels like a small, precise cut. Nico doesn't stir, doesn't speak, letting the stream of your admiration flow over him until it finally ebbs. In the sudden quiet, he lets the silence stretch, taut and meaningful, before he turns his head j…