The bus ride had been long, dusty, and painfully awkward. Percy Jackson, eighteen and fresh out of another suspension from yet another high school, leaned against the window, arms crossed, trying not to overthink the fact that his life had just imploded again. His mom—Sally, sweet and too patient—had told him this place would be different. A "camp" where he'd finally find answers about the things no one else could explain.
He wasn't sure what kind of camp needed a pen that turned into a sword, but here he was—duffel bag on his shoulder, storm clouds in his chest—as the winding forest road opened up to reveal a hill. On top stood a lone pine tree, tall and unwavering, like a silent sentinel.
"End of the road, kid," the driver muttered.
Percy stepped off. The moment his boots hit the ground, a strange energy prickled through his spine, subtle but real. Something was here—waiting.
The path led him under an archway with the words "CAMP HALF-BLOOD" carved in weathered wood. Beyond it, the camp unfurled like a dream: sturdy cabins arranged in a U-shape, fields stretching out under golden sunlight, a sparkling lake to the west, woods in the distance, and demigods—actual demigods—sparring, running, laughing.
All older than he expected. Not children. Young adults. And every one of them looked like they stepped out of some elite, sexy version of a war college catalog. Fit, battle-scarred, confident. And mostly women.
He blinked.Did he stumble into a modeling academy or a camp for training demigoddesses?
"Hey! New guy?" a soft, melodic voice chimed.
Percy turned. Walking toward him was a girl with curly brown hair, caramel-toned skin, and legs that went on forever beneath her green halter top and shorts. A pair of goat-like legs peeked beneath the cloth wrap covering her hips.
"I'm Giselle," she said with a warm smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her pointed ear. "Your satyress guide."
"Satyress... right," Percy murmured, trying not to stare. "You're... uh, really tall for a goat-girl."
She giggled. "You're taller than I imagined. And cute. Come on, I'll take you to Chiron."
They walked past training arenas and dining pavilions, Percy trying to process everything. The campers, mostly girls, gave him curious stares—some evaluating, some amused. He caught whispers: "Is that the new arrival?" — "Gods, finally a guy worth watching." — "He's kinda hot..."
He blushed.
"Don't worry," Giselle whispered, nudging him playfully. "You'll get used to the attention. Boys are rare here. Boys with your aura? Even rarer."
"My aura?"
"You'll understand soon."
They reached the Big House, a majestic blue building with a wraparound porch. Standing beside it was a centaur—Chiron—his expression wise and welcoming. Introductions followed, explanations about cabins, training, and who his father might be. Still, Percy barely absorbed half of it. His thoughts kept drifting back to the girls he passed: the way their eyes lingered, the way his skin tingled.
Then he saw her.
A blonde, grey-eyed girl stepping out of the forge with a sheen of sweat on her collarbone, arms toned, tank top clinging to her body. Her gaze locked with his—sharp, calculating. Like she was solving a puzzle.
"Annabeth," Giselle whispered beside him. "Daughter of Athena. Brilliant. Dangerous. Probably already planning how to test you."
Annabeth didn't say anything. Just arched a brow and smirked, before walking off. Her hips swayed like she knew exactly what kind of distraction she was.
Percy swallowed.
By nightfall, he was shown to a temporary bed in Hermes' cabin. Tomorrow, they said, he might be claimed.
But the night didn't end with peace. He lay on the stiff bunk, watching the moonlight shift across the wood-paneled ceiling. All around him were soft snores, whispered giggles, and one intense sound from the far bunk that he couldn't mistake—a low moan, stifled against a pillow.
Percy turned his head slowly. Through a narrow gap in the bunk curtains, he saw two silhouettes. One girl's hand in another's hair. Lips moving. Bodies shifting.
He looked away, blood rushing to his face, heart pounding.This camp wasn't what he expected.
And deep inside, a new heat had begun to stir.
Not fear.Desire.