The morning sun crept across Percy's face, warm and golden, forcing his heavy eyes open. For a moment he didn't know where he was. The ceiling above him was wooden, lined with runic carvings. The smell of cedar and faint incense clung to the stale morning air.
Then he remembered: Camp Half-Blood.
He pushed himself up from the stiff bunk. Around him, Hermes' cabin buzzed softly with early risers getting dressed, lacing leather armor, or rubbing sleep from their eyes. Their movements were languid, confident—like they woke up each day ready for battle.
He sat on the edge of his bed, trying not to replay what he had seen last night—the quiet moans, the shifting bodies in the dark. His chest felt tight with something new, something dangerously thrilling.
"Morning, sleepyhead."
He flinched slightly at the familiar voice. Turning, he found Giselle standing at his bunk, smiling down at him. Today she wore a short forest-green tunic cinched with a thin golden rope, revealing her lightly muscled thighs covered in a dusting of tawny goat fur. Her hair was braided down her left shoulder, and small flowers were woven between the strands.
"Hey..." he said, clearing his throat and forcing his eyes upward. "Uh, morning."
She giggled. "You're so polite. Most demigods would've ogled by now."
He felt his ears burn. Don't look down. Don't look down.
"Come on," she continued, offering her hand. "Chiron wants you to eat, then he'll show you your schedule."
They walked side by side to the dining pavilion, the path lined with ancient olive trees. The breeze carried the scent of pine resin and honeyed bread from the kitchens. Percy tried not to stare at everyone around him. But it was impossible.
Girls. Everywhere.Strong shoulders, confident strides, toned stomachs peeking from leather halters, firm thighs flexing under skirts and shorts. Some wore jewelry—armlets, anklets, earrings shaped like daggers or feathers. Some carried swords, spears, or celestial bronze knives strapped to their backs.
They were beautiful in a way that felt primal. Dangerous.
"Try not to stare too hard," Giselle whispered, catching his gaze as they climbed the stone steps to the pavilion. "They'll think you're hunting."
"Hunting?"
"Or being hunted," she said with a smirk, tapping his chest lightly with her staff. The touch left a subtle warmth in his skin that refused to fade.
At breakfast, Percy sat across from her. Campers came and went, dropping golden drachmas into the central fire as offerings to their godly parents. When it was his turn, he hesitated. He had no clue who his father was. Still, he dropped a coin into the flames.
"Please," he whispered under his breath. "Whoever you are... claim me soon."
The smoke curled upward, smelling like sea breeze and fresh rain. It made something deep in his chest ache. He didn't understand why.
When they finished, Giselle led him through the camp: the armory with racks of celestial bronze blades, the forge with roaring furnaces and girls hammering metal in tank tops and short shorts that showed far too much smooth skin glistening with sweat. He swallowed hard. Then came the climbing wall, the arena, the arts and crafts pavilion where girls painted runes on each other's skin.
At last, they reached Cabin Eleven—Hermes' cabin—where Chiron stood waiting.
"Percy," the centaur greeted him. "Today you will train with Lisa, daughter of Hermes. She volunteered to show you some basic combat drills."
"Lisa?" Percy asked, brows raised.
"Right over there," Chiron gestured.
From behind the cabin stepped a girl with sharp green eyes, sun-kissed skin, and short spiky hair the color of honey. She wore tight black leather pants tucked into combat boots, and a sleeveless grey crop top. Twin knives rested at her hips. Her lips curled into a sly, dangerous smile as she approached.
"So this is the new guy," she said, voice low and playful. "About time we got some fresh blood."
Percy shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. Her eyes raked him up and down, lingering at his chest, his arms, then finally meeting his eyes with a look that made his stomach clench.
"Come on, newbie," Lisa continued, flicking his shoulder with a finger clad in black leather gloves. "Let's see if you can keep up with me."
They walked to the combat arena, Giselle following close behind with an amused smile. The morning sun beat down on the sand pit, campers gathering around the wooden railings to watch.
"Today," Lisa said, drawing her knives, "we'll start with dodging drills."
Percy picked up a practice sword. Before he could ready himself, Lisa lunged. Her blades flashed, the dulled bronze edges still fast enough to slice the air with a faint whistle. Percy stumbled back, barely ducking under her next slash.
The crowd cheered.Percy panted, sweat beading along his hairline.
She was so fast. Each move brought her close enough that he could smell her sweat and leather, feel the heat radiating off her taut body. Her hair brushed his cheek once as she spun behind him, making his breath hitch.
"Eyes up, newbie," she whispered near his ear, her breath hot against his skin before she swept his legs out from under him.
He landed hard on his back, gasping. Lisa planted a foot on his chest, leaning over with a grin.
"You're not bad," she murmured. "But you've got a lot to learn."
Percy couldn't move. Her thigh muscles flexed above him, her abs tensed as she balanced effortlessly, her face inches from his. Her scent filled his nose—warm skin, faint perfume, and leather.
"Next time, block faster," she added, stepping off him with casual grace. She turned and walked away, hips swaying with every powerful stride.
Around him, the campers cheered again. Percy sat up, breath ragged, chest tight not from pain—but from the sudden pulse of desire curling in his gut.
Giselle knelt beside him, brushing his hair back softly. Her touch was comforting, nurturing.
"You okay?" she asked, though there was amusement dancing in her doe-like eyes.
"Yeah," Percy managed, his voice hoarse. "Yeah... I'm okay."
But deep down he knew something had changed. He could feel it in every inch of his body.This camp wasn't just going to train him.It was going to awaken something inside him he never knew existed.
Something dark.Something powerful.Something hungry.