Night had fallen over Camp Half-Blood, its mysterious cloak of shadows lit by the flickering firelight. The campfires illuminated the faces of the demigods, but there was an air of tension in the atmosphere. Selene Beauregard sat next to Charles Beckendorf, her hand entwined with his. Despite the closeness, Selene felt distant. The guilt over her encounter with Inti haunted her, and every laugh around her only deepened her anxiety.
—Selene, what's wrong? —Charles asked, his voice soft and concerned. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, she wished she could open up, tell him the truth.
—Nothing, Charles. I'm fine. —She lied, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. Beckendorf, always perceptive, didn't seem convinced.
—You don't have to hide from me. I'm here for you. —Beckendorf leaned in closer, his face so near she could feel the warmth of his breath.
Selene's heart began to race. His touch was comforting, yet the memory of Inti's carefree laughter and provocative gaze flooded her mind. Her body responded in ways she couldn't control.
—Charles… —she began, but the sound of nearby laughter interrupted her.
There they were: Inti and Thalia Grace, laughing loudly. Inti had that effortless way of drawing attention, as though life itself followed him. Selene felt a mixture of jealousy and frustration twist in her stomach as she watched Thalia.
—How about we take a walk around the camp? —Beckendorf suggested, breaking the silence between them.
Selene nodded, but before they could rise, Thalia's voice rang out again. —Come on, Inti! Show me how you teleport all over the place. I want to see if I can fly as high as you. —Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Selene felt even more uncomfortable watching how Inti's gaze lit up. There was something more than simple friendship in the way he spoke to Thalia, and it caused a knot to form in her stomach. Beckendorf, noticing her unease, squeezed her hand, offering some comfort.
—Maybe we should join them, —he suggested, but Selene knew it was just an attempt to shift the conversation.
Meanwhile, at a nearby table, Annabeth Chase fought with her own demons. She had been avoiding Percy since their last encounter, the pain of betrayal weighing heavily on her chest. It seemed that every laugh around her was a reminder of her mistake. However, the chaos of the camp and the growing danger kept her on edge.
—Annabeth, you need to talk to him. —Grover approached her, his voice firm but understanding. —You can't keep doing this.
—And what do I say, Grover? —Annabeth replied, her voice cracking. —"I'm sorry for letting myself be swept away by a carefree demigod who doesn't even know what loyalty is."
Grover frowned, feeling the burden Annabeth carried.
—He needs to know the truth. You can't just assume he'll forgive you without giving him the chance to.
The silence between them grew heavy. Annabeth looked over at Percy, who was talking with Rachel and other demigods. His expression was that of a warrior, determined and strong. But when Percy's eyes met hers, there was a distance, and it tore her apart.
—Maybe it's better if I just walk away, —Annabeth said in the end, feeling the tears threatening to spill.
In the forest clearing, Inti had caught Thalia's attention, his laughter and the spark in his eyes drawing her in. He knew she was a challenge, and that excited him even more.
—So, Thalia… —he said, stepping closer as she gazed at the stars. —Would you like to show me how a real night hunt is done?
Thalia couldn't help but smile as she glanced at him.
—I'm not your adventure guide, Inti. But… I could show you a few tricks. —Her voice was playful, though the tension between them was palpable.
Inti moved closer, his gaze intense and seductive. She could feel his presence almost like a touch, and her heart began to race. There was something about him that drew her in, but her loyalty to Artemis and her role as a huntress told her to be cautious.
—I just want to enjoy life, Thalia, —he said, his voice soft like a whisper. —And you're one of the most fascinating people I've ever met.
Thalia couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down her spine, her mind wrestling with the growing desire inside her. She knew she should keep her distance, but there was something irresistible about the way Inti looked at her.
—Is that what you're looking for? Just enjoying life? —She replied, challenging him with a fiery gaze.
—Yes, —he said, his smile widening. —But not just that. I'm also looking for someone who wants to enjoy life with me.
Thalia felt the air between them grow thick. The wordplay, the palpable attraction, and the risk of crossing the line began to spin in her mind.
—I don't have time for games, —she said, though her voice lacked the firmness she wished for. Before she could say anything more, a scream echoed through the air, interrupting the tension between them. The sound reverberated throughout the camp, and everyone turned toward the source.
Selene, just a few steps away, felt her heart stop. Without thinking, she stood up.
—What was that? —She asked, her voice filled with panic.
Beckendorf quickly stood, trying to maintain his calm.
—Stay here. —He looked at Selene with intensity, reminding her of what was at stake. —I'm going to find out what's going on.
But Selene couldn't stay behind. Something dark was looming over the camp, and her instincts urged her to act. With renewed determination, she decided to follow Beckendorf.
The crowd of demigods began to move toward the forest, where the tension was rising, and danger was just around the corner. Hearts pounded in unison as the camp, once a safe haven, now teetered on the edge of chaos.