The camp unfolded around us, unlike anything I'd ever seen. It was more than a settlement—it was a hidden world, brimming with magic and mystery.
The cabins weren't simple wooden shacks. They were grand, almost mansion-like, each distinct in design, with symbols emblazoned above their doors—marks of the gods they honored. They stood in neat rows along a central avenue, where stone walkways wound through lush greenery and ivy-covered trellises. Sunlight filtered between the towering trees, casting golden halos over the scene.
Children and teens peered from windows and doorways, wide-eyed, their gazes filled with curiosity as they took in the new arrivals.
Before I could process it all, a wave of cheers erupted.
The warriors who had battled the Sphinx streamed through the camp gates, bloodied but victorious. Some carried the wounded, others hoisted broken weapons like trophies. Though their clothes were torn and stained with sweat and battle, they grinned, their eyes blazing with triumph.
Campers rushed to meet them, helping the injured toward a large, glowing building at the far end of the row of cabins. Even from a distance, I could tell it was the infirmary. Its windows shimmered with soft, golden light, radiating warmth and safety—so different from the horrors we had just escaped.
Then, she appeared.
A woman glided through the crowd with an effortless grace. She was stunning, like something out of an ancient painting—her features ageless, her presence almost unreal. There was a kindness in her gaze, a warmth so deep it made my throat tighten.
"Oh, you poor things," she murmured, her voice smooth as honey, laced with genuine empathy. Her eyes swept over our exhausted, shaken faces. "Come along, let me show you around. Perhaps it will help take your minds off that awful creature you encountered."
For the first time in what felt like forever, someone looked at me—not with suspicion, not with expectation, but with care.
And it shook me more than the battle had.
The nymph led us forward, her steps light and fluid as she gestured toward the cabins.
"These here belong to the lesser gods," she said, motioning to the left row. "They may be called 'lesser,' but they are far from unimportant. In fact, many vessels come from these lineages."
The first cabin we passed had polished wooden walls, vines twisting up its sides, and an intricately carved sign that read:
House of Dionysus.
The engraving was decorated with clusters of grapes and theatrical masks.
"This one belongs to Dionysus, god of wine, theater, and festivity. You'll learn about each god in your classes."
"Classes?" a boy beside me echoed, his voice dripping with disinterest.
The nymph smiled, clearly used to this reaction. "Yes. You'll learn how to connect with your god and channel their power. There are defense classes in case you can't summon your abilities right away, and history lessons on gods, monsters, and the world you now belong to."
The boy groaned, muttering, "Ugh. Sounds just like school—except maybe cooler."
I shrugged. "I never had the chance to go to school long enough to hate it."
I hadn't meant to say it out loud.
But the words lingered.
The orphanage had only taught us enough to survive before they shipped us off to work at ten. If I'd had the choice? I'd take boring classes over endless chores any day.
The nymph continued, her enthusiasm unwavering.
"This," she gestured toward a cabin adorned with ancient symbols of serpents and herbs, "is the House of Asclepius, god of healing and medicine."
Even from the path, I could feel the air shift—calm, restorative, like the entire structure was meant to soothe.
We walked on, passing more houses, each distinct in its design.
The House of Demeter looked alive, covered in flowers and wreaths as if it had grown straight from the earth itself.
Hermes' cabin had winged motifs and murals of travelers and merchants, capturing the restless energy of the god of roads and thieves.
The House of Hestia radiated a warmth that felt like home—the smell of fresh bread, the golden flicker of an eternal hearth glowing from inside.
Persephone's home was a duality of beauty and darkness—delicate blooms intertwining with blackened vines, a blend of spring and shadow.
Then, we reached the Olympian cabins—and there was no mistaking their power.
The House of Aphrodite was a masterpiece of pink and gold silks, flowing like rivers from the doorframe. The vessels of Aphrodite lingered in the entrance, watching us with serene, otherworldly beauty. They were too perfect, like living statues, each one glowing with an effortless grace that made me suddenly aware of every flaw I had.
I tore my gaze away, swallowing the unease crawling up my spine.
This camp—this place—was unlike anything I'd ever known.
And something told me I was only beginning to understand its secrets.
The nymph smiled at little Ellie, who practically bounced with excitement.
"And here we have the House of Artemis, goddess of the hunt."
"That's my goddess!" Ellie gasped, clapping her hands. Her face glowed with pure joy, as if she had just found home.
The nymph chuckled warmly. "Well, you'll know exactly where to go after the Agreement Ceremony."
Ellie nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling.
I tried to take it all in, but there were too many cabins, too many names.
The House of Apollo practically radiated golden light, standing proud in the midday sun. Ares' cabin was a fortress—shields and weapons covered its exterior like battle trophies. Hephaestus' forge released plumes of smoke, the rhythmic clang of metalwork echoing from within. And Athena's house—a war strategist's dream—was adorned with banners of battle maps and symbols of wisdom.
I exhaled, shaking my head. "Wow. That's a lot of cabins."
But something felt off.
Three were missing.
I hesitated before speaking. "Excuse me," I said, turning to the nymph. "What about Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon?"
Her expression shifted, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Ah. The Three Brothers." Her voice held a strange reverence. "They are the Great Gods. Unlike the others, their power is too immense for a human to contain. Most mortals can't withstand them without…" she hesitated, searching for the right words. "Without disastrous results."
The air seemed to tighten around me.
She continued, unaware of my reaction.
"It's been years since they've had vessels. Some say they've… faded." Her voice softened, as if the thought disturbed even her. "Perhaps because they lack worthy hosts strong enough to channel them."
I felt a chill creep up my spine.
Faded?
That couldn't be right.
I'd seen them.
I'd heard their voices. Felt their power surge through me—wild, untamed, but undeniably real.
If what she said was true, then how had they reached me? And more importantly…
Why hadn't I combusted?
A terrible thought coiled in my mind. Should I tell her? Should I let them know that I had somehow—impossibly—touched the power of all three gods?
Would they see me as a miracle… or a threat?
Before I could dwell on it further, the nymph's voice broke through my thoughts.
"Now that you've seen the cabins, we'll head to the training grounds." She moved gracefully, guiding us down a worn path. "You'll spend a great deal of time there—learning to fight, to control your powers…" She glanced back at us, a knowing gleam in her eyes. "And to face the monsters that hunt you."
I nodded absently, still turning over her words.
The idea of gods fading felt wrong. Unnatural.
Gods were supposed to be immortal. Unchanging. Untouchable.
And yet… according to her, they needed us. Needed vessels to survive.
A strange thrill shot through me—an emotion I couldn't quite name. It was awe, yes. But also… fear.
If what she said was true, then I wasn't just any vessel.
I was something different. Something… more.
And then, just as quickly, bitterness rose inside me.
Where were they when the Sphinx attacked?
If I was truly their vessel—their last chance at existence—then why hadn't they answered when I needed them most?
As we reached the training grounds, I cast one last glance at the camp.
Something inside me felt like it was changing. Growing.
I didn't know what lay ahead. I didn't know how I was supposed to handle gods like them inside me.
But I did know one thing.
If they expected me to be their vessel, they'd have to earn it.