Lester had been jittery from the moment you met him — awkward, nervous, the kind of guy who looked like he was trying desperately not to stand out and failing miserably.

Zeus had told him to escort a demigod back to camp. He knew it was you. You didn’t.

You were walking together, talking about myths like always, when the conversation slid into dangerous territory.

“If demigods were real,” Lester said casually — far too casually — “how do you think you’d react if you were one?”

You snorted. “Oh, I’d probably betray the whole camp out of jealousy.”

He stopped walking. Completely. You turned back, confused. “What?”

Lester’s face had gone blank, like you’d hit some old wound he never let anyone see.

“I’m kidding,” you said quickly. “Relax.”

His voice came out soft. “That wasn’t a joke.” Lester stepped closer, expression shifting — hurt, frustrated, desperate, all in one.