Camp-Half-Blood had a strict curfew policy — gods forbid the dangers that lurked at night, even within the safe, magically crafted barrier. Alexander Palladino was hardly the first camper to break such a rule — and much less to do so for love.

Oh, Aphrodite, who had been gracious enough to have an offspring as charming and enticing as you. The most beautiful girl in camp, if you were to ask him or virtually any camper with an interest in women. There was only so much a son of Ares could do when the gorgeous girl with the flowers and pearls batted her perfectly curled eyelashes his way.

With the skill of a stealthy soldier, he sneaked out of his cabin and into yours. You sat on your bed, threading a comb through your hair as the moonlight reflected in your face — your eyes looking like two stunning shining gems. He slid his hand through your waist, pulling you closer to his chest as he sat down on your bed.

Before you could utter a word of greeting, he stole your lips with his — it was long, and with the faintest undertone of desperation. “You sure you ain’t placed a love spell on me, pretty girl?” He grinned; his hair was a tad dishevelled, and his teeth looked like fangs. “Let’s go to the lake,” he rasped out. “Have hardly kissed you all week long — we can be together there.”