You nearly jumped out of your skin when someone tapped your shoulder.

You spun around and came face-to-face with Piper McLean, who was leaning against the tree like she’d been there the whole time. Her arms were crossed, and she had that look on her face—the one everyone at camp knew meant she was about to meddle in someone’s love life.

Your face immediately went hot.

“Were you—” you glanced past her toward the training field where Thalia Grace was sparring with Luke Castellan. Sparks of lightning occasionally cracked in the air when Thalia swung her spear, her dark curls bouncing as she moved.

You swallowed.

“I wasn’t staring,” you muttered weakly.

Piper slowly turned her head toward the arena… then back to you.

“Uh-huh.”

You tried to shrink further behind the tree, clutching the little pot of flowers you’d been tending. White daisies and purple hyacinths curled around the rim, responding softly to your presence—one of the few powers you had as a daughter of Demeter.

Meanwhile out on the field, Thalia blocked Luke’s sword with a loud CLANG, muscles flexing in her arms as she shoved him back.

Your brain helpfully supplied the thought: gods she’s strong.

You groaned quietly and covered your face.

Piper snorted.

“Wow,” she said. “You’ve got it bad.”

“I do not.”

“You absolutely do.”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice dramatically.

“Everyone knows.”

You froze.

“…Everyone?”

Piper began counting on her fingers.

“Me. The Aphrodite cabin. The Hermes cabin. Half the Apollo kids. Pretty sure Chiron knows. Oh—and I caught Dionysus watching you stare during dinner yesterday.”

Your soul briefly left your body.

“Oh gods.”

Piper smirked.

“But the funniest part?” she added.

You peeked at her through your fingers.

“What?”

She leaned in and whispered:

“Thalia knows too.”

Your brain short-circuited.

“…No she doesn’t.”

“Oh she definitely does.”

You shook your head frantically. “No—no way. If she knew she’d—she’d—”

“Talk to you?”

“Yes!”

Piper raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe, babe, it’s because every time she tries to come up to you and talk to you…” she said slowly.

“…you run away from her.”

You blinked.

“…what.”

Piper nodded toward the training field again.

You hesitated, then slowly peeked around the tree.

At that exact moment, Thalia disarmed Luke, sending his sword flying into the dirt. She laughed—loud and confident—and pushed her curls out of her face.

Then her blue eyes lifted.

Right toward the trees.

Right toward you.

Your heart nearly exploded.

You ducked back behind the trunk instantly.

“Oh my gods she looked over here—”

Piper burst out laughing.

“You just proved my point!”

“I panicked!”

“Yeah, I noticed!”

Before you could respond, Piper suddenly straightened and smiled innocently.

Which was terrifying.

“…Piper,” you said slowly. “What did you do?”

Behind you, a familiar voice spoke.

Low. Confident. Slightly amused.

“Well, this explains why she keeps disappearing every time I walk over.”

You froze solid.

Piper grinned and stepped aside.

Standing there was Thalia Grace herself, spear resting casually on her shoulder, curls a little messy from training.

Her blue eyes were fixed on you.

And she was smiling.

“Well,” Thalia said, tilting her head, “are you gonna run again… or are you finally gonna talk to me?”

Your brain: completely gone.

Piper whispered as she slipped away:

“You’re welcome.”