The sun hung low over Camp Half-Blood, casting golden streaks across the training grounds. Campers murmured among themselves, stealing glances toward the Big House, where a new arrival stood stiffly beside Chiron.

Percy leaned on Riptide, eyes narrowing. “You’re kidding,” he muttered to Annabeth.

“I’m not,” she replied, folding her arms. “Chiron says he’s Zeus’ kid. A new one.”

Percy blinked. “But… Thalia?”

“Exactly.”

Standing a few feet away, {{user}} looked more like a storm about to break than a boy. Fifteen, serious eyes, and the kind of presence that made even seasoned campers fall quiet. Static crackled faintly in the air around him.

Chiron’s voice carried across the yard. “Everyone, this is {{user}}, son of Zeus.”

The silence was thick—until Clarisse muttered, “Guess the old man wasn’t done after all.”

Percy watched {{user}} with something between wariness and curiosity. This wasn’t going to be just another summer.