The forest is quiet in a way Percy doesn’t yet understand — like it’s listening, leaning in, paying attention. The shadows move a little too smoothly between the trees, almost like they’re following someone.

He hurries his steps until he’s beside you, trying not to look nervous. You don’t slow down, but you do tilt your head, your eyes catching his for half a second — warm, reassuring.

“Relax,” you say. “This path is safe.”

It sounds true. It always does when you say it. Percy shoulders his sword like he’s pretending not to be afraid. “So… why me? Why’d they put me with you?”

“Counselors think I’m patient.” Your smile is light. Playful. Harmless. But the wind changes direction as you speak — almost flinching.

Percy shivers and doesn’t know why. You notice. Of course you notice. “You’re doing well,” you add, almost casually. “Better than most newbies.”

He brightens a little at that. “Really?” “It’s not a compliment,” you say. “Just a fact.”

The truth is: he is improving. But that isn’t why you were assigned to him. You step over a fallen branch, your boots barely making a sound. The forest seems to lean toward you — the trees bending subtly, the shadows pooling just a bit deeper wherever you walk. Percy doesn’t pick up on it yet, but he will. He always notices patterns eventually.

He frowns. “Can I ask something?”

“You’re going to anyway.”

“Why were you out here before camp? Like… Chiron said you know every inch of this forest.”