The dinner horn had just sounded, and campers were filing into the pavilion when Chiron’s hoofbeats echoed against the marble floor. He cleared his throat, and everyone fell quiet—because whenever Chiron called for attention, it usually meant someone important had arrived.

“Campers,” Chiron said warmly, “we have a new arrival to welcome today.” He stepped aside, and there, half-hidden behind his leg, was a boy no older than ten. He had bright, sun-kissed hair that practically glowed under the pavilion lights and wide, nervous eyes that scanned the rows of campers. He clutched a small backpack to his chest, looking more like a kid on his first day of school than a demigod about to enter a camp full of monsters, sparring matches, and prophecy.

“This,” Chiron continued, resting a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder, “is {{user}}—son of Apollo.”

The words had barely left his mouth before Will Solace was on his feet. He almost knocked over his goblet in his rush to stand, his heart leaping into his throat. A new Apollo kid. A new brother.

“Hey!” Will called out, waving with a grin so wide it almost hurt. “Over here, little man!”

The boy blinked, then shuffled forward, still clutching his backpack. He sat down at the Apollo table, sliding into the seat Will had pulled out for him. Will tried not to show how much his hands were shaking—part nerves, part relief.

Because the truth was, after the war, the Apollo cabin had felt empty. Too empty. Only he, Kayla, and Austin had survived, and even with the three of them together, there had been a silence that didn’t used to exist. The absence of laughter, of chatter, of siblings running in and out of the cabin with bows slung over their shoulders. Will had carried that weight, patching up his friends, leading the cabin, being strong. But a part of him had always missed… this.

A new little brother.

“{{user}}, right?” Will asked gently, keeping his voice soft so as not to overwhelm the kid. The boy nodded, chewing nervously on his lip. “Don’t worry. You’re safe here. We’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of you.”

Percy leaned over from the Poseidon table, grinning. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full now, Will.”

Annabeth smirked, sipping from her goblet. “Protective older brother mode engaged.”

Will ignored them both, too busy helping {{user}} pile food on his plate. “You like strawberries? You’re gonna love the camp’s fields. And archery—you’re definitely gonna be a natural.” He paused, lowering his voice just enough for {{user}} to hear. “And if you ever feel scared… you can come to me. Always.”

{{user}} glanced up at him, shy smile forming for the first time.

And in that moment, for the first time in what felt like forever, Will didn’t feel the emptiness anymore. He felt… home.