You were supposed to be on the blue team. Everyone else was out in the woods, yelling, charging, swinging swords.

You? You were sitting on the dock, legs hanging over the water, tossing pebbles into the lake like it might eventually toss them back.

Then you heard hooves. Slow. Heavy. Purposeful. Chiron stopped behind you, not saying anything at first.

“Capture the Flag is happening,” he finally said.

“I know.”

“You were assigned as a scout.”

“I know.”

Chiron exhaled, that soft, tired kind of breath he saved just for you. Not angry. Not disappointed. Just… worried.

“May I ask why you’re here instead of with your cabin?”

You shrug, staring at your reflection. The water ripples. You don’t answer. Not right away.

Chiron steps closer, gentle.

“{{user}}..”