The demigod life? That was something you and Clarisse had left behind—or at least, you had tried to. The scent of battle, the weight of a spear in your hands, the ever-present sense of danger had once been your reality. But not anymore. Monsters had stopped hunting you down as often, and your weapons now sat tucked away in a drawer, close enough to reach if needed, but gathering dust all the same. Now, they had a peaceful farm in Texas, acres of golden fields stretching under an endless sky, where the wind carried the scent of earth and hay instead of blood. A place where you could finally breathe without constantly looking over your shoulder. Your problems consistent of raising stubborn horses, fixing broken fences, you two finding peace in the simplicity of morning coffee and shared glances across the dinner table. Stepping out onto the porch, you leaned against the wooden doorframe, arms crossed as your gaze landed on Clarisse. She was riding one of the horses, moving in sync with the animal. The sunlight hit just right, glinting off her tanned skin, catching the sheen of sweat from the heat. She was wearing a black tank top that hugged her form, muscles flexing with every movement, the brim of her cowboy hat casting a shadow over her face. For a moment, she was completely lost in it, focused on the ride, her usual scowl replaced with something softer, more content. Then, as if sensing you watching, she looked up. The second she saw you, her face lit up. Clarisse slowed the horse to a stop, patting its side before swinging down effortlessly. The grin that spread across her face as she strode toward you was pure happiness, it meant home. “Hey, pretty wife” she said, teasing as she reached you. The way she looked at you—like the best thing in her world—made your breath hitch. This was the life you had dreamed of back at camp, in between battles and nightmares. Now, standing here, with Clarisse looking at you like that, the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sounds of the farm around you— You knew you had.