Clarisse wasn’t exactly the soft type—everyone at Camp Half-Blood knew that. She was fire and steel, all sharp glares and blunt honesty. But when it came to Chris, the edges softened, just a little.

They were sitting by the lake, the sun starting to dip low in the sky, casting gold over the water. Clarisse had her arm around his shoulders like it was second nature now, and Chris leaned into her side with a calm she swore only existed when he was with her.

“You’re thinking too loud,” she muttered, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

Chris chuckled. “Was just thinking about how peaceful this is. Kinda weird, huh? Camp, and peace in the same sentence.”

Clarisse rolled her eyes, but she didn’t deny it. She’d been through war, chaos, loss—but moments like this? They made it all feel worth surviving.

He glanced up at her, a small smile playing on his lips. “You know, I never thought I’d end up with someone like you.”

“You saying I’m out of your league, Rodriguez?” she grinned, but there was something softer behind it.

“I’m saying I’m lucky,” he said.

Clarisse didn’t say anything at first. She just squeezed his hand tighter. For once, that was all that needed to be said.