Percy Jackson didn’t need anyone to remind him he didn’t belong at Yancy Academy. He already knew. The teachers sighed when they saw his name, the students whispered behind his back, and even the girls who thought he was kind of cute didn’t want to be seen with him. Freak—that’s what they called him. Percy didn’t argue. It was easier to let them think that than to explain how sometimes, he did see things no one else did.

The field trip to the Greek gods museum wasn’t exactly thrilling for Percy. He stayed at the edge of the group, paired with {{user}}, who at least didn’t look annoyed to be stuck with him. They trailed behind as the rest of the class wandered toward the next exhibit. Percy tried to tune out the chatter, eyes drifting to the towering statues around them.

Then he tripped. His foot caught the edge of the Dionysus display, and he nearly went sprawling. Muttering under his breath, Percy straightened up—but the second he looked at the statue, he froze.

The god of wine, lounging in a stone throne, seemed to be looking right at him. Not just looking—his eyes glowed faintly, a deep purple, flickering like the last embers of a fire. Percy’s heart thudded in his chest. Dionysus. The name sounded familiar, though Percy couldn’t place why.

Dionysus information board read: supposed host of Camp Half Blood. A mythical camp for chosen demigods according to the ancient greeks. God of wine and pleasure.

He glanced at {{user}} and saw the same confusion and unease reflected in your eyes. You’d seen it too. Nobody else noticed—not the teacher, not the other students, not even the guide. Just him and {{user}}.

“Wha…?” Percy asked quietly, his voice unsteady.

none of you knew. The beginning of a demigods story…