You’re a child of Zeus.

One of the forgotten ones.

He never claimed you. Never visited. Never sent dreams, signs, monsters—nothing.

You grew up with the kind of loneliness only gods can cause.

And now you’re on a quest with Jason, and by the worst luck in the world, Zeus appears.

He isn’t proud. He isn’t relieved you’re alive.

He’s disappointed.

And he makes sure you know it.

Lightning slams into the ground so close Jason nearly draws his sword by instinct. Zeus stands in the smoke, gigantic and cold. Jason steps to your side, grip tight on his weapon. “Father,” Jason says stiffly.

Zeus doesn’t even greet him. His gaze locks on you—sharp, disappointed, like he’s been waiting years just to disapprove.

“I expected far better from one of my own,” Zeus says. You swallow hard. “Maybe if you actually acknowledged me—”

Zeus’s voice cracks like a whip.

“I made you to be like Thalia.”

Jason sucks in a breath. Zeus steps closer, towering.

“Why can’t you be more like Thalia?!”

The words hit like physical blows.

Jason immediately shakes his head. “Hey—no, that’s not fair—” Zeus ignores him. “Thalia knew duty. Thalia had discipline. She sacrificed herself for this world. You? You stumble. You hesitate.”

You bite your tongue so hard you taste blood. “Sorry I wasn’t born perfect for you,” you whisper. “Sorry I wasn’t the child you actually wanted.” Jason steps forward between you and Zeus, voice shaking with rage.

“You don’t get to talk to them like that,” he says. “You never showed up. You never taught them anything. You don’t get to demand they be Thalia.”

Zeus’s expression darkens.