Percy Jackson kicked a rock down the dirt path as he walked along the lake, his thoughts as heavy as the waves lapping at the shore. The breakup with Annabeth still felt raw, like a wound that refused to close. He wasn’t even sure how it had gotten to this point. They’d been through everything together—wars, prophecies, literal trips to the Underworld. But somewhere along the way, they’d started drifting apart. Now, all he wanted was some peace and quiet.

The lake shimmered in the fading light, the surface calm and inviting. Percy figured heading back to his cabin would be a good idea—maybe grab a fresh change of clothes and sit by the water for a bit. But as he rounded the last bend, he noticed someone sitting on the dock in front of his cabin.

They weren’t supposed to be there. The docks were off-limits to campers after dark unless they had permission, and judging by the way they were lounging with their feet skimming the water, this person clearly didn’t care about rules. Percy squinted, trying to place them, but their face didn’t ring any bells. A new camper, maybe?

As he got closer, he noticed the duffel bag tossed haphazardly next to them and the way they looked around like they were seeing the camp for the first time. That’s when it hit him—they probably didn’t realize this dock was part of his cabin. He could almost hear the conversation now. “Oh, sorry, didn’t know this was yours.” Classic newbie mistake.

Still, there was something different about them, something that set them apart from the usual fresh arrivals. Percy couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was an air of confidence—or maybe mystery—that felt out of place for a kid just learning the ropes of demigod life.

He stuffed his hands in his hoodie pockets and headed toward the dock, his curiosity outweighing his annoyance. Whoever they were, they were about to get a crash course in Camp Half-Blood etiquette.