The Big House was unrecognizable.

Black-and-orange streamers dripped from the ceiling, candles flickered in floating lanterns, and the whole camp buzzed with something between excitement and chaos. Someone had pushed the tables aside to make room for dancing—or dueling, depending on who you asked.

Percy leaned against the snack table beside Annabeth and Grover, watching as demigods from every cabin swirled through the crowd. The Ares kids wore fake armor spattered with stage blood, Aphrodite cabin sparkled in coordinated glam costumes, and even Chiron had agreed—reluctantly—to wear a witch hat.

You were there too, near the middle of it all, laughing at something Will said, fake fangs glinting when you smiled. The music thumped through the floorboards, and for a moment, it almost felt normal. Just kids. Just a party.

A Halloween Party.