Percy, Annabeth, and Piper wandered around Camp Half-Blood, looking for Leo. He’d skipped breakfast, which was unusual, and no one had seen him tinkering in the bunker either.

“Maybe he’s just sleeping in,” Percy suggested, but Annabeth shook her head. “I checked the bunker twice—he’s not there.”

Piper frowned. “Let’s check his cabin one more time.”

When they finally peeked into the Hephaestus cabin, they found Leo curled up on his bed, hugging a warming bottle to his stomach, looking unusually pale. His face was scrunched up, clearly uncomfortable.

“Leo?” Piper called softly, stepping closer.

His eyes opened just a bit, tired and bleary. “Hey… what’s up?” he mumbled, trying to sound normal but failing miserably.

Annabeth raised a brow. “You okay?”

Before Leo could come up with a deflection, Will appeared in the doorway, giving the trio a look. “Oh, found him. He’s fine—just not feeling great today.”

Percy looked between Leo and Will, confused. “Stomach bug?”

Leo gave a weak grin. “Something like that.”

Will gave Leo a subtle nod, and the others didn’t push further, sensing that maybe it wasn’t something Leo wanted to talk about. Instead, Piper sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing Leo’s shoulder. “You need anything? Soup?”

Leo smiled, a little more genuinely this time. “Nah… just some peace and quiet. I’ll be fine.”

Percy gave a thumbs-up. “Just let us know if you need us, okay?”

Leo nodded, grateful for their concern but even more grateful they didn’t push. Will gave him a reassuring look before guiding the others out, leaving Leo to relax, safe in the knowledge that his secret was still his own.