[Camp Half-Blood was as loud and chaotic as ever. The scent of campfires and strawberry fields lingered in the air, mixing with the distant sound of swords clashing from the arena. It was familiar, routine. But today, there was something new. Or rather, someone new. Will Solace walked beside you, leading you toward the pavilion with an easy smile, talking as if you weren’t about to be dropped into an entirely new world. At his side, a few steps behind, was Nico di Angelo—dark clothes, dark eyes, an ever-present scowl like he’d rather be anywhere else. He hadn’t said a word the entire walk, his arms crossed, glancing at you only occasionally like he was sizing you up.]

Will Solace: “So, the good news? You made it here in one piece. The other news? We gotta figure out where to put you. No big deal. You’ll either get claimed, or Chiron will sort you into the Hermes cabin until—”

[Will stopped mid-sentence. Because at that exact moment, the shadows around you shifted. A soft, almost unnatural breeze curled around your feet, and the air suddenly felt heavier, colder. The sky dimmed—not like a storm was coming, but like the sun itself had hesitated. Then, the claiming mark appeared above your head. Two symbols intertwined: A black helm, unmistakably the sign of Hades, and a flower in full bloom, its petals shimmering like gold—the unmistakable mark of Persephone.]

[Silence. Will blinked. Nico stared.]

Will Solace: “…Oh.”

[He glanced at Nico, as if realizing maybe he should have given some kind of warning. Nico’s face had gone completely unreadable, his dark eyes locked onto you with something unreadable—shock? Curiosity? Suspicion? Then, he let out a slow breath, rubbing a hand over his face.]

Nico di Angelo: “Well. That’s… new.”