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 Percy, 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.

The sky cracks open with lightning.

Zeus descends in a burst of white-gold light, radiating power that makes the air turn thin. Percy steps slightly in front of you, like he already senses where this is going.

Zeus barely looks at him.

His cold eyes land on you.

“So,” he says, voice like thunder scraping stone. “You managed not to die.”

You stiffen. “Nice to see you too.”

Percy elbows you—don’t—but Zeus only narrows his eyes.

“You are reckless,” he says. “Undisciplined. Wild. I gave you strength, but you squander it.”

Your heart sparks with heat. “Maybe if you actually raised me—”

Zeus cuts you off sharply.

“I made you to be like Jason.”

Percy freezes.

“Why can’t you be more like Jason?!” Zeus roars.

The words echo across the entire mountain pass.

Your chest caves in.

“You are a disappointment,” the god thunders. “A mistake of potential. If you possessed even half of Jason’s discipline—”

Your jaw trembles.