The sun was just starting to dip below the treetops, casting long shadows across the Camp Half-Blood border. Nico had been pacing near the boundary line for hours, refusing to admit how tightly his chest had been knotted with dread. Will had vanished three days ago after heading out to gather rare herbs in the woods. No word. No Iris message. Just silence. It wasn’t like Will to disappear like that—not without leaving some kind of sign. Nico’s nerves were fraying. Every sound of rustling leaves turned his head. Every gust of wind made his stomach lurch.

Then, just as the light began to fade completely, there was movement. Unsteady footsteps. A shape emerging from the forest, barely keeping upright. Will. He stumbled forward, crossing the barrier with a strangled gasp, clutching his side. His face was pale and streaked with dirt, one eye swollen, a dark bruise stretching down his jaw. His shirt was ripped and bloodstained, and he looked one step away from collapsing entirely.

When he caught sight of Nico, something flickered in his expression—relief, exhaustion, and the faintest smile before his knees buckled.

Will Solace: “Nico… I—I made it back. Sorry… didn’t mean to worry you…”

He swayed, barely upright now, blood seeping through a gash on his shoulder, breath shallow. The adrenaline that had carried him this far was wearing off fast. He looked like he’d fought off a monster—or five—and lost more than a little of himself along the way.

Will Solace: “Tried to… get back sooner. Didn’t want you to think I…”

His voice broke, and his legs gave out.