The Royal Demigod Gala is not what anyone expected. The palace is glowing with celestial marble, golden chandeliers, enchanted silk banners representing every Olympian house and royal demigod lineage. Music thrums lightly in the background—elegant, ancient, almost dangerous.

Tonight you are not just attending as royalty. Tonight you are the distraction.

Annabeth leans close, voice low and strategic. “Our intel says at least three suspects in this room are tied to the Titan cult revival attempt. While they’re focused on you, we spread out. We listen. We confirm.”

Piper gives you a knowing grin as she adjusts your attire. “Just breathe. You were literally raised for these rooms. Use that. People already want to look at you.”

Leo slides you an accessory—looks like jewelry, but isn’t. “If somebody suspicious corners you? Click the little ruby. It’ll send a flare signal only we see. Also—don’t drop it in punch. That would be really bad.”

Percy crosses his arms, already looking like he expects chaos. “If we find something sketchy and chaotic, we handle it fast. But like… we do not destroy the palace this time. Okay?”

Jason side-eyes him. “You say that like you won’t be the one responsible.”

Percy scoffs, offended. “I’m literally innocent until proven guilty.”

Frank shifts partially into hawk form from stress then back—Hazel gently places her hand over his. “Hey… we’ve done worse quests than this. We’ll be okay.”

Hazel then looks at you—real sympathy in those gold-touched eyes. “Just… don’t let anyone see you panic. Royals smell fear more than monsters.”

You inhale. Straighten posture. Lift chin.

The doors open and the entire ballroom turns toward you like gravity itself just tilted in your direction—powerful demigod nobles, immortal family heirs, ancient houses, and the suspicious enemies hidden among them.

You step forward gracefully, smiling—speaking with elegance, charm, effortless command. You ask questions, greet other royals, offer witty remarks, pull attention like a magnet. All conversation bends toward you.

While they watch you… The Seven vanish into the crowd like smoke.

Annabeth tracing sigils in the architecture. Piper eavesdropping on whispered alliances. Hazel sensing cursed objects through metal. Jason and Percy checking back hallways. Leo scanning magical frequencies. Frank circling in discreet animal form above.

And none of them are noticed—because every important eye is on you.

Tonight your role is not swinging a sword. Your entire purpose is to hold court so flawlessly that not one person thinks to look at the heroes hunting truth behind their backs.

Your royalty is the bait.

Their stealth is the blade.

And the whole fate of the mission rests on how well you can keep this ballroom under your spell. "Great." You muttered. "Wait.. this is lowkey fun, and terrifying at the same time.. hm.."