The news reached Camp Half-Blood before sunrise.
Whispers passed between nymphs and dryads, among satyrs tending the strawberry fields, and demigods cleaning weapons outside the armory. Word spread like spilled ink: Hecate had defied Olympus. A confrontation had occurred between the gods.
No one knew exactly what it meant yet. Some claimed it was the start of a new war. Others whispered that Olympus had already fallen, and Hecate ruled now, tricking the others with illusions. The Hermes cabin in particular delighted in fanning the flames, enjoying how their rumors sent shivers through camp.
By breakfast, the camp had split into invisible lines. Cabins eyed one another warily. The Ares campers were quiet. Even the Apollo cabin held back their usual liveliness. No one said it outright, but everyone was asking the same thing.
What happens now?
...
Lucas sat near the edge of the arena, a few chalk lines drawn around him in broken circles. An invisible force swirled faintly at his fingertips, tugging against the air like threads only he could feel.
He focused, holding his breath.
A pebble beside him trembled, rose into the air, and hovered.
Thalia whistled low from where she leaned against the wall. "Not bad. Planning on juggling monsters next?"
Lucas exhaled, letting the stone fall. "It's... strange. Different from magic. This isn't something I see. It's something I feel. Like a new limb that was always there but asleep."
Luke sat cross-legged nearby, watching with narrowed eyes. "How much can you do?"
"Basic manipulation of objects if I focus," Lucas answered. "But considering I only just drank the potion, that's to be expected. In time, I'm sure I can use it for more than combat."
Annabeth, curious, set aside her book and leaned forward. "Telekinesis is already useful. Are the other abilities just as good?"
Lucas hesitated, then relented under her gaze. "I can also read surface thoughts. If someone locks eyes with me."
Annabeth blinked, then immediately looked away.
Thalia burst out laughing. "Annabeth, you're too easy."
Annabeth pouted, and Thalia turned toward Lucas. "Alright, then. What am I thinking?"
Lucas focused. "The number six."
"Now?"
"You're thinking about Luke and how you can't wait to go on a date with him."
Thalia's face turned scarlet. Her hand immediately gripped her spear, lightning dancing around her shoulders.
"Tell the truth!"
Lucas smirked. "You were actually thinking about buying a new jacket."
Thalia relaxed slightly, though the glare didn't leave her eyes. Luke gave an awkward chuckle, scooting a few inches away.
Annabeth giggled, leaning into Thalia's side in a teasing hug.
Luke cleared his throat. "So... just two abilities?"
Lucas shook his head. "I can also use a form of divination. I can scry short-term outcomes. Nothing powerful, but useful."
Annabeth's eyes lit up. "Could others drink these potions too?"
Lucas chuckled. "No. The pathway is exclusive. It only works for me."
...
By midday, the rumors had worsened. Campers couldn't stop casting glances at Lucas as he passed.
"Is he the reason the gods fought?"
"I heard he's the leader behind Hecate's rebellion."
"He's the son of Hecate, right? What does that even mean now? Is he a danger?"
The stares weren't cruel, just uncertain. Measured. Like he was a storm cloud waiting to break.
Later that afternoon, the camp gathered at the amphitheater. Chiron had called a meeting, his expression unreadable, posture rigid.
Lucas and his friends sat near the back, watching.
The murmurs were immediate.
"Is it true?"
"They say gods fought each other in the throne room."
"I heard Hades threatened Zeus."
"I heard the Fates stood against him."
"Do we have to pick sides?"
Chiron raised his hand, and the noise stopped.
"Campers. You've heard rumors. Many are true. Olympus has fractured. A line has been drawn."
A silence followed. Heavy. Uneasy.
"What does that mean for us?" someone from the Apollo cabin called.
Chiron sighed. "That remains to be seen. But we will continue to train, to protect one another, and to prepare."
Annabeth leaned toward Lucas. "He's being careful."
"Because he doesn't know who might be listening," Lucas replied.
Chiron continued. "Camp is neutral. But that does not mean Olympus will see it that way. And Zeus... has already taken precautions."
Thalia frowned. "What kind of precautions?"
"He has appointed a new activities director. One who will arrive shortly."
Groans and complaints echoed through the amphitheater.
"What about you?"
"Yeah this is unfair"
"Another god watching over us?"
But Chiron only said, "I understand this may seem cruel, but this may be a good thing, I will continue to train you all personally, but administrative duties will now fall to him."
The campers began to disperse, muttering and tossing uneasy glances over their shoulders. Lucas stayed seated, eyes distant.
Luke placed a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever's coming, we face it together."
Lucas gave a faint nod.
"Let's hope this new director isn't a poor attempt at controlling the camp."
Thalia muttered, "Knowing Zeus, he will be."
And far beyond camp, a figure stepped from the shadows of Olympus, leaving the throne room. Armor dark, eyes colder than winter.