III

Reyna

Reyna Pride didn't know what was going on. Hazel hadn't shown up for dinner and Reyna was worried that something had happened to her. Hazel was angry with Percy for some reason. Reyna didn't understand why.

In her opinion, Percy was a really nice guy. He seemed like he would make an excellent friend.

But apparently, Hazel didn't feel the same way.

And now, Percy was nowhere to be seen, either. Reyna had seen him only minutes before. He had been sulking in the back of the Unclaimed demigods line and looking like he'd wanted to be anywhere else. Reyna hadn't even seen him leave.

Reyna hoped that he hadn't been eaten by the wolves. Oh no. The wolves. Hadn't anyone told Percy about the wolves?

The distant howling told Reyna that no, they did not.

The wolves were the ones that kept everything in order at camp. Sometimes Reyna and her friends liked to call them the 'Nazi Dogs' because of the way they ran the camp. The wolves would eat anything or anyone that put even a toe out of line. Sometimes they would let you pass, but only if you were one of the leaders like Reyna and Jason. Since Percy was new, they wouldn't allow him to pass even if he promised them a lifetime supply of doggie kibble.

Reyna was determined to find Percy and make sure he was okay. She knew he could easily protect himself – he was one of the best swordfighters she'd seen, maybe even the best – but Reyna didn't want to take any chances. She'd already lost Jason, her best friend, practically her brother. Reyna didn't want to lose Percy, too. He was already starting to grow on her.

She easily walked away from the Undetermined line. Nobody stopped her – like anyone would care if she was out of line. She raced over the lush, emerald grass toward the cabins and came to an immediate stop as she noticed two campers headed in her direction. They didn't even seem to notice Reyna staring, openmouthed, at them.

The two campers were Hazel and Percy.

And they were laughing. For Percy, it wasn't that surprising, but Reyna hadn't seen Hazel laugh that much since Jason had accidentally tripped over her flying shoes.

Reyna started toward them and Percy noticed her. "Hey, Reyna. I was just looking for Hazel," he said casually. "She was in her cabin; she's okay,"

Reyna couldn't help but admire his perfect face. He truly did look like a Greek god – not just a demigod – with the right body and everything. She loved the way his golden eyes sparkled when he smiled; the way he always seemed to have a sense of humor underneath whatever other emotion he was showing. He was so easy to be around, and right now he seemed even more buoyant.

"All right," Reyna said slowly. She didn't know what was going on here. A few hours ago, Hazel had been glaring at Percy nonstop. And now she was smiling and laughing as if nothing had happened earlier. Reyna wondered what Percy could've possibly said to make Hazel change her mind. It must've been pretty good to make Hazel happy.

"So, why exactly is everyone going in the forest over there?" Percy asked, staring over at the edge of the trees, the excited grin still on his face.

Reyna frowned. This was the time of day she dreaded most. Every day, the same feeling of intense hope rushed through her. Every day, it was crushed and she would have to wait another full day. And now it was time again.

"They are all heading to the campfire," Hazel said quietly, noticing Reyna's disappointment. "That's the time when demigods are either claimed or not claimed. Even if the gods decide to claim their children during the day, it only truly happens during the campfire."

Percy frowned, his excitement fading, and turned to Reyna, "So, this is what you meant by "formal claiming", isn't it?"

Reyna nodded.

Nobody said anything else all the way to the break in the trees. As Reyna, Hazel, and Percy passed through the entrance to the campfire, Reyna felt that rushing hope again. She wished she didn't feel that way. Just looking at the rows of stone benches rising in front of the sizzling, color-changing fire pit made Reyna shudder. She hated this place. It was where her seven years of training at camp made her feel like it was all worthless – like she truly wasn't a part of camp, no matter how much she'd trained.

Reyna sat on the bench next to her friends – Kody, Bobby, Gwen, Hazel, and now, Percy. All of them gave her the same look of pity and sorrow that they'd always given her during this time, except Percy. Instead, he looked hopeful, like he knew that everything was going to turn out all right. Reyna smiled. That was the same look that Jason had always given her.

Lupa paced around the edges of the trees. Her fur looked like muddy flames in the light of the fire.

Then she turned to all of the campers. Now, pups, before we begin the campfire, I have a few announcements to make.

First of all, I would like to inform you all that we have a new camper. Percy Jackson, she nodded toward Percy, who smiled. Reyna noticed Bobby give him a thumbs-up. And he has informed me that he has amnesia. Please keep in mind that he doesn't know much about his past, so do not question him about it. Yes, children, please do not question Mr. Forgets-A-Lot – also known as Percy.

Secondly, there still has been no sign of Jason, so we have been – she cut off, looking directly at Reyna. Reyna was confused at the sudden lack of sound; everything had suddenly gone silent. She wondered what Lupa had been about to say. Surely she hadn't finished her speech yet. For a startling moment, Reyna wondered if she had randomly gone deaf. Then she calmed down. No, that couldn't have happened.

Then she noticed something; it wasn't just Lupa who was looking at her, everyone was.

Not just staring, but gawking. Countless eyes were trained on Reyna and just as many mouths were hanging open. Reyna hoped that none of her fellow campers would catch flies in there.

Then Reyna knew what was going on. Someone had been claimed. Judging by the many shocked demigod faces turned toward her, Reyna had a pretty good idea as to who it was.

It was her. Reyna had just been claimed.

Reyna couldn't believe this was happening. Finally, she thought. She looked above her head and gasped silently.

No, it couldn't be possible. This couldn't be happening.

Above Reyna's head were crimson flames, dancing around a white skull.

Some of the campers seemed to regain their senses enough to kneel – like Percy. Others were just too stunned to do anything. Some of those campers included Bobby, Kody, Gwen, and Hazel, who looked like their eyes were going to burst out of their sockets.

Lupa looked perplexed, but she still said the words Reyna dreaded to hear. Ladies and gentleman, all hail Reyna Pride, the daughter of Pluto.