took a deep breath of air, and exhaled, trying to calm my nerves down. As much as I would love to keep repeating this, I have to get this over with, once and for all.

So I mustered as much confidence I could from within me and spoke. "I will be accepting your offer"

"I'm pleased to hear that." She smiled, before continuing. "You will be taking your oath today evening. We will be leaving before Capture The Flag, so make sure you say your goodbyes beforehand. There will be a small announcement made, during which you will take your oath. I see you're already done packing, so you should go and inform Chiron of your decision." With that, she began to walk away.

"Wait" I called out. She turned to look at me, her eyebrow raised. "Where, um, will the announcement take place?"

"The Mess Hall." She replied as she stepped into the Cabin. Once she was out of sight, I began walking towards the Big House, in a daze. I still hadn't processed the fact that I was going to be a Hunter of Artemis, soon. Was this the right decision to take, I asked myself? I should have just declined. This kind of thing doesn't seem like the right thing for me.But then, I realize that I was just overthinking it and that I should just stick to what I chose. Besides, it would be extremely rude to go back to Thalia, telling her that I changed my mind when I had a week. I'm pretty sure that no female offered to join the Hunters, would get that much time to make their decision.

I tried to shake off the thoughts that were now, beginning to overwhelm me, as I walked towards the Big House. A few minutes later, once I had arrived, I stepped inside and found Chiron's office two doors to my left. I knocked on the door twice, and I heard a 'come in'. I entered the office and saw Chiron seated in his wheelchair, at a desk, lined with papers.

"Hello, my dear. Is there anything you would like to tell me?" He asked me, looking up from his work with a smile.

"Um, yes. I just wanted to inform you that I will be joining the Hunters of Artemis after Thalia offered me to. I will be leaving today, along with the rest of the hunters." I said, adjusting the straps of my bag, on my shoulders.

"Thank You for informing me, Sterling. I was told that there will also be a small oath-taking ceremony, which I will be attending. It will take place at six in the evening, so please, don't be late."

"Of course, Chiron. I shall get going, then. Bye," I gave him a small smile and left his office. "Now, for the second-hardest part," I muttered to myself, as I tried to mentally prepare myself to bid goodbye to the demigods I was friends with, at camp.

I decided to drop by my cabin first so that I could leave my bag there for a while, and see the twins. I could identify the standard bright gold color of the cabin, with its greek pillars. I entered through the main door, only to find that the twins weren't in the living room. I frowned and headed for their bedroom. Sure enough, I see two dark-brown haired girls, in the room. Laurel was cleaning a dagger, while Holly was practicing some defense maneuvers with a sword. Suddenly, she turned around, and pointed her sword in my direction, before realizing that I was there.

Lowering her sword sheepishly, she said, "Sorry Ster, I didn't see you there"

"It's alright. At least your practicing" I teased, as she rolled her eyes. Laurel had also noticed me now, and she put her dagger, and cleaning cloth down, as she hugged me, careful not to touch me with her hands.

"HI Sterling" She greeted me, pulling back from the hug.

"Hey, Laurel. How have you guys been?" I asked, looking at the two.

"Good" They replied together, before glaring at each other.

"Woah," I said, putting my hands in front of me. "Before you guys start, I have something important to tell you. Laurel opened her mouth, but I stopped her. "It can't wait," I told them, a serious look on my face. They nodded slowly.

"Why don't we talk about this in the hall?" Holly suggested, and we agreed.

As the twins took a seat on a couch, I took the one opposite them. We sat there in silence before I broke it.

"So, remember how Thalia asked me to join the Hunters last week" They nodded. "Well, I spent a whole week trying to make up my mind, and in the end, I chose to-"

"Join them?" Holly concluded, for me.

"Yes," I confirmed, as I tried to read their expressions. "I wanted you guys to be the first to know, other than Chiron, Livia, and Thalia."

"I'm happy for you," Laurel spoke up, looking at her twin. "We, are happy for you."

"Laurel's right" Holly grinned. "Sure, it will be tough, wait, extremely difficult, but it could really help you. I think it's a great experience. I think you'll fit right in. Only thing is, have you gotten over your crush?" Yes, I told them about my crush on Percy. I left out who it was on, but I told them it was someone from camp. They didn't pester me (too much) about who it was, so I didn't mind. Besides, it was hard to keep it in.

"Yeah, I have gotten over it a couple of weeks ago. Besides, I'm sure I have enough self-control to stop myself from crushing over anyone else. To be honest, once I found out something about my crush, I realized how silly and pointless it was to like him when I knew he would never like me back." That part was true. Once I found out about what Percy and Annabeth had been through, together, over the past years, I felt like it was overkill to still try and break up Percabeth. That would be absolutely idiotic of me. Besides, I would have an army of demigods ready to murder me if I even dared, to do anythingbad to Percabeth. Not to forget the gods, too.

"Sterling, hello? Anyone home?" Laurel waved a hand in front of my face.

"Sorry" I smiled apologetically, "I spaced out,"

"That's alright. I was just talking about how much we'll miss you" She sadly said.

I sighed, "Yeah, I'll miss you guys so much," I said, getting up to give them a giant bear hug. We hugged each other for a long time before I let go.

"Be good, okay. Try your best not to get into too much trouble, and make sure you attend your activities." I scolded them, like a protective older sister.

"Says the newbie" Holly joked, as Laurel smirked, and I mock-glared at both of them.

"Anyways, I'll see you guys at six. Apparently, I'll be taking the oath at the mess hall, so I have to go say my goodbyes to a few others too, before that." I check the time on my wristwatch. "I have about half an hour. I'll see you later okay" I assured them, as I waved bye to them.

Next up was Julia. She was my first ever friend here, and I know I needed to meet her personally because she deserved it.

As I got close to the Hermes Cabin, which was where I hoped she would be, I saw that the cabin's door was open. I discreetly try to look around from outside to see if she was within my sight, but I heard a voice behind me interrupt.

"Are you looking for someone?" A good looking brown-haired boy asked me.

"Uh, yeah. I'm looking for Julia" I answered, offering him a smile.

"I'll tell her you here then" He promised. With a mischievous wink, he left me waiting outside. Ignoring his wink, I thanked him, as I took a few steps away from the cabin, and crossed my arms. The weather was slightly chilly today, and I wasn't wearing a jacket. Just a normal, plain shirt.

"Hey Sterling, you asked for me?" I turned to see Julia walking out of her cabin, smiling.

"Yeah, I did. How have you been?" I asked her.

"Pretty good. What about you?"

"Same here" I replied. "I just wanted you to know, before the others that, uh, I'm going to be taking the oath to join the hunters of Artemis today. So I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me, and say goodbye to you in person." I nervously rambled.

"Oh," She said, surprised. "That's great news!"

"Thanks" I smiled. "Thalia, the lieutenant invited me, and after thinking about it, I accepted."

"Well, I'm going to miss you then" She pouted, and hugged me. Even after I got claimed, Julia and I were still friends, and we would often chat with each other. I hugged her back, and let go after a few seconds. "Come see me, if the hunters ever come to camp."

"Definitely" I promised her. We talked for a couple of minutes after that, before she had to leave, as one of her siblings called her. I too said a final bye to her and left to see the last two people on my list.

I approached the Poseidon Cabin and rapped my knuckles on the door. The door swung open to reveal Percy, who was in a Camp Half-Blood t-shirt, and worn-out jeans.

"Hey Sterling" He greeted me, and he stepped aside to let me in. I strode in, to find Annabeth seated on Percy's bunk, and she stood up, setting her book aside.

"Hi Sterling" She smiled. "What brings you here?" She politely asked me.

"Oh. Um...So I'm not sure if Thalia's told you or not, but I have decided to join the Hunters of Artemis. I'll be taking the oath at 6 today, and will be leaving with them before tonight's Capture The Flag" I informed them.

"Congrats Sterling" Percy excitedly exclaims. "Annabeth, isn't that so cool. Now we're going to have two friends within the Hunters of Artemis." Annabeth chuckles at him acting like a child.

"Yes, that's excellent news indeed. I hope you have a great time with the hunters, Sterling. And remember us when we're old and wrinkly" Annabeth winks.

"Of course. How could I ever forget the two of you" I truthfully tell them. "I wanted to come to say a final bye personally. Percy, well, has been such a good friend for so long, and even you, Annabeth, have been a great friend, even if it's only been a couple of months." Annabeth smiles.

"Well, thank you for coming all the way," Percy said. "Come visit us, if you're ever in town, or, just come visit us." I laugh.

"Will do, sir" I mock salute, and we all laugh. I casually check the time on my wristwatch, and gasp, when I realize that I have little more than fifteen minutes, to get to the mess hall.

"Hey guys," I say, looking up, "I have to go because I have about fifteen minutes to get to the mess hall, to prepare for the oath-taking ceremony."

"I wanted to go see Thalia before she left. Do you mind if we tag along?" Percy asked me.

"Only if you're okay with it," Annabeth added.

"Yeah, I don't mind at all," I reassured them. The twins would be around the mess hall, and after the ceremony, I would bid them a quick farewell, before leaving. "Let's go, shall we"

Percy closed the door to his cabin behind him, and then joins Annabeth and me, as we walk. The three of us talk on our way there, about school, as well as camp.

"So, Annabeth, how has your work on Olympus been?" I asked her.

"It's awesome. I think I can finally start to see the results of all my planning, and even though Ares, Aphrodite, and Apollo, keep reminding me to add more statues of them, I think the gods like it too" She gushed. She really did love her architecture, didn't she.

"Speaking of work, remember the project we worked on?" Percy said.

"Yes," I slowly say, "What about it?"

"We got an A" Percy happily said, as my eyes widen, with surprise.

"Really?"

"Of Course. Anything less than that would be an insult to my knowledge about Greek Mythology."

"Well, even though I have technically left school, I'm still happy. Good job, Percy"

"Thanks" He grins. "Hey, Nico, Will. What's up" He hollered to a pair of demigods, walking together. I recognize Will from the Apollo cabin. He was a healer and taught archery too. Nice guy, he is. The other boy, however, I failed to recognize.

"Hey Percy, Annabeth. Oh, hey Sterling." Will greets us, as the duo walk towards us. "Where are you guys headed?"

"Mess Hall. Me and Annabeth want to see Thalia before she leaves." Percy told him

"It's Annabeth and I, Percy" Annabeth corrects him, as he rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, whatever." I stifle a laugh.

"I'm joining taking the oath to join the Hunters of Artemis, in the Mess Hall" I speak up after WIll and Nico look at me.

A shocked expression emerged on his face, as he spoke up."Wow. Congratulations, and good luck."

"Thank You" Will nudges Nico a little.

"Congrats" Nico grunted. I guess he wasn't much of a talker, then. Not that I minded.

"Thank You" I quietly say. And then, a little louder, I speak again. "Well, I have to get going if I don't want to be late. Percy, Annabeth, you guys coming?"

"Oh yeah. I'll catch you later, WIll, Neeks" Percy winked, and Nico groaned at his nickname.

"I have told you to stop calling me that" Nico grumbled.

Will linked his arm with Nico, much to Nico's dismay, and grinned. "We have to get going too. Bye." He dragged Nico away. Percy laughs, and Annabeth smacks his forearm before we continue walking.

We arrive at the mess hall exactly five minutes before six. The hunters, Chiron, as well as Lady Artemis herself are present. Artemis still looked like a twelve-year-old girl, with black hair and sparkling gray eyes, but I knew that it wasn't her original form.

"Sorry I came only five minutes early" I apologize, fidgeting with my fingers. I guess my nerves finally caught up with me, huh.

"That's alright," Artemis said, softly smiling. Percy and Annabeth bowed to Lady Artemis, before stepping away. Artemis inclined her head towards them, acknowledging them before she spoke. "Let's begin, shall we."

"I will say the lines to the oath, and you must repeat after me." Thalia started. "While you are taking the oath, you must place a fist over your heart." I nodded, and she went on. "I pledge myself to the Goddess Artemis.

"I pledge myself to the Goddess Artemis." I prayed that I wouldn't mess up the pledge, or that would be extremely embarrassing.

"I turn my back, on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the hunt."

"I turn my back, on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the hunt." I ended. I looked at Artemis, then Thalia, silently asking what was next.

"I accept it," Artemis said. All of a sudden, a new feeling overwhelmed me. I felt stronger, faster, and believe it or not, younger. I looked down, to see that my looks didn't change, but I had a silver aura coming from me, just like the other hunters, and Lady Artemis.

"Welcome, sister" Thalia said, smiling

"Remember your pledge," Artemis told me. "It is now your new life"

"Yes, my lady," I said, slightly bowing.

"We will leave at dusk when the sun sets. Hunters, make sure you're ready by then," Artemis said, and the hunters voiced their consent.

"Follow me, Sterling. I need to brief you on a few things" Thalia beckoned me, and I followed her, as she began to stride away. Put of the corner of my eye, I saw Percy wink and give me a thumbs up, as Annabeth waved too me, mouthing me a goodbye, smiling. I beamed at them, mouthing a thank touch before hurrying to catch up with Thalia.

"First and foremost, welcome to the Hunters of Artemis. I trust you'll make new friends, and sisters while you're with us." Thalia smiled. Then, her tone changed, as she got a little serious. "Next, you need to become familiar with our customs and rules. You know the basic ones, but there are others too that I will explain to you later. You will also need to change into our uniform." The hunter paused.

"It's not exactly a uniform, rather a casual outfit that we all wear. Do you have any weapons?" She asked me.

"Yeah, I have a sword of my own."

"Good. You'll be getting a silver bow and a quiver of arrows as well, as well as a few hunting knives, after you learn how to properly use them fo course." She continued, as we entered the inside of the Artemis Cabin.

It was silver everywhere. A little black, and white here and there, but mainly silver. Some Hunters were packing up, and others were talking to each other. I had hoped they wouldn't notice our entry, but they did.

Thalia kept going, unbothered, as I tried my best to keep up with her, while ignoring all the stares.

"You won't be going on quests, or hunts yet. You need to be fully trained, and only then will you be permitted to join us on such things. You probably won't be travelling with us, either. You'll be staying back at our current location at that time, with the main group of hunters." She stopped talking when we reached the middle of the cabin. "Hunters, we have a new sister amongst our ranks. Please welcome, Sterling-" She looked to me for my last name.

"Argenti- Cortez" I whispered.

"Argenti- Cortez, daughter of Nike." Thalia announced. The hunters politely clapped for a while, before halting. "She is new to our customs, but she will learn soon, and treat her as one of our own." Thalia said, looking at each and every hunter. "You can go get your bag, and come meet us here" Thalia told me.

"Thank You" I told her, as I jogged out.

I went to the mess hall, which was where I left my bag. On my way there, I came across the twins.

"Hey guys" I said, looking at them.

"Congratulations" They said simultaneously, embracing me. We hugged, and then pulled back. Laurel handed me my bag, as I took it from her.

"Thank you for bringing my bag"

"It's no problem." Holly waved it off

"This is is, then." Laurel said, after am awfully long silence.

"Yeah" I nodded." Thank you both, for being such good siblings, and friends. I'm going to miss you guys so much" I sighed.

"We'll miss you too" Laurel nodded sadly. We hugged one last time, before I had to return to the Artemis Cabin.

I was a hunter now. I took the oath, and I did it. There's no turning back now. I stopped outside the cabin. Now, I'm a part of the Hunters of Artemis. And I was proud to be a part of them. Even though this was just the beginning, I couldn't wait for the future.

I thought about the real reason why I joined. Not because I would have eternal youth, or live forever. Not because I would have enhanced abilities.

I joined, because I wanted to experience what it felt like to be a part of a group like the Hunters. To hunt alongside Artemis, a scary, beautiful and well respected goddess. Sure, there were so many risks. I was only seventeen, after all. But, I didn't want my age to let me stop me. I wanted live my life to the fullest, even if it was a short one. Besides, I didn't have any plan already made for my future. Maybe this was what I was destined to do. I guess I would never know.

Taking deep breaths, I relaxed my tense body, and grinned to myself, and strode inside the cabin, ready to embrace my new life

A/N:- Hey guys! This is it, the end of the story. I hope you like the ending, and I might tweak it a little if I need to, but that will happen much later.I can't believe it's been about four (or five) months since I first started writing this book. I didn't really expect so many views, but I'm really happy with what I have. Thank you to everyone who supported me, by reading, or commentingI will be writing an epilogue, but that will most probably happen next week. Again, thank you so much for reading my story, and I hope you enjoyed reading it, because that's what matters to me the most.Lots of Love and Appreciation,Sukruta