Chapter 3: Dreams

Hylla and I have been hiding for several hours now. We still hear the violent screams; it doesn't even lessen.

The room we're in was one of our usual hiding spots. We were surrounded by total darkness it was as if it would swallow us whole.

I am terrified, angry and confused all at once. Our chance at having a fair life is non-existent.

Again, I fail to hold back my tears. Hylla was always better at it.

"Reyna, be strong. We can get through this." She held my face and looked straight through me. I can see her eyes reflecting mine.

I wipe away a tear and nod. I embraced her, my fear fading slowly. I know she's the only one who can understand me now.

More banging of furniture to the wall.

"But do know that I can't protect you forever." A tear dropped at last.

It is weird how even when he is no longer in a war, he is starting to think he is in one. Sometimes, he even viewed us as enemies.

"When that time comes, we have already left this place," I said with conviction.

We love Father so much, but as more days pass, the more destructive he becomes.

"Why do I feel that day is getting sooner, Hylla?" I looked at my older sister and saw her eyes were filled with sorrow and concern.

She took a deep breath. "He still is our father..."

Suddenly, the door opened and—

I woke up.

As soon as my eyes fluttered open, I saw Jason, who probably just have entered the place.

"Hi." Jason waved his hand at me awkwardly.

"What are you doing here?!" I ask the calmest way possible. I can't stop being too hot-headed every time I woke up startled. I'm thankful I have no headache now, though. I've had enough headaches even for a twelve-year-old demigod.

"I'm part of the Fifth Cohort now!" He smiled enthusiastically.

I stare questioningly at him.

He shrugged, still smiling.

I stood up. Enough with dreaming now. I mustn't be a girl stuck in a horrible past.

"Hey, ummm... I didn't pack any clothes with me." Jason was mumbling.

I can't help but laugh. I guess Lupa really focused on Jason's need to train.

I pointed to a wooden closet on the other side of the room. "Nobody owns the bed next to it too."

"Thanks, Reyna," he replied.

Then, I had an idea. I hope this newbie liked one-on-one combat.

Jason was already checking out the secluded bed. The bedsheet, pillow case and blanket were all purple, like every other vacant bed in this camp. It's a Camp Jupiter trademark.

I head over to Jason, passing by fellow Fifth Cohort campers who were to busy playing Monopoly to even care about Jason entering the room. Typical.

I notice his eyes were focused on the board game, confusion spread all over his face.

"What are they playing," he asked.

"What do you mean," I ask back.

"What do you mean, what do I mean?" Jason was now looking at me, his electric-blue eyes curious yet captivating, in a way.

"So you've never played Monopoly before, Grace?" All thoughts of battling with the guy at the moment dissolved.

"Well, I was raised by Lupa, what do you expect, Ramirez- Arellano?" He gave me an obviously fake smile.

I can't believe he got my last name right away. I gave a very light smile.

Suddenly, I thought of a better plan.

"Tomorrow, I'll give you a real tour." I grinned.