We've reached chapter 10 and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's stuck with it so far.

Feel free to let me know what you guys think so far but honestly, I've just really had fun writing this story and I will continue to write more for you guys.

This is a long one, so buckle up and enjoy!

CHAPTER 10: STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

I'm beginning to regret my decision as I trek my way through the forest, as the light through the trees gets dimmer and dimmer. Visibility was starting to get low and stranger noises started to arise.

Of course this had to happen when it got dark.

"I've fought in battles blacker than this."

"Yeah, but here's the thing Dienekes– did I say that right?"

"Close enough."

"-But, here's the thing; I'm not you."

"But you are my blood."

"Plus, soldier's these days have night vision, flashlights or thermal."

There was a slight pause before he spoke, "...you made those words up."

I, or we (I'm not really sure anymore), continued walking in whatever direction felt right. I did my best to listen out for any signs of movement or life. Horses neighing, people yelling, anything. It didn't help either that I had no idea where I was going. I was pretty much aimlessly wandering around a forest known to be dangerous and nighttime was approaching. They couldn't have gone that far, especially the horses. No way could they have covered enough distance among the thick clusters of trees.

"Would you like me to tell you a story?" The old spartan said.

"I don't really see how that helps."

"You'd be surprised."

I inspected my surroundings once more, hoping for a sign or a hint that we were going the right way but it was just more trees. I tried calling out to Valerie, the only name I knew but I got no response.

"Fine."

Dienekes proceeded to tell his story as I continued the search, walking through the dark forest.

"There was once a bear cub, who was abused by a pack of wolves. The wolves thought themselves superior, harassing the young bear for its inferior size and strength. They took the bear's food and used its shelter as they pleased. However, as the bear grew older and larger, the wolves grew lazy and high on their power. One day, when the wolves provoked him once more, it was to be there last. The wolves outnumbered the bear but the bear had grown accustomed to their tactics and a bloody battle ensued. In the end, the bear had slain the entire pack, but not without sustaining heavy injuries. The bear died of its wounds."

"Well, that's depressing."

"It is a story."

"Not a particularly good one."

"Hmph."

It was an… interesting story, to say the least. Again, I'm not really sure how it helps in the current situation but at least it helped pass the time. I was starting to lose hope in ever finding anybody until I heard a faint noise in the distance. It didn't match with the other sounds of the forest I had gotten used to in the past 10 minutes or so. As I started to get closer to the source of that faint noise, I could hear it more clearly. It sounded like galloping, followed by a very short neigh.

"I told you a story would help."

"What? The story had nothing to do with finding the horse."

"Have it your way."

I began to make my way closer to the origin of the horse noises, quickening my pace. It sounded like it was alone, so the others were still out there somewhere. After a few more yards, I managed to get a clear sight of the horse in between the trees. Its brown hide stood out from the rest of the green foliage. It was still very much riled up but it was no longer going at full speed. It had stopped, probably to catch its breath. I checked around me to see if any help had come but there was still no sign of anyone.

I guess I'll just have to bring the horse in by myself… somehow. Hope the others are okay.

The horse was still a couple of yards away from me. Just as I was about to keep moving, I heard the crack of a branch. I attempted to discern which way it came from but it happened too quickly. It could have been next to the horse or it could have been near me. I turned back towards the horse who had gotten more irritated than usual. We definitely weren't alone anymore. I decided to wait a couple more seconds, to see if something would come out, but the more I waited the more impatient I grew. The horse still wasn't calming down. It was only a matter of time before it would blaze off into the distance again. I had to make a move. After a little while longer, thinking the coast was clear, I began to inch my way forward towards the stallion.

I made it only about two steps until something yanked me behind a nearby tree.

"Easy there, tiger. I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Hey! What are you–"

The mysterious figure quickly covered my mouth, as the rest of my words came muffled. The stranger didn't say a word and simply forced me to look in a certain direction. In the distance, slowly making its way towards the horse was a weird huddle of dark silhouettes. As I squinted my eyes, I noticed that they moved in a strange manner– like bugs.

With no effort, I ripped the stranger's hand covering my mouth. "What the hell is that?"

"Myrmekes," the stranger answered, still keeping an eye on the moving figures.

"What the hell is a Myrmekes?"

"In simple terms? Giant ants."

As the stranger stepped out of the shadows, I was able to get a better look at him. He had hair that stopped just above his shoulders and, by the looks of it, was very well kept. At first what I thought was a pitch black complexion of hair, showed it's subtle brown textures thanks to the faint moonlight seeping through the canopy. He wore a leather-sleeved, denim jacket with an upturned collar on top of the standard orange camp half-blood shirt. The dark navy pants he wore hung over what looked like some pretty worn-out brown suede boots. His clean-shaven, pale skin gave him an extremely youthful look that paired with his overall rugged aesthetic. To top it all off, the expression on his face seemed constantly calculative, like he was searching for an answer in everything he saw.

"You're the new guy right?" he said.

"That's what everyone's calling me."

"You know, you're not supposed to go into the forest alone."

"What are you doing?"

"Touche." He paused for a moment to check on the Myrmekes, slowly approaching the horse. "We need a plan."

"Why don't we just grab the horse and get out as quickly as possible?" I said.

He stared at me with a blank expression. "You ever seen a Myrmeke move before? They'll catch up to us. These are things you have to consider before just running in."

The stranger kept staring towards the horse, like he was scanning the whole forest in front of us. I noticed he was fiddling with something shiny in his hand whilst he continued whatever process was going on in his mind.

Then he turned to me, looking me up and down. "Alright, cochise, you're a big guy. Most likely good in a fight. From your overall stature and impatience, I'd bet you're an Ares kid."

"How did you–"

"And that thing on your arm–" he continued, pointing at the bracer, " –probably some sort of defense mechanism."

I was pretty impressed. "That's good. How'd you do that?"

"Call it a lucky guess." He looked towards the Myrmekes one more time before turning back to me. "The name's Phillip by the way, but people just call me 'Flip'."

"Arthur Pride."

"Huh, cool name."

"Flip ain't so bad either."

Flip shrugged. "It's got its perks."

"So which Greek god are you a son of?" I asked, assuming it was just standard demigod etiquette at this point.

"Tyche… Goddess of Chance."

"Never heard of her."

"You wouldn't be the first–"

The horses' unsettling noises started to escalate. The both of us peeked from behind the tree and saw the Myrmekes beginning to separate, gradually making their way to surround the defenseless horse. The horse was running out of options and so were we.

"Anyways, here's my plan," Flip began. "It's simple. One of us needs to distract the ants whilst somebody gets the horse out of there."

"That's your plan!? Who's gonna do what?"

"Well, considering what you have and I don't, probably best you distract them."

"What the hell do I have and you don't?"

He sighed, like a teacher disappointed in you for not getting the question right. "I literally just listed all of that about 10 seconds ago. Plus, my face is too pretty and yours– well yours' is actually not that bad but still."

"If your face is so pretty, surely you could distract them with it."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure the only thing they'd wanna do with it is bite it off."

The horses' distress only got louder.

Dienekes' voice popped up in my head in-between our conversation. "You're running out of time, Arthur. You can handle yourself. Be the distraction as the boy says. It will be fun."

I cursed at myself. "Alright, alright. I'll go out there– but are you sure this will work?"

"No… but I'm betting on it," Flip replied, which didn't particularly invigorate me with any confidence. At least he's honest. "Once, the horse is outta here, I'll give you the signal."

"What's the signal?"

"You'll know."

Great. More uncertainty. I thought devising a plan included everyone involved knew what was happening. Either way, I was just going to have to take this 'Flip' guy's word for it. I, for one, do not want to see what giant ants munching on a horse looks like. The both of us separated whilst still keeping in line of sight of each other. Flip made his way slowly towards the horse as I made a wide arch to meet the Myrmekes. I wanted to get myself in a position close enough to them but far enough to draw them away from the horse.

Who would have thought, out of all the things I'd be doing in life; saving a horse from ants would be one of them.

Once the both of us got into our desired positions, I began my attempt at being the best possible human target I could be. I flicked my wrist once more and, sure enough, it sprouted a large bronze shield bearing the symbol of sparta. I started banging a nearby tree with the shield, making as much noise as possible. At the top of my lungs, I yelled at the Myrmekes, 'Come and get me!', 'You want a piece of this!?'. The standard stuff. At first, I thought it wouldn't work as nothing happened. Then, after a little more screaming, the movement in the shadows began to shift as their direction turned towards me. Seems that a live, rowdy demigod is more interesting than a freaked out horse. I started running as fast as I could, away from the horse, still shouting and bashing my shield. More and more, I heard the dirt tremble below my feet, like a stampede of feet circling me. I managed to make some good distance until, inevitably, one of the Myrmekes cut me off.

He was right. They really are just giant ants. I didn't think ants would be so creepy but it's different when you see one the size of a full grown german shepherd. The Myrmeke snapped its jaws at me as it began to close in. Two more arrived, one to my left and one to my right. I was stuck in between all three preparing to be swarmed.

"Don't get caught, Arthur," Dienekes said. "You are alone. Fight, but keep moving."

Waiting for all three to pounce would have made me a three-course meal. Without wasting any time, I rushed the one in front of me before they could rush me. Using my shield, I smashed into its head as hard as I could. It tried to bite at the metal but the wooden foundation was too tough and the sheer force of the charge managed to disorient it for a moment. I didn't stop. I moved in a circle, moving onto the next Myrmekes as they started steaming towards me. As one came barrelling towards me directly, I met it head on. I ran straight for it, waiting for the perfect moment. When it made its first lunge, I slid on the ground, bracing my shield as it landed directly on it. With all my strength, I pushed the ant straight up as it went flying over my head and falling on its back.

I'm starting to like this shield a hell of a lot more.

Just outside my peripheral, I saw another shadowy figure move among the shrubbery. It was shaped more like a person than an ant. In that moment of distraction, the third Myrmekes assault was quick but I just managed to block in time thanks to a warning from Dienekes. I wrangled the massive ant as one of its jaws latched onto the rim of the shield. These guys were strong, so wrestling with them was not easy. Out of the corner of my eye, I was able to catch the first Myrmeke I hit coming in for another stampede. But this time I couldn't move. The one still hooked onto my shield kept me in place.

Alright, it's time for some god of war shit.

Taking a deep breath, I tensed up, concentrating on the leverage between my arms and legs. At the same time I could feel a sense of strength surge through me.

"Just piss off!" I yelled as I swung the shield with the Myrmeke still attached, slamming its body into the other one just before it hit me. The two bugs were stunned and knocked out to the side.

Dienekes laughed. "Well done!"

"Thanks," I panted.

The one that went flying before had got back up on its feet and didn't skip a beat in making one last charge. It bared its mandibles in a crushing motion, heading straight for me. I bared my shield in response, picking up a fairly thick branch nearby. Once it came close, I braced myself letting it take a few bites at the sturdy shield until I found the right opportunity to stick the branch into its mouth and in between its jaws. As it gnawed at the branch in frustration, I locked its head to the ground, and using the edge of the shield, I punched the back of the Myrmeke. But I wasn't prepared for the nerve shockwave that would shoot up my arm as I made contact with the Myrmekes shell. I stumbled back in pain as I experienced that funny-bone feeling from my wrist to my shoulder.

"That armor is tough," Dienekes uttered.

"Yeah, no kidd–"

The giant ant caught me off guard, sweeping me to the dirt. I managed to bring up my shield just in time before it was able to take a nice chunk out of my head. But I was still dazed from hitting its shell and with only one defense, the Myrmeke ferociously attacked my shield, pushing me along the ground until I was backed up against a tree.

"Fight, boy!"

"The fuck do you think I'm doing!?"

"Language."

This did not look good at all. I did my best to keep my shield up against the relentless Myrmeke but I was starting to get tired, and it was only a matter of time before the other ones got up. By then it would be game over.

"Dienekes, what now!?"

"Hold your ground, Arthur!" The spartan ordered. "Panic does nothing!"

"Oh, it's doing something!"

Just as the situation was getting more dire, amidst the clanging and banging of the shield, I started to hear more footsteps approaching. These steps were quick and before I knew it, the ceaseless attacks from the Myrmeke had stopped. Everything was happening so fast I nearly didn't see it. There was a quick slice of the ant's underbelly as it began to bleed a yellowish-green liquid, before crumbling into a golden dust. Standing above it as the blood dripped down her dagger, was the same girl I had met earlier today and the same girl that went running after the horses. Valerie Aldara.

She expertly spun the dagger back into its sheath, extending a hand down towards me. "Dude, your first day and you're already picking fights with the ants."

"Thanks." I took her hand as she helped me up. I looked around to check for the other ones but they were no longer there. "I actually was trying to save you and the others."

"Wow, I feel so saved right no–"

"Look out!"

One of the remaining Myrmekes had managed to pop up nearly undetected and proceed to spit out some disturbing looking green liquid. I was able to throw my shield up just in time before any of it could make contact with either of us, as the liquid sizzled on the metal surface though it remained undamaged. In a lightning-like response, Valerie threw her dagger from behind me, nailing the ant right in the eye as it exploded into another cloud of golden dust. The third Myrmeke was nowhere to be seen.

"Huh." Was all she responded with.

"It would've been great if you did that earlier," I said.

She just gave me a confused glance.

"Wasn't that you? In the bushes?" I questioned, remembering the shadowy figure I spotted earlier.

"No?" she answered. "I only just got here. All the others got out with the horses but I went back in for the last one."

"Oh…"

So who was that then?

I shook the thought, remembering Flip and the final horse. "Well, we've already got that covered… I think."

"We?"

Right on cue, the distant noises of an agitated horse and frustrated grunts cut through the monotone soundscape of the forest.

"Come on," I said to Valerie, as the both of us began making our way back to where I saw the horse last.

Upon arriving at the scene, we were greeted by a rather amusing scene of a demigod trying to get a horse to move. Flip was doing all he could, saying whatever he could to try and make the horse 'go', as he repeated several times.

"Well, if it isn't Phillip Ganzorig." Valerie crossed her arms, smirking as if entertained by Flip's suffering.

"Hello, Val." He bitterly smiled. "Looking good as always…"

Valerie scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"...and what did I tell you about my name? It's just Flip."

"What kind of name is Ganzorig?" I said.

"It's Mongolian– just forget about it."

Valerie stepped in closer towards Flip and the horse. "What exactly are you doing?"

Flip inhaled a long breath. "I'm trying to get this horse to move but it's being a pain in the ass right now."

"It's not going to move as long as it's freaked out like that," she replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry 'Mrs Horse Expert', I wasn't the one who lost it in the damn first place."

"Excuse me? I just had to save Arthur's life from giant killer-ants. I wonder what got him into that situation?"

"It was all a part of the plan and LOOK," –He gestured to me– "it seemed to work out just fine."

The two began to argue in front of the horse which only made it more agitated. I did my best to get both of their attention but it was no use. It looked like the two had arguments like this a lot… like a lot.

"This does not seem productive," grunted Dienekes.

"Guys!" By raising my voice I finally got the both of them to stop hurling words at each other. "Thank you, the both of you, for helping me but can we please just get the horse outta here so we can leave? This forest is giving me the creeps."

"Well I'd love to leave, Sir Arthur Pride, but this horse isn't cooperating."

The Hermes girl cocked an eyebrow. "Pride's your last name?"

"It's… well actually I don't know the background behind it."

"So are you guys just gonna stand there or…?"

"Let me try," insisted Valerie. "You're taking way too long."

Valerie already started to move over to where Flip was. During this whole exchange, I scanned the woods around us, wondering if I could spot that strange shadowy figure from before but there was nothing.

It was probably just another Myrmeke, or a trick of the mind. Either way, it was gone now.

"Arthur, come help me with this," said Valerie, as I started walking around the side of the orse.

"What if I just slapped it on the rear?"

"Wait, Flip, don't–"

Valerie was too late but what happened next seemed to have been a series of events that should have been physically impossible and yet… it happened. Flip struck the horse's rear, causing it to buck wildly, kicking its hind legs in the air. Luckily none of us were in its way, besides one sneaky Myrmeke that managed to slip past our perception. Just as the Myrmeke lept towards us, it was met with two hooves to the face leaving it lifeless on the ground. Afterwards, the horse had miraculously calmed down, trotting in place as it shook its head, almost in satisfaction.

"See?" Flip put on a dumb smirk right in front of Valerie. He revealed a singular silver coin clasped in his hand, flipping and catching it in one smooth motion. "Oh, I love it when a plan comes together."

Valerie stood there with her jaw to the floor. "What? How did you– that doesn't– you… lucky bastard."

Meanwhile I looked at the two, stuck in the middle, wondering how I got myself in this situation.

With the horse finally back to a more reasonable state, the three of us walked out of the dark forest. The sun had fully gone down and there were a considerable amount of torches lighting up the Pegasus stables. Additionally, it would seem we had gathered quite an audience as considerably more people than last time huddled around the paddocks of the stables. Most of the horses were returned as we were one of the last ones to make it. Waiting for us were four individuals. One of them easily stood out as Clarisse, and I was able to make out the other two as we got closer; Will and Travis. The fourth one, however, was someone unfamiliar.

"Oh, thank gods you're okay," spoke Will first, before glaring at Travis. "I thought you told him the forest was off-limits?"

"I did!" retaliated Travis. "I… I'm pretty sure– It was when… oh, I totally forgot."

It looked like Will was about to hit him again until Clarisse stopped him. "The kid's fine, Solace, and he clearly wasn't alone."

"Hold on," I interrupted. "What's everyone doing here?"

"Well I was coming back from the Big House when I heard that all the horses ran into the forest along with 'the new kid'," answered Will.

"Same here," said Travis.

"Oh, I just came to make sure you didn't die because that would make us look real bad," replied Clarisse. "Can you imagine? A member of the Ares cabin dying on his first day? Yikes… oh and make sure you're safe and all that"

Then the fourth, unrecognizable camper spoke, "Flip, Val, you guys okay?"

Both of them simply nodded. The camper that addressed them wasn't necessarily any more unique than everyone else but I could tell there was something different about her. Just from Flip and Val's reaction alone, I could tell this person was taken seriously. Even Clarisse looked like she respected her as an equal. Then the girl looked at me. The flames from the nearby torches refracted off her long blonde hair. She looked like one of the girls that most guys at school would have a crush on, except for the fact that she seemed way too intimidating to approach. Those gray eyes were like two swirling storms, cold and calculated.

"You're Arthur, right?" she said.

I nodded sheepishly. I was by far taller than her, but for some reason I felt small.

"You know, what you did was extremely stupid…" She continued to stare at me as everyone else was completely silent. It felt like a scolding was coming but all of a sudden it was like her entire expression had changed. "...but I've dealt with stupider. Glad you're alright."

I let out an audible sigh of relief.

Travis groaned. "Annabeth, let's go! We're going to miss dinner."

The girl stared back at the three of us. "You guys hungry?"

My stomach immediately grumbled.

Torches and starlight lit our way as we all went up to the Dining Pavilion. Slowly, but surely, demigods from all areas of the camp started piling in for their meals. The other four had moved on ahead, leaving just the three of us. Surprised they trusted us that much. Then again, I doubt they thought we'd run into the forest a second time. Flip, the son of Tyche, a camper I had only met about twenty minutes ago, hands in pockets, insisted on filling me in on the 'in's and out's', as he liked to call it, of the summer camp for half-bloods.

"Let me tell you something, slick. I know we just met but there's a lot of things you need to know about this place and I can help you with that."

"Oh please," Valerie laughed to my right, "getting advice from you is like getting advice from Paris of Troy… you think more with your dick than you do with your head."

Flip was taken aback. "Woah! That was highly uncalled for. One, I'm amazing with girls. Two, I give great advice. And Three, Paris killed the greatest warrior in Greece so I'll take that as a compliment."

"Yeah… killed him in the lamest way possible."

"Still killed him."

"I'm right here you know," I butted in, after being caught in the crossfire of their back-and-forth for the second time now. "And thanks, Flip, but it shouldn't be too hard getting the hang of all this demigod stuff."

The two of them stopped a few steps ahead, as they looked at each other then at me. For once, I think the both of them finally agreed on something because they simultaneously bursted into laughter after what I just said. And I just stood there, blank-faced.

"'Shouldn't be too hard' he says!" Valerie said, almost choking on her own laughter.

Flip slapped the side of my arm, still recovering from his incessant laughter. "Listen, Arthur, buddy, I like the way you think but you have no idea what kind of carnival ride you've gotten yourself into."

"Yeah, and that's about every single kid here speaking from experience."

And so, the rest of the stroll consisted of Flip explaining to me the things he reckons I ought to know. Valerie didn't seem that much interested in partaking in the detailed and extravagant blueprints of Flip's mind, so she contributed short and sweet summaries if things ever got too confusing. So far I've learned that phones and wi-fi are a no go since they only amplify our scent to monsters, which explains why Birch threw my phone out the car window (I was still a little bit annoyed about that). They told me how other humans or 'mortals' don't tend to see what we see due to something called the Mist. That's why you never see daily reports of hellhound attacks on the news. Also:

I learned that the Stoll brothers (Travis and Connor) pranks are almost constant; there is in fact a bronze fire-breathing dragon but apparently it's friendly; if you go out too late you will be eaten by cleaning harpies; things are currently weird with the Gods and Olympus; and the most recent big quest was a quest to save the Goddess Hera herself.

"There's also talks about the Giants and Gaea…" Flip said.

"...essentially; world ends because of the earth…" added Valerie.

"...which is pretty much information we have to deal with on a daily basis."

"Sounds like fun," I replied. At this point, the weirdness meter has reached a limit to where I just always expect it.

"It is fun," said Flip. I couldn't tell whether he was being sarcastic or not. "Right now, the most exciting thing for us is the next Capture the Flag."

It was something I've heard mentioned before. Of course, I know how the game works since it's a fairly common outdoor sport but I wasn't sure how this place plays it. From the way they talk about it, it sounded more than just a simple game.

Flip proved me right. "Last game, an entire team walked out with several first and second degree burns, weapons missing and covered in slime. A practical joke by a kid named Leo Valdez. He thought it was funny as hell."

It was about now that we finally reached our destination. The dining pavilion stood on a hill that overlooked the sea. There were no walls or a ceiling, just a foundation of massive greek pillars that fit numerous tables, chairs and burning fire at the center. The place was already pretty packed with a whole array of demigods and even satyrs. Whilst some table's were fairly full, others were almost nearly empty. That blonde-haired guy, Jason, I saw earlier at the combat arena was surprisingly sitting all by himself but he didn't seem to mind. He kept staring at somebody else at one of the other tables but I couldn't tell who.

It was then, Flip and Valerie told me that we sat according to our cabin, which now made a lot more sense.

Just after Flip left, Valerie took me aside. "Hey, just wanted to say, I know I saved you from being an ant's lunch back in the forest but I saw what you did. If I hadn't arrived, you still probably would've been okay. No bullshit."

I was surprised at the sudden shift in conversation. "Why are you telling me this?"

"What you did was impressive, especially since this is all new to you. Everyone deserves a compliment once in a while. Take it whichever way you want it."

"Well, I appreciate it Valerie."

Her usual hasty demeanor slowed down for a bit as she smiled. "Just call me Val, everybody else does anyway."

"Well, thank you Val. You and Flip."

"You seem like a cool dude, Arthur Pride. We got your back…" she began walking over to her table "...maybe except for Flip because he's an idiot."

"To be fair, his plan technically did work."

"That doesn't count!"

I chuckled as she went over to sit with Travis. Flip sat at a much smaller table with only two or three other people. I scanned the pavilion for my table and it wasn't long before I saw Sherman waving at me amidst the rowdy campers of Cabin 5.

I discovered quickly that the food here was very healthy with an array of BBQ, fruits, cheese, and fresh bread. They were served by the dryads, female nature spirits that were always smiling when they came around to your table. I tried to stop myself from staring at one of them for too long.

Before taking my first bite, Sherman told me that we had to scrape part of our plate into the pavilion fire. He told me it was our offering to the gods which I thought was a little unnecessary. I can't imagine why a guy like Zeus would want half an apple. And though the food here was great, I still wished I could make my own.

Maybe I'll ask around and see if they have a kitchen or something.

The dinner reminded me very much of lunch at school. Everyone sitting around at a table, talking about the day, telling stories. Our table was probably embarrassingly one of the loudest but it wasn't too bad. Chiron sat on his own table, kind of like 'the teachers' table' if you will. He looked oddly disgruntled.

"What's up with Chiron?" I asked Sherman. "He seems kinda mad."

"Apparently something was stolen from his study," he replied through a mouthful of pork ribs.

"Should we be worried?"

"Nah. It's probably just another prank or something. Stuff like that happens all the time."

I looked back towards Chiron who still hadn't reached for his plate, wondering what about whatever was stolen got him that anxious. After a while, I decided to not think much of it and continued with my food.

Throughout the dinner, every other table seemed to be worrying about their own little conversations, except for one person. Usually, I get stares from some of the other campers since I was clearly 'new in town' but they would quickly dismiss me once they realized I was nothing special. Yet over at the Hephaestus table, I noticed a singular person who hadn't stopped glaring at me since I first walked in.