𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑 | ʟᴇᴏ ᴠᴀʟᴅᴇᴢ ¹

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑

LAVINIA DIDN'T STICK AROUND after she volunteered to risk death for the millionth time. Sure, it was amazing and all—She gets to leave camp! Go on an adventure!—but she needed to get away from the wandering eyes. She left the amphitheater and ran into the darkness, wondering what she'd gotten herself into.

She had stood up in front of the entirety of Camp Half-Blood and was told she was as meant for a mission that would probably get her killed. Again.

She was almost to the woods when she imagined Sebastian's voice: I can't believe you wont look for me!

"Bash," Lavinia muttered, "I'll find you."

There was no answer.

But now, at least, Lavinia understood something. She was destined to never get a break. Somehow, she'd known that she was different; that she was destined for other things. Maybe she was just meant to be taken on quests until one finally killed her.

Lavinia wasn't sure. But she knew she was meant to go on this quest. She might find Sebastian, or even get to find clues to his whereabouts.

But first things first. She needed to leave the chaos of camp. She couldn't face the rest of the campers—not yet. There wasn't time to speak with anyone. She just needed a quick break.
She needed to be gone.

She hesitated at the edge of the woods, peering into absolute blackness. Owls hooted, and something far away hissed like a chorus of snakes.

Lavinia knew that no one should go in the woods alone, and definitely not unarmed. Lavinia had nothing—no sword, no flashlight, no help.

She glanced back at the lights of the cabins. She could turn around now and tell everyone she was going with Annabeth to find Sebastian and Percy.

She could send her younger sisters, Holly and Laurel, on the quest instead. She could find out what really happened to Percy and Sebastian, but she wondered how long it would take—it wasn't like this was a common occurrence.

She took a deep breath and plunged into the forest.

The dense foliage of the forest enveloped Lavinia as she ventured deeper into the woods, seeking solace from the relentless questions about her missing brother and the pressure of the quest. Each step brought her further from the chaos of camp, allowing her to breathe more freely amidst the tranquil embrace of nature.

She needed to clear her head, to escape from the constant barrage of new information and expectations. Lavinia found a clearing and began walking through it.

Across the way, Leo's eyes lit up with recognition as he caught sight of Lavinia, a charming smile playing at his lips. "Well, well, well, look who I found," he said, his voice teasing yet warm.

Lavinia couldn't help but smile at his playful demeanor, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Caught me red-handed. I guess I'm not the only one seeking refuge from the chaos of camp."

Leo chuckled, falling into step beside her. "Definitely not. Though I must say, I'm glad fate led me to you."

Lavinia arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "Flirting already, are we? You're quite bold for someone who's only been at camp for a few hours."

Leo grinned, undeterred by her teasing. "Hey, when you know what you want, why waste time beating around the bush?"

"Fair point." Lavinia laughed softly, a warmth spreading through her at his easygoing charm. "But I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, Leo Valdez."

Leo winked playfully. "Oh, I'm counting on it. After all, where's the fun in playing it safe?"

Their banter continued as they walked through the forest, their conversation flowing effortlessly between laughter and heartfelt moments of connection.