Leo Valdez X Reader

Chapter 13 Leo

Sweet smoke wisped from the splintered wood, curling into the darkroom. 

My eyes started to adjust to the silvery light, and I had to suppress a gasp. The place looked brand new. It lit up the shrine's actual shape, circular and dome-like. Silvery stars and constellations glowed on the stone walls, and a giant glowing moon appeared on the ceiling above us.

The fountain gurgled as clear water came trickling out and into the pool.

The stone benches where (Y/n) had taped her ankle had been cleansed of their climbing ivy. Liam's body glistened brighter, like his scuffs and smudges had been shined off.

Finally, my eyes fell on the crates in the corner. Liam followed my gaze and smiled.

"Those are the offerings left for Achelois. My lady's been given things like grains, fruits, salted meats, cheese, cake, and libation, a drink of wine, milk, and honey." 

He seemed proud of all the things offered to his goddess. Beside me, (Y/n)'s stomach grumbled, and I realized that Camp's supper wasn't enough to fill the days she hadn't eaten.

"Do you think-" She swallowed hard, her eyes not leaving the food.

"My lady would be happy to share. Do not worry, Miss," Liam said. (Y/n) picked him up and rushed towards the crate.

She grabbed a piece of cake, shoving it into her mouth, getting icing on her nose. I would have offered to wipe it off, but I was too busy stuffing my face.

(Y/n) let out a content little chirpy sigh. I grabbed a jar of the libation and took a sip. For something with alcohol, it was pretty good, both sweet and creamy. 

I offered (Y/n) a drink, but she shook her head and froze, her skin pale.

"I don't drink alcohol. Thank you, though."

"The water in the fountain is drinkable," Liam said softly like he knew something I didn't.

(Y/n) grabbed a piece of cake, picked him up, and walked towards the fountain. I shoved a strawberry into my mouth. It was sweet, but the ones at Camp were better.

Camp.

I had almost forgotten about it. I stood up, and a sudden thought came to me.

"Drachma."

The round metal coin appeared in my belt. It had taken me a while to realize anything malleable, along with my tools, would occur in the pouches. I walked over to (Y/n) as she brought her cupped hands to her mouth.

"Here." I pressed the coin into the stone beside her. She looked at me like I was crazy.

I mean, I was.

But still.

"Toss the coin into the water and then picture who you want to talk to. We need to tell someone at Camp where we are." (Y/n) nodded and tossed the drachma into the fountain, her eyes closed.

Suddenly, Nico appeared in the shimmering mist, Will's head in his lap. They were sitting on the couch, and Will was fast asleep.

"Nico!" He jumped and turned to look at us, his eyes wide, face as red as cherries.

"(Y/n)?"

"I'm here too, Death Breath."

"Leo?"

Will stirred, and Nico looked down, brushing his blond hair out of his face before looking back up at us concerned.

"W-whats going on? The message is pitch black-"

"How long has it been since the meeting?" I asked, my heart pounding; we couldn't afford the lost time.