"So, you're telling me"—Lunette pointed at herself—"that I'm in charge of the new kid?"
"Yes," Chiron replied simply.
Before Lunette could protest further, Mr. D smirked. "You're the best healer we have after Chiron, and let's be honest, you're easy on the eyes. Makes for a very soothing patient experience."
Luna scoffed. "Very funny, Mr. D."
Chiron gave her a patient look. "Your presence is soothing, and he'll need that. I agree with Mr. D on this."
Luna crossed her arms. "Fine. But I want my dessert privileges back. And I need to send a letter to my dad."
Chiron's expression turned serious. "Does that mean you'll try to forgive Luke Castellan?"
Her posture stiffened. "I can't forgive him just like that," she said, voice tight. "He doesn't deserve it." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "My brother is dead because of him. It's not so easy for me."
Chiron and Mr. D exchanged a glance, nodding in silent agreement.
"You get your dessert privileges back," Mr. D relented, waving his hand lazily. "Just make sure that blondie is nursed back to health."
Lunette gave a curt nod and excused herself, heading straight to the infirmary.
At the Infirmary
The boy was asleep, his breathing slow and steady, like he hadn't just fought and killed a Minotaur hours ago.
Percy Jackson.
She had gotten the name from Grover. It suited him. Named after the great hero Perseus, and he had already taken down a Minotaur? He was living up to it.
His soft blonde curls were still slightly damp from the rain, but somehow they remained perfect. And his eyes... a striking mix of ocean green and stormy blue. She was grateful for her enhanced vision, or she might have missed the subtle shift in their color. She wouldn't deny it—Percy Jackson was one of the prettiest boys she had ever seen.
A quiet mumble pulled her from her thoughts.
"Where... am I?" Percy murmured, still half-asleep.
"You're safe," Luna reassured him, brushing his hair back from his forehead with a small smile.
Percy mumbled something incoherent, his voice too low for her to make out.
"You drool when you sleep," came another voice.
Luna turned to see Annabeth, who had just removed her Yankees cap, arms crossed as she studied Percy.
"Huh?" Percy's eyes barely opened before he slipped back into unconsciousness.
Luna sighed. "You really couldn't wait until he woke up?"
"I need to make sure he's the one," Annabeth said matter-of-factly.
Luna rolled her eyes.
At the Hermes Cabin
Lunette never wanted to be anywhere near the Hermes cabin. For two summers, she had avoided it as much as possible—especially him.
That's why she had asked Chiron to take Percy there first. She would join them later.
By the time she arrived, Chiron had just finished making an announcement and was leaving. Percy stood nearby, looking down at his belongings.
"Are you feeling alright now?" Luna asked.
Percy turned sharply, his eyes widening.
"It's you," he said, staring at her like she was a ghost. "You're real."
Luna chuckled. "That I am."
"Thanks for saving my life."
"No worries." She extended her hand toward him. "I'm Lunette Demarco, daughter of Selene. You can call me Luna."
Percy shook her hand, his grip firm but hesitant. "Percy Jackson."
A moment later, he let go, looking slightly dazed.
"Sit down," Luna instructed. "I need to check if all your injuries are healed."
"Yeah, go ahead."
Luna placed one hand gently against his cheek and another on his neck, closing her eyes. His skin was warm—slightly warmer than expected. A moment later, she pulled away.
"You're all healed up."
Before Percy could respond, a shadow loomed over them. Percy looked up—and whatever peace he had felt vanished.
Luke Castellan stood over him.
"If you're gonna give me a hard time, can we do it tomorrow?" Percy sighed, exhaustion lacing his voice. "I really can't deal with anything else today."
Luke didn't react with anger. Instead, he looked... regretful.
"I heard what happened on the hill," he said, voice softer than expected. "I just wanted to say I'm really sorry. I know what you're going through. Believe me."
He extended a hand. "I'm Luke."
Percy hesitated before shaking it. "Percy."
Luna, however, didn't even acknowledge Luke's presence. She kept her gaze elsewhere, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
Luke noticed.
His face flickered with something—hurt, longing—but he said nothing. He just nodded and walked away.
Percy watched the interaction carefully. Interesting.
Luna broke the silence. "So, how are you feeling?"
Percy sighed. "As good as I can be, considering everything that happened."
Luna sat across from him, meeting his gaze. Her black eyes were deep and unwavering, like pools of dark chocolate.
"I was eight when I got here," she admitted. "At first, it all sounded crazy to me too. But you'll get used to it. And once you do... you'll learn to like who you are."
Percy studied her for a moment. Then, he nodded, something easing in his chest.
"Thank you," he said, voice softer now.
A small smile played on her lips. "Get some sleep, Jackson. Tomorrow is a big day."
She turned toward the door.
Percy watched her go, a faint smile on his own face.
Then, a thought crossed his mind. Was that her natural hair color?
He decided it didn't matter. He liked it. It reminded him of moonlight.
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