𝙰𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚜 (𝙹.𝙶.) [𝟷]

1.4

WEIRD THINGS KEEP HAPPENING

They headed toward a newer wing of cabins in the southwest corner of the green. Some were fancy, with glowing walls or blazing torches, but Cabin Fifteen was not so dramatic. It looked like an old-fashioned prairie house with mud walls and a rush roof. On the door hung a wreath of crimson flowers—red poppies, Jason thought, though he wasn't sure how he knew.

"You think this is my parent's cabin?" Jason asked.

"No," Annabeth said. "This is the cabin for Hypnos, the god of sleep."

"Then why--"

"Well, since you've forgotten everything," Mae trailed off, smirking. "If there's any god who can help you figure out why you lost your memories, it's definitely going to be Hypnos. Plus, it's not like the God of Sleep has anything better to do."

Inside, even though it was almost dinnertime, three kids were sound asleep under piles of covers. A warm fire crackled in the hearth. Above the mantel hung a tree branch, each twig dripping white liquid into a collection of tin bowls. Jason was tempted to catch a drop on his finger just to see what it was, but he held himself back.

Soft violin music played from somewhere. The air smelled like fresh laundry. The cabin was so cozy and peaceful that Jason's eyelids started to feel heavy. A nap sounded like a great idea.He was exhausted. There were plenty of empty beds, all with feather pillows and fresh sheets and fluffy quilts and—Mae nudged him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Careful, Jason. That's probably liquid dreams. Catch a drop, and you'll be out cold for days, dreaming about... who knows what."

Jason chuckled, despite himself almost having his knees starting to buckle. "Thanks for the warning, Mae. I think I've had enough weirdness for one day."

"Cabin Fifteen does that to everyone," Annabeth warned. "If you ask me, this place is even more dangerous than the Ares cabin. At least with Ares, you can learn where the land mines are."

"Land mines?" Jason asked, blinking at her.

Annabeth smirked. "Figuratively speaking, of course. Though with Ares, you never know."

Mae snorted. "Yep, the land of endless dreams and sweet-smelling sheets. Ares might give you a concussion, but Hypnos will lull you into a coma."

Cináed trotted in and made himself comfortable by the fire, curling up as if he owned the place.

Annabeth walked up to the nearest snoring kid and shook his shoulder. "Clovis! Wake up!"

The kid looked like a baby cow. He had a blond tuft of hair on a wedge-shaped head, with thick features and a thick neck. His body was stocky, but he had spindly little arms like he'd neverlifted anything heavier than a pillow.

"Clovis!" Annabeth shook harder, then gave up and put her hands on her hips. "If you don't wake up, Mae'll tickle you."

Jason tried to stifle a laugh. "Tickling? That's your secret weapon?"