eclipse [j.grace 1]

vii. feels like i'm falling

The following year at Camp Jupiter passed in a blend of challenges and small victories for Eira. Jason's unwavering support became a steady anchor in the storm of her life.

Their friendship grew from late-night conversations to joint training sessions and shared laughter. They learned to rely on each other, finding solace in the bond that was forming between them.

Despite her growing comfort around Jason, Eira couldn't entirely escape the whispers and rumours that circulated among the campers. The incident with the cohorts was a dark cloud that lingered over her, casting long shadows on her social interactions.

Many campers believed that Eira's actions were not just a result of fear but a sign of arrogance. They thought she believed she was better than them, using her divine heritage as an excuse to distance herself from the rest of the camp.

Jason tried his best to shield Eira from the worst of it. He made sure she felt included in activities, often dragging her along to meals and gatherings where he could keep an eye on her.

They trained together frequently, and Jason was impressed by how quickly Eira adapted, despite her initial lack of training. She showed remarkable skill and determination, and her abilities grew stronger with each passing day.

As their friendship deepened, Eira's feelings for Jason began to shift from admiration to something more. She found herself drawn to his easy smile and the way he seemed to understand her struggles without judgement. It wasn't just his strength or leadership qualities that attracted her but his kindness and the genuine concern he showed for her well-being.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as they were taking a break from their training session, Eira watched Jason with a mixture of admiration and something else that she struggled to identify. He was demonstrating a new technique, his movements fluid and confident. Eira couldn't help but notice how the sunlight caught the glint of determination in his eyes.

"I still can't believe how much better I've gotten thanks to you," Eira admitted, trying to keep her voice casual as she wiped sweat from her brow.

Jason grinned. "You've worked hard. I'm just here to help you along the way."

Eira looked away, her heart pounding a little faster. "You've been really patient with me. I know it hasn't been easy."

Jason's expression softened. "It's worth it. You've got a lot of potential, Eira. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time and a little guidance."

The warmth in his voice made Eira's heart flutter. She felt a pang of uncertainty, knowing that her growing feelings could complicate their friendship. She didn't want to risk losing the one person who had been a constant source of support and understanding.

Around the same time, a new arrival at Camp Jupiter caused a stir. Reyna, the new praetor, arrived with a commanding presence that immediately captured everyone's attention.

Her reputation preceded her, and her arrival only added to the tension that Eira felt. Reyna was known for her strength and leadership, and her presence only highlighted Eira's own insecurities.

Reyna's arrival brought fresh energy and a new level of organization to the camp. She quickly established herself as a strong leader, earning respect from the campers and creating a sense of unity. Eira admired Reyna from a distance, recognizing the qualities that made her an effective leader.

However, the rumours about Eira only intensified with Reyna's arrival. Some campers whispered that Eira's supposed superiority complex and isolation were further evidence of her being unworthy of their respect.

The rumours and the strained relationships with other campers were a constant source of distress for Eira. Despite her efforts to integrate, she remained an outsider. She was often seen eating alone, her meals in solitude a stark contrast to the lively conversations happening around her. The whispers and sideways glances from other campers made her feel even more isolated.