eclipse [j.grace 1]

viii. i'm so sick of myself

Eira woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the narrow window of her room. The previous evening's argument with Jason had been intense, but their reconciliation had been swift and heartfelt.

As she lay in bed, she replayed their conversation in her mind. Both of them had been cautious, carefully navigating their feelings and trying to understand where they stood with each other.

The camp's atmosphere felt unusually strained at breakfast. Whispers floated through the mess hall like a chilling breeze, replacing the usual clamour of cheerful chatter with anxious murmurs. Eira sensed the unease in the air, her gaze catching on a group of campers huddled together, speaking in low, urgent tones.

Jason, who had joined Eira for breakfast, noticed the same tension. "Have you heard anything?" he asked, glancing around at the uneasy faces of their fellow campers.

Eira shook her head, her brow furrowing. "Only that something's off. There are a lot of hushed conversations going on."

As they ate, the rumours began to solidify. An older camper, known for his charisma and strong presence, had left Camp Jupiter months ago. Now, word was spreading that he had aligned himself with the Titans and was attempting to sway other campers to join him. The defection of this camper had left a mark on the camp, causing uncertainty and fear among the residents.

Later that day, Lyra Severus and Marcus Varro called for a meeting in the main hall. The two stood at the front, their expressions grave as they addressed the gathered campers. Eira and Jason were among those present, their curiosity piqued.

"Campers," Lyra began, her voice steady but tinged with concern, "you may have heard rumours about one of our former campers who has joined the Titans. I want to assure you that we are taking this threat seriously."

Marcus continued, "We have reason to believe that this individual is trying to recruit others. We must remain vigilant and united. Our strength lies in our unity."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement and apprehension. Eira glanced at Jason, their shared concern reflected in their eyes. It was clear that the camp was on edge, and the prospect of a traitor among them only heightened the tension.

Lyra's eyes occasionally swept over the crowd, lingering on those she suspected might be vulnerable to manipulation, subtly reinforcing the message that unity was their only defence.

After the meeting, Eira and Jason walked together through the camp, their conversation quiet but earnest. "Do you think it's true?" Eira asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Jason nodded, his expression serious. "It seems like it. We need to stay alert and support each other."

Their bond had grown stronger over the past months, their shared worries deepening their connection. As they continued their walk, they noticed a few campers packing their belongings, preparing to leave the camp. The defections were a tangible sign of the unrest spreading through their ranks.

The next day, Eira and Jason were training together in the arena. Their usual banter was subdued, overshadowed by the tension they both felt. Eira's movements were precise but lacked her usual confidence, while Jason's focus was split between their training and the growing concerns about the camp's safety.

During a brief break, Eira sat on a bench, her gaze distant. "I'm worried," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of vulnerability.

Jason sat beside her, offering a supportive smile. "I am too. But we'll face it together. We have to."

Eira nodded, appreciating Jason's unwavering support. Despite the mounting fear and uncertainty, their growing feelings for each other remained unspoken, hidden behind the façade of camaraderie and shared struggle.