eclipse [j.grace 1]

xv. my words shoot to kill when I'm mad

The sun hung low in the sky as morning training began at Camp Jupiter. The fields were filled with the sounds of clashing swords, grunts of effort, and the occasional shout of encouragement. Eira and Jason stood at the center of a makeshift training ring, their movements synchronized in a practiced combat drill.

Jason's technique was smooth and assured, each strike precise and well-timed. Eira, however, struggled to maintain her focus. Her recent encounter with Nox and the subsequent argument with Reyna and Jason weighed heavily on her mind. She was determined to prove herself, but her distracted state led to a series of missteps and missed strikes.

"Focus, Eira!" Jason called out, his tone both encouraging and frustrated. "You're getting sloppy."

Eira gritted her teeth, trying to push aside her turmoil. "I'm trying."

Reyna, who had been watching from the sidelines, frowned. She had noticed the growing strain between Jason and Eira. Reyna's concern had only deepened with the recent rumors and the mounting tension in the camp. Her unease about Lyra's sudden support for Eira had intensified, and she was growing increasingly frustrated by what she perceived as Eira's unwillingness to see the truth.

As the training session drew to a close, Reyna approached them with a steely resolve. "Jason, Eira, we need to talk."

Jason wiped sweat from his brow, glancing between Reyna and Eira. "What's up?"

Reyna's eyes were sharp, her gaze fixed on Eira. "We need to address the situation with Lyra. Her sudden shift in support is suspicious. We've been talking, and we think it's time to consider the possibility that she's not on our side."

Eira's face tightened with anger. "Lyra has been nothing but supportive. Why are you so quick to mistrust her?"

Jason stepped in, trying to mediate. "Eira, we're not saying you're at fault. We're just concerned about your safety. We don't know where Lyra's loyalties lie, and it's causing complications."

-----

The conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument. Reyna's frustration was evident, and Jason's attempts to calm the situation only seemed to fan the flames.

Eira, Jason, and Reyna stood near the central courtyard, the atmosphere crackling with tension. What began as a discussion about Lyra's unexpected support had rapidly escalated into a full-blown argument.

Reyna's face was flushed with frustration, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're not seeing the bigger picture!" she shouted, her voice rising above the ambient noise of the camp. "Lyra's support seems too convenient. We're trying to protect you, but you're too blinded by her attention to see the truth!"

Eira's eyes widened, her cheeks turning a deep red. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "How dare you accuse me of being manipulated!" she retorted, her voice trembling with hurt. "I'm trying my best to find my place here, and now it feels like everyone is against me. Why can't you just trust me?"

Jason stepped in, his face etched with concern as he attempted to defuse the situation. "Eira, we're not trying to push you away. We just want to make sure you're safe. It's not about distrusting you; it's about being cautious. We're worried that Lyra might have an ulterior motive."

"Cautious?" Eira shot back, her voice rising. "You're accusing me of being a fool! I thought you both were my friends, but now you're just doubting my judgement. What happened to supporting each other?"

Reyna's frustration boiled over. "Supporting each other means looking out for each other's best interests! I've seen how Lyra's behaviour has changed. It's suspicious! You're so wrapped up in her attention that you can't see she might be using you to her advantage."