eclipse [j.grace 1]

xxiii. i'm alright with a slow burn

The camp was a hive of activity. Word had spread quickly about Lyra's betrayal and the looming threat, and every camper, from the newest recruits to the seasoned veterans, was busy preparing for what was to come. The air buzzed with a mixture of anticipation, fear, and determination.

Eira stood at the edge of the training field, watching as groups of demigods sparred and strategized under the direction of their centurions. 

She could feel the tension in the air, thick and palpable, pressing down on her like a heavy weight. But there was something else too—an undercurrent of energy that thrummed just beneath her skin, growing stronger with each passing day.

It was her power. The one she had always known was there, but had never fully understood or controlled. It was like a shadow, lurking in the background, but now it was stepping into the light. She could feel it, almost like a heartbeat, pulsing within her. The more she tried to grasp it, the more it slipped away, but every day it became a little more tangible.

"Eira!" Jason's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. She turned to see him jogging over, his usual confident grin firmly in place.

"Hey," she greeted, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the seriousness of the situation.

"Ready for the big battle?" Jason asked, stopping beside her. His tone was light, but she could see the flicker of concern in his eyes.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Eira replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "How about you?"

Jason shrugged, his grin fading slightly. "You know me. Always ready to dive headfirst into danger."

"Sounds about right," Eira said, her smile widening just a bit. She appreciated his attempts to keep things light, even if they both knew what was at stake.

He studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "You've been different lately. More focused. Is everything okay?"

Eira hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. The power inside her was still a mystery, and she didn't want to worry him—or anyone else—until she understood it better. But there was also a part of her that wanted to share this burden, to let someone else in on the secret she was carrying.

"Yeah, just... a lot on my mind," she said finally, keeping her tone vague. "There's a lot riding on this battle."

Jason nodded, accepting her answer without pressing further. "We'll get through it," he said with quiet confidence. "We always do."

For a moment, they stood in silence, watching the camp's preparations unfold around them. Then, Jason nudged her lightly with his shoulder. "So, after we save the camp and all that, any plans?"

Eira raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Are you asking me out, Grace?"

Jason laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe I am. Gotta have something to look forward to, right?"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the warmth that spread through her chest at his words. "We'll see. If you make it through the battle in one piece, maybe I'll consider it."

"Challenge accepted," Jason said with a wink, clearly enjoying the banter. "But don't think I'm going to let you off easy either. You'll have to earn that date."

Eira pretended to consider this. "Hmm, sounds like a lot of work. Are you sure you're worth it?"

"Ouch," Jason clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me."

They both laughed, the tension between them easing as they slipped back into their easy, teasing dynamic. Despite everything that had happened, this—this banter, this connection—felt like a lifeline. A reminder that even in the darkest times, there was still room for lightness, for hope.