eclipse [j.grace 1]

xxiv. don't want what you're offering

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting an amber glow over Camp Jupiter as the day edged into twilight. The usual hum of camp life had quieted, leaving only the tense stillness of anticipation. 

Every demigod knew something was coming—something dark and inevitable. The air was thick with the kind of tension that set every nerve on edge.

Eira walked beside Jason, her senses attuned to every sound, every flicker of movement in the growing shadows. The day's rigorous training had left a familiar weight on her shoulders, but it was nothing compared to the weight of what was to come. Their steps fell in sync as they made their way toward the camp's perimeter, a rhythm they had developed naturally over the past weeks.

Jason glanced at her, his blue eyes softened by the warm, fading light. There was a steady calm in his gaze, one that she had come to rely on. "You ready for another round of night patrol?"

Eira offered a small smile, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest that always surfaced around him. She couldn't afford distractions now. "Always. Just don't get in my way, Grace."

Jason chuckled, a sound that sent warmth through her despite the growing chill of the evening. "Wouldn't dream of it, Shadow."

As they neared the edge of the camp, Reyna appeared from the shadows, her presence as commanding as ever. The praetor's sharp eyes scanned the horizon, her posture taut with readiness. Despite her usual stern demeanour, Eira could see the faint lines of concern etched on her face. "Stay alert," Reyna warned, her voice low and steady. "Selene's forces have been too quiet lately. Something's up."

Eira nodded, feeling the familiar swirl of shadows at her feet, her powers responding to the unease in the air. "I can feel it. The night's different."

Before Reyna could respond, a distant rumble echoed through the valley. It began as a low growl, a deep vibration that reverberated through the ground, growing into a sharp, metallic clang that set their nerves on edge. The three demigods froze, their instincts kicking in as they scanned the horizon for the source.

"They're here," Jason muttered, his voice taut with anticipation.

Without a moment's hesitation, they broke into a sprint, racing toward the source of the sound as the camp's alarms blared. The clash of weapons grew louder with every step, accompanied by the battle cries of demigods and the inhuman roars of monsters. The enemy had arrived.

The skirmish erupted in a blur of movement and sound. Eira's senses sharpened, her body moving on instinct as she dove into the fray. Monsters of all shapes and sizes poured into the camp, their eyes glowing with malice. 

Among them were rogue demigods, their faces twisted by dark promises and corrupted loyalties. The air was thick with the scent of blood and ozone, a mixture of battle and power.

Eira's shadows coiled around her, lashing out with tendrils of darkness that struck down the nearest monsters, sending them sprawling. She moved fluidly, each step precise as she cut through the chaos, her mind a perfect balance of focus and fury. This was where she belonged, in the heart of the storm.

Beside her, Jason was a storm of power. Lightning crackled from his sword, each swing accompanied by the sharp scent of ozone. He moved with the ease of someone who had trained for this all his life, every strike purposeful and devastating. 

Together, they formed an unstoppable force, their movements perfectly in sync, as if they had fought side by side for years.

"Eira, behind you!" Jason's shout cut through the din of battle.

Eira spun, her shadows converging around her just in time to deflect a spear aimed at her back. The force of the impact reverberated through her, but she held her ground, her focus narrowing to the threat in front of her.