Haunted Hearts

I

The scent of crisp autumn leaves and the faint sweetness of pumpkin pie filled the air, permeating every corner of Camp Half-Blood. The camp had undergone a complete transformation, almost unrecognizable under the spell of Halloween. Every camper had worked tirelessly to bring the festivities to life, and their efforts showed—cobwebs stretched across every surface, and glowing jack o'lanterns dotted the landscape, casting an eerie yet festive light over the campgrounds. The atmosphere was thick with the excitement of the season, blending the warmth of autumn with the playful chill of spooky celebrations.

The highlight of the camp’s decorations, though calling it merely a 'decoration' wouldn’t do it justice, was the haunted house built by the Hephaestus cabin. It wasn’t just a simple attraction; inside was a maze where campers could test their courage. However, there was a rule: entry required a minimum of two people, a rule they implemented to reduce the chance of anyone from getting lost in the twisting corridors.

It irritated me beyond measure. Because despite my eagerness, no one wanted to go with me. When I asked Annabeth, she replied, "I'm sorry, but I'm already going with Percy." Similarly, Piper responded, "Sorry, but you're too late, Leo asked me first."

This Halloween, meant to be filled with both excitement and spookiness, just won’t feel the same if I don’t get to experience the haunted house. Yet, it seems I have no choice but to accept the reality.

*   *   *

I was strolling around Camp Half-Blood, casually observing how the preparations were coming along, when a boy with raven-black hair caught my attention. His demeanor was strange. There was something off about the way he moved, almost too focused. Curiosity got the better of me, and as I moved closer, I realized it was Nico di Angelo.

He seemed preoccupied with something peculiar: a Happy Meal? Confused, I decided to approach him and find out exactly what was going on.

I was caught off guard by how he had managed to get a Happy Meal, especially since Camp Half-Blood strictly forbids campers from sneaking in outside food.

“What are you doing?” I asked, watching as he took another bite of his burger.

He glanced at me briefly, hesitation flickering in his eyes. An awkward silence settled between us, thick and heavy.

After what felt like ages, he finally responded, his voice cold and distant. “Eating my McDonald’s.”

I had never spoken to Nico before, our paths simply hadn’t crossed. Curious, I asked why he wasn’t joining in the Halloween celebrations, thinking it would be the one holiday that suited him, given his image as the son of Hades.

His response came with a hint of irritation. “Everyone seems to assume that just because I’m from Cabin 13, I’d be all over Halloween,” he muttered. “But just because of who my father is doesn’t mean I enjoy interacting with people or celebrating holidays, even Halloween.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interpret it that way,” I said, a sense of guilt creeping in for having asked the question.

“I know you’re not big on participating in these kinds of things,” I continued carefully, “but how about joining me at the haunted house tonight? Just the two of us. You wouldn’t have to interact with anyone else.” I offered the suggestion with a hopeful tone, trying to give him a chance to enjoy the evening without the pressure of the crowd.

He paused, considering the idea before asking, “But I don’t have a costume.”

“It’s fine,” I reassured him. “Just be yourself and enjoy the night.”

After a brief hesitation, he sighed. “Fine, I’ll join you.”

A wave of relief and excitement washed over me, and I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. “Great! I’ll meet you at 7:30 in front of Cabin 13.”

He gave a small nod, and I couldn’t help but smile as I walked away, feeling lighter than before. My heart raced a little faster, a subtle flutter I couldn’t ignore. I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant, but the thought of tonight, just the two of us, felt more exciting than I expected.