Born To Die

The quest that was supposed to change everything

A year had passed since my claim by Aphrodite, and things at camp had settled into a strange rhythm. Luke and I had become an unshakable duo—inseparable, a power couple in every sense of the term. Everyone knew us as the team to watch, whether it was in training, planning strategies, or just our unspoken connection. We were strong, both together and individually, and no one could deny that we made a formidable pair.

But despite the comfort of routine and the safety of camp, neither of us had forgotten the bigger picture. There was always something on the horizon—always some new danger or test. It was no only a matter of time before that something would come for us.

And that something arrived when the camp elders called a special assembly for the Quest Ceremony.

Luke and I had just finished a sparring match when we heard the announcement. The air was buzzing with excitement and nervous energy as the camp gathered in the central arena. A golden goblet stood in the middle, holding a small, glimmering object—a golden apple. It was the symbol of the quest that would define someone's fate for the next few months: retrieve the apple from the garden of the Hesperides, guarded by the treacherous dragon Ladon.

The stakes were high. Whoever went on this quest was walking into one of the most dangerous situations in the known world. I knew Luke was going to volunteer, and honestly, I wouldn't have let him go without me. Not after everything we had been through.

The camp gathered in anticipation as Chiron and the camp's council of senior demigods began the choosing ceremony. As the elders called each name, the tension in the air grew thicker. I stood next to Luke, my hand instinctively finding his as we watched the ceremony unfold. He glanced at me with a mix of confidence and something else—an unreadable look in his eyes.

Finally, it was Luke's turn. His eyes met mine, and for the briefest moment, I could tell he was thinking of all the things that had led us here.

He stepped forward, and the camp fell silent.

"Luke Castellan," Chiron called. "Do you accept this quest to retrieve the golden apple from the garden of the Hesperides?"

Luke's answer was immediate, his voice steady and unwavering. "Yes."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. This was expected. Luke was a natural leader, a powerful son of Hermes. He was capable of doing something this dangerous. But as he spoke, I knew that he wasn't just going for glory. He had something to prove to himself, to all of us. And I couldn't let him do this alone.

Without thinking, I stepped forward, following him. The camp's eyes shifted from Luke to me as I joined him at the front.

"I'm going with him," I said, my voice clear and firm.

The silence was thick. People exchanged glances. Annabeth, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow, clearly not surprised. But I didn't care. I wasn't going to let Luke walk into this without me.

Chiron nodded, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between us. "Very well, Isla Holden. You have proven yourself time and time again. You may accompany him."

I turned to Luke, giving him a small, reassuring smile, but I could see the uncertainty flickering in his eyes. He was protective, too protective at times, but I wasn't about to back down.

"That's two," Chiron continued. "The third must be chosen."

Luke's hand tightened around mine. Then, without hesitation, he turned toward Chris Rodriguez, the quiet, reserved son of Hermes who had been training with us for months. Chris, who had always been more comfortable staying in the background, looked up at Luke, his brow furrowing slightly.