The Betrayed Hero

Chapter 28

The birds started to chirp as the sun rose above the horizon, bathing the camp in a warm glow. As a new day began, the sky's hues changed from deep blues and purples to pinks and oranges.

Percy found himself in front of the Poseidon cabin, standing near the stairs, itching to go inside. Just as he was turning to go inside, he was stopped by the sounds of footsteps approaching him. "You woke up early?" Percy asked.

"Well, you weren't exactly quiet getting up." The person approaching him chuckled, "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk. Plus, I wanted to catch the sunrise. It's been years since I saw one from the beach." Percy nodded in understanding.

He was familiar with the sense of being pulled toward the water, the attraction of the ocean too strong to ignore. They made their way to the coast, eager to see the beauty of a new day. The salty air filled their lungs as they walked in peaceful calm, the sky gradually lightening as they approached the shore. The first rays of sunrise lit the sky pink and orange, giving a majestic glow to the waves. As they both stepped near the water, Percy sighed and went in to stand near the gently crashing waves as he let the water wet him, while Luke bent down to pick up the shell. He pulled down his hood, letting the salty breeze ruffle through his sandy blonde hair as he looked at Percy and said, "You missed this, right? I mean the beach."

Percy nodded, turning around and raising his eyebrows at his unhooded second in command, who just shrugged his shoulders and winked his scarred blue eye at his commander. Percy let out a light chuckle, but even he drew back his hood and let the gentle breeze brush his face.

In that moment Percy's eyes were clear sea-green; today Percy was at peace.

"Do you want to go in the cabin?" Luke asked, "We could sneak in? No one is awake yet."

Percy snorted a laugh, shaking his head at the thought of sneaking into his old cabin.

"You know I have heard Poseidon does not have any other children. The cabin is always empty except when Tyson visits to clean it; no one ever enters the cabin." Percy nodded his head. The idea of his old cabin being deserted made Percy feel both relieved and sad. He questioned whether Poseidon really had only him as his only child, trying to understand what to make out of the news that was confusing him.

Percy pulled his hood up, noticing that campers and members had begun to settle down for breakfast, and signaled Luke to do the same.

"I did not ask you earlier, but how is Sally?" Luke asked.

Percy nodded, "She is good. Paul is taking good care of her; they are living a good life," he smiled. Luke smiled back, relieved to hear that Percy's mother was doing well. "And Poseidon? Do you think he knows you are Percy?" Percy pursed his lips, stuffing his hands in his hoodie pocket.

"I think he might have an idea, but he isn't sure." Percy answered, looking straight at Luke.

Luke let out a breath and asked, "When do you think Laszlo will arrive?"

"Probably before dinner," Zale answered, looking at the dining pavilion.

Both the second in command and the commander started to walk towards the dining pavilion for breakfast when the commander said, "It's Grover's birthday today."

"It is?" Luke asked, surprised, looking at Grover, who at the moment was being hugged by Annabeth while Nico and Will stood beside him holding tin cans and a plate full of enchiladas.

As the commander and second in command strolled in the pavilion, silence fell among the campers. As soon as they sat down, conversations picked up once again, tables were filled with food, and offerings began to be given out.