Cursed Mind

Chapter 10

*Alex POV*

Yesterday after Phoenix and I had hung out with Evangeline and Luck, we had gone back to our separate cabins to turn in for the night. My mattress was pretty comfy and I had gone straight to sleep as soon as Annabeth had called light's out. This morning the Athena cabin had training in the arena with the Hermes cabin.

Today I was wearing a Camp-Half Blood shirt that had been given to me. I wore jean shorts and my black converse. I wore a necklace around my neck that had an owl hanging on it, fitting since I was a child of Athena. My hair was in its usual side ponytail and I decided to wear some mascara for today. Normally, I wouldn't but I wear it every now and then.

I walk out of the Athena cabin with the rest of my brothers and sisters. Annabeth leads us towards the arena and inside was a big wide open space and there were bleachers around the walls for bystanders. There were some racks set out that held weapons and there were plastic cups by a container of water if someone got thirsty. We followed Annabeth over to the weapons.

"Everyone pick a weapon of your choosing. The Hermes cabin should be here soon and then we'll partner up and start practicing."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Connor and Travis marched in followed by the rest of the Hermes cabin.

"Look who's finally arrived," Annabeth said, turning to face the Stoll twins. They both grinned at her.

I rolled my eyes and instead of going over to the weapon rack, I pulled out the dagger I had taken from the armory the other day. I look at it and decide that I should name it. But name it what? Oh, I know. I'll name it Eunoia. It means beautiful thinking and a well mind in Greek. It suits it since it's wielded by an Athena child. As I'm admiring my dagger, I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Want to partner up?" Connor asks and I nod in agreement. I know I said I didn't want to get attached, but Phoenix said that he seemed like a good guy and I trust her since she's my best friend.

I follow Connor over to a spot that isn't taken up by people fighting with swords, daggers, and spears. He stands a few steps from me and bends his knees slightly. I see him pull out a short sword and wield it in his right hand, just like I did.

He took a step towards me and brought his sword down, aiming towards my left shoulder. I duck and move to the right. Connor stumbles a bit and I twirl behind him and bring my dagger handle down to hit him in the back of the head but he brings a foot back and my legs fall out from underneath me. I land hard on my back and Connor leans over me with a smirk on his face.

"Give up, bookworm?"

I smile back up at him.

"No, I don't think so prankster," I say, head butting him. He falls onto his side, groaning and I stand up and push him over onto his back. I place my foot on his chest and lean down to place my dagger at his neck.

"What about you? Give up?"

Connor smiles widely at me.

"I surrender, oh fierce one." He teases and I roll my eyes before helping him up.

"I have to admit, you head butted me pretty good," Connor said, rubbing his forehead tenderly. I laughed and Connor did too. I looked around to see that most other people were finishing up with their own fights. I walked over to the water bucket and filled a cup to drink out of. As I was lifting the cup up towards my lips, though, someone pushed it and the water spilled down my clothes instead of my throat. I looked to see Connor fleeing the arena. I threw my cup in the trash and sprinted after him. I chased him, and when I was close enough, I jumped onto his back and tackled him to the ground.