MARTYR | A Luke Castellan Love Story

7 -Seeing Red

{Luke's POV}
I stormed to my cabin and punched my wall, regrettably holding my fist moments after in pain.

The audacity.

Zeus had the audacity to harm Jay over her heritage.

I was furious. I wanted to punch someone. These feelings brewing in me were so strange.
I hadn't felt anything like this since I traveled with Thalia.

The thought stung, but I soon realized the truth that I was denying.

I had a crush on Jay.

The term "crush" makes it sound so childish and insignificant.

But, these feelings were much more.

I don't know if I can explain it, it's just..ever since she came here, it's like she made everything brighter for me.
She was so shy on her first day so clueless. I found it cute. Her smile was so genuine and sweet.

She doesn't deserve this. She doesn't deserve to experience the peril and hardships that come with the life of a demigod.

A part of me felt guilty. Was I betraying Thalia? I pondered for a moment, and once again, pushed down my "feelings" for Jay.

You don't love her. You don't like her.

I shook my head.

You're angry because Zeus once again bullied another Demigod.

I sighed.

I once again took backbiter and sat on my bed, thinking.

The red fury that clouded my vision a few moments earlier had cleared. I have to move forward with my plans. I must make Olympus pay for what they had done to us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jay sat at the lake's edge, a small bandage peeking out from under her shirt where the hound had pounced on her. She sighed, and listened to the lapping at the water's edge. Water had always been her sanctuary. Her happy place. It kept her sane at some dark parts of her life. It felt comforting to her, like a silent listener to her troubles.

Her tranquility was interrupted when she heard footsteps approaching. The girl turned to see a group of pretty girls walking towards her. Instantly, she felt intimidated. She knew from experience that a group of popular-looking girls meant trouble. But, ignoring this, she stood up and greeted them politely.

"Hey..it's a pretty day today, isn't it?" She inquired.

The girls looked like they didn't care whatsoever, and they stopped in front of her.

One stepped out from the crowd and crossed her arms. She had black hair, and her red lips stood out on her face. They were formed in a very intimidating frown.

"Listen, runt. I don't know who you think you are, but don't go near Luke. Ever again." She threatened, her voice cold as steel.

Another girl stepped up, she was blonde and her blue eyes showed annoyance.

"Drew has had her eyes on him since day 1. You can't just waltz in here and start hanging out with him. That's NOT how this camp works. The aphrodite's have first pick. Run along, sea scum." she spat.

Jay opened her mouth and then closed it. She was outnumbered, and her heart felt hurt and her cheeks felt hot.

She looked at the awaiting girls and nodded soberly before walking off, her shoulders sunken.

The sad thing about it was, that Jay thought the kids of aphrodite would be caring and friendly. But turns out, they were the complete opposite.

Behind her, a girl with brown hair and blue eyes ran to the group of girls.

"What did you guys do??" she asked.

"Relax, Silena. It's nothing." answered Drew.

Jay walked into the forest. She had shed a few tears as she walked. She was used to being bullied from all her experience in school. But, even with all that negativity stacked against her, Jay always tried her best to be nice to everyone. Even the bullies themselves.