Death's Daughter

Chapter 2

I gripped onto Dominique's forearm. I was holding into a Fury; I was touching a mythical creature. Wow. All of a sudden, I felt cold wash over me as the shadows cast by my house engulfed us. I could feel the darkness transporting us with all of its power. And for the first time ever, I felt that same power rushing through my veins. I was in my dad's element, my element. I felt as if nothing could stop me; I could overcome anything. And then it stopped, and the shy, normal me overtook the one I was a moment ago. I didn't even notice the scenery because I was so upset with the loss of that powerful version of myself. When I did notice it, I could only think of one word to describe it: beautiful. Everything was perfect: the rolling green hills, the lush forest, the gorgeous buildings. I looked at Dominique so she could explain.

"Welcome to Camp Half-Blood."
Dominique glanced around nervously. "Listen, kid, I have to run. The Campers really don't like people like me here."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"People from the Underworld. And I'm not exactly on good terms with certain Campers and their friends. But you'll be safe here. I promise." She bent down and kissed my forehead. "And here's a Camper now. To give you the tour, I suppose. Well, bye!"

And with that, she melted again into the shadows.

I looked back towards Camp to see a boy walking in my direction. As he approached, I noticed certain details about him: his wild curly hair, his broad smile that stretched across his face, the fact he was covered in grease, and that his hand was on fire.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. When the boy noticed my astonishment, his grin stretched to show all of his beautiful teeth.

"Um, do you know your hand's on fire?"

The boy chuckled. "Yup." And when I raised my eyebrows in bewilderment, he explained further. "I'm a son of Hephaestus with an exceptional gift very few have: I can create flames and I'm naturally fireproof. That's why I'm so hot," he said, smirking.

I had to agree with him; he was hot. So, before I said something stupid, I asked, "Are you the only one at Camp with that... power?"

He nodded, then smacked himself in the face. "I'm so stupid. Where are my manners? My name's Leo. Leo Valdez. And you would be?"

I smiled. "Franchesca Garcia. But call me that, and I'll kill you. Call me Frankie."

Leo chuckled again. "I think that's the fifth time I've gotten a death threat today. And it's only nine o' clock in the morning. That's a new record!"
I shook my head. This boy was nuts.
"So, Frankie," he began, extending his arm, "shall we tour the Camp?"

I slipped my arm through his and nodded. "We shall."

•••

Leo led me through Camp Half-Blood, showing me all sorts of amazing stuff that I couldn't concentrate on. I kept gazing at the cabins that demigods in bright orange T-shirts poured out of.
Leo must have noticed me staring because he smiled and said, "You'll figure out who your godly parent is soon enough. It could happen right now or not for a few days. If you came a few years ago, there might have been a chance you wouldn't be claimed at all."

"How soon were you claimed?"

He smirked. "As soon as I swam out of the lake we crash landed in."

I blinked a few times. Was he serious? Nah. I'm sure this kid is never serious.
"I'm not worried about my dad though."

"Why's that?"

"Because I know who he is." Leo raised his eyebrow in a questioning gesture. "He's Hades," I said flatly.

Leo stumbled backwards and stared at me with fear in his eyes. "H- Hades?" He studdered. "Are you sure?" Then, his eyes drifted to above my head. As if in answer, a glowing black skull appeared above me, proving my statement. I was a child of the Ruler of the Underworld.