flwralore
Percy stood awkwardly, gripping his backpack straps as campers bustled past him. His heart hammered - this place was nothing like the world he knew.
From the cabin porch, a figure stepped forward - Astoria Morales, sharp-eyed and poised, her braid swinging behind her. She watched him with an expression that was unreadable. "So, you're the newbie," she said coolly, folding her arms.
Percy swallowed. "Yeah, I'm Percy. Percy Jackson."
Astoria smirked. "I'm Astoria. Athena's kid. You'll want to be careful here - this place can chew up kids who don't know what they're doing."
"Thanks for the advice," Percy muttered, trying not to look nervous.
She stepped closer, eyes gleaming. "Look, I'm not trying to scare you. But if you're going to survive, you need more than guts. You need a plan."
Percy raised a brow. "You sound like you've got all the answers."
"Don't confuse confidence with wisdom," she shot back. "Most of us learn the hard way."
He smirked despite himself. "So... what, you're the expert here?"
"Expert? Hardly. But I've learned enough to know when to fight-and when to think twice."
Grover appeared from behind them, grinning. "Hey, Astoria. Percy, come on-I'll show you around."
Astoria gave Percy one last appraising look. "Try not to get yourself eaten, Jackson."
He chuckled. "No promises."