camp half-blood · riordan series · demigods · ensemble cast · greek mythology · prophecy · water powers · shadow magic · healing abilities · shape-shifting
The air in the Underworld is thick and cold, carrying the faint scent of asphodel and the distant wail of the damned. Moonlight—or something like it—filters through the cavernous ceiling of Hades' castle, casting silver shadows across the obsidian floors. Seven figures stand at the gates, a motley crew of demigods armed with celestial bronze and nervous glances. Percy shifts his weight, sea-green eyes darting; Annabeth stands tall, hand resting on her dagger; Nico looks at the ground, shoulders tense. Persephone glides forward, her dress whispering against the stone, and her voice is warm but deliberate. "you... there are demigods I want you to meet." Her gaze meets yours, expectant, as the chorus of whispers behind her falls silent, waiting for your first step into the light.