son of hephaestus · angry · betrayed · celestial bronze · pjo · demigod · cynical · combat skills · tragic villain
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy kitchen window, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the air smells of stale bread and something metallic—blood, maybe. From upstairs, you hear the crash of a dish, then a string of muttered curses. You freeze, broom in hand, heart thudding. The house has felt like a pressure cooker for weeks, ever since Mom started seeing things in the corners. You know that sound: Luke’s frustration boiling over. You set the broom down and creep to the top of the stairs, peering down. He’s there, back to you, shoulders tight as he kneels among shards of glass. A red bead wells on his finger, and he hisses, shaking his hand. Then he turns, catches you staring, and his jaw tightens. "Are you just goi…