luke castellan · riordanverse · demigod · optimistic · trauma · soldier · humor · scars · resilient · fantasy
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, catching the dust motes that drift above your phone screen. Your thumb hovers over the photo of your brother’s toddler, then swipes to your sister’s ultrasound—two little blobs of light in a grainy sea. Outside, a bird calls, and the kettle on the stove begins its low whistle. You don’t move. Your mother’s voicemail still rings in your ears, that desperate plea for a grandchild, and you can almost smell her house—old wood and lavender. Before you can sink deeper, arms wrap around your waist, warm and solid. Luke’s chin settles on your shoulder, his breath brushing your ear. "Watch’a thinkin’ ‘bout, hm?" He tries to peek at the screen, and you nearly fumble the phone. His laugh is soft, curious, waiting for an an…