A month had passed, and the heat of July was gradually cooling into the warmness of August.
During this time, the group had settled into camp life. Luke had made friends among his half-siblings, already rising to become the leader of Cabin Eleven. He spent most of his time either sparring at the arena, making a name for himself by besting even the Ares campers, or relaxing with Lucas and the others by the campfire.
Thalia was similar to Luke, fierce and determined, but with no cabinmates and few willing to befriend a child of the Big Three, her social circle remained small. Yet she seemed content, grateful just to have people she could trust.
Annabeth, after months of waiting, had finally been claimed, a daughter of Athena. It happened during one of the camp's Friday Capture the flag. The cabins split into two teams and fought a game of capture the flag through a designated section of forest. It was during one of these battles that Annabeth led her team to victory, and in front of all the camp, Athena's symbol appeared above her head. She joined Cabin Six that very night.
Currently, another war game was going on, but as usual, Lucas did not participate. Instead, he sat atop a nearby hill, watching. It was the way he spent most of his time
He did not feel the need to involve himself. He was a child of Hecate, yet if he fought, he couldn't dedicate to his mother. Instead, it would go to Hermes, and the lack of a Hecate cabin or table in the mess hall only deepened the feeling that he did not truly belong.
Seeing the way the teams moved, easily guessing the winner from their formations, he stood and wandered through camp, enjoying its silence.
That was when he saw her again, the girl tending the hearth.
Curious, Lucas approached.
"This seat taken?"
The girl turned, allowing Lucas a better look at her. Around nine years old, brown hair, eyes the color of live embers. She wore a simple brown dress and scarf, matching her soft, steady presence.
"No, please sit," she said. Her voice was soothing, almost motherly.
Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out a packet of gummy bears. He tore it open with a soft crinkle and offered some to the girl without thinking.
She smiled, accepting two. "Thank you."
He settled beside her, watching the fire.
"Not a fan of the games either?" he asked.
She looked into the flames. "I'd rather tend the flame than fight."
Quiet lingered between them.
He nodded slowly, watching the fire crackle. "You're strange."
"So are you."
They shared a glance. Not a challenge. Not suspicion. Just understanding.
They sat in companionable silence until the horn sounded, signaling the end of the games.
When Lucas finally stood, he glanced back at her.
"Will you be here next time?"
The girl nodded, tossing another stick into the flames.
"I never really leave."
...
Half a year flew by. Winter faded. Spring has returned.
Lucas finally made his decision.
Luke had embraced Camp Half-Blood, growing into a prodigy of swordsmanship, now the recognized leader of Cabin Eleven. Annabeth had found a home among her siblings and was learning to let go of her past. Thalia remained isolated, but happier than she had ever been, content simply to have people who would stay with her.
Without any advancement in his strength, and feeling the road call once again, Lucas decided it was time to leave. He had stayed to give Camp a chance. To watch over Luke and the others. Now, he could go knowing they were safe.
He had already informed Chiron, who had simply nodded in quiet understanding.
There was only one more farewell to make.
The horn sounded in the distance, signaling the start of another game of Capture the Flag. Lucas walked the familiar path, past the cabins and the forges and the strawberry fields, to the ever-burning hearth. There, as he expected, she waited.
"It seems you finally made a decision," the girl said.
Lucas nodded but made no move to sit.
"You have not told your friends?"
"This is where they belong, if they know I am leaving I'm afraid they will follow," he said. "Me? I belong elsewhere."
The girl did not argue. Her authority over hearth and home told her he spoke the truth.
"You will always have a place at this hearth, Lucas," she said simply.
Lucas smiled, faint but genuine. He turned away, making his way up toward Half-Blood Hill. As he went, he raised a hand in farewell.
"Take care of yourself, H."
Hestia giggled softly, the sound like the crackle of kindling taking light. Of all the mortals who had wandered into Camp Half-Blood, Lucas Thorne might just be the most interesting.
As he crossed the magical boundary, the warmth of Camp Half-Blood faded behind him. The wards, ancient and quiet, gave a subtle pulse as he passed through. A final goodbye.
Lucas adjusted the strap on his bag and started down the trail. He did not look back.
Just ahead, a familiar figure leaned against a tree, arms crossed, flame-red hair catching the morning light like wildfire.
Elizabeth.
"You're late," she said, though the corner of her mouth tugged up in a smirk.
Lucas shrugged.
"Had to say farewell to a friend"
She studied him, then pushed off the tree. "So? Where to now, Mr wanderer?"
He took a breath, eyes drifting toward the horizon.
"Hecate told me… I have a younger half-brother. Still a kid. I want to meet him. Make sure he's alright."
Elizabeth nodded slowly.
"And after?"
"Louisiana," he said. "I want to see my father."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt.
Lucas continued, quieter now. "After that, wherever the road leads."