The way Ak talked about Camp Half-Blood, you knew it was his home. Eithne thought it could be hers too. 

Sure, the harpies looked ravenous and at least three kids ran by with their hair on fire - the lava wall, Ak assured her, was a better adrenaline rush than skydiving blindfolded - but they were happy. The sun shone overhead. The air tasted like strawberries and Diet Coke. Fat goat-men pranced around with flowers in their hair. Hell, Eithne walked into the middle of a bloody knife fight two girls were having for fun.

And really, anything was better than camping for three days with Ak. He barely let her rest for five minutes before he had her waking up again, and the whole time he went from being a complete chatterbox to serial killer silent. Every question she answered was followed up by four more. Every time she kept her mouth shut Ak stared off into space, all dark and broody. And then he'd brush her off like nothing, as if they hadn't bonded over two near-death experiences and rationed granola bars. 

It was like handling a toddler on crack. His mood swings made it hard to walk a straight line. 

"And these are the cabins!"

Eithne jumped, quickly startled from her thoughts. Ak was still trailing ahead of her, walking too fast to be casual. She was sure there was more to the tour but if he wanted to get rid of her, she was fine with that. 

Even if her heart squeezed painfully at the thought of being alone. 

"Which one's mine?"

They looked nothing like cabins. Nestled between a lake and thick woods, the sleeping quarters ranged from a mini concentration camp to an overgrown greenhouse. Large brass numbers hung above the doors, the only thing making it seem like there was any order. And, of course, there were only twelve. Bunks would have to be shared. Dammit. 

"Cabin Eleven," Ak cheerfully exclaimed, pulling her towards the saddest building. 

It drooped in place, sinking in on itself like a depressed teenager. Brown paint peeled off the walls. The doorway looked like a breeding ground for splinters. Ak hovered a few feet away, shifting from one foot to the other. The stolen jewelry in his pockets jingled. 

"This is for Hermes' kids, the travelers and thieves."

Eithne stared at the building, trying to decide how grateful she was supposed to be. "I thought you said you didn't know who I was."

He barked out a laugh at that. "Travelers, remember? Hermes takes in everyone until they're claimed, but since you're one of the weaker gods, ya better make yourself at home. Can't go anywhere else."

Eithne sneered. What was Ak's deal anyway, smiling all nice and friendly and then calling her weak and minor while trying to run away? Fucking coward. Now she really wouldn't mind getting rid of him. 

"Great."

She did her best to bore holes into his head, relishing the way he squirmed before walking off.

"See ya around, Fudge."

"Hope not."

Eithne stormed into her cabin, turning sideways to make sure she didn't touch anything. It seemed like a billion eyes turned toward her at once, sizing her and her valuables up. 

Kids were shoved into every nook and cranny they could fit into. Sleeping bags covered the floor. It smelled like dirt and way too many people. She trekked through the woods just to stay in a fucking homeless shelter.

"Who's in charge?"

A tall string bean stepped forward. His brown hair stuck out in every direction and his face was thin and sharp, nose crooked. Like all the others, he wore a hideously bright orange shirt scrunched up over baggy shorts. Blue eyes stared straight back into hers. A midget twin flanked his side, tilting his pointed chin to look up at her. 

"We are."

"Both of you?"

"We're co-counselors," the short one piped up. 

The boys took a step forward and though Eithne stood her ground, she was hyperaware of every movement they made. Maybe it was just their stupid faces, but these two looked like they'd rob her blind and let the whole camp see her naked. The taller one smiled like he could read her thoughts. Yes, his eyes seemed to say. We'll have some fun. 

"Whatever. I'm Eithne. I'm moving in."

"Regular or undetermined," someone in the crowd asked. 

Another nameless face snickered. "You kidding? She looks like an Ares."

Eithne scowled and they shut up. Was she a regular? Though she hated to think it, Ak said that minor gods didn't have their own cabins. She'd be here for good, but she wasn't a Hermes kid either.

"Undetermined."

Everyone groaned, even the so-called counselors. 

"We'll get you a spot set up," the tall one drawled, "Connor can take you to the Big House if you need."

The short one lit up like a Christmas tree, showing off his dimples. "Yeah, I'll take you."

Great, I'm gonna die. 

"Let's get going then."

He practically skipped out of the cabin as he waved at every camper they passed. A group of three freakishly buff little kids bared their teeth at him, making Connor laugh mockingly. 

"What was that?"

"Oh, they've got their panties in a twist 'cause Ares can't take a joke. You can't cheat at poker!"

"You can totally cheat at poker."

"Can't prove it."

She snorted. "When's lunch?"

"Nah, they like to starve us here. It's how Mr. D pays the harpies."

For the first time since this whole demigod mess started, Eithne smiled. It made her eyes crinkle, and her cheeks were pulled just a little too tight, obviously not used to the action. Still, she looked ten times prettier than before. Connor's ears burned and he reached into his pocket, tossing an apple right at Eithne's face. She fumbled, huffing when it smashed into her nose. 

"Thanks."

"No problem!"

Eithne was starving. There were only so many chocolate granola bars you could eat before you wanted a real meal. She waved off all her earlier suspicions and bit off a huge chunk. A chunk full of toothpaste and...pudding? They mixed together in a crunchy, creamy slop. Connor stared, just waiting for a good laugh. Jerk. Eithne swallowed and, maintaining eye contact with the counselor, kept eating the apple until they stood on the porch of the Big House.

"Not bad."

He squinted, trying to find any reaction whatsoever. She forced down a gag. After a few seconds, Connor shook his head and laughed under his breath.

"Well, need anything else just let me know."

"Sure thing."

With a dramatic bow, Conner knocked on the thick wooden door.