𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼
ᵀʰᵃˡⁱᵃ ᴳʳᵃᶜᵉ

The set of Meriwether Prep's gymnasium buzzed with focused energy as the crew prepared for the next take.

The dodgeball scene had wrapped just an hour ago, and now they were setting up for the emotional reunion between Percy and Inez.

Aurelie stood near the edge of the set, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension.

She adjusted the hem of her Camp Half-Blood shirt, then ran her fingers over the fake celestial bronze dagger strapped to her side.

This scene was critical. It wasn't just a reunion with Percy—it was also Inez's introduction to Tyson, Percy's Cyclops half-brother.

Walker walked over, fully in character as Percy. His easygoing demeanor melted into concern as he approached Aurelie.

"You ready for this?" he asked softly, though there was a flicker of Walker behind the Percy mask.

"Yeah," Aurelie said, giving him a small smile. "Just...thinking about how Inez would react. She's not going to love this meeting."

"True," Walker said with a slight grin. "She's got her Aphrodite pride. Tyson's gonna throw her off."

Aurelie nodded, taking a deep breath as Daniel stepped onto the set in full Tyson prosthetics.

His towering frame, mismatched eyes, and endearing smile instantly made him seem like the sweet but awkward Cyclops Percy adored.

"Alright, everyone!" the director called, clapping his hands to get their attention. "This is the scene where Inez shows up at Percy's school after the dodgeball game. She meets Tyson for the first time, and there's tension because of her past trauma with Cyclopes. Let's see that emotion—remember, this isn't just about Inez's fear; it's about her trying to protect herself while still caring for Percy."

Aurelie nodded, stepping into position just outside the gym doors.

She took one more breath, clearing her head.

"Action!"

The scene began. Walker's Percy stood at the center of the gym, ruffling Tyson's hair with a brotherly grin.

"Come on, big guy," Percy said. "Let's get out of here before—"

"Percy!"

Aurelie's voice rang out, sharp and urgent.

The camera panned to her as she burst through the doors, her eyes immediately darting around to take in the gym's destruction.

She locked eyes with Percy, relief washing over her face before quickly shifting to confusion as she noticed Tyson.

"Inez!" Percy called, running toward her. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" Aurelie shot back, letting Inez's sharp tone cut through her words. "I saw the news about some 'dodgeball disaster' at your school and figured you might be in the middle of it." Her eyes flicked to Tyson, and her expression tightened. "Who...who is that?"

"This is Tyson," Percy said, smiling as he gestured toward him. "He's...my friend."

"Your what?" Aurelie let the word hang in the air, her disbelief and discomfort palpable. Her eyes narrowed as she looked Tyson up and down, her stance growing more defensive. "Percy, he's a Cyclops."

"I know," Percy said quickly, his tone growing firm. "He's also like family ."

Inez crossed her arms, her gaze still locked on Tyson. "I've had enough experience with Cyclopes to know they're not to be trusted."

Tyson shifted awkwardly, his one large eye looking between Percy and Inez. "I'm...sorry," he said softly, his voice childlike and uncertain.

Percy stepped between them, his expression hardening as he faced Inez. "That's not fair, Inez."

For a moment, Aurelie let Inez's hesitation show. Her body language stiffened as if she wanted to argue, but her gaze flickered with vulnerability. Finally, she sighed and looked away. "Fine," she muttered, her voice tight. "But I'm keeping my eye on him."

"Cut!" the director called.

Aurelie relaxed instantly, shaking off Inez's tension as Walker approached her. "That was great," he said, offering her an encouraging smile.

"Thanks," she said, still catching her breath. "You think it worked?"

"Definitely. You nailed Inez's mix of fear and defensiveness," he said. "The look you gave Tyson? Perfect."

Daniel stepped over, still in his Cyclops gear, and gave Aurelie a playful pout. "Was I that scary?"

She laughed. "You? Never."

As the crew began resetting the scene, a commotion near the entrance drew their attention.

A production assistant entered, leading someone into the room. The girl was tall, with dark, choppy hair and striking brown eyes. She wore a leather jacket that seemed to radiate rebellious energy, even off-camera.

"Tamara, right?" the assistant said, handing her a badge.

The group went silent as realization struck.

"Thalia," Walker said under his breath, a grin spreading across his face.

Tamara smirked. "Looks like I've made it just in time."

— THE SECRET OF US —