The sea over Long Island glittered in the light of the moon. The Camp was quiet, except the occasional sound of a monster or demigods, who were unable to sleep, turning over and over in their bunks. The Athena Parthenos was shining, it's rays falling atop the trees softly. The fire was burning at the hearth. Everything seemed calm.

Until there was a scream and large waves of blazing hot, red fire appeared in the forest.

The Campers ran out of their cabins, clutching their weapons. Chiron and Mr. D came running (or, in Chiron's case, galloping) out of the Big House. Rin McKinley let out a small scream as they realised what was happening. The whole forest was on fire.

Dryads and satyrs came running out of the forest, some burning and barely able to walk. They were supported by other nature spirits. The Apollo cabin healers set to work at once, while other Campers tried to calm the fire. Large drums of water were thrown over the forest, and they were lucky because Percy Jackson was there to add a little more water.

Regulus Black used his chariot to fly above the forest, carefully dodging the flames as his eyes searched for any unusual thing around. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw a sleek black car running away from the Camp's entrance.

"Shit, shit, shit," Regulus cursed, using Greek curses that would have made Ancient Greek people gasp.

"Regulus!" Amanda Sierra, daughter of Ares, yelled. "Come down!"

Regulus cursed one last time and whirled his chariot, landing safely and smoothly in front of his sister. Together, they ran over to Chiron. The centaur looked older than ever. His eyes held a sort of look which sent shivers down their spine, a sort of hollow, hopeless look. And every demigod knew that look: it meant that the Fates were doing what they wanted to do and no one could ever stop it, be it me, or you, or them.

Regulus explained about the car, and Chiron's eyes flashed.

"A spy, a traitor within Camp," the centaur murmured, as though he could mot believe it.

"Impossible!" Rin McKinley, daughter of Athena, clapped a hand over her mouth. "How can a Camper betray us?"

"Because it depends on what they choose," Jacqueline Dietz, daughter if Hecate said slowly. "Everyone has choices...and the traitor chose to betray us, rather than be faithful."

A choice. Funny how a single choice can bend the Fates.

•••

"Chiron...this is...shocking," Emmeline said, a worried frown on her face.

The nine demigods were sitting in the living area, staring at Chiron's face in the Iris message. He looked tired and worn out. Mr. D stood beside him, and, for what could possibly be the first time in his millions of years old, immortal life, he actually looked troubled about Camp.

"If it wasn't Ouranos," Sirius said, "then I won't touch water or food for the rest of my life."

"But how?" Dorcas said, eyes wide. "He hasn't woken up yet!"

Remus laced his fingers together and said, "Gods, Titans, Primordials or Olympians, can appear in dreams. Possibly, he's giving this information on what to do--how to do--and when to do in dreams. Camp is secured by magical borders, yet, it was still attacked. If the safest place for demigods ain't safe anymore, then we are definitely not out-of-danger either."

James's eyes fixed themselves on Lily, whose eyes had gone a shade darker, the green in them turning into forests, into vines he could not escape. He had loved her for years, obviously he knew that look. She was worried out of her mind and was thinking something.

"Mr. D, Chiron...a traitor in Camp is a very serious matter," Lily said uneasily. "All the info about the war we're desperately trying to stop will leak to our enemies. Stop announcing our plans to the Camp. It can be anyone."

"See," Mr. D said, turning to Chiron. "This Lydia Everett said the same thing as me. Let's not reveal everything. Only minor things for them to be careful about."

Lily chose to avoid the wrong pronounciation of her name.

"Yes," Chiron sighed. "Thank you, demigods. Take care, and stay safe."

"And try not to die," Mr. D said as the Iris Message dissolved into mist.

Try not to die. What a weird advise to give to a demigod. We people are always getting into trouble, getting hurt an dying. How strange, right? Our lives depend on three old ladies. The Fates. Fates can break people but also mend people. To save millions of people, nine can lose their lives.

Are we not generous, really?

•••

Peter stared at his father for a moment, laying on his bed. His aunt, Amanda Tucker, laid a hand on his shoulder gently.

"Don't worry," Aunt Amanda told him. "Nick will be fine. Just a fever. You should get going, champ. Camp needs you."

"Thanks, Aunt 'Manda," Peter mumbled, giving her a thankful hug. He bent down and squeezed Nicholas Pettigrew's hand, then propped his bag higher up his shoulder, walking out of the room.

He stood at the bus stop, waiting for a bus that could take him to the outer areas of Manhattan. He could go to Camp Half-Blood from there. Peter was worried sick about it. He had his brothers and sisters there, and Camp had always been a home to him. If anything happened to it...

No, he thought. I can't think about it. I shouldn't think about it. Camp will be fine. Nothing can harm it.

Peter had been too absorbed with his thoughts. He had not noticed the shadow that had creeped up behind him. He had not noticed the heavy bat the shadow raised above his head. And by the time he had turned, the bat was banged on his head and, with a nasty crunch, his fell down on the floor as the thin boy above him smirked.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Right, now we know that Pete's not evil. -adharawrites- I told you, Addie! Its some other guy. Take care and stay safe.

Love,
~Aurora♡