Forbidden (A Luke Castellan Love Story)

Chapter 83

Avery's POV

Camp had ended about two months ago and everything seemed to slow down to almost the point that it was boring. Not many campers stayed, but those that did still made camp fun. Activities stayed the same with only a few new activities and unfortunately a homeschooling for campers that stayed. Chiron said we needed both our education for fighting and for real knowledge for the outside world. Travis asked out why we needed it and Connor agreed then helpful pointed out that Travis would die before he could go out in the real world, which resulting into the two of them fighting on the floor and Chiron ignoring them. Thankfully, I still had Thalia, Annabeth, Grey and Luke with me. They were my closest friends. Jacie had left and so had my two or three other friends that I had. It was crazy to think that i used to have so many people that liked me at the first of the camp, and now they wouldn't even acknowledge me.  I didn't mind though, of course, it hurt at first, but i've learned that i'm better on my own, however much i may hate it sometimes. I was going to miss all the activities though. Even though I liked being on my own, the campgrounds felt empty. We didn't have capture the flag any more, most activities had to combine cabins cuz there weren't enough campers, and it just wasn't the same without everyone yelling and chasing each other around. My thoughts suddenly shattered like glass when something small hit me in the cheek.I turned to see that I was near the Hermes table, not even realizing it I was so lost in thought, walking to my own table."Travis!" I yelled, glaring harshly at the boy who just hit me in the head with a grape as i walked by the Hermes table. He shrugged at me. "You're an idiot." I told him teasingly. "Im not the one who was about to walk j to a table." He retorted.Confusion crossed my fave before I looked down and saw he was right. I blushed."Actually he just wanted to pelt you in the face so you could look at him." Connor said, taking a bite of his pizza.Travis turned to him, glaring."You guys are such dorks." I laughed.Connor started."But you know-""You love us." Travis finished, the two brothers grinning."Maybe just a little." I laughed. before taking a grape from my own plate. I tossed one at Travis making it hit him in the eye while he laughed then aimed at Connor. He grinned, knowing what i was doing and caught the grape in his mouth when i threw it at him while the three of us laughed .As i made my way back to my table, a frown formed on my face and how empty the table was. Compared to the Hermes cabin, even now with so few campers in there, my table was bare. When i was still in the Hermes cabin, it seemed like there was never enough room, and i wished i could have space to myself; i never thought my wish would come true. My table was utterly lonely. Being in charge of everything, and calling lights out was supposed to be fun, but i was miserable. I felt bad for Thalia having to deal with the same thing as i did, but at least i had Luna whereas she had no one. I sat down on my table, stirring my soup absentmindedly while the usual chatter around the mess hall blarred. I was so lost in thought that i didn't even realize that Chiron got up to speak, for the second time that day, until the mess hall grew suddenly uncomfortably silent. My head quickly turned to the centaur who looks strangely nervous at the front. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He looked around for a moment before taking a deep breath. "A new quest is to be issued," he paused. "By Zeus himself." People started to talk together at once, not bothering to stay quiet. Usually, Chiron would rally us all together, but he stayed standing, not making an effort to calm everyone down. I looked over at Luke, and read the anxiety on his face that i felt. Chiron was acting strange. Once everyone started to calm down, he spoke again. "As you know, Mr. D has been gone for the past week," He started. Surprised, I tilted my head and looked over to see Mr. D's chair empty. No wonder it had been so peaceful lately. "The sword of Peleus, a magic sword in ancient greek times, which makes the user to emerge victorious in battle, was thought the be lost. However, about a week ago, it was discovered to be in the hands of one of the Gods. Zeus fears that, the sword falling into the wrong hands, would be disastrous, so he has issued a quest." "Whose quest is it gonna be!" Someone shouted out from the Ares. "Yeah? Who's gonna lead it?" Another added.    Chiron narrowed his eyes in the direction of the interruption out but answered. "Zeus has specifically chosen," He gave another small pause. "Thalia Grace." He announced. Everyone's eyes widened, including my own as we all turned to face the one girl who sat on table number one. "Me?" She asked, completely taken back as she pointed to herself, her bright blue eyes disbelieving. Chiron nodded his head to her. "Why- why me?" She asked, stuttering over her words. The camp director's face stayed stoned. "Well, you are his only child." "Yeah but-""Do you accept the quest?" He asked, raising an eyebrow, fear however swam in his eyes, as if he was afraid she wouldn't. "Of course i do but-""Very well child, you must go to the oracle." Thalia's words died, eyes widened as the pavilion became silent. Hesitantly and slowly, her eyes trail to the attic window. My eyes followed her, knowing all the scary stories that senior campers talked about round the campfire about the oracle. Within a moment, her face was brought into a fearless mask, determination flaring into her eyes as she walked confidently to the attic. Everyone seemed to hold their breath. A quest hadn't been issued since Luke's which was almost two years ago. Silent, low whispers flowed through the air while everyone looked uneasy. Suddenly everyone froze, their heads snapping to the attic where a scream echoed from the big house window. I could hear one of the younger kids whimper slightly but the whole camp was silent, waiting. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened and Thalia stepped out. She walked slowly up to the stage, her expression dazed and her face asen pale. She wasn't the Thalia that she perceived herself as, something had happened in there. Eyes followed her until she stood next to Chiron, looking down at the floor. "Come now child, repeat the prophecy." Her eyes gave a quick, frightened glance to him then darted back to everyone, taking a deep breath. "A weapon dangerous in the hands of a foe, be wary of those from long ago. The child of the moon and a child of the thief will help you along your way," She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering to the side before continuing that line. "And shall be brave. A child who is forbidden will find and retrieve that which was hidden.One will deceive by the power of pride, it is him from whom you must hideA decision of one to let go of anger, but only if you allow, will help you flee from dangerYou will return that what you look for, but the outcome will be one of warWith a dying choice your mind must be made, to save that which you love, or lay down your blade."Once she was finished, the pavilion was silent, no one daring to make a move of breath for a moment. "And who do you choose to accompany you." Chiron asked, breaking the silence. Thalia's head turned sharply to him, a relieved look over her face for some odd reason. Suddenly, Annabeth stood from her table. "From the lines 'The child of the moon and a child of the thief'  you obviously have to pick someone from the Hermes cabin and," she glanced quickly at me. "And the forbidden child means Avery right?"My eyes widened. "Me?" I asked. Annabeth nodded then looked over at Thalia sheepishly. "Not that it's my choice.""No." Thalia answered nodding hesitantly. "I trust your judgement, you're right." She turned to me. "Would you like to come?" I hesitated. I had never been on a quest, and the thought scared me, but I couldn't let her down. I nodded, determined. "Yes."She looked slightly relieved then looked over at the Hermes cabin. "Luke?" She asked, he looked up at her. "Would... Would you come too?"My breath caught in my throat, holding it. Luke wasn't one that wanted I help the Gods, I could see the bitterness in his eyes from here."For you? Anything." He finally said, making both Thalia and I feel like a weight was lifted from our chests. I would feel better if Luke was coming. She gave him a small smile, the best she could do.Chiron nodded his head. "Then it's settled. I suggest you leave as soon as possible. The rest of you, you're dismissed. You three please come into my office so I may debrief you." He galloped towards the Big House, leaving the rest of us to follow. I looked down at my plate. I hadn't eaten much, but I didn't have much an appetite now.Luke and I met each other eyes before maneuvering from our tables and meeting up with Thalia as the three of us followed after Chiron, the Dinner Pavilion silent.