"COME AND SHOW THE POWER OF THE QUEEN,
For thy has grace and beauty,
Let thee be guided by the light,
Follow thy values and take the star that awaits you.
Ice that burns fire,
Roses that swallows thorns,
Show us your talent, thy purpose.
Channel all the bad and turn it into good.
Hold onto the light, and let it guide for thy best."
"FOR THEE, GUIDED BY THE DARK MIRROR,
Follow thy heart and take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.
Flames that turn even stars into ashes,
Ice that imprisons even time,
Great tree that swallow even the sky,
Don't be afraid of the power of darkness,
Come now, show your power.
Mine, theirs, and yours,
There's only little time left for us.
Do not let go of that hand,
at all costs."
Drowsiness washed over Perse, enveloping her senses in a hazy fog. It felt as if she were trapped in a confining box—a sensation she had experienced before, though she couldn't quite recall when. Faint murmurs reached her ears, emanating from beyond the confines of the box, only to fade away into silence.
Patting herself down, Perse's hand came to rest on her trusty pen. Before she could remove its cap, the box abruptly sprang open, causing her to stumble out ungracefully. As her surroundings came into focus, she discovered that she was not alone. Multiple individuals, dressed in the same peculiar robe she now found herself adorned in, stood nearby.
A wry thought crossed Perse's mind: 'I did joke about camp being a cult.' Little did she know that her jests were about to acquire an uncanny semblance of truth.
At the center of the room stood a mirror similar to the one she had encountered earlier, its presence both familiar and disconcerting. Flanking the mirror were seven other individuals, all clad in identical robes. Perse's eyes instinctively sought out the figure standing closest to the mirror, their face concealed by a crow-shaped mask. A pang of unease washed over her. 'Please don't tell me it's Thanatos. I haven't even set foot in college yet,' she mentally whined, hoping to avoid any impending brushes with death.
With an air of authority, the masked figure addressed the gathered individuals. "Welcome, gentlemen," they began, their voice reverberating through the room. "Congratulations, you have been graciously handpicked and chosen to be a part of Night Raven College."
Perse couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the mention of college. "Oh, it's college," she mused dryly, a mix of apprehension and curiosity intertwining within her. The path before her had taken yet another unexpected turn, and she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her in this enigmatic institution known as Night Raven College.
The students, each emerging from their respective coffins, lined up before the mirror, resembling something straight out of a Harry Potter book. Perse couldn't help but mutter, "This is some Harry Potter shit," under her breath, a mix of amusement and disbelief coloring her words.
The sorting process began, and the names of the various dormitories echoed through the room. Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, Octavinelle, Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, and Diasomnia. Perse, fortunately, found herself at the tail end of the line, observing the interactions of her newfound peers. The Dorm Leader of Savanaclaw locked eyes with her, their gaze piercing and unsettling, as if trying to unravel the depths of her soul.
Finally, it was Perse's turn. The mirror, aptly named the Dark Mirror by the Headmaster, Dire Crowley, caught a glimpse of her eyes before visibly recoiling in shock. "Welcome, Child of the Sea, Legacy of Love and Beauty, Persephone Olympus!" the mirror announced, its voice carrying a weight of authority.
Feeling the weight of the stares upon her, Perse felt her patience being tested. "Actually, it's just Perse. PERSE Jackson," she corrected, determined to assert her own identity. To her surprise, the mirror nodded in acknowledgment of her alteration.
"Of course, now for your soul. Very unpredictable, indeed... changeable soul..." the mirror pondered aloud before declaring, "POMEFIORE!"
Perse couldn't help but roll her eyes at the melodrama unfolding before her. She walked up to the blonde dorm leader of Pomefiore, who had been staring at her intently. "Welcome to Pomefiore, potato. I am Vil Schoenheit, your Dormitory Leader," he introduced himself, pulling down his hood.
Perse shamelessly admired Vil's striking appearance, thinking to herself, 'Holy shit, praise the gods, he's down bad gorgeous.' The thought of him resembling Aphrodite's child flitted across her mind but quickly dissipated with the realization of the familial implications. 'Never mind,' she shrugged off the notion.
"Now, potato," Vil continued, raising an eyebrow, "I heard what the Dark Mirror said about you being the Legacy of Love and Beauty. Do you mind?" He gestured to her hood, indicating that she should remove it.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry," Perse mumbled, reaching up to pull down her hood, revealing her features.
Before any further introductions could take place, the room erupted in commotion as Dire Crowley dramatically burst through the doors, accompanied by a student and a monster restrained with a whip. Perse couldn't help but question the legitimacy of such a sight. 'Is that even allowed?' she pondered, eyebrows furrowing.
"You are the only one yet to be assigned a dormitory. I shall watch over the raccoon, so step in front of the Dark Mirror," Dire announced, his voice resonating with authority.
Perse observed as the newcomer approached the Dark Mirror, the suspense surrounding his sorting process failing to pique her interest. "State thy name," the mirror commanded.
"Yuuken Gomez," the student responded.
"The shape of thy soul... unknown," the mirror declared, its voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Come again?" Dire seemed perplexed by the mirror's cryptic words.
"I sense an unfamiliar spark of magic from this one... The color, the shape, all unknown. Therefore, he is suited for no dormitory," the mirror elucidated.
"An Ebony Carriage would absolutely never go to meet someone who has unknown magic!" Dire interjected dramatically.
Perse couldn't help but feel a surge of indignation at the implications. 'That's... racist?' she thought, the realization sinking in. And then, a name flashed through her mind. 'Wait... Yuuken?!!'
As chaos unfolded before her, Perse couldn't help but find it eerily reminiscent of her experiences at Camp Half-Blood. She questioned her decision to apply to this college, wondering why she had subjected herself to this madness. Watching the other demigods chase down the previously restrained monster, she couldn't help but shake her head in exasperation.
The entire place was engulfed in blue fire, and Perse's eyes scanned the surroundings in search of water. Her gaze landed on the bottom of the Dark Mirror, which revealed a miniature fountain. 'That could work,' she thought, a plan forming in her mind. Rolling up her sleeves, she turned her attention back to her new dorm leader, who seemed unperturbed by the chaos unfolding around them. "Gee, what a responsible dorm leader," she deadpanned, her dry sarcasm tinged with a hint of annoyance.
Her eyes began to glow, a telltale sign of her control over liquids. The students around her watched in awe as water swirled and formed in the center of the room, extinguishing the fires that raged around them. Perse locked eyes with the Dorm Leader of Octavinelle, silently acknowledging each other's presence.
Setting her sights on the fire-breathing monster, Perse muttered to herself, "Might as well get this over with." Creating a small barrier around herself and the creature, she hummed in satisfaction at her creation. With a swift motion, she stripped off her robes, revealing her true gender to the shocked onlookers.
"It's a girl!" someone exclaimed, their voice filled with surprise and admiration.
"And a hot one too!" another chimed in, their tone dripping with appreciation.
"She can step on me and I'll say thank you," a particularly enthusiastic admirer proclaimed.
"What a woman~," someone else murmured, their voice laced with both awe and desire.
Cracking her stiff joints, Perse smirked as she adjusted her robes. "You remind me of a certain boy," she taunted the monster, her words laced with confidence and a hint of mischief. With a burst of energy, she leaped towards the now-surrendering creature, her bravery and skill evident to all who watched.
"Yeah!" cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Mommy? Sorry, Mommy?!" a bewildered voice called out amidst the commotion.
"I would gladly volunteer as tribute to be her personal rug!" a fervent admirer proclaimed.
"Personal rug?! I would say sorry for even breathing the same air as her!" another voice exclaimed, their tone filled with a mixture of awe and self-deprecation.
Vil couldn't tear his gaze away from the spectacle unfolding before him. The other first-years were going wild, their excitement and admiration palpable in the air. It was unexpected to see a girl among the students of Night Raven College, but as he observed Perse's charms and presence up close, it became abundantly clear why she had garnered such attention.
There was something undeniably captivating about Perse. She exuded a unique blend of both masculine and feminine energy, a captivating aura that drew people in. Vil couldn't help but imagine the possibilities. With the right training and exposure to the media, she could become another sensational teen star, perhaps even surpassing certain celebrities who had held the limelight for so long.
Suddenly, a voice broke through his thoughts, calling for assistance in restraining the unruly creature. Vil's attention snapped back to the immediate situation, realizing that Perse's talents extended beyond her mere presence. There was more to her than met the eye, and he found himself irresistibly drawn to her potential.
"Oi! I wouldn't mind a little help restraining this little thing!" Perse's voice rang out, capturing Vil's full attention.
Oh.
Oh.
That voice.
Vil was sold. In that moment, he made up his mind. He needed to take Perse under his wing, to guide and train her. There was no doubt in his mind that they would make a formidable team, a duo that would leave their mark on Night Raven College and beyond.
"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" The command echoed through the room, causing Perse's lips to curl into a mischievous smirk as her gaze fell upon the red heart-shaped collar encircling the monster's neck. The sight was undeniably amusing to her.
"Nygah! The heck is this?!" The monster protested, clearly taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
Without skipping a beat, the Dorm Leader of Heartslabyul stepped forward, his authoritative voice cutting through the air. "Laws of the Queen of Hearts: Number 23. 'One shall never bring a cat into a festival,'" he declared, pointing out Perse's feline nature. "You, being a cat, have clearly broken the rule. I shall have you leave at once."
Perse let out a thoughtful hum, her attention momentarily shifting to the Dorm Leader of Octavinelle, who had been observing her with an intense gaze. There was something different about him, a distinct aroma that hinted at the sea. He didn't quite fit the mold of a typical surfer or beachgoer. Intrigued by his mysterious presence, she couldn't help but wonder about his true nature.
As the commotion unfolded, the monster was forcefully dragged out of the room, its cries echoing in the air. Perse's eyes briefly met Yuuken's, catching him engaged in conversation with the Headmaster. She made a mental note to approach him for a discussion the following day.
Joining her new dormmates, Perse followed them through a corridor adorned with seven mirrors, each displaying unique decorations. Vil, their guide and dorm leader, provided an explanation that piqued her curiosity. As the mirror before them began to glow, one by one, her fellow students vanished, presumably transported to their respective dormitories.
After a moment of reflection, Perse couldn't help but think, 'This is like my first quest.'
Embracing the adventure that lay before her, she stepped through the mirror and found herself in front of a castle-like dorm, adorned with violet hues and touches of red. Comparing it to her beloved Atlantis, she couldn't help but feel a slight disappointment, muttering, "Meh, Atlantis is better." Nevertheless, she followed her fellow first-years into the dormitory.
As they reached the lounge, Perse's eyes were immediately drawn to a majestic silver throne that vividly reminded her of a peacock. Memories of a certain goddess and the perils associated with such regal seating sent a shiver down her spine. She made a firm decision not to sit on that throne. Vil, the Dorm Leader, took his place on the throne, commanding the attention of the room and silencing any murmurs or gossip that might have lingered.
"I am Vil Schoenheit, your Dorm Leader. From now on, every last one of you potatoes will be turned into bright red apples before your graduation. I expect nothing less and must see all of you develop your charm by the end of the year," Vil proclaimed, emphasizing the importance of charm in their education.
Perse's mind immediately made a connection. 'Charms?... Is this gonna be like the Aphrodite Cabin's lessons?!' she wondered, drawing a comparison to her experiences at Camp Half-Blood.
"All of you, scurry along. Jackson, stay. I need to talk to you," Vil dismissed the other first-years, singling out Perse. As they were left alone in the lounge, Perse pulled down her hood, revealing her face. She flinched as Vil's gloved hands unexpectedly touched her cheeks, inspecting her scars.
"Where did you get these scars?" Vil inquired, his gaze fixed on the scars adorning Perse's cheek and neck.
Perse answered without hesitation, "Family brawl." She couldn't help but notice that Vil seemed skeptical of her response, his expression betraying a hint of disbelief.
Curiosity piqued, Vil inquired about her full name, to which Perse replied, "Persephone Seraphina Olympus-Jackson. I just go with Perse Jackson."
Vil, seemingly amused, remarked, "Handful name, blueberry," leaving Perse perplexed by the peculiar nickname.
With the absence of Vil's gloves from her face, he revealed his intentions. "Starting tomorrow, you will give me every exercise routine, every diet meal, and skincare routine you follow, written in full detail. I will turn you into a charming princess in this all-boys school by the end of the semester," Vil smirked, confident in his abilities.
Amused by Vil's proposition, Perse couldn't help but think, 'But I'm already a princess.' Before she could respond, Vil called for Rook to escort her to her room. Rook, with an unnerving smile, guided Perse, who couldn't shake the feeling of something hidden behind his emotionless facade.
During their silent walk, Perse took the opportunity to observe the intricacies of the dorm's designs and decorations. The subtle red accents added a vibrant touch to the overall color scheme.
Finally, they arrived at Perse's dorm room, and she was awestruck by its royal ambiance. Her bags were neatly placed at the end of her new bed, and a surprise awaited her—a gift basket filled with blue skincare and bath essentials adorned the vanity.
"Thank you... Hunt-senpai," Perse awkwardly smiled at Rook, causing him to chuckle.
Insisting on a more casual address, Rook replied, "Non, just call me Rook, Mademoiselle." With a farewell and a goodnight, Rook left Perse to settle into her new surroundings.
Closing and locking the door behind her, Perse groaned at the realization that this was an all-boys college. She stripped off the robe to reveal her compression shirt and sweatpants, then flopped onto the bed like a fish, contemplating the gift basket.
Deciding to explore its contents later, Perse began unpacking her bags, which didn't take much effort since she had only packed a few clothes, food, and personal hygiene items. She retrieved some picture frames containing memories of her family and friends.
Perse grabbed her towel and fresh clothes, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower, leaving the skincare products for later. As the water cascaded over her, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that awaited her at this peculiar all-boys school.
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Waking up to find a girl in a compression shirt and shorts, Vil wasn't sure whether it was a good or bad thing. However, his attention was quickly drawn to the sight of her making blue pancakes and waffles, shaking her own protein drink while wearing headphones. The blenders were filled with morning shakes, ready to be consumed.
Vil observed Perse, who had her hair lazily styled and headphones on, singing and humming along to the music playing. He was surprised when she noticed his presence despite her back being turned and the headphones on.
"Anything you'd like to eat, or are you going to continue staring?" Perse asked, interrupting Vil's thoughts. He cleared his throat, then approached one of the blenders to check on the shake she had made.
"What are you doing up so early?" Vil inquired.
"I woke up to exercise before making breakfast. It's a routine I've had since I was 13," Perse replied with a shrug, gesturing towards the half-eaten breakfast she had prepared for herself. "I think I'm going to explore the campus after I take a shower. I want to see how big the pool is in this school."
Vil nodded, impressed by Perse's discipline. He took a spoon and tasted the shake she had made, thinking to himself, 'She clearly knows how to make a healthy shake.' He then watched as she rinsed the utensils she had used in the sink.
"Leave it, I'll have someone else take care of those dishes. You go and proceed with your plans for the day," Vil ordered her. "Also, Professor Crewel wants to see you. As the only girl on campus, he plans to design your uniforms."
"Whatever you say, then," Perse responded nonchalantly, seemingly unfazed by the mention of the uniforms.
Perse decided to change into regular clothes—a blue shirt, jacket, jeans, and sneakers—before heading back to the main campus. There weren't many students around, likely because the first-years were the only ones interested in exploring the campus.
"I need to talk to Yuuken since he's also here," Perse thought, but then she noticed a map of the entire school and hesitated. She reconsidered her plan and decided, "Okay, forget Yuuken for now. First, stop by Professor Crewel, check out the pool, and then talk to Yuuken." With her plan set, she made her way towards the alchemy classroom.
Upon reaching the classroom door, Perse lightly knocked, but she was taken by surprise when the door was abruptly ripped open by a man who appeared to be a model. She couldn't help but think, 'Is this place filled with boys who look like Dite's children? Nevermind, that guy looks like a child of Athena,' as she observed a red-haired student with a stern expression passing by.
Perse redirected her attention to the man in front of her, who cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "You must be the new first-year who's been the talk of the campus. Come in," he gestured, inviting her inside.
Stepping into the classroom, Perse noticed tables and cauldrons scattered around. Near the front, there was a sketchpad with designs of uniforms. Professor Crewel explained, "Since you're the first female student admitted to the school, I will be making your clothes, from uniforms to daily wear on occasion," as he took out a measuring tape.
Perse was about to voice her opinion and suggest they discuss the matter when Crewel handed her a sketchpad. "And no, I'm not taking no for an answer," he insisted.
She huffed and reluctantly flipped through the sketches. "With all due respect, sir, I have my own clothes for daily wear, and as amazing as these sketches are, I'm sure we can find a compromise—"
"Listen, pup. You are the Legacy of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. For a designer like myself, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I won't put you in an uncomfortable or inappropriate position, but being in Pomefiore with Vil Schoenheit as your dorm leader, I believe this could even benefit you," Crewel explained.
Perse weighed the pros and cons as Crewel laid out his reasoning. She sighed and stretched her arms. "Fine, you win, sir."
"Good girl," Crewel responded.
'Weirdly... that's kinky,' Perse thought to herself, finding the situation somewhat peculiar.
As Perse wearily navigated the hallways of the campus, her body aching from the meticulous measurements taken by Crewel, she couldn't help but compare the experience to the demanding lessons back in the Aphrodite Cabin. She heaved a sigh of relief, grateful that it was finally over. However, she had made specific requests for her custom-made clothes, hoping to inject her own style into the designs.
When Perse reached the entrance to the campus pool, a wave of gratitude washed over her as she discovered its empty expanse. "Thank the gods, it's empty," she murmured, quickly removing her shoes and socks before settling down by the edge. As her feet submerged into the water, she noticed something intriguing. The absence of chlorine and the emergence of scale-like markings caught her attention. "They must have used magic for this," she whispered in awe.
Emboldened by the magical quality of the pool, Perse decided to fully immerse herself in the experience. With a determined glint in her eye, she discarded her shirt, revealing a sports bra. "Gotta try this," she declared, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Without hesitation, she leapt into the pool, surrendering her body to the soothing embrace of the water.
As she allowed herself to relax, Perse tapped into the depths of her power. Slowly, her legs began to transform, elongating and merging into a magnificent Atlantean tail. The scales adorning her tail shimmered with hues of azure, while her dorsal and tail fin emitted a mesmerizing combination of translucent blues and silvers. Scales gradually sprouted across her body, accentuating her form with their enchanting patterns.
Her ears followed suit, transforming into pointed, webbed appendages that mirrored the colors of her fins. Finally, Perse opened her eyes, revealing a pair of heterochromatic orbs staring at her that radiated a playful and carefree spirit. A wide grin spread across his face, transforming his features into an expression of unabashed delight.
"Hiiii~"
Perse found herself in an unexpected and somewhat awkward situation, ensnared in the tight embrace of a merman with the characteristics of a moray eel. His lengthy tail coiled around hers, rendering her attempts to break free futile. Despite feeling trapped, she allowed him to hold her, curiously surveying her surroundings.
Noticing her puzzlement, Perse questioned hi intentions. "Can I help you with something?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.
His response was simple yet peculiar. "Your preeetty~," he murmured, his expression laden with admiration.
Perse raised an eyebrow, unsure how to interpret his compliment. "Thanks, I guess," she replied, her tone laced with uncertainty. Curiosity getting the better of her, she inquired, "I never really got your name."
His eyes glazed over with a dreamy look as he replied, "Hmmm? It's Floyd, Floyd Leech. I'm a second-year student in Octavinelle. Nice to meet you, Koi-chaaan~."
Perse couldn't help but chuckle at the endearing nickname he had given her. As she extricated her arms from his embrace, she returned his smile. "Well, it's nice to meet you too, Floyd," she said warmly.
Floyd, however, seemed captivated by her presence, his cheeks nuzzling against her collarbone affectionately. Perse giggled in response, enjoying the whimsical encounter. Suddenly, Floyd began to swim around the pool, still holding her in his embrace. Laughter erupted from Perse's lips as she delighted in the playful display of affection.
Their lively interaction abruptly halted when Floyd froze, his grip tightening around Perse. His dilated pupils and bared teeth betrayed a sudden aggression. Sensing something amiss, Perse wondered if they had been discovered.
"Floyd? Come out, Azul is looking for you. It's busy now at the Monstro Lounge since it's the first day," a voice called out, breaking the tension. Floyd's aggressive demeanor dissipated, replaced by a pouting expression. Perse's curiosity piqued as she listened to their conversation.
Reluctantly poking his head out of the water but still unwilling to release her, Floyd responded petulantly, "Don't wanna~."
Perse couldn't help but chuckle at his childlike stubbornness, finding him reminiscent of someone she dearly missed. Shaking off the bittersweet memories, she refocused her attention on the present.
"Azul is waiting for you at the end. He wants to meet the new female student on campus. That's why he's asked us to tend to the café," the voice explained further, prompting Perse to peer out and identify the speaker. It was a refined-looking replica of Floyd, exuding an air of sophistication.
"Ah, it seems you've found her... here?" the new arrival observed, his eyes lingering on Perse's Atlantean features. Composing himself, he introduced himself as Jade Leech, Floyd's twin brother. Intrigued, Jade inquired, "May I ask, are you a merman as well?"
"Somehow, yes," Perse replied, her voice tinged with intrigue.
Jade regained his composure and extended an invitation. "Well, if you're free now, may we escort you to someone who wishes to meet you?"
Perse hesitated for a moment, considering the offer. "Sure, I guess..." she replied, her curiosity piqued, eager to discover who awaited her introduction.
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As Perse followed Jade through the hallway of the Octavinelle dorm slash Monstro Lounge, she couldn't help but unconsciously rub her forearm, a nervous habit she had developed over time. The hallway's ambiance reminded her of the vibrant aquarium park she used to visit with her mother, Paul, and Estelle. The memories evoked a mix of nostalgia and longing within her.
Meanwhile, Floyd hummed a cheerful tune, swinging their interlocked hands with a carefree smile on his face. Perse couldn't help but find amusement in the stark contrast between the two brothers. Their dynamic reminded her of certain mischievous Hermes siblings she had encountered back at camp.
"I'll go and find Azul. Floyd, accompany Miss Jackson to one of the VIP rooms," Jade instructed his brother before walking away. Floyd playfully stuck his tongue out at Jade's retreating figure, then turned his attention back to Perse.
"You heard him, Koi-chan, let's go," Floyd exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice. Perse allowed herself to be led by him, ascending the stairs while taking in the intricately designed interior. The decor seemed to exude an air of Ursula's influence, with its dark allure and mystical undertones.
Floyd opened the door to what appeared to be a VIP room, gesturing for Perse to take a seat. She obliged, settling onto the plush couch while Floyd leaned in, nuzzling his cheek against her hair. Perse couldn't help but wonder if his affinity for physical contact stemmed from her Atlantean heritage. It was a familiar behavior among her kind.
Just as she pondered this, the door swung open, revealing the same dorm leader who had caught her attention the previous day. Perse couldn't help but speculate whether he, too, possessed a merman's nature.
"Miss Jackson, welcome to Monstro Lounge. It's truly a blessing to have you here," he greeted her with an air of formality. However, Perse was not one to be easily swayed by flattering words.
"Stop being a kiss ass," she retorted, her voice laced with a hint of amusement and defiance. Perse had always possessed a sharp tongue and a penchant for cutting through pretenses. She had no intention of being won over by mere flattery.
Perse found herself surprisingly enjoying the sensation of running her fingers through Floyd's hair, eliciting a blissful response from the merman as he luxuriated on her lap. Azul, on the other hand, seemed taken aback by Perse's blunt comment, clearly unaccustomed to such candidness from someone of higher standing, especially in the realm of merman royalty he was familiar with.
"Although I am Atlantean and technically a princess as the first-born daughter of the King of Atlantis, I didn't even know about my lineage until I turned eleven," Perse explained, a shudder passing through her as she recalled a certain blond individual from Camp Roman. "And trust me, you don't want to sound like that creep Octavian. He gives off major 'join the cult' vibes."
Azul nodded in understanding, his realization dawning upon him. The sudden change in Floyd's behavior towards Perse was likely due to her status as an Atlantean, a member of mermaid royalty. "I apologize for my intentions to sugarcoat things, your highness—"
"Just call me Perse," she interjected firmly, meeting Azul's gaze directly. "Hardly anyone calls me that anyway, so just use my name. Most beings I encounter tend to refer to me by other titles."
"I understand, Perse," Azul responded, a smirk gracing his features. "In that case, welcome to Monstro Lounge, under the jurisdiction of Octavinelle. I must admit, it's quite an honor to have someone from the long-lost royal family of Atlantis grace our presence. Please forgive me if my initial approach gave you the impression of someone you despise."
Perse shrugged nonchalantly, dismissing any notion of hatred. "I don't exactly 'despise' Octavian; it's a strong word. But, yeah, I get it. My father never expected to have a daughter, so I lived with my mom for most of my life," she explained, deciding to play along with the notion that this school had no knowledge of demigods and past wars. She had learned to trust her instincts, and her gut told her that something was amiss. It reminded her of her arrival at Camp Roman and her subsequent reunion with Nico, as if secrets were being concealed.
"Why is it that you want to meet me anyway?" Perse inquired, her curiosity piqued by Azul's expressed interest.
Azul considered her question, weighing his words carefully before responding. "There are a few reasons. Firstly, you hold the distinction of being the first female student to be enrolled at Night Raven College. This fact alone has generated considerable intrigue among the student body. Moreover, your connection to the royal family of Atlantis sets you apart, as this underwater realm is home to many merfolk like myself, Floyd, and Jade. It remains a genuine enigma as to how you ended up here instead of attending the esteemed Royal Swords Academy, where one might expect a princess of your stature."
Perse's doubt persisted, a nagging feeling that something was amiss. She had always relied on her instincts, and they cautioned her against fully trusting Azul's words. It reminded her of the unsettling encounter she had when she first arrived at Camp Roman and met Nico again—like he, too, was concealing something.
Nevertheless, she chose to play along, concealing her reservations beneath a veneer of acceptance. "I see. Well, it's not truly a mystery. I received numerous college applications and applied to each one of them, awaiting the results. Although I must admit, it is somewhat surprising how this particular school notified its accepted students." Her mind wandered back to the encounter with the ominous, dark horse—an encounter that bore an air of mystique. "However, I am well aware that my family would grow frantic if I failed to contact them promptly."
As Perse spoke, a subtle undercurrent of uncertainty colored her words. She was poised, ready to navigate the unknown waters of Night Raven College, concealing her true identity until the moment she was inevitably discovered. After all, she wasn't entirely fabricating her story. She had indeed lived with her mother, Sally, for a significant portion of her life, only transitioning into her role as the Princess of the Sea during the quest to aid Clarisse in retrieving the Golden Fleece—a quest her father, Poseidon, had orchestrated to acquaint her with her birthright.
In this unfamiliar realm of gods and mythical beings, Perse found herself treading a delicate path, wary of the secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface.
As Azul's gaze lingered on Perse, he couldn't help but notice the subtle hints that contradicted her casual appearance. Her attire, typical of a teenage girl engaged in physical activities, concealed a different narrative. The scars etched across her face and neck, particularly one that seemed deep and conspicuous, hinted at a history of battles and confrontations. It was evident that she had faced her fair share of challenges, and her scars bore witness to her resilience.
Yet, it was her eyes that truly captivated Azul, drawing him deeper into their depths. Despite her casual and nonchalant demeanor, her gaze held an intensity that was both unsettling and captivating. It was as if she possessed a predatory instinct, her eyes dissecting him with a laser-like focus, seeking vulnerabilities to exploit. In their exchanges, he felt a strange mixture of fear and enchantment, as if he were being pulled into an unfathomable abyss, lost within the vast depths of the ocean.
In Persephone Olympus, Azul recognized a princess who exuded a terrifying presence. Her unyielding determination and piercing gaze spoke of a formidable power that lay dormant within her. It was a reminder that beneath her seemingly ordinary exterior, she carried the weight of her lineage and the strength of a ruler.
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