A new demigod arrives

"Hey, Percy," Grover called out, his voice cutting through the cool evening air. "You coming?"

Percy looked up from the water's edge, where he'd been contemplating the ripples. He nodded absently, his thoughts a tangle of half-formed worries and unanswered questions. Ever since the arrival of Nick, the new demigod, the dynamics at camp had shifted. It was subtle at first – a few glances, a couple of whispers here and there. But as the days went on, it grew into something more substantial, like a rock thrown into a calm lake, sending waves of change that touched every part of the camp.

Nick was charming, there was no denying that. He had a way with words that made the girls giggle and the guys nod in agreement. His stories were grand, full of heroic feats and close calls that painted him in a golden light. It was hard not to be drawn to him. Yet, as much as Percy tried to be welcoming, the feeling that something wasn't quite right grew stronger with each passing hour. There was an air of competition that surrounded him, a challenge to Percy's place in the hierarchy that was palpable.

The campfire crackled and spat, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. The scent of roasting marshmallows and sizzling hot dogs filled the clearing, mingling with the faint aroma of the sea that was never too far away. As they gathered around, Percy felt his stomach tighten. He had been the center of attention for so long, the hero who had saved the world (a few times), and now, there was someone else. Someone who seemed to do it all with ease and charm.

But it wasn't just the attention Nick was stealing. It was the way his friends looked at him now, the way their conversations shifted when he approached. They spoke in hushed tones, as if sharing secrets they didn't want Percy to hear. And the way Nick's eyes met his – it was a look of challenge, a silent declaration that he wasn't going anywhere. Percy clenched his fists, his knuckles white with the effort of holding back his frustration. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was being taken from him, something he wasn't ready to lose.

As the night grew darker, the tension grew thicker. Percy listened to Nick tell another thrilling tale of his adventures, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to do something, had to find a way to show them all that he was still the hero they needed. But what? The question gnawed at him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He watched as the other campers leaned in closer to Nick, their expressions rapt, and he couldn't help but feel like he was on the outside looking in. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time, and it was one that made his skin crawl with a mix of anger and inadequacy.

Suddenly, the sound of rustling in the bushes interrupted the story. Everyone's heads snapped around, eyes wide. Percy's hand automatically went to the pommel of his sword, Riptide. But before he could react, Nick was on his feet, a dagger appearing in his hand as if by magic. He moved with the grace of a predator, his eyes locked on the shadows. The campers held their collective breath, waiting for the monster to reveal itself.

Percy's instincts screamed for him to act, but something held him back. Was it fear? Jealousy? Or was it the sinking suspicion that Nick might not be who he claimed to be? The rustling grew louder, and a creature emerged, snarling and snapping. It was a hellhound, its eyes glowing red in the firelight. Percy's heart raced as he took in the scene, his mind racing with the possibilities of what could happen next.

Nick stepped forward, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. "I got this," he said, his voice filled with confidence that seemed to suck the air out of the clearing.

The hellhound lunged, and the battle was on. Percy watched, his hand still on Riptide, his eyes never leaving Nick. This was his chance to prove himself, to remind them all why he was the son of Poseidon, the hero of the prophecies. But as the fight unfolded, he couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something new – a rivalry, a friendship, or the unraveling of a deception that could threaten them all.