ch 27 A one year Growth And peace

One year had passed since Cordelia and her friends completed their quest to return the stolen weapons of power to the gods. The camp had transformed into a place of harmony and prosperity, with every demigod now claimed and acknowledged by their divine parents. Cabins dedicated to minor gods had been constructed, and the atmosphere was filled with an unprecedented sense of belonging.

Cordelia stood at the top of Half-Blood Hill, looking out over the camp as the sun bathed the world in a golden glow. Training grounds were bustling with activity, young demigods sparring with each other, and others honing their skills under the guidance of their senior campers.

"Never thought we'd see the day," Annabeth said as she approached, her eyes scanning the camp. "Everyone's working together. The Titans tried to stir things up, but… everyone's just too content to care about rebellion."

Luke joined them, a smile tugging at his lips. "No resentment, no discontent. The Titans' plan fell apart because we made sure no one felt ignored or abandoned. Who would've thought peace could be our best weapon?"

Cordelia nodded, her heart swelling with pride. Over the past year, they had focused on training the younger campers, teaching them how to protect themselves, not just physically but mentally. The sense of unity in the camp had become unbreakable. Cordelia herself had grown, mastering her water manipulation powers and becoming a formidable warrior, even receiving praise from her father, Poseidon, for her efforts.

Between training sessions, Cordelia had divided her time between Camp Half-Blood and home. Every few weeks, she would return to her mom's apartment in New York, savoring moments of normalcy with Sally and her little sister Estelle. The balance between her demigod duties and family life kept her grounded.

The year had brought other changes, too. Luke and Annabeth had grown even closer, their romance blossoming as they led their fellow campers. The two had become role models, not only for their leadership but for the love and loyalty they showed each other. It was hard to imagine the camp without their presence.

As for Cordelia, her relationship with Apollo had deepened. While he couldn't always be there physically, their connection transcended distance. Cordelia would often find herself waking from dreams where they spent time together, basking in the warmth of their shared moments.

Cordelia was jolted from her thoughts as Tyson bounded up the hill, his massive form shaking the earth. "Cordelia! I fixed your shield again! It's better than new!"

She laughed, embracing her half-brother tightly. "You're the best, Tyson. I missed you!"

"I missed you too! You going home again today?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "just for a few days. Mom wants me to help with Estelle. She's been asking a lot about Poseidon lately, so I think it's time we had that conversation."

Tyson grinned, a little sparkle in his eye. "That's good! Maybe she'll come visit camp soon?"

Cordelia shrugged with a smile. "Maybe. I'll ask her."

As they walked back toward the camp, Cordelia reflected on how much things had changed over the past year. The Titans had tried to raise an army by sowing discord among the demigods, but the wishes granted by Zeus had created a lasting peace. With everyone feeling included and important, no one had any reason to join the dark side. Even the most troubled campers had found a sense of purpose and belonging.

Later that day, as Cordelia prepared to leave for home, she stood at the camp gates, watching the younger demigods train. She felt an immense pride for how far they had all come. "They're going to be okay," she said to herself. "We made sure of it."

With a final glance at the camp, Cordelia shouldered her bag and headed back to New York, ready to embrace her life outside of Camp Half-Blood. The battle may have ended, but the bonds she had built would last a lifetime.