empty set, book 1, camp of cadavers

Theo hadn't even realized he'd fallen asleep. One minute, he was staring out the car window, and the next, his eyes snapped open as the car bumped over the last stretch of road leading to Camp Comprehension. He was here. Finally. He loved camp—not because of the activities or the counselors or even the lake—but because it meant five whole days away from his brother and the kids from school who seemed to make it their mission to ruin his life.

The car rolled to a stop, and Theo grabbed his bag, practically leaping out before his mom could even park. He barely had time to take in the familiar sights of the cabins and the sprawling pine trees before he spotted her—Octavia. She stood near the welcome center with her clipboard in one hand and her permanent scowl in place. Even from a distance, her piercing golden eyes zeroed in on him like a hawk spotting prey.

"Theo," she sighed dramatically when he approached, "why do you insist on coming back every year?"

Theo adjusted his backpack and tried to keep his tone light. "Why are you always like this? I literally just got here, and you're already on my case."

Octavia rolled her eyes, the golden flecks in them catching the sunlight. "Because you're *annoying*. I'd honestly pay you to turn around and go home right now."

"Wow, that bad, huh?" Theo smirked. "Guess you'll have to suffer through the entire summer with me. Must be, like, total torture for you."

For a second, Octavia looked like she might actually slap him, but then she gritted her teeth and waved her clipboard at him instead. "If you say one more word, I'm putting you in the eight-year-olds' cabin."

Theo wisely shut his mouth and followed her as she stalked down the dirt path to the beach. The cabins lined up in neat rows, their weathered wooden planks glowing in the afternoon sun. Octavia led him to the cabin closest to the beach, where the 14-year-old boys stayed. He could hear the faint sound of waves lapping against the shore, and for a moment, he felt a spark of excitement. This summer might actually be fun.

When he stepped inside, relief washed over him. He recognized most of the kids. Orion was sprawled on one of the bunks, already flipping through his codex. Vincent was sorting through his art supplies, and Fira was perched on the top bunk, her short orange hair catching the light streaming through the cabin window. She was the only girl in the room, and everyone knew it was because the girls' cabin was full—not that she seemed to mind.

They all greeted Theo like he'd been gone for years instead of just a school year. He tossed his bag onto an empty bunk and joined them. For a while, they were caught up in jokes and chatter, their laughter filling the cabin.

Then, the TV crackled. The opening notes of *One Piece* barely had time to play before the screen cut out, replaced by static. Everyone groaned in unison.

"Great," Orion muttered. "First day, and the TV's already busted."

Vincent frowned at the screen. "It's not broken. Look at that." He pointed at the static, and Theo squinted. There was something there—something moving in the gray and black fuzz, like shadows slipping between the channels.

"What is that?" Fira asked, leaning closer.

Theo didn't have time to answer, the static faded I to some kind of government warning.