BOOKSBYRICKRIORDAN

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookOne:

TheLightningThief

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookTwo:

TheSeaofMonsters

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookThree:

TheTitan’sCurse

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFour:

TheBattleoftheLabyrinth

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFive:

TheLastOlympian

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians:

TheDemigodFiles

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookOne:

TheLightningThief,TheGraphicNovel

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookTwo:

TheSeaofMonsters,TheGraphicNovel

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookThree:

TheTitan’sCurse,TheGraphicNovel

TheKaneChronicles,BookOne:

TheRedPyramid

TheKaneChronicles,BookTwo:

TheThroneofFire

TheKaneChronicles,BookThree:

TheSerpent’sShadow

TheKaneChronicles:

TheKaneChroniclesSurvivalGuide

TheKaneChronicles,BookOne

TheRedPyramid,TheGraphicNovel

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookOne:

TheLostHero

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookTwo:

TheSonofNeptune

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookThree:

TheMarkofAthena

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookFour:

TheHouseofHades

TheHeroesofOlympus:

TheDemigodDiaries

TheSonofSobek

ACarterKane/PercyJacksonShortStory

Copyright©2013byRickRiordan

CoverdesignbyJoannHill

Coverphoto©2013byJohnRocco

ExcerptfromTheRedPyramidcopyright©2010byRickRiordan.

Allrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•HyperionBooks,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.ForinformationaddressDisney•HyperionBooks,125WestEndAvenue,NewYork,NewYork10023.

ISBN978-1-4231-5515-7

Visitwww.disneyhyperionbooks.com

Contents

TitlePage

BooksbyRickRiordan

Copyright

Dedication

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

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XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

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XXI

XXII

XXIII

XXIV

XXV

XXVI

XXVII

XXVIII

XXIX

XXX

XXXI

XXXII

XXXIII

XXXIV

XXXV

XXXVI

XXXVII

XXXVIII

XXXIX

XL

XLI

XLII

XLIII

XLIV

XLV

XLVI

XLVII

XLVIII

XLIX

ll

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LII

LIII

LIV

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LVI

LVII

LVIII

LIX

LX

LXI

LXII

LXIII

LXIV

LXV

LXVI

LXVII

LXVIII

LXIX

LXX

LXXI

LXXII

LXXIII

LXXIV

LXXV

LXXVI

LXXVII

LXXVIII

Glossary

PreviewofTheKaneChronicles,BookOne:TheRedPyramid

Tomywonderfulreaders:

Sorryaboutthatlastcliff-hanger.

Well,no,notreally.HAHAHAHA.

Butseriously,Iloveyouguys.

DURINGTHETHIRDATTACK,Hazelalmostateaboulder.Shewaspeeringintothefog,wonderinghowitcouldbesodifficulttoflyacrossonestupidmountainrange,whentheship’salarmbellssounded.

“Hardtoport!”Nicoyelledfromtheforemastoftheflyingship.

Backatthehelm,Leoyankedthewheel.TheArgoIIveeredleft,itsaerialoarsslashingthroughthecloudslikerowsofknives.

Hazelmadethemistakeoflookingovertherail.Adarksphericalshapehurtledtowardher.Shethought:Whyisthemooncomingatus?Thensheyelpedandhitthedeck.Thehugerockpassedsocloseoverheaditblewherhairoutofherface.

CRACK!

Theforemastcollapsed—sail,spars,andNicoallcrashingtothedeck.Theboulder,

roughlythesizeofapickuptruck,tumbledoffintothefoglikeithadimportantbusinesselsewhere.

“Nico!”HazelscrambledovertohimasLeobroughttheshiplevel.

“I’mfine,”Nicomuttered,kickingfoldsofcanvasoffhislegs.

Shehelpedhimup,andtheystumbledtothebow.Hazelpeekedovermorecarefullythistime.

Thecloudspartedjustlongenoughtorevealthetopofthemountainbelowthem:aspearheadofblackrockjuttingfrommossygreenslopes.Standingatthesummitwasamountaingod—oneofthenuminamontanum,Jasonhadcalledthem.Orourae,inGreek.Whateveryoucalledthem,theywerenasty.

Liketheotherstheyhadfaced,thisoneworeasimplewhitetunicoverskinasroughanddarkasbasalt.Hewasabouttwentyfeettallandextremelymuscular,withaflowingwhitebeard,scragglyhair,andawildlookinhiseyes,likeacrazyhermit.HebellowedsomethingHazeldidn’tunderstand,butitobviouslywasn’twelcoming.Withhisbarehands,hepriedanotherchunkofrockfromhismountainandbeganshapingitintoaball.

Thescenedisappearedinthefog,butwhenthemountaingodbellowedagain,othernuminaansweredinthedistance,theirvoicesechoingthroughthevalleys.

“Stupidrockgods!”Leoyelledfromthehelm.“That’sthethirdtimeI’vehadtoreplacethatmast!Youthinktheygrowontrees?”

Nicofrowned.“Mastsarefromtrees.”

“That’snotthepoint!”Leosnatcheduponeofhiscontrols,riggedfromaNintendoWiistick,andspunitinacircle.Afewfeetaway,atrapdooropenedinthedeck.ACelestialbronzecannonrose.

Hazeljusthadtimetocoverherearsbeforeitdischargedintothesky,sprayingadozenmetalspheresthattrailedgreenfire.Thespheresgrewspikesinmidair,likehelicopterblades,andhurtledawayintothefog.

Amomentlater,aseriesofexplosionscrackledacrossthemountains,followedbytheoutragedroarsofmountaingods.

“Ha!”Leoyelled.

Unfortunately,Hazelguessed,judgingfromtheirlasttwoencounters,Leo’snewestweaponhadonlyannoyedthenumina.

Anotherboulderwhistledthroughtheairofftotheirstarboardside.

Nicoyelled,“Getusoutofhere!”

Leomutteredsomeunflatteringcommentsaboutnumina,butheturnedthewheel.Theengineshummed.Magicalrigginglasheditselftight,andtheshiptackedtoport.TheArgoIIpickedupspeed,retreatingnorthwest,asthey’dbeendoingforthepasttwodays.

Hazeldidn’trelaxuntiltheywereoutofthemountains.Thefogcleared.Belowthem,morningsunlightilluminatedtheItaliancountryside—rollinggreenhillsandgoldenfieldsnottoodifferentfromthoseinNorthernCalifornia.Hazelcouldalmostimagineshewas

sailinghometoCampJupiter.

Thethoughtweighedonherchest.CampJupiterhadonlybeenherhomeforninemonths,sinceNicohadbroughtherbackfromtheUnderworld.ButshemisseditmorethanherbirthplaceofNewOrleans,anddefinitelymorethanAlaska,whereshe’ddiedbackin1942.

ShemissedherbunkintheFifthCohortbarracks.Shemisseddinnersinthemesshall,withwindspiritswhiskingplattersthroughtheairandlegionnairesjokingaboutthewargames.ShewantedtowanderthestreetsofNewRome,holdinghandswithFrankZhang.Shewantedtoexperiencejustbeingaregulargirlforonce,withanactualsweet,caringboyfriend.

Mostofall,shewantedtofeelsafe.Shewastiredofbeingscaredandworriedallthetime.

ShestoodonthequarterdeckasNicopickedmastsplintersoutofhisarmsandLeopunchedbuttonsontheship’sconsole.

“Well,thatwassucktastic,”Leosaid.“ShouldIwaketheothers?”Hazelwastemptedtosayyes,buttheothercrewmembershadtakenthenightshiftandhadearnedtheirrest.Theywereexhaustedfromdefendingtheship.Everyfewhours,itseemed,someRomanmonsterhaddecidedtheArgoIIlookedlikeatastytreat.

Afewweeksago,Hazelwouldn’thavebelievedthatanyonecouldsleepthroughanuminaattack,butnowsheimaginedherfriendswerestillsnoringawaybelowdecks.Whenevershegotachancetocrash,shesleptlikeacomapatient.

“Theyneedrest,”shesaid.“We’llhavetofigureoutanotherwayonourown.”

“Huh.”Leoscowledathismonitor.Inhistatteredworkshirtandgrease-splatteredjeans,helookedlikehe’djustlostawrestlingmatchwithalocomotive.

EversincetheirfriendsPercyandAnnabethhadfallenintoTartarus,Leohadbeenworkingalmostnonstop.He’dbeenactingangrierandevenmoredriventhanusual.

Hazelworriedabouthim.Butpartofherwasrelievedbythechange.WheneverLeosmiledandjoked,helookedtoomuchlikeSammy,hisgreat-grandfather…Hazel’sfirstboyfriend,backin1942.

Ugh,whydidherlifehavetobesocomplicated?

“Anotherway,”Leomuttered.“Doyouseeone?”

OnhismonitorglowedamapofItaly.TheApennineMountainsrandownthemiddleoftheboot-shapedcountry.AgreendotfortheArgoIIblinkedonthewesternsideoftherange,afewhundredmilesnorthofRome.Theirpathshouldhavebeensimple.TheyneededtogettoaplacecalledEpirusinGreeceandfindanoldtemplecalledtheHouseofHades(orPluto,astheRomanscalledhim;orasHazellikedtothinkofhim:theWorld’sWorstAbsentFather).

ToreachEpirus,alltheyhadtodowasgostraighteast—overtheApenninesandacrosstheAdriaticSea.Butithadn’tworkedoutthatway.EachtimetheytriedtocrossthespineofItaly,themountaingodsattacked.

Forthepasttwodaysthey’dskirtednorth,hopingtofindasafepass,withnoluck.The

numinamontanumweresonsofGaea,Hazel’sleastfavoritegoddess.Thatmadethemverydeterminedenemies.TheArgoIIcouldn’tflyhighenoughtoavoidtheirattacks;andevenwithallitsdefenses,theshipcouldn’tmakeitacrosstherangewithoutbeingsmashedtopieces.

“It’sourfault,”Hazelsaid.“Nico’sandmine.Thenuminacansenseus.”Sheglancedatherhalfbrother.Sincethey’drescuedhimfromthegiants,he’dstartedtoregainhisstrength,buthewasstillpainfullythin.Hisblackshirtandjeanshungoffhisskeletalframe.Longdarkhairframedhissunkeneyes.Hisolivecomplexionhadturnedasicklygreenishwhite,likethecoloroftreesap.

Inhumanyears,hewasbarelyfourteen,justayearolderthanHazel,butthatdidn’ttellthewholestory.LikeHazel,NicodiAngelowasademigodfromanotherera.Heradiatedakindofoldenergy—

amelancholythatcamefromknowinghedidn’tbelonginthemodernworld.

Hazelhadn’tknownhimverylong,butsheunderstood,evenshared,hissadness.ThechildrenofHades(Pluto—whichever)rarelyhadhappylives.AndjudgingfromwhatNicohadtoldherthenightbefore,theirbiggestchallengewasyettocomewhentheyreachedtheHouseofHades—achallengehe’dimploredhertokeepsecretfromtheothers.

NicogrippedthehiltofhisStygianironsword.“Earthspiritsdon’tlikechildrenoftheUnderworld.That’strue.Wegetundertheirskin—literally.ButIthinkthenuminacouldsensethisshipanyway.We’recarryingtheAthenaParthenos.Thatthingislikeamagicalbeacon.”Hazelshivered,thinkingofthemassivestatuethattookupmostofthehold.They’dsacrificedsomuchsavingitfromthecavernunderRome;buttheyhadnoideawhattodowithit.Sofartheonlythingitseemedtobegoodforwasalertingmoremonsterstotheirpresence.

LeotracedhisfingerdownthemapofItaly.“Socrossingthemountainsisout.Thingis,theygoalongwayineitherdirection.”

“Wecouldgobysea,”Hazelsuggested.“SailaroundthesoutherntipofItaly.”

“That’salongway,”Nicosaid.“Plus,wedon’thave…”Hisvoicecracked.“Youknow…ourseaexpert,Percy.”

Thenamehungintheairlikeanimpendingstorm.

PercyJackson,sonofPoseidon…probablythedemigodHazeladmiredmost.He’dsavedherlifesomanytimesontheirquesttoAlaska;butwhenhehadneededHazel’shelpinRome,she’dfailedhim.She’dwatched,powerless,asheandAnnabethhadplungedintothatpit.

Hazeltookadeepbreath.PercyandAnnabethwerestillalive.Sheknewthatinherheart.ShecouldstillhelpthemifshecouldgettotheHouseofHades,ifshecouldsurvivethechallengeNicohadwarnedherabout.…

“Whataboutcontinuingnorth?”sheasked.“Therehastobeabreakinthemountains,orsomething.”

LeofiddledwiththebronzeArchimedesspherethathe’dinstalledontheconsole—hisnewestandmostdangeroustoy.EverytimeHazellookedatthething,hermouthwentdry.SheworriedthatLeowouldturnthewrongcombinationonthesphereandaccidentallyejectthemallfromthedeck,orblowuptheship,orturntheArgoIIintoagianttoaster.

Fortunately,theygotlucky.Thespheregrewacameralensandprojecteda3-DimageoftheApennineMountainsabovetheconsole.

“Idunno.”Leoexaminedthehologram.“Idon’tseeanygoodpassestothenorth.ButIlikethatideabetterthanbacktrackingsouth.I’mdonewithRome.”

Noonearguedwiththat.Romehadnotbeenagoodexperience.

“Whateverwedo,”Nicosaid,“wehavetohurry.EverydaythatAnnabethandPercyareinTartarus…”

Hedidn’tneedtofinish.TheyhadtohopePercyandAnnabethcouldsurvivelongenoughtofindtheTartarussideoftheDoorsofDeath.Then,assumingtheArgoIIcouldreachtheHouseofHades,theymightbeabletoopentheDoorsonthemortalside,savetheirfriends,andsealtheentrance,stoppingGaea’sforcesfrombeingreincarnatedinthemortalworldoverandover.

Yes…nothingcouldgowrongwiththatplan.

NicoscowledattheItaliancountrysidebelowthem.“Maybeweshouldwaketheothers.Thisdecisionaffectsusall.”

“No,”Hazelsaid.“Wecanfindasolution.”

Shewasn’tsurewhyshefeltsostronglyaboutit,butsinceleavingRome,thecrewhadstartedtoloseitscohesion.They’dbeenlearningtoworkasateam.Thenbam…theirtwomostimportantmembersfellintoTartarus.Percyhadbeentheirbackbone.He’dgiventhemconfidenceastheysailedacrosstheAtlanticandintotheMediterranean.AsforAnnabeth—she’dbeenthedefactoleaderofthequest.She’drecoveredtheAthenaParthenossingle-handedly.Shewasthesmartestoftheseven,theonewiththeanswers.

IfHazelwokeuptherestofthecreweverytimetheyhadaproblem,they’djuststartarguingagain,feelingmoreandmorehopeless.

ShehadtomakePercyandAnnabethproudofher.Shehadtotaketheinitiative.Shecouldn’tbelieveheronlyroleinthisquestwouldbewhatNicohadwarnedherof—removingtheobstaclewaitingforthemintheHouseofHades.Shepushedthethoughtaside.

“Weneedsomecreativethinking,”shesaid.“Anotherwaytocrossthosemountains,orawaytohideourselvesfromthenumina.”

Nicosighed.“IfIwasonmyown,Icouldshadow-travel.Butthatwon’tworkforanentireship.

Andhonestly,I’mnotsureIhavethestrengthtoeventransportmyselfanymore.”

“Icouldmayberigsomekindofcamouflage,”Leosaid,“likeasmokescreentohideusintheclouds.”Hedidn’tsoundveryenthusiastic.

Hazelstareddownattherollingfarmland,thinkingaboutwhatlaybeneathit—therealmofherfather,lordoftheUnderworld.She’donlymetPlutoonce,andshehadn’tevenrealizedwhohewas.

Shecertainlyhadneverexpectedhelpfromhim—notwhenshewasalivethefirsttime,notduringhertimeasaspiritintheUnderworld,notsinceNicohadbroughtherbacktotheworldoftheliving.

Herdad’sservantThanatos,godofdeath,hadsuggestedthatPlutomightbedoingHazelafavorbyignoringher.Afterall,shewasn’tsupposedtobealive.IfPlutotooknoticeofher,hemighthavetoreturnhertothelandofthedead.

WhichmeantcallingonPlutowouldbeaverybadidea.Andyet…

Please,Dad,shefoundherselfpraying.IhavetofindawaytoyourtempleinGreece—theHouseofHades.Ifyou’redownthere,showmewhattodo.

Attheedgeofthehorizon,aflickerofmovementcaughthereye—somethingsmallandbeigeracingacrossthefieldsatincrediblespeed,leavingavaportraillikeaplane’s.

Hazelcouldn’tbelieveit.Shedidn’tdarehope,butithadtobe…“Arion.”

“What?”Nicoasked.

Leoletoutahappywhoopasthedustcloudgotcloser.“It’sherhorse,man!Youmissedthatwholepart.Wehaven’tseenhimsinceKansas!”

Hazellaughed—thefirsttimeshe’dlaughedindays.Itfeltsogoodtoseeheroldfriend.

Aboutamiletothenorth,thesmallbeigedotcircledahillandstoppedatthesummit.Hewasdifficulttomakeout,butwhenthehorserearedandwhinnied,thesoundcarriedallthewaytotheArgoII.Hazelhadnodoubt—itwasArion.

“Wehavetomeethim,”shesaid.“He’sheretohelp.”

“Yeah,okay.”Leoscratchedhishead.“But,uh,wetalkedaboutnotlandingtheshiponthegroundanymore,remember?Youknow,withGaeawantingtodestroyusandall.”

“Justgetmeclose,andI’llusetheropeladder.”Hazel’sheartwaspounding.“IthinkArionwantstotellmesomething.”

HAZELHADNEVERFELTSOHAPPY.Well,exceptformaybeonthenightofthevictoryfeastatCampJupiter,whenshe’dkissedFrankforthefirsttime…butthiswasaclosesecond.

Assoonasshereachedtheground,sherantoArionandthrewherarmsaroundhim.“Imissedyou!”Shepressedherfaceintothehorse’swarmneck,whichsmelledofseasaltandapples.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”

Arionnickered.HazelwishedshecouldspeakHorselikePercycould,butshegotthegeneralidea.Arionsoundedimpatient,asifsaying,Notimeforsentiment,girl!Comeon!

“Youwantmetogowithyou?”sheguessed.

Arionbobbedhishead,trottinginplace.Hisdarkbrowneyesgleamedwithurgency.

Hazelstillcouldn’tbelievehewasactuallyhere.Hecouldrunacrossanysurface,eventhesea;butshe’dbeenafraidhewouldn’tfollowthemintotheancientlands.TheMediterraneanwastoodangerousfordemigodsandtheirallies.

Hewouldn’thavecomeunlessHazelwasindireneed.Andheseemedsoagitated.…AnythingthatcouldmakeafearlesshorseskittishshouldhaveterrifiedHazel.

Instead,shefeltelated.Shewassotiredofbeingseasickandairsick.AboardtheArgoII,shefeltaboutasusefulasaboxofballast.Shewasgladtobebackonsolidground,evenifitwasGaea’sterritory.Shewasreadytoride.

“Hazel!”Nicocalleddownfromtheship.“What’sgoingon?”

“It’sfine!”Shecroucheddownandsummonedagoldnuggetfromtheearth.Shewasgettingbetteratcontrollingherpower.Preciousstoneshardlyeverpoppeduparoundherbyaccidentanymore,andpullinggoldfromthegroundwaseasy.

ShefedArionthenugget…hisfavoritesnack.ThenshesmiledupatLeoandNico,whowerewatchingherfromthetopoftheladderahundredfeetabove.“Arionwantstotakemesomewhere.”Theboysexchangednervouslooks.

“Uh…”Leopointednorth.“Pleasetellmehe’snottakingyouintothat?”HazelhadbeensofocusedonArion,shehadn’tnoticedthedisturbance.Amileaway,onthecrestofthenexthill,astormhadgatheredoversomeoldstoneruins—maybetheremainsofaRomantempleorafortress.Afunnelcloudsnakeditswaydowntowardthehilllikeaninkyblackfinger.

Hazel’smouthtastedlikeblood.ShelookedatArion.“Youwanttogothere?”Arionwhinnied,asiftosay,Uh,duh!

Well…Hazelhadaskedforhelp.Wasthisherdad’sanswer?

Shehopedso,butshesensedsomethingbesidesPlutoatworkinthatstorm…somethingdark,powerful,andnotnecessarilyfriendly.

Still,thiswasherchancetohelpherfriends—toleadinsteadoffollow.

ShetightenedthestrapsofherImperialgoldcavalryswordandclimbedontoArion’sback.

“I’llbeokay!”shecalleduptoNicoandLeo.“Stayputandwaitforme.”

“Waitforhowlong?”Nicoasked.“Whatifyoudon’tcomeback?”

“Don’tworry,Iwill,”shepromised,hopingitwastrue.

ShespurredArion,andtheyshotacrossthecountryside,headingstraightforthegrowingtornado.

THESTORMSWALLOWEDTHEHILLinaswirlingconeofblackvapor.

Arionchargedstraightintoit.

Hazelfoundherselfatthesummit,butitfeltlikeadifferentdimension.Theworldlostitscolor.

Thewallsofthestormencircledthehillinmurkyblack.Theskychurnedgray.The

crumblingruinswerebleachedsowhite,theyalmostglowed.EvenArionhadturnedfromcaramelbrowntoadarkshadeofash.

Intheeyeofthetempest,theairwasstill.Hazel’sskintingledcoolly,asifshe’dbeenrubbedwithalcohol.Infrontofher,anarchedgatewayledthroughmossywallsintosomesortofenclosure.

Hazelcouldn’tseemuchthroughthegloom,butshefeltapresencewithin,asifshewereachunkofironclosetoalargemagnet.Itspullwasirresistible,draggingherforward.

Yetshehesitated.ShereinedinArion,andhecloppedimpatiently,thegroundcracklingunderhishooves.Whereverhestepped,thegrass,dirt,andstonesturnedwhitelikefrost.HazelrememberedtheHubbardGlacierinAlaska—howthesurfacehadcrackedundertheirfeet.SherememberedthefloorofthathorriblecaverninRomecrumblingtodust,plungingPercyandAnnabethintoTartarus.

Shehopedthisblack-and-whitehilltopwouldn’tdissolveunderher,butshedecideditwasbesttokeepmoving.

“Let’sgo,then,boy.”Hervoicesoundedmuffled,asifshewerespeakingintoapillow.

Ariontrottedthroughthestonearchway.Ruinedwallsborderedasquarecourtyardaboutthesizeofatenniscourt.Threeothergateways,oneinthemiddleofeachwall,lednorth,east,andwest.Inthecenteroftheyard,twocobblestonepathsintersected,makingacross.Misthungintheair—hazyshredsofwhitethatcoiledandundulatedasiftheywerealive.

Notmist,Hazelrealized.TheMist.

Allherlife,she’dheardabouttheMist—thesupernaturalveilthatobscuredtheworldofmythfromthesightofmortals.Itcoulddeceivehumans,evendemigods,intoseeingmonstersasharmlessanimals,orgodsasregularpeople.

Hazelhadneverthoughtofitasactualsmoke,butasshewatcheditcurlingaroundArion’slegs,floatingthroughthebrokenarchesoftheruinedcourtyard,thehairsstooduponherarms.Somehowsheknew:thiswhitestuffwaspuremagic.

Inthedistance,adoghowled.Arionwasn’tusuallyscaredofanything,buthereared,huffingnervously.

“It’sokay.”Hazelstrokedhisneck.“We’reinthistogether.I’mgoingtogetdown,allright?”SheslidoffArion’sback.Instantlyheturnedandran.

“Arion,wai—”

Buthe’dalreadydisappearedthewayhe’dcome.

Somuchforbeinginthistogether.

Anotherhowlcutthroughtheair—closerthistime.

Hazelsteppedtowardthecenterofthecourtyard.TheMistclungtoherlikefreezerfog.

“Hello?”shecalled.

“Hello,”avoiceanswered.

Thepalefigureofawomanappearedatthenortherngateway.No,wait…shestoodattheeasternentrance.No,thewestern.Threesmokyimagesofthesamewomanmovedinunisontowardthecenteroftheruins.Herformwasblurred,madefromMist,andshewastrailedbytwosmallerwispsofsmoke,dartingatherheelslikeanimals.Somesortofpets?

Shereachedthecenterofthecourtyardandherthreeformsmergedintoone.Shesolidifiedintoayoungwomaninadarksleevelessgown.Hergoldenhairwasgatheredintoahigh-setponytail,AncientGreekstyle.Herdresswassosilky,itseemedtoripple,asiftheclothwereinkspillingoffhershoulders.Shelookednomorethantwenty,butHazelknewthatmeantnothing.

“HazelLevesque,”saidthewoman.

Shewasbeautiful,butdeathlypale.Once,backinNewOrleans,Hazelhadbeenforcedtoattendawakeforadeadclassmate.Sherememberedthelifelessbodyoftheyounggirlintheopencasket.Herfacehadbeenmadeupprettily,asifshewereresting,whichHazelhadfoundterrifying.

ThiswomanremindedHazelofthatgirl—exceptthewoman’seyeswereopenandcompletelyblack.Whenshetiltedherhead,sheseemedtobreakintothreedifferentpeopleagain…mistyafterimagesblurringtogether,likeaphotographofsomeonemovingtoofasttocapture.

“Whoareyou?”Hazel’sfingerstwitchedatthehiltofhersword.“Imean…whichgoddess?”Hazelwassureofthatmuch.Thiswomanradiatedpower.Everythingaroundthem—theswirlingMist,themonochromaticstorm,theeerieglowoftheruins—wasbecauseofherpresence.

“Ah.”Thewomannodded.“Letmegiveyousomelight.”

Sheraisedherhands.Suddenlyshewasholdingtwoold-fashionedreedtorches,gutteringwithfire.TheMistrecededtotheedgesofthecourtyard.Atthewoman’ssandaledfeet,thetwowispyanimalstookonsolidform.OnewasablackLabradorretriever.Theotherwasalong,gray,furryrodentwithawhitemaskarounditsface.Aweasel,maybe?

Thewomansmiledserenely.

“IamHecate,”shesaid.“Goddessofmagic.Wehavemuchtodiscussifyou’retolivethroughtonight.”

HAZELWANTEDTORUN,butherfeetseemedstucktothewhite-glazedground.

Oneithersideofthecrossroads,twodarkmetaltorch-standseruptedfromthedirtlikeplantstalks.Hecatefixedhertorchesinthem,thenwalkedaslowcirclearoundHazel,regardingherasiftheywerepartnersinsomeeeriedance.

Theblackdogandtheweaselfollowedinherwake.

“Youarelikeyourmother,”Hecatedecided.

Hazel’sthroatconstricted.“Youknewher?”

“Ofcourse.Mariewasafortune-teller.Shedealtincharmsandcursesandgris-gris.Iamthegoddessofmagic.”

ThosepureblackeyesseemedtopullatHazel,asiftryingtoextracthersoul.DuringherfirstlifetimeinNewOrleans,HazelhadbeentormentedbythekidsatSt.AgnesSchoolbecauseofhermother.TheycalledMarieLevesqueawitch.ThenunsmutteredthatHazel’smotherwastradingwiththeDevil.

Ifthenunswerescaredofmymom,Hazelwondered,whatwouldtheymakeofthisgoddess?

“Manyfearme,”Hecatesaid,asifreadingherthoughts.“Butmagicisneithergoodnorevil.Itisatool,likeaknife.Isaknifeevil?Onlyifthewielderisevil.”

“My—mymother…”Hazelstammered.“Shedidn’tbelieveinmagic.Notreally.Shewasjustfakingit,forthemoney.”

Theweaselchitteredandbareditsteeth.Thenitmadeasqueakingsoundfromitsbackend.

Underothercircumstances,aweaselpassinggasmighthavebeenfunny,butHazeldidn’tlaugh.Therodent’sredeyesglaredatherbalefully,liketinycoals.

“Peace,Gale,”saidHecate.ShegaveHazelanapologeticshrug.“Galedoesnotlike

hearingaboutnonbelieversandconartists.Sheherselfwasonceawitch,yousee.”

“Yourweaselwasawitch?”

“She’sapolecat,actually,”Hecatesaid.“But,yes—Galewasonceadisagreeablehumanwitch.

Shehadterriblepersonalhygiene,plusextreme—ah,digestiveissues.”Hecatewavedherhandinfrontofhernose.“Itgavemyotherfollowersabadname.”

“Okay.”Hazeltriednottolookattheweasel.Shereallydidn’twanttoknowabouttherodent’sintestinalproblems.

“Atanyrate,”Hecatesaid,“Iturnedherintoapolecat.She’smuchbetterasapolecat.”Hazelswallowed.Shelookedattheblackdog,whichwasaffectionatelynuzzlingthegoddess’shand.“AndyourLabrador…?”

“Oh,she’sHecuba,theformerqueenofTroy,”Hecatesaid,asifthatshouldbeobvious.

Thedoggrunted.

“You’reright,Hecuba,”thegoddesssaid.“Wedon’thavetimeforlongintroductions.Thepointis,HazelLevesque,yourmothermayhaveclaimednottobelieve,butshehadtruemagic.Eventually,sherealizedthis.WhenshesearchedforaspelltosummonthegodPluto,Ihelpedherfindit.”

“You…?”

“Yes.”HecatecontinuedcirclingHazel.“Isawpotentialinyourmother.Iseeevenmorepotentialinyou.”

Hazel’sheadspun.Sherememberedhermother’sconfessionjustbeforeshehaddied:howshe’dsummonedPluto,howthegodhadfalleninlovewithher,andhow,becauseofhergreedywish,herdaughterHazelhadbeenbornwithacurse.Hazelcouldsummonrichesfromtheearth,butanyonewhousedthemwouldsufferanddie.

Nowthisgoddesswassayingthatshehadmadeallthathappen.

“Mymothersufferedbecauseofthatmagic.Mywholelife—”

“Yourlifewouldn’thavehappenedwithoutme,”Hecatesaidflatly.“Ihavenotimeforyouranger.Neitherdoyou.Withoutmyhelp,youwilldie.”

Theblackdogsnarled.Thepolecatsnappeditsteethandpassedgas.

Hazelfeltlikeherlungswerefillingwithhotsand.

“Whatkindofhelp?”shedemanded.

Hecateraisedherpalearms.Thethreegatewaysshe’dcomefrom—north,east,andwest—begantoswirlwithMist.Aflurryofblack-and-whiteimagesglowedandflickered,liketheoldsilentmoviesthatwerestillplayingintheaterssometimeswhenHazelwassmall.

Inthewesterndoorway,RomanandGreekdemigodsinfullarmorfoughtoneanotheronahillsideunderalargepinetree.Thegrasswasstrewnwiththewoundedandthedying.HazelsawherselfridingArion,chargingthroughthemeleeandshouting—tryingtostoptheviolence.

Inthegatewaytotheeast,HazelsawtheArgoIIplungingthroughtheskyabovetheApennines.

Itsriggingwasinflames.Abouldersmashedintothequarterdeck.Anotherpunchedthroughthehull.

Theshipburstlikearottenpumpkin,andtheengineexploded.

Theimagesinthenortherndoorwaywereevenworse.HazelsawLeo,unconscious—ordead—

fallingthroughtheclouds.ShesawFrankstaggeringalonedownadarktunnel,clutchinghisarm,hisshirtsoakedinblood.AndHazelsawherselfinavastcavernfilledwithstrandsoflightlikealuminousweb.Shewasstrugglingtobreakthroughwhile,inthedistance,PercyandAnnabethlaysprawledandunmovingatthefootoftwoblack-and-silvermetaldoors.

“Choices,”saidHecate.“Youstandatthecrossroads,HazelLevesque.AndIamthegoddessofcrossroads.”

ThegroundrumbledatHazel’sfeet.Shelookeddownandsawtheglintofsilvercoins…

thousandsofoldRomandenariibreakingthesurfaceallaroundher,asiftheentirehilltopwascomingtoaboil.She’dbeensoagitatedbythevisionsinthedoorwaysthatshemusthavesummonedeverybitofsilverinthesurroundingcountryside.

“Thepastisclosetothesurfaceinthisplace,”Hecatesaid.“Inancienttimes,twogreatRomanroadsmethere.Newswasexchanged.Marketswereheld.Friendsmet,andenemiesfought.Entirearmieshadtochooseadirection.Crossroadsarealwaysplacesofdecision.”

“Like…likeJanus.”HazelrememberedtheshrineofJanusonTempleHillbackatCampJupiter.

Demigodswouldgotheretomakedecisions.Theywouldflipacoin,headsortails,andhopethetwo-facedgodwouldguidethemwell.Hazelhadalwayshatedthatplace.She’dneverunderstoodwhyherfriendsweresowillingtoletagodtakeawaytheirresponsibilityforchoosing.AfterallHazelhadbeenthrough,shetrustedthewisdomofthegodsaboutasmuchasshetrustedaNewOrleansslotmachine.

Thegoddessofmagicmadeadisgustedhiss.“Janusandhisdoorways.Hewouldhaveyoubelievethatallchoicesareblackorwhite,yesorno,inorout.Infact,it’snotthatsimple.Wheneveryoureachthecrossroads,therearealwaysatleastthreewaystogo…four,ifyoucountgoingbackward.Youareatsuchacrossingnow,Hazel.”

Hazellookedagainateachswirlinggateway:ademigodwar,thedestructionoftheArgoII,disasterforherselfandherfriends.“Allthechoicesarebad.”

“Allchoiceshaverisks,”thegoddesscorrected.“Butwhatisyourgoal?”

“Mygoal?”Hazelwavedhelplesslyatthedoorways.“Noneofthese.”ThedogHecubasnarled.Galethepolecatskitteredaroundthegoddess’sfeet,fartingandgnashingherteeth.

“Youcouldgobackward,”Hecatesuggested,“retraceyourstepstoRome…butGaea’s

forcesareexpectingthat.Noneofyouwillsurvive.”

“So…whatareyousaying?”

Hecatesteppedtothenearesttorch.ShescoopedahandfuloffireandsculptedtheflamesuntilshewasholdingaminiaturereliefmapofItaly.

“Youcouldgowest.”Hecateletherfingerdriftawayfromherfierymap.“GobacktoAmericawithyourprize,theAthenaParthenos.Yourcomradesbackhome,GreekandRoman,areonthebrinkofwar.Leavenow,andyoumightsavemanylives.”

“Might,”Hazelrepeated.“ButGaeaissupposedtowakeinGreece.That’swherethegiantsaregathering.”

“True.GaeahassetthedateofAugustfirst,theFeastofSpes,goddessofhope,forherrisetopower.BywakingontheDayofHope,sheintendstodestroyallhopeforever.EvenifyoureachedGreecebythen,couldyoustopher?Idonotknow.”HecatetracedherfingeralongthetopsofthefieryApennines.“Youcouldgoeast,acrossthemountains,butGaeawilldoanythingtostopyoufromcrossingItaly.Shehasraisedhermountaingodsagainstyou.”

“Wenoticed,”Hazelsaid.

“AnyattempttocrosstheApennineswillmeanthedestructionofyourship.Ironically,thismightbethesafestoptionforyourcrew.Iforeseethatallofyouwouldsurvivetheexplosion.Itispossible,thoughunlikely,youcouldstillreachEpirusandclosetheDoorsofDeath.YoumightfindGaeaandpreventherrise.Butbythen,bothdemigodcampswouldbedestroyed.Youwouldhavenohometoreturnto.”Hecatesmiled.“Morelikely,thedestructionofyourshipwouldstrandyouinthemountains.Itwouldmeantheendofyourquest,butitwouldspareyouandyourfriendsmuchpainandsufferinginthedaystocome.Thewarwiththegiantswouldhavetobewonorlostwithoutyou.”Wonorlostwithoutus.

Asmall,guiltypartofHazelfoundthatappealing.She’dbeenwishingforthechancetobeanormalgirl.Shedidn’twantanymorepainorsufferingforherselfandherfriends.They’dalreadybeenthroughsomuch.

ShelookedbehindHecateatthemiddlegateway.ShesawPercyandAnnabethsprawledhelplesslybeforethoseblack-and-silverdoors.Amassivedarkshape,vaguelyhumanoid,nowloomedoverthem,itsfootraisedasiftocrushPercy.

“Whataboutthem?”Hazelasked,hervoiceragged.“PercyandAnnabeth?”Hecateshrugged.“West,east,orsouth…theydie.”

“Notanoption,”Hazelsaid.

“Thenyouhaveonlyonepath,thoughitisthemostdangerous.”Hecate’sfingercrossedherminiatureApennines,leavingaglowingwhitelineintheredflames.

“Thereisasecretpasshereinthenorth,aplacewhereIholdsway,whereHannibaloncecrossedwhenhemarchedagainstRome.”

Thegoddessmadeawideloop…tothetopofItaly,theneasttothesea,thendownalongthewesterncoastofGreece.“Oncethroughthepass,youwouldtravelnorthtoBologna,

andthentoVenice.Fromthere,sailtheAdriatictoyourgoal,here:EpirusinGreece.”Hazeldidn’tknowmuchaboutgeography.ShehadnoideawhattheAdriaticSeawaslike.She’dneverheardofBologna,andallsheknewaboutVenicewasvaguestoriesaboutcanalsandgondolas.

Butonethingwasobvious.“That’ssofaroutoftheway.”

“WhichiswhyGaeawillnotexpectyoutotakethisroute,”Hecatesaid.“Icanobscureyourprogresssomewhat,butthesuccessofyourjourneywilldependonyou,HazelLevesque.YoumustlearntousetheMist.”

“Me?”Hazel’sheartfeltlikeitwastumblingdownherribcage.“UsetheMisthow?”HecateextinguishedhermapofItaly.SheflickedherhandattheblackdogHecuba.MistcollectedaroundtheLabradoruntilshewascompletelyhiddeninacocoonofwhite.Thefogclearedwithanaudiblepoof!Wherethedoghadstoodwasadisgruntled-lookingblackkittenwithgoldeneyes.

“Mew,”itcomplained.

“IamthegoddessoftheMist,”Hecateexplained.“Iamresponsibleforkeepingtheveilthatseparatestheworldofthegodsfromtheworldofmortals.MychildrenlearntousetheMisttotheiradvantage,tocreateillusionsorinfluencethemindsofmortals.Otherdemigodscandothisaswell.

Andsomustyou,Hazel,ifyouaretohelpyourfriends.”

“But…”Hazellookedatthecat.SheknewitwasactuallyHecuba,theblackLabrador,butshecouldn’tconvinceherself.Thecatseemedsoreal.“Ican’tdothat.”

“Yourmotherhadthetalent,”Hecatesaid.“Youhaveevenmore.AsachildofPlutowhohasreturnedfromthedead,youunderstandtheveilbetweenworldsbetterthanmost.YoucancontroltheMist.Ifyoudonot…well,yourbrotherNicohasalreadywarnedyou.Thespiritshavewhisperedtohim,toldhimofyourfuture.WhenyoureachtheHouseofHades,youwillmeetaformidableenemy.

Shecannotbeovercomebystrengthorsword.Youalonecandefeather,andyouwillrequiremagic.”Hazel’slegsfeltwobbly.SherememberedNico’sgrimexpression,hisfingersdiggingintoherarm.Youcan’ttelltheothers.Notyet.Theircourageisalreadystretchedtothelimit.

“Who?”Hazelcroaked.“Whoisthisenemy?”

“Iwillnotspeakhername,”Hecatesaid.“Thatwouldalerthertoyourpresencebeforeyouarereadytofaceher.Gonorth,Hazel.Asyoutravel,practicesummoningtheMist.WhenyouarriveinBologna,seekoutthetwodwarfs.TheywillleadyoutoatreasurethatmayhelpyousurviveintheHouseofHades.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”

“Mew,”thekittencomplained.

“Yes,yes,Hecuba.”Thegoddessflickedherhandagain,andthecatdisappeared.TheblackLabradorwasbackinitsplace.

“Youwillunderstand,Hazel,”thegoddesspromised.“Fromtimetotime,IwillsendGale

tocheckonyourprogress.”

Thepolecathissed,itsbeadyredeyesfullofmalice.

“Wonderful,”Hazelmuttered.

“BeforeyoureachEpirus,youmustbeprepared,”Hecatesaid.“Ifyousucceed,thenperhapswewillmeetagain…forthefinalbattle.”

Afinalbattle,Hazelthought.Oh,joy.

HazelwonderedifshecouldpreventtherevelationsshesawintheMist—Leofallingthroughthesky;Frankstumblingthroughthedark,aloneandgravelywounded;PercyandAnnabethatthemercyofadarkgiant.

Shehatedthegods’riddlesandtheirunclearadvice.Shewasstartingtodespisecrossroads.

“Whyareyouhelpingme?”Hazeldemanded.“AtCampJupiter,theysaidyousidedwiththeTitansinthelastwar.”

Hecate’sdarkeyesglinted.“BecauseIamaTitan—daughterofPersesandAsteria.LongbeforetheOlympianscametopower,IruledtheMist.Despitethis,intheFirstTitanWar,millenniaago,IsidedwithZeusagainstKronos.IwasnotblindtoKronos’scruelty.IhopedZeuswouldproveabetterking.”

Shegaveasmall,bitterlaugh.“WhenDemeterlostherdaughterPersephone,kidnappedbyyourfather,IguidedDemeterthroughthedarkestnightwithmytorches,helpinghersearch.Andwhenthegiantsrosethefirsttime,Iagainsidedwiththegods.IfoughtmyarchenemyClytius,madebyGaeatoabsorbanddefeatallmymagic.”

“Clytius.”Hazelhadneverheardthatname—Clai-tee-us—butsayingitmadeherlimbsfeelheavy.Sheglancedattheimagesinthenortherndoorway—themassivedarkshapeloomingoverPercyandAnnabeth.“IshethethreatintheHouseofHades?”

“Oh,hewaitsforyouthere,”Hecatesaid.“Butfirstyoumustdefeatthewitch.Unlessyoumanagethat…”

Shesnappedherfingers,andallofthegatewaysturneddark.TheMistdissolved,theimagesgone.

“Weallfacechoices,”thegoddesssaid.“WhenKronosarosethesecondtime,Imadeamistake.

Isupportedhim.Ihadgrowntiredofbeingignoredbytheso-calledmajorgods.Despitemyyearsoffaithfulservice,theymistrustedme,refusedmeaseatintheirhall…”ThepolecatGalechitteredangrily.

“Itdoesnotmatteranymore.”Thegoddesssighed.“IhavemadepeaceagainwithOlympus.Evennow,whentheyarelaidlow—theirGreekandRomanpersonasfightingeachother—Iwillhelpthem.

GreekorRoman,IhavealwaysbeenonlyHecate.Iwillassistyouagainstthegiants,ifyouproveyourselfworthy.Sonowitisyourchoice,HazelLevesque.Willyoutrustme…orwillyoushunme,astheOlympiangodshavedonetoooften?”

BloodroaredinHazel’sears.Couldshetrustthisdarkgoddess,who’dgivenhermotherthemagicthatruinedherlife?Sorry,no.Shedidn’tmuchlikeHecate’sdogorhergassypolecat,either.

Butshealsoknewshecouldn’tletPercyandAnnabethdie.

“I’llgonorth,”shesaid.“We’lltakeyoursecretpassthroughthemountains.”Hecatenodded,theslightesthintofsatisfactioninherface.“Youhavechosenwell,thoughthepathwillnotbeeasy.Manymonsterswillriseagainstyou.EvensomeofmyownservantshavesidedwithGaea,hopingtodestroyyourmortalworld.”

Thegoddesstookherdoubletorchesfromtheirstands.“Prepareyourself,daughterofPluto.Ifyousucceedagainstthewitch,wewillmeetagain.”

“I’llsucceed,”Hazelpromised.“AndHecate?I’mnotchoosingoneofyourpaths.I’mmakingmyown.”

Thegoddessarchedhereyebrows.Herpolecatwrithed,andherdogsnarled.

“We’regoingtofindawaytostopGaea,”Hazelsaid.“We’regoingtorescueourfriendsfromTartarus.We’regoingkeepthecrewandtheshiptogether,andwe’regoingtostopCampJupiterandCampHalf-Bloodfromgoingtowar.We’regoingtodoitall.”Thestormhowled,theblackwallsofthefunnelcloudswirlingfaster.

“Interesting,”Hecatesaid,asifHazelwereanunexpectedresultinascienceexperiment.“Thatwouldbemagicworthseeing.”

Awaveofdarknessblottedouttheworld.WhenHazel’ssightreturned,thestorm,thegoddess,andherminionsweregone.Hazelstoodonthehillsideinthemorningsunlight,aloneintheruinsexceptforArion,whopacednexttoher,nickeringimpatiently.

“Iagree,”Hazeltoldthehorse.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”

“Whathappened?”LeoaskedasHazelclimbedaboardtheArgoII.

Hazel’shandsstillshookfromhertalkwiththegoddess.SheglancedovertherailandsawthedustofArion’swakestretchingacrossthehillsofItaly.Shehadhopedherfriendwouldstay,butcouldn’tblamehimforwantingtogetawayfromthisplaceasfastaspossible.

Thecountrysidesparkledasthesummersunhitthemorningdew.Onthehill,theoldruinsstoodwhiteandsilent—nosignofancientpaths,orgoddesses,orfartingweasels.

“Hazel?”Nicoasked.

Herkneesbuckled.NicoandLeograbbedherarmsandhelpedhertothestepsoftheforedeck.

Shefeltembarrassed,collapsinglikesomefairy-taledamsel,butherenergywasgone.Thememoryofthoseglowingscenesatthecrossroadsfilledherwithdread.

“ImetHecate,”shemanaged.

Shedidn’ttellthemeverything.SherememberedwhatNicohadsaid:Theircourageisalreadystretchedtothelimit.Butshetoldthemaboutthesecretnorthernpassthroughthemountains,andthedetourHecatedescribedthatcouldtakethemtoEpirus.

Whenshewasdone,Nicotookherhand.Hiseyeswerefullofconcern.“Hazel,youmetHecateatacrossroads.That’s…that’ssomethingmanydemigodsdon’tsurvive.Andtheoneswhodosurviveareneverthesame.Areyousureyou’re—”

“I’mfine,”sheinsisted.

Butsheknewshewasn’t.Sherememberedhowboldandangryshe’dfelt,tellingthegoddessshe’dfindherownpathandsucceedateverything.Nowherboastseemedridiculous.Hercouragehadabandonedher.

“WhatifHecateistrickingus?”Leoasked.“Thisroutecouldbeatrap.”Hazelshookherhead.“Ifitwasatrap,IthinkHecatewould’vemadethenorthernroutesoundtempting.Believeme,shedidn’t.”

Leopulledacalculatoroutofhistoolbeltandpunchedinsomenumbers.“That’s…somethinglikethreehundredmilesoutofourwaytogettoVenice.Thenwe’dhavetobacktrackdowntheAdriatic.Andyousaidsomethingaboutbaloneydwarfs?”

“DwarfsinBologna,”Hazelsaid.“IguessBolognaisacity.Butwhywehavetofinddwarfsthere…Ihavenoidea.Somesortoftreasuretohelpuswiththequest.”

“Huh,”Leosaid.“Imean,I’mallabouttreasure,but—”

“It’sourbestoption.”NicohelpedHazeltoherfeet.“Wehavetomakeupforlosttime,travelasfastaswecan.Percy’sandAnnabeth’slivesmightdependonit.”

“Fast?”Leogrinned.“Icandofast.”

Hehurriedtotheconsoleandstartedflippingswitches.

NicotookHazel’sarmandguidedheroutofearshot.“WhatelsedidHecatesay?Anythingabout

—”

“Ican’t.”Hazelcuthimoff.Theimagesshe’dseenhadalmostoverwhelmedher:PercyandAnnabethhelplessatthefeetofthoseblackmetaldoors,thedarkgiantloomingoverthem,Hazelherselftrappedinaglowingmazeoflight,unabletohelp.

Youmustdefeatthewitch,Hecatehadsaid.Youalonecandefeather.Unlessyoumanagethat…

Theend,Hazelthought.Allgatewaysclosed.Allhopeextinguished.

Nicohadwarnedher.He’dcommunedwiththedead,heardthemwhisperinghintsabouttheirfuture.TwochildrenoftheUnderworldwouldentertheHouseofHades.Theywouldfaceanimpossiblefoe.OnlyoneofthemwouldmakeittotheDoorsofDeath.

Hazelcouldn’tmeetherbrother’seyes.

“I’lltellyoulater,”shepromised,tryingtokeephervoicefromtrembling.“Rightnow,weshouldrestwhilewecan.Tonight,wecrosstheApennines.”

NINEDAYS.

Asshefell,AnnabeththoughtaboutHesiod,theoldGreekpoetwho’dspeculateditwouldtakeninedaystofallfromearthtoTartarus.

ShehopedHesiodwaswrong.She’dlosttrackofhowlongsheandPercyhadbeenfalling—

hours?Aday?Itfeltlikeaneternity.They’dbeenholdinghandseversincetheydroppedintothechasm.NowPercypulledherclose,hugginghertightastheytumbledthroughabsolutedarkness.

WindwhistledinAnnabeth’sears.Theairgrewhotteranddamper,asiftheywereplummetingintothethroatofamassivedragon.Herrecentlybrokenanklethrobbed,thoughshecouldn’ttellifitwasstillwrappedinspiderwebs.

ThatcursedmonsterArachne.Despitehavingbeentrappedinherownwebbing,smashedbyacar,andplungedintoTartarus,thespiderladyhadgottenherrevenge.SomehowhersilkhadentangledAnnabeth’sleganddraggedheroverthesideofthepit,withPercyintow.

Annabethcouldn’timaginethatArachnewasstillalive,somewherebelowtheminthedarkness.

Shedidn’twanttomeetthatmonsteragainwhentheyreachedthebottom.Onthebrightside,assumingtherewasabottom,AnnabethandPercywouldprobablybeflattenedonimpact,sogiantspidersweretheleastoftheirworries.

ShewrappedherarmsaroundPercyandtriednottosob.She’dneverexpectedherlifetobeeasy.

Mostdemigodsdiedyoungatthehandsofterriblemonsters.Thatwasthewayithadbeensinceancienttimes.TheGreeksinventedtragedy.Theyknewthegreatestheroesdidn’tgethappyendings.

Still,thiswasn’tfair.She’dgonethroughsomuchtoretrievethatstatueofAthena.Justwhenshe’dsucceeded,whenthingshadbeenlookingupandshe’dbeenreunitedwithPercy,theyhadplungedtotheirdeaths.

Eventhegodscouldn’tdeviseafatesotwisted.

ButGaeawasn’tlikeothergods.TheEarthMotherwasolder,morevicious,morebloodthirsty.

Annabethcouldimagineherlaughingastheyfellintothedepths.

AnnabethpressedherlipstoPercy’sear.“Iloveyou.”

Shewasn’tsurehecouldhearher—butiftheyweregoingtodieshewantedthosetobeherlastwords.

Shetrieddesperatelytothinkofaplantosavethem.ShewasadaughterofAthena.She’dprovenherselfinthetunnelsunderRome,beatenawholeseriesofchallengeswithonlyherwits.Butshecouldn’tthinkofanywaytoreverseorevenslowtheirfall.

Neitherofthemhadthepowertofly—notlikeJason,whocouldcontrolthewind,orFrank,whocouldturnintoawingedanimal.Iftheyreachedthebottomatterminalvelocity…well,sheknewenoughsciencetoknowitwouldbeterminal.

Shewasseriouslywonderingwhethertheycouldfashionaparachuteoutoftheirshirts—that’showdesperateshewas—whensomethingabouttheirsurroundingschanged.Thedarknesstookonagray-redtinge.SherealizedshecouldseePercy’shairasshehuggedhim.Thewhistlinginherearsturnedintomoreofaroar.Theairbecameintolerablyhot,permeatedwithasmelllikerotteneggs.

Suddenly,thechutethey’dbeenfallingthroughopenedintoavastcavern.Maybehalfamilebelowthem,Annabethcouldseethebottom.Foramomentshewastoostunnedtothinkproperly.TheentireislandofManhattancouldhavefitinsidethiscavern—andshecouldn’tevenseeitsfullextent.

Redcloudshungintheairlikevaporizedblood.Thelandscape—atleastwhatshecouldseeofit—wasrockyblackplains,punctuatedbyjaggedmountainsandfierychasms.ToAnnabeth’sleft,thegrounddroppedoffinaseriesofcliffs,likecolossalstepsleadingdeeperintotheabyss.

Thestenchofsulfurmadeithardtoconcentrate,butshefocusedonthegrounddirectlybelowthemandsawaribbonofglitteringblackliquid—ariver.

“Percy!”sheyelledinhisear.“Water!”

Shegesturedfrantically.Percy’sfacewashardtoreadinthedimredlight.Helookedshell-shockedandterrified,buthenoddedasifheunderstood.

Percycouldcontrolwater—assumingthatwaswaterbelowthem.Hemightbeabletocushiontheirfallsomehow.OfcourseAnnabethhadheardhorriblestoriesabouttheriversoftheUnderworld.

Theycouldtakeawayyourmemories,orburnyourbodyandsoultoashes.Butshedecidednottothinkaboutthat.Thiswastheironlychance.

Theriverhurtledtowardthem.Atthelastsecond,Percyyelleddefiantly.Thewatereruptedinamassivegeyserandswallowedthemwhole.

THEIMPACTDIDN’TKILLHER,butthecoldnearlydid.

Freezingwatershockedtheairrightoutofherlungs.Herlimbsturnedrigid,andshelosthergriponPercy.Shebegantosink.Strangewailingsoundsfilledherears—millionsofheartbrokenvoices,asiftheriverweremadeofdistilledsadness.Thevoiceswereworsethanthecold.Theyweighedherdownandmadehernumb.

What’sthepointofstruggling?theytoldher.You’redeadanyway.You’llneverleavethisplace.

Shecouldsinktothebottomanddrown,lettherivercarryherbodyaway.Thatwouldbeeasier.

Shecouldjustclosehereyes.…

Percygrippedherhandandjoltedherbacktoreality.Shecouldn’tseehiminthemurkywater,butsuddenlyshedidn’twanttodie.Togethertheykickedupwardandbrokethesurface.

Annabethgasped,gratefulfortheair,nomatterhowsulfurous.Thewaterswirledaroundthem,andsherealizedPercywascreatingawhirlpooltobuoythemup.

Thoughshecouldn’tmakeouttheirsurroundings,sheknewthiswasariver.Rivershadshores.

“Land,”shecroaked.“Gosideways.”

Percylookedneardeadwithexhaustion.Usuallywaterreinvigoratedhim,butnotthiswater.

Controllingitmusthavetakeneverybitofhisstrength.Thewhirlpoolbegantodissipate.Annabethhookedonearmaroundhiswaistandstruggledacrossthecurrent.Theriver

workedagainsther:thousandsofweepingvoiceswhisperinginherears,gettinginsideherbrain.

Lifeisdespair,theysaid.Everythingispointless,andthenyoudie.

“Pointless,”Percymurmured.Histeethchatteredfromthecold.Hestoppedswimmingandbegantosink.

“Percy!”sheshrieked.“Theriverismessingwithyourmind.It’stheCocytus—theRiverofLamentation.It’smadeofpuremisery!”

“Misery,”heagreed.

“Fightit!”

Shekickedandstruggled,tryingtokeepbothofthemafloat.AnothercosmicjokeforGaeatolaughat:Annabethdiestryingtokeepherboyfriend,thesonofPoseidon,fromdrowning.

Notgoingtohappen,youhag,Annabeththought.

ShehuggedPercytighterandkissedhim.“TellmeaboutNewRome,”shedemanded.“Whatwereyourplansforus?”

“NewRome…Forus…”

“Yeah,SeaweedBrain.Yousaidwecouldhaveafuturethere!Tellme!”AnnabethhadneverwantedtoleaveCampHalf-Blood.Itwastheonlyrealhomeshe’deverknown.Butdaysago,ontheArgoII,PercyhadtoldherthatheimaginedafutureforthetwoofthemamongtheRomandemigods.IntheircityofNewRome,veteransofthelegioncouldsettledownsafely,gotocollege,getmarried,evenhavekids.

“Architecture,”Percymurmured.Thefogstartedtoclearfromhiseyes.“Thoughtyou’dlikethehouses,theparks.There’sonestreetwithallthesecoolfountains.”Annabethstartedmakingprogressagainstthecurrent.Herlimbsfeltlikebagsofwetsand,butPercywashelpinghernow.Shecouldseethedarklineoftheshoreaboutastone’sthrowaway.

“College,”shegasped.“Couldwegotheretogether?”

“Y-yeah,”heagreed,alittlemoreconfidently.

“Whatwouldyoustudy,Percy?”

“Dunno,”headmitted.

“Marinescience,”shesuggested.“Oceanography?”

“Surfing?”heasked.

Shelaughed,andthesoundsentashockwavethroughthewater.Thewailingfadedtobackgroundnoise.AnnabethwonderedifanyonehadeverlaughedinTartarusbefore—justapure,simplelaughofpleasure.Shedoubtedit.

Sheusedthelastofherstrengthtoreachtheriverbank.Herfeetdugintothesandybottom.SheandPercyhauledthemselvesashore,shiveringandgasping,andcollapsedonthedarksand.

AnnabethwantedtocurlupnexttoPercyandgotosleep.Shewantedtoshuthereyes,hopeallofthiswasjustabaddream,andwakeuptofindherselfbackontheArgoII,safewithherfriends(well…assafeasademigodcaneverbe).

But,no.TheywerereallyinTartarus.Attheirfeet,theRiverCocytusroaredpast,afloodofliquidwretchedness.ThesulfurousairstungAnnabeth’slungsandprickledherskin.Whenshelookedatherarms,shesawtheywerealreadycoveredwithanangryrash.Shetriedtositupandgaspedinpain.

Thebeachwasn’tsand.Theyweresittingonafieldofjaggedblack-glasschips,someofwhichwerenowembeddedinAnnabeth’spalms.

Sotheairwasacid.Thewaterwasmisery.Thegroundwasbrokenglass.Everythingherewasdesignedtohurtandkill.AnnabethtookarattlingbreathandwonderedifthevoicesintheCocytuswereright.Maybefightingforsurvivalwaspointless.Theywouldbedeadwithinthehour.

Nexttoher,Percycoughed.“Thisplacesmellslikemyex-stepfather.”Annabethmanagedaweaksmile.She’dnevermetSmellyGabe,butshe’dheardenoughstories.

ShelovedPercyfortryingtoliftherspirits.

Ifshe’dfallenintoTartarusbyherself,Annabeththought,shewouldhavebeendoomed.Afterallshe’dbeenthroughbeneathRome,findingtheAthenaParthenos,thiswassimplytoomuch.Shewould’vecurledupandcrieduntilshebecameanotherghost,meltingintotheCocytus.

Butshewasn’talone.ShehadPercy.Andthatmeantshecouldn’tgiveup.

Sheforcedherselftotakestock.HerfootwasstillwrappedinitsmakeshiftcastofboardandBubbleWrap,stilltangledincobwebs.Butwhenshemovedit,itdidn’thurt.Theambrosiashe’deateninthetunnelsunderRomemusthavefinallymendedherbones.

Herbackpackwasgone—lostduringthefall,ormaybewashedawayintheriver.ShehatedlosingDaedalus’slaptop,withallitsfantasticprogramsanddata,butshehadworseproblems.HerCelestialbronzedaggerwasmissing—theweaponshe’dcarriedsinceshewassevenyearsold.

Therealizationalmostbrokeher,butshecouldn’tletherselfdwellonit.Timetogrievelater.

Whatelsedidtheyhave?

Nofood,nowater…basicallynosuppliesatall.

Yep.Offtoapromisingstart.

AnnabethglancedatPercy.Helookedprettybad.Hisdarkhairwasplasteredacrosshisforehead,hisT-shirtrippedtoshreds.Hisfingerswerescrapedrawfromholdingontothatledgebeforetheyfell.Mostworrisomeofall,hewasshiveringandhislipswereblue.

“Weshouldkeepmovingorwe’llgethypothermia,”Annabethsaid.“Canyoustand?”Henodded.Theybothstruggledtotheirfeet.

Annabethputherarmaroundhiswaist,thoughshewasn’tsurewhowassupporting

whom.Shescannedtheirsurroundings.Above,shesawnosignofthetunnelthey’dfallendown.Shecouldn’tevenseethecavernroof—justblood-coloredcloudsfloatinginthehazygrayair.Itwaslikestaringthroughathinmixoftomatosoupandcement.

Theblack-glassbeachstretchedinlandaboutfiftyyards,thendroppedofftheedgeofacliff.

Fromwhereshestood,Annabethcouldn’tseewhatwasbelow,buttheedgeflickeredwithredlightasifilluminatedbyhugefires.

Adistantmemorytuggedather—somethingaboutTartarusandfire.Beforeshecouldthinktoomuchaboutit,Percyinhaledsharply.

“Look.”Hepointeddownstream.

Ahundredfeetaway,afamiliar-lookingbaby-blueItaliancarhadcrashedheadfirstintothesand.

ItlookedjustliketheFiatthathadsmashedintoArachneandsentherplummetingintothepit.

Annabethhopedshewaswrong,buthowmanyItaliansportscarscouldtherebeinTartarus?Partofherdidn’twanttogoanywherenearit,butshehadtofindout.ShegrippedPercy’shand,andtheystumbledtowardthewreckage.Oneofthecar’stireshadcomeoffandwasfloatinginabackwatereddyoftheCocytus.TheFiat’swindowshadshattered,sendingbrighterglasslikefrostingacrossthedarkbeach.Underthecrushedhoodlaythetattered,glisteningremainsofagiantsilkcocoon—thetrapthatAnnabethhadtrickedArachneintoweaving.Itwasunmistakablyempty.Slashmarksinthesandmadeatraildownriver…asifsomethingheavy,withmultiplelegs,hadscuttledintothedarkness.

“She’salive.”Annabethwassohorrified,sooutragedbytheunfairnessofitall,shehadtosuppresstheurgetothrowup.

“It’sTartarus,”Percysaid.“Monsterhomecourt.Downhere,maybetheycan’tbekilled.”HegaveAnnabethanembarrassedlook,asifrealizinghewasn’thelpingteammorale.“Ormaybeshe’sbadlywounded,andshecrawledawaytodie.”

“Let’sgowiththat,”Annabethagreed.

Percywasstillshivering.Annabethwasn’tfeelinganywarmereither,despitethehot,stickyair.

Theglasscutsonherhandswerestillbleeding,whichwasunusualforher.Normally,shehealedfast.

Herbreathinggotmoreandmorelabored.

“Thisplaceiskillingus,”shesaid.“Imean,it’sliterallygoingtokillus,unless…”Tartarus.Fire.Thatdistantmemorycameintofocus.Shegazedinlandtowardthecliff,illuminatedbyflamesfrombelow.

Itwasanabsolutelycrazyidea.Butitmightbetheironlychance.

“Unlesswhat?”Percyprompted.“You’vegotabrilliantplan,haven’tyou?”

“It’saplan,”Annabethmurmured.“Idon’tknowaboutbrilliant.WeneedtofindtheRiverofFire.”

WHENTHEYREACHEDTHELEDGE,Annabethwassureshe’dsignedtheirdeathwarrants.

Thecliffdroppedmorethaneightyfeet.AtthebottomstretchedanightmarishversionoftheGrandCanyon:ariveroffirecuttingapaththroughajaggedobsidiancrevasse,theglowingredcurrentcastinghorribleshadowsacrosstheclifffaces.

Evenfromthetopofthecanyon,theheatwasintense.ThechilloftheRiverCocytushadn’tleftAnnabeth’sbones,butnowherfacefeltrawandsunburned.Everybreathtookmoreeffort,asifherchestwasfilledwithStyrofoampeanuts.Thecutsonherhandsbledmoreratherthanless.Annabeth’sfoot,whichhadbeenalmosthealed,seemedtobereinjuringitself.She’dtakenoffhermakeshiftcast,butnowsheregrettedit.Eachstepmadeherwince.

Assumingtheycouldmakeitdowntothefieryriver,whichshedoubted,herplanseemedcertifiablyinsane.

“Uh…”Percyexaminedthecliff.Hepointedtoatinyfissurerunningdiagonallyfromtheedgetothebottom.“Wecantrythatledgethere.Mightbeabletoclimbdown.”Hedidn’tsaythey’dbecrazytotry.Hemanagedtosoundhopeful.Annabethwasgratefulforthat,butshealsoworriedthatshewasleadinghimtohisdoom.

Ofcourseiftheystayedhere,theywoulddieanyway.BlistershadstartedtoformontheirarmsfromexposuretotheTartarusair.Thewholeenvironmentwasaboutashealthyasanuclearblastzone.

Percywentfirst.Theledgewasbarelywideenoughtoallowatoehold.Theirhandsclawedforanycrackintheglassyrock.EverytimeAnnabethputpressureonherbadfoot,shewantedtoyelp.

She’drippedoffthesleevesofherT-shirtandusedtheclothtowrapherbloodypalms,

butherfingerswerestillslipperyandweak.

Afewstepsbelowher,Percygruntedashereachedforanotherhandhold.“So…whatisthisfirerivercalled?”

“ThePhlegethon,”shesaid.“Youshouldconcentrateongoingdown.”

“ThePhlegethon?”Heshinniedalongtheledge.They’dmadeitroughlyathirdofthewaydownthecliff—stillhighenoughuptodieiftheyfell.“Soundslikeamarathonforhawkingspitballs.”

“Pleasedon’tmakemelaugh,”shesaid.

“Justtryingtokeepthingslight.”

“Thanks,”shegrunted,nearlymissingtheledgewithherbadfoot.“I’llhaveasmileonmyfaceasIplummettomydeath.”

Theykeptgoing,onestepatatime.Annabeth’seyesstungwithsweat.Herarmstrembled.Buttoheramazement,theyfinallymadeittothebottomofthecliff.

Whenshereachedtheground,shestumbled.Percycaughther.Shewasalarmedbyhowfeverishhisskinfelt.Redboilshaderuptedonhisface,sohelookedlikeasmallpoxvictim.

Herownvisionwasblurry.Herthroatfeltblistered,andherstomachwasclenchedtighterthanafist.

Wehavetohurry,shethought.

“Justtotheriver,”shetoldPercy,tryingtokeepthepanicoutofhervoice.“Wecandothis.”Theystaggeredoverslickglassledges,aroundmassiveboulders,avoidingstalagmitesthatwould’veimpaledthemwithanyslipofthefoot.Theirtatteredclothessteamedfromtheheatoftheriver,buttheykeptgoinguntiltheycrumpledtotheirkneesatthebanksofthePhlegethon.

“Wehavetodrink,”Annabethsaid.

Percyswayed,hiseyeshalf-closed.Ittookhimathree-counttorespond.“Uh…drinkfire?”

“ThePhlegethonflowsfromHades’srealmdownintoTartarus.”Annabethcouldbarelytalk.Herthroatwasclosingupfromtheheatandtheacidicair.“Theriverisusedtopunishthewicked.Butalso…somelegendscallittheRiverofHealing.”

“Somelegends?”

Annabethswallowed,tryingtostayconscious.“ThePhlegethonkeepsthewickedinonepiecesothattheycanendurethetormentsoftheFieldsofPunishment.Ithink…itmightbetheUnderworldequivalentofambrosiaandnectar.”

Percywincedascinderssprayedfromtheriver,curlingaroundhisface.“Butit’sfire.Howcanwe—”

“Likethis.”Annabeththrustherhandsintotheriver.

Stupid?Yes,butshewasconvincedtheyhadnochoice.Iftheywaitedanylonger,they

wouldpassoutanddie.Bettertotrysomethingfoolishandhopeitworked.

Onfirstcontact,thefirewasn’tpainful.Itfeltcold,whichprobablymeantitwassohotitwasoverloadingAnnabeth’snerves.Beforeshecouldchangehermind,shecuppedthefieryliquidinherpalmsandraisedittohermouth.

Sheexpectedatastelikegasoline.Itwassomuchworse.Once,atarestaurantbackinSanFrancisco,she’dmadethemistakeoftastingaghostchilipepperthatcamewithaplateofIndianfood.Afterbarelynibblingit,shethoughtherrespiratorysystemwasgoingtoimplode.DrinkingfromthePhlegethonwaslikegulpingdownaghostchilismoothie.Hersinusesfilledwithliquidflame.Hermouthfeltlikeitwasbeingdeep-fried.Hereyesshedboilingtears,andeveryporeonherfacepopped.Shecollapsed,gaggingandretching,herwholebodyshakingviolently.

“Annabeth!”Percygrabbedherarmsandjustmanagedtostopherfromrollingintotheriver.

Theconvulsionspassed.Shetookaraggedbreathandmanagedtositup.Shefelthorriblyweakandnauseous,buthernextbreathcamemoreeasily.Theblistersonherarmswerestartingtofade.

“Itworked,”shecroaked.“Percy,you’vegottodrink.”

“I…”Hiseyesrolledupinhishead,andheslumpedagainsther.

Desperately,shecuppedmorefireinherpalm.Ignoringthepain,shedrippedtheliquidintoPercy’smouth.Hedidn’trespond.

Shetriedagain,pouringawholehandfuldownhisthroat.Thistimehesplutteredandcoughed.

Annabethheldhimashetrembled,themagicalfirecoursingthroughhissystem.Hisfeverdisappeared.Hisboilsfaded.Hemanagedtositupandsmackhislips.

“Ugh,”hesaid.“Spicy,yetdisgusting.”

Annabethlaughedweakly.Shewassorelieved,shefeltlight-headed.“Yeah.Thatprettymuchsumsitup.”

“Yousavedus.”

“Fornow,”shesaid.“Theproblemis,we’restillinTartarus.”Percyblinked.Helookedaroundasifjustcomingtotermswithwheretheywere.“HolyHera.Ineverthought…well,I’mnotsurewhatIthought.MaybethatTartaruswasemptyspace,apitwithnobottom.Butthisisarealplace.”

Annabethrecalledthelandscapeshe’dseenwhiletheyfell—aseriesofplateausleadingeverdownwardintothegloom.

“Wehaven’tseenallofit,”shewarned.“Thiscouldbejustthefirsttinypartoftheabyss,likethefrontsteps.”

“Thewelcomemat,”Percymuttered.

Theybothgazedupattheblood-coloredcloudsswirlinginthegrayhaze.Nowaywouldtheyhavethestrengthtoclimbbackupthatcliff,eveniftheywantedto.Nowtherewere

onlytwochoices:downriverorupriver,skirtingthebanksofthePhlegethon.

“We’llfindawayout,”Percysaid.“TheDoorsofDeath.”

Annabethshuddered.SherememberedwhatPercyhadsaidjustbeforetheyfellintoTartarus.

He’dmadeNicodiAngelopromisetoleadtheArgoIItoEpirus,tothemortalsideoftheDoorsofDeath.

We’llseeyouthere,Percyhadsaid.

Thatideaseemedevencrazierthandrinkingfire.HowcouldthetwoofthemwanderthroughTartarusandfindtheDoorsofDeath?They’dbarelybeenabletostumbleahundredyardsinthispoisonousplacewithoutdying.

“Wehaveto,”Percysaid.“Notjustforus.Foreverybodywelove.TheDoorshavetobeclosedonbothsides,orthemonsterswilljustkeepcomingthrough.Gaea’sforceswilloverruntheworld.”Annabethknewhewasright.Still…whenshetriedtoimagineaplanthatcouldsucceed,thelogisticsoverwhelmedher.TheyhadnowayoflocatingtheDoors.Theydidn’tknowhowmuchtimeitwouldtake,oreveniftimeflowedatthesamespeedinTartarus.Howcouldtheypossiblysynchronizeameetingwiththeirfriends?AndNicohadmentionedalegionofGaea’sstrongestmonstersguardingtheDoorsontheTartarusside.AnnabethandPercycouldn’texactlylaunchafrontalassault.

Shedecidednottomentionanyofthat.Theybothknewtheoddswerebad.Besides,afterswimmingintheRiverCocytus,Annabethhadheardenoughwhiningandmoaningtolastalifetime.

Shepromisedherselfnevertocomplainagain.

“Well.”Shetookadeepbreath,gratefulatleastthatherlungsdidn’thurt.“Ifwestayclosetotheriver,we’llhaveawaytohealourselves.Ifwegodownstream—”Ithappenedsofast,Annabethwouldhavebeendeadifshe’dbeenonherown.

Percy’seyeslockedonsomethingbehindher.Annabethspunasamassivedarkshapehurtleddownather—asnarling,monstrousblobwithspindlybarbedlegsandglintingeyes.

Shehadtimetothink:Arachne.Butshewasfrozeninterror,hersensessmotheredbythesicklysweetsmell.

ThensheheardthefamiliarSHINKofPercy’sballpointpentransformingintoasword.Hisbladesweptoverherheadinaglowingbronzearc.Ahorriblewailechoedthroughthecanyon.

Annabethstoodthere,stunned,asyellowdust—theremainsofArachne—rainedaroundherliketreepollen.

“Youokay?”Percyscannedthecliffsandboulders,alertformoremonsters,butnothingelseappeared.Thegoldendustofthespidersettledontheobsidianrocks.

Annabethstaredatherboyfriendinamazement.Riptide’sCelestialbronzebladeglowedevenbrighterinthegloomofTartarus.Asitpassedthroughthethickhotair,itmadeadefianthisslikeariledsnake.

“She…shewould’vekilledme,”Annabethstammered.

Percykickedthedustontherocks,hisexpressiongrimanddissatisfied.“Shediedtooeasily,consideringhowmuchtorturesheputyouthrough.Shedeservedworse.”Annabethcouldn’targuewiththat,butthehardedgeinPercy’svoicemadeherunsettled.She’dneverseensomeonegetsoangryorvengefulonherbehalf.ItalmostmadehergladArachnehaddiedquickly.“Howdidyoumovesofast?”

Percyshrugged.“Gottawatcheachother’sbacks,right?Now,youweresaying…downstream?”Annabethnodded,stillinadaze.Theyellowdustdissipatedontherockyshore,turningtosteam.

AtleastnowtheyknewmonsterscouldbekilledinTartarus…thoughshehadnoideahowlongArachnewouldremaindead.Annabethdidn’tplanonstayinglongenoughtofindout.

“Yeah,downstream,”shemanaged.“IftherivercomesfromtheupperlevelsoftheUnderworld,itshouldflowdeeperintoTartarus—”

“Soitleadsintomoredangerousterritory,”Percyfinished.“WhichisprobablywheretheDoorsare.Luckyus.”

THEY’DONLYTRAVELEDafewhundredyardswhenAnnabethheardvoices.

Annabethploddedalong,halfinastupor,tryingtoformaplan.SinceshewasadaughterofAthena,plansweresupposedtobeherspecialty;butitwashardtostrategizewithherstomachgrowlingandherthroatbaking.ThefierywaterofthePhlegethonmayhavehealedherandgivenherstrength,butitdidn’tdoanythingforherhungerorthirst.Theriverwasn’taboutmakingyoufeelgood,Annabethguessed.Itjustkeptyougoingsoyoucouldexperiencemoreexcruciatingpain.

Herheadstartedtodroopwithexhaustion.Thensheheardthem—femalevoiceshavingsomesortofargument—andshewasinstantlyalert.

Shewhispered,“Percy,down!”

Shepulledhimbehindthenearestboulder,wedgingherselfsocloseagainsttheriverbankthathershoesalmosttouchedtheriver’sfire.Ontheotherside,inthenarrowpathbetweentheriverandthecliffs,voicessnarled,gettinglouderastheyapproachedfromupstream.

Annabethtriedtosteadyherbreathing.Thevoicessoundedvaguelyhuman,butthatmeantnothing.SheassumedanythinginTartaruswastheirenemy.Shedidn’tknowhowthemonsterscouldhavefailedtospotthemalready.Besides,monsterscouldsmelldemigods—especiallypowerfuloneslikePercy,sonofPoseidon.Annabethdoubtedthathidingbehindaboulderwoulddoanygoodwhenthemonsterscaughttheirscent.

Still,asthemonstersgotnearer,theirvoicesdidn’tchangeintone.Theirunevenfootsteps

—scrap,clump,scrap,clump—didn’tgetanyfaster.

“Soon?”oneofthemaskedinaraspyvoice,asifshe’dbeengarglinginthePhlegethon.

“Ohmygods!”saidanothervoice.Thisonesoundedmuchyoungerandmuchmorehuman,likeateenagedmortalgirlgettingexasperatedwithherfriendsatthemall.Forsomereason,shesoundedfamiliartoAnnabeth.“Youguysaretotallyannoying!Itoldyou,it’slikethreedaysfromhere.”PercygrippedAnnabeth’swrist.Helookedatherwithalarm,asifherecognizedthemallgirl’svoicetoo.

Therewasachorusofgrowlingandgrumbling.Thecreatures—maybehalfadozen,Annabethguessed—hadpausedjustontheothersideoftheboulder,butstilltheygavenoindicationthatthey’dcaughtthedemigods’scent.Annabethwonderedifdemigodsdidn’tsmellthesameinTartarus,oriftheotherscentshereweresopowerful,theymaskedademigod’saura.

“Iwonder,”saidathirdvoice,gravellyandancientlikethefirst,“ifperhapsyoudonotknowtheway,youngone.”

“Oh,shutyourfanghole,Serephone,”saidthemallgirl.“When’sthelasttimeyouescapedtothemortalworld?Iwasthereacoupleofyearsago.Iknowtheway!Besides,Iunderstandwhatwe’refacingupthere.Youdon’thaveaclue!”

“TheEarthMotherdidnotmakeyouboss!”shriekedafourthvoice.

Morehissing,scuffling,andferalmoans—likegiantalleycatsfighting.AtlasttheonecalledSerephoneyelled,“Enough!”

Thescufflingdieddown.

“Wewillfollowfornow,”Serephonesaid.“Butifyoudonotleaduswell,ifwefindyouhaveliedaboutthesummonsofGaea—”

“Idon’tlie!”snappedthemallgirl.“Believeme,I’vegotgoodreasontogetintothisbattle.Ihavesomeenemiestodevour,andyou’llfeastonthebloodofheroes.Justleaveonespecialmorselforme—theonenamedPercyJackson.”

Annabethfoughtdownasnarlofherown.Sheforgotaboutherfear.Shewantedtojumpovertheboulderandslashthemonsterstodustwithherknife…exceptshedidn’thaveitanymore.

“Believeme,”saidthemallgirl.“Gaeahascalledus,andwe’regoingtohavesomuchfun.

Beforethiswarisover,mortalsanddemigodswilltrembleatthesoundofmyname—Kelli!”Annabethalmostyelpedaloud.SheglancedatPercy.EvenintheredlightofthePhlegethon,hisfaceseemedwaxy.

Empousai,shemouthed.Vampires.

Percynoddedgrimly.

SherememberedKelli.Twoyearsago,atPercy’sfreshmanorientation,heandtheirfriendRachelDarehadbeenattackedbyempousaidisguisedascheerleaders.OneofthemhadbeenKelli.

Later,thesameempousahadattackedtheminDaedalus’sworkshop.Annabethhadstabbedherinthebackandsenther…here.ToTartarus.

Thecreaturesshuffledoff,theirvoicesgettingfainter.Annabethcrepttotheedgeoftheboulderandriskedaglimpse.Sureenough,fivewomenstaggeredalongonmismatchedlegs—mechanicalbronzeontheleft,shaggyandcloven-hoovedontheright.Theirhairwasmadeoffire,theirskinaswhiteasbone.MostofthemworetatteredAncientGreekdresses,exceptfortheoneinthelead,Kelli,whoworeaburnedandtornblousewithashortpleatedskirt…hercheerleader’soutfit.

Annabethgrittedherteeth.Shehadfacedalotofbadmonstersovertheyears,butshehatedempousaimorethanmost.

Inadditiontotheirnastyclawsandfangs,theyhadapowerfulabilitytomanipulatetheMist.

Theycouldchangeshapeandcharmspeak,trickingmortalsintolettingdowntheirguard.Menwereespeciallysusceptible.Theempousa’sfavoritetacticwastomakeaguyfallinlovewithher,thendrinkhisbloodanddevourhisflesh.Notagreatfirstdate.

KellihadalmostkilledPercy.ShehadmanipulatedAnnabeth’soldestfriend,Luke,urginghimtocommitdarkeranddarkerdeedsinthenameofKronos.

Annabethreallywishedshestillhadherdagger.

Percyrose.“They’reheadingfortheDoorsofDeath,”hemurmured.“Youknowwhatthatmeans?”

Annabethdidn’twanttothinkaboutit,butsadly,thissquadofflesh-eatinghorror-showwomenmightbetheclosestthingtogoodlucktheyweregoingtogetinTartarus.

“Yeah,”shesaid.“Weneedtofollowthem.”

LEOSPENTTHENIGHTWRESTLINGwithaforty-foot-tallAthena.

Eversincethey’dbroughtthestatueaboard,Leohadbeenobsessedwithfiguringouthowitworked.Hewassureithadprimopowers.Therehadtobeasecretswitchorapressureplateorsomething.

Hewassupposedtobesleeping,buthejustcouldn’t.Hespenthourscrawlingoverthestatue,whichtookupmostofthelowerdeck.Athena’sfeetstuckintosickbay,soyouhadtosqueezepastherivorytoesifyouwantedsomeAdvil.Herbodyranthelengthoftheportcorridor,heroutstretchedhandjuttingintotheengineroom,offeringthelife-sizedfigureofNikethatstoodinherpalm,like,Here,havesomeVictory!Athena’sserenefacetookupmostoftheaftpegasusstables,whichwerefortunatelyunoccupied.IfLeowereamagichorse,hewouldn’thavewantedtoliveinastallwithanoversizedgoddessofwisdomstaringathim.

Thestatuewaswedgedtightinthecorridor,soLeohadtoclimboverthetopandwriggleunderherlimbs,searchingforleversandbuttons.

Asusual,hefoundnothing.

He’ddonesomeresearchonthestatue.Heknewitwasmadefromahollowwoodenframecoveredinivoryandgold,whichexplainedwhyitwassolight.Itwasinprettygoodshape,consideringitwasmorethantwothousandyearsold,hadbeenpillagedfromAthens,totedtoRome,andsecretlystoredinaspider’scavernformostofthepasttwomillennia.Magicmust’vekeptitintact,Leofigured,combinedwithreallygoodcraftsmanship.

Annabethhadsaid…well,hetriednottothinkaboutAnnabeth.HestillfeltguiltyaboutherandPercyfallingintoTartarus.Leoknewitwashisfault.HeshouldhavegotteneveryonesafelyonboardtheArgoIIbeforehestartedsecuringthestatue.Heshouldhaverealizedthecavernfloorwasunstable.

Still,mopingaroundwasn’tgoingtogetPercyandAnnabethback.Hehadtoconcentrate

onfixingtheproblemshecouldfix.

Anyway,AnnabethhadsaidthestatuewasthekeytodefeatingGaea.ItcouldhealtheriftbetweenGreekandRomandemigods.Leofiguredtherehadtobemoretoitthanjustsymbolism.

MaybeAthena’seyesshotlasers,orthesnakebehindhershieldcouldspitpoison.OrmaybethesmallerfigureofNikecametolifeandbustedoutsomeninjamoves.

Leocouldthinkofallkindsoffunthingsthestatuemightdoifhehaddesignedit,butthemoreheexaminedit,themorefrustratedhegot.TheAthenaParthenosradiatedmagic.Evenhecouldfeelthat.Butitdidn’tseemtodoanythingexceptlookimpressive.

Theshipcareenedtooneside,takingevasivemaneuvers.Leoresistedtheurgetoruntothehelm.

Jason,Piper,andFrankwereondutywithHazelnow.Theycouldhandlewhateverwasgoingon.

Besides,Hazelhadinsistedontakingthewheeltoguidethemthroughthesecretpassthatthemagicgoddesshadtoldherabout.

LeohopedHazelwasrightaboutthelongdetournorth.Hedidn’ttrustthisHecatelady.Hedidn’tseewhysuchacreepygoddesswouldsuddenlydecidetobehelpful.

Ofcourse,hedidn’ttrustmagicingeneral.That’swhyhewashavingsomuchtroublewiththeAthenaParthenos.Ithadnomovingparts.Whateveritdid,itapparentlyoperatedonpuresorcery…

andLeodidn’tappreciatethat.Hewantedittomakesense,likeamachine.

Finallyhegottooexhaustedtothinkstraight.Hecurledupwithablanketintheengineroomandlistenedtothesoothinghumofthegenerators.Bufordthemechanicaltablesatinthecorneronsleepmode,makinglittlesteamysnores:Shhh,pfft,shh,pfft.

Leolikedhisquartersokay,buthefeltsafesthereintheheartoftheship—inaroomfilledwithmechanismsheknewhowtocontrol.Besides,maybeifhespentmoretimeclosetotheAthenaParthenos,hewouldeventuallysoakinitssecrets.

“It’syouorme,BigLady,”hemurmuredashepulledtheblanketuptohischin.“You’regonnacooperateeventually.”

Heclosedhiseyesandslept.Unfortunately,thatmeantdreams.

Hewasrunningforhislifethroughhismother’soldworkshop,whereshe’ddiedinafirewhenLeowaseight.

Hewasn’tsurewhatwaschasinghim,buthesenseditclosingfast—somethinglargeanddarkandfullofhate.

Hestumbledintoworkbenches,knockedovertoolboxes,andtrippedonelectricalcords.Hespottedtheexitandsprintedtowardit,butafigureloomedinfrontofhim—awomaninrobesofdryswirlingearth,herfacecoveredinaveilofdust.

Whereareyougoing,littlehero?Gaeaasked.Stay,andmeetmyfavoriteson.

Leodartedtotheleft,buttheEarthGoddess’slaughterfollowedhim.

Thenightyourmotherdied,Iwarnedyou.IsaidtheFateswouldnotallowmetokillyouthen.

Butnowyouhavechosenyourpath.Yourdeathisnear,LeoValdez.

Heranintoadraftingtable—hismother’soldworkstation.ThewallbehinditwasdecoratedwithLeo’scrayondrawings.Hesobbedindesperationandturned,butthethingpursuinghimnowstoodinhispath—acolossalbeingwrappedinshadows,itsshapevaguelyhumanoid,itsheadalmostscrapingtheceilingtwentyfeetabove.

Leo’shandsburstintoflame.Heblastedthegiant,butthedarknessconsumedhisfire.Leoreachedforhistoolbelt.Thepocketsweresewnshut.Hetriedtospeak—tosayanythingthatwouldsavehislife—buthecouldn’tmakeasound,asiftheairhadbeenstolenfromhislungs.

Mysonwillnotallowanyfirestonight,Gaeasaidfromthedepthsofthewarehouse.Heisthevoidthatconsumesallmagic,thecoldthatconsumesallfire,thesilencethatconsumesallspeech.

Leowantedtoshout:AndI’mthedudethat’salloutofhere!

Hisvoicedidn’twork,soheusedhisfeet.Hedashedtotheright,duckingundertheshadowygiant’sgraspinghands,andburstthroughthenearestdoorway.

Suddenly,hefoundhimselfatCampHalf-Blood,exceptthecampwasinruins.Thecabinswerecharredhusks.Burnedfieldssmolderedinthemoonlight.Thediningpavilionhadcollapsedintoapileofwhiterubble,andtheBigHousewasonfire,itswindowsglowinglikedemoneyes.

Leokeptrunning,suretheshadowgiantwasstillbehindhim.

HewovearoundthebodiesofGreekandRomandemigods.Hewantedtocheckiftheywerealive.Hewantedtohelpthem.Butsomehowheknewhewasrunningoutoftime.

Hejoggedtowardtheonlylivingpeoplehesaw—agroupofRomansstandingatthevolleyballpit.Twocenturionsleanedcasuallyontheirjavelins,chattingwithatallskinnyblondguyinapurpletoga.Leostumbled.ItwasthatfreakOctavian,theaugurfromCampJupiter,whowasalwaysscreamingforwar.

Octavianturnedtofacehim,butheseemedtobeinatrance.Hisfeatureswereslack,hiseyesclosed.Whenhespoke,itwasinGaea’svoice:Thiscannotbeprevented.TheRomansmoveeastfromNewYork.Theyadvanceonyourcamp,andnothingcanslowthemdown.

LeowastemptedtopunchOctavianintheface.Insteadhekeptrunning.

HeclimbedHalf-BloodHill.Atthesummit,lightninghadsplinteredthegiantpinetree.

Hefalteredtoastop.Thebackofthehillwasshornaway.Beyondit,theentireworldwasgone.

Leosawnothingbutcloudsfarbelow—arollingsilvercarpetunderthedarksky.

Asharpvoicesaid,“Well?”

Leoflinched.

Attheshatteredpinetree,awomankneltatacaveentrancethathadcrackedopenbetweenthetree’sroots.

Thewomanwasn’tGaea.ShelookedmorelikealivingAthenaParthenos,withthesamegoldenrobesandbareivoryarms.Whensherose,Leoalmoststumbledofftheedgeoftheworld.

Herfacewasregallybeautiful,withhighcheekbones,largedarkeyes,andbraidedlicorice-coloredhairpiledinafancyGreekhairdo,setwithaspiralofemeraldsanddiamondssothatitremindedLeoofaChristmastree.Herexpressionradiatedpurehatred.Herlipcurled.Hernosewrinkled.

“Thetinkerergod’schild,”shesneered.“Youarenothreat,butIsupposemyvengeancemuststartsomewhere.Makeyourchoice.”

Leotriedtospeak,buthewasabouttocrawloutofhisskinwithpanic.Betweenthishatequeenandthegiantchasinghim,hehadnoideawhattodo.

“He’llbeheresoon,”thewomanwarned.“Mydarkfriendwillnotgiveyoutheluxuryofachoice.It’stheclifforthecave,boy!”

SuddenlyLeounderstoodwhatshemeant.Hewascornered.Hecouldjumpoffthecliff,butthatwassuicide.Eveniftherewaslandunderthoseclouds,hewoulddieinthefall,ormaybehewouldjustkeepfallingforever.

Butthecave…Hestaredatthedarkopeningbetweenthetreeroots.Itsmelledofrotanddeath.

Heheardbodiesshufflinginside,voiceswhisperingintheshadows.

Thecavewasthehomeofthedead.Ifhewentdownthere,hewouldnevercomeback.

“Yes,”thewomansaid.Aroundherneckhungastrangebronze-and-emeraldpendant,likeacircularlabyrinth.Hereyesweresoangry,Leofinallyunderstoodwhymadwasawordforcrazy.Thisladyhadbeendrivennutsbyhatred.“TheHouseofHadesawaits.Youwillbethefirstpunyrodenttodieinmymaze.Youhaveonlyonechancetoescape,LeoValdez.Takeit.”Shegesturedtowardthecliff.

“You’rebonkers,”hemanaged.

Thatwasthewrongthingtosay.Sheseizedhiswrist.“PerhapsIshouldkillyounow,beforemydarkfriendarrives?”

Stepsshookthehillside.Thegiantwascoming,wrappedinshadows,hugeandheavyandbentonmurder.

“Haveyouheardofdyinginadream,boy?”thewomanasked.“Itispossible,atthehandsofasorceress!”

Leo’sarmstartedtosmoke.Thewoman’stouchwasacid.Hetriedtofreehimself,buthergripwaslikesteel.

Heopenedhismouthtoscream.Themassiveshapeofthegiantloomedoverhim,obscuredbylayersofblacksmoke.

Thegiantraisedhisfist,andavoicecutthroughthedream.

“Leo!”Jasonwasshakinghisshoulder.“Hey,man,whyareyouhuggingNike?”Leo’seyesflutteredopen.Hisarmswerewrappedaroundthehuman-sizedstatueinAthena’shand.Hemusthavebeenthrashinginhissleep.Heclungtothevictorygoddesslikeheusedtoclingtohispillowwhenhehadnightmaresasakid.(Man,thathadbeensoembarrassinginthefosterhomes.)

Hedisentangledhimselfandsatup,rubbinghisface.

“Nothing,”hemuttered.“Wewerejustcuddling.Um,what’sgoingon?”Jasondidn’tteasehim.That’sonethingLeoappreciatedabouthisfriend.Jason’sice-blueeyeswerelevelandserious.Thelittlescaronhismouthtwitchedlikeitalwaysdidwhenhehadbadnewstoshare.

“Wemadeitthroughthemountains,”hesaid.“We’realmosttoBologna.Youshouldjoinusinthemesshall.Nicohasnewinformation.”

LEOHADDESIGNEDthemesshall’swallstoshowreal-timescenesfromCampHalf-Blood.Atfirsthehadthoughtthatwasaprettyawesomeidea.Nowhewasn’tsosure.

Thescenesfrombackhome—thecampfiresing-alongs,dinnersatthepavilion,volleyballgamesoutsidetheBigHouse—justseemedtomakehisfriendssad.ThefarthertheygotfromLongIsland,theworseitgot.Thetimezoneskeptchanging,makingLeofeelthedistanceeverytimehelookedatthewalls.HereinItalythesunhadjustcomeup.BackatCampHalf-Blooditwasthemiddleofthenight.Torchessputteredatthecabindoorways.MoonlightglitteredonthewavesofLongIslandSound.Thebeachwascoveredinfootprints,asifabigcrowdhadjustleft.

Withastart,Leorealizedthatyesterday—lastnight,whatever—hadbeentheFourthofJuly.

They’dmissedCampHalf-Blood’sannualpartyatthebeachwithawesomefireworkspreparedbyLeo’ssiblingsinCabinNine.

Hedecidednottomentionthattothecrew,buthehopedtheirbuddiesbackhomehadhadagoodcelebration.Theyneededsomethingtokeeptheirspiritsup,too.

Herememberedtheimageshe’dseeninhisdream—thecampinruins,litteredwithbodies;Octavianstandingatthevolleyballpit,casuallytalkinginGaea’svoice.

Hestareddownathiseggsandbacon.Hewishedhecouldturnoffthewallvideos.

“So,”Jasonsaid,“nowthatwe’rehere…”

Hesatattheheadofthetable,kindofbydefault.Sincethey’dlostAnnabeth,Jasonhaddonehisbesttoactasthegroup’sleader.HavingbeenpraetorbackatCampJupiter,hewasprobablyusedtothat;butLeocouldtellhisfriendwasstressed.Hiseyesweremoresunkenthanusual.Hisblondhairwasuncharacteristicallymessy,likehe’dforgottentocombit.

Leoglancedattheothersaroundthetable.Hazelwasbleary-eyed,too,butofcourseshe’dbeenupallnightguidingtheshipthroughthemountains.Hercurlycinnamon-coloredhairwastiedbackinabandana,whichgaveheracommandolookthatLeofoundkindofhot—andthenimmediatelyfeltguiltyabout.

NexttohersatherboyfriendFrankZhang,dressedinblackworkoutpantsandaRomantouristT-shirtthatsaidCIAO!(wasthatevenaword?).Frank’soldcenturionbadgewaspinnedtohisshirt,despitethefactthatthedemigodsoftheArgoIIwerenowPublicEnemiesNumbers1through7backatCampJupiter.Hisgrimexpressionjustreinforcedhisunfortunateresemblancetoasumowrestler.

ThentherewasHazel’shalfbrother,NicodiAngelo.Dang,thatkidgaveLeothefreaky-deakies.Hesatbackinhisleatheraviatorjacket,hisblackT-shirtandjeans,thatwickedsilverskullringonhisfinger,andtheStygianswordathisside.Histuftsofblackhairstuckupincurlslikebabybatwings.

Hiseyesweresadandkindofempty,asifhe’dstaredintothedepthsofTartarus—whichhehad.

TheonlyabsentdemigodwasPiper,whowastakingherturnatthehelmwithCoachHedge,theirsatyrchaperone.

LeowishedPiperwerehere.ShehadawayofcalmingthingsdownwiththatAphroditecharmofhers.Afterhisdreamslastnight,Leocouldusesomecalm.

Ontheotherhand,itwasprobablygoodshewasabovedeckchaperoningtheirchaperone.Nowthattheywereintheancientlands,theyhadtobeconstantlyonguard.LeowasnervousaboutlettingCoachHedgeflysolo.Thesatyrwasalittletrigger-happy,andthehelmhadplentyofbright,dangerousbuttonsthatcouldcausethepicturesqueItalianvillagesbelowthemtogoBOOM!

Leohadzonedoutsototallyhedidn’trealizeJasonwasstilltalking.

“—theHouseofHades,”hewassaying.“Nico?”

Nicosatforward.“Icommunedwiththedeadlastnight.”

Hejusttossedthatlineoutthere,likehewassayinghegotatextfromabuddy.

“Iwasabletolearnmoreaboutwhatwe’llface,”Nicocontinued.“Inancienttimes,theHouseofHadeswasamajorsiteforGreekpilgrims.Theywouldcometospeakwiththedeadandhonortheirancestors.”

Leofrowned.“SoundslikeDíadelosMuertos.MyAuntRosatookthatstuffseriously.”HerememberedbeingdraggedbyhertothelocalcemeteryinHouston,wherethey’dcleanuptheirrelatives’gravesitesandputoutofferingsoflemonade,cookies,andfreshmarigolds.AuntRosawouldforceLeotostayforapicnic,asifhangingoutwithdeadpeopleweregoodforhisappetite.

Frankgrunted.“Chinesehavethat,too—ancestorworship,sweepingthegravesinthespringtime.”HeglancedatLeo.“YourAuntRosawould’vegottenalongwithmygrandmother.”LeohadaterrifyingimageofhisAuntRosaandsomeoldChinesewomaninwrestlers’outfits,whalingoneachotherwithspikedclubs.

“Yeah,”Leosaid.“I’msuretheywould’vebeenbestbuds.”Nicoclearedhisthroat.“Alotofcultureshaveseasonaltraditionstohonorthedead,buttheHouseofHadeswasopenyear-round.Pilgrimscouldactuallyspeaktotheghosts.InGreek,theplacewascalledtheNecromanteion,theOracleofDeath.You’dworkyourwaythroughdifferentlevelsoftunnels,leavingofferingsanddrinkingspecialpotions—”

“Specialpotions,”Leomuttered.“Yum.”

Jasonflashedhimalooklike,Dude,enough.“Nico,goon.”

“ThepilgrimsbelievedthateachlevelofthetemplebroughtyouclosertotheUnderworld,untilthedeadwouldappearbeforeyou.Iftheywerepleasedwithyourofferings,theywouldansweryourquestions,maybeeventellyouthefuture.”

Franktappedhismugofhotchocolate.“Andifthespiritsweren’tpleased?”

“Somepilgrimsfoundnothing,”Nicosaid.“Somewentinsane,ordiedafterleavingthetemple.

Otherslosttheirwayinthetunnelsandwereneverseenagain.”

“Thepointis,”Jasonsaidquickly,“Nicofoundsomeinformationthatmighthelpus.”

“Yeah.”Nicodidn’tsoundveryenthusiastic.“TheghostIspoketolastnight…hewasaformerpriestofHecate.HeconfirmedwhatthegoddesstoldHazelyesterdayatthecrossroads.Inthefirstwarwiththegiants,Hecatefoughtforthegods.Sheslewoneofthegiants—onewho’dbeendesignedastheanti-Hecate.AguynamedClytius.”

“Darkdude,”Leoguessed.“Wrappedinshadows.”

Hazelturnedtowardhim,hergoldeyesnarrowing.“Leo,howdidyouknowthat?”

“Kindofhadadream.”

Noonelookedsurprised.Mostdemigodshadvividnightmaresaboutwhatwasgoingonintheworld.

HisfriendspaidcloseattentionasLeoexplained.HetriednottolookatthewallimagesofCampHalf-Bloodashedescribedtheplaceinruins.Hetoldthemaboutthedarkgiant,andthestrangewomanonHalf-BloodHill,offeringhimamultiple-choicedeath.

Jasonpushedawayhisplateofpancakes.“SothegiantisClytius.Isupposehe’llbewaitingforus,guardingtheDoorsofDeath.”

Frankrolleduponeofthepancakesandstartedmunching—notaguytoletimpendingdeathstandinthewayofaheartybreakfast.“AndthewomaninLeo’sdream?”

“She’smyproblem.”Hazelpassedadiamondbetweenherfingersinasleightofhand.“HecatementionedaformidableenemyintheHouseofHades—awitchwhocouldn’tbedefeatedexceptbyme,usingmagic.”

“Doyouknowmagic?”Leoasked.

“Notyet.”

“Ah.”Hetriedtothinkofsomethinghopefultosay,butherecalledtheangrywoman’seyes,thewayhersteelygripmadehisskinsmoke.“Anyideawhosheis?”Hazelshookherhead.“Onlythat…”SheglancedatNico,andsomesortofsilentargumenthappenedbetweenthem.LeogotthefeelingthatthetwoofthemhadhadprivateconversationsabouttheHouseofHades,andtheyweren’tsharingallthedetails.“Onlythatshewon’tbeeasytodefeat.”

“Butthereissomegoodnews,”Nicosaid.“TheghostItalkedtoexplainedhowHecatedefeatedClytiusinthefirstwar.Sheusedhertorchestosethishaironfire.Heburnedtodeath.Inotherwords,fireishisweakness.”

EverybodylookedatLeo.

“Oh,”hesaid.“Okay.”

Jasonnoddedencouragingly,likethiswasgreatnews—likeheexpectedLeotowalkuptoatoweringmassofdarkness,shootafewfireballs,andsolvealltheirproblems.Leodidn’twanttobringhimdown,buthecouldstillhearGaea’svoice:Heisthevoidthatconsumesallmagic,thecoldthatconsumesallfire,thesilencethatconsumesallspeech.

Leowasprettysureitwouldtakemorethanafewmatchestosetthatgiantablaze.

“It’sagoodlead,”Jasoninsisted.“Atleastweknowhowtokillthegiant.Andthissorceress…

well,ifHecatebelievesHazelcandefeather,thensodoI.”Hazeldroppedhereyes.“NowwejusthavetoreachtheHouseofHades,battleourwaythroughGaea’sforces—”

“Plusabunchofghosts,”Nicoaddedgrimly.“Thespiritsinthattemplemaynotbefriendly.”

“—andfindtheDoorsofDeath,”Hazelcontinued.“AssumingwecansomehowarriveatthesametimeasPercyandAnnabethandrescuethem.”

Frankswallowedabiteofpancake.“Wecandoit.Wehaveto.”Leoadmiredthebigguy’soptimism.Hewishedhesharedit.

“So,withthisdetour,”Leosaid,“I’mestimatingfourorfivedaystoarriveatEpirus,assumingnodelaysfor,youknow,monsterattacksandstuff.”

Jasonsmiledsourly.“Yeah.Thoseneverhappen.”

LeolookedatHazel.“HecatetoldyouthatGaeawasplanningherbigWakeUppartyonAugustfirst,right?TheFeastofWhatever?”

“Spes,”Hazelsaid.“Thegoddessofhope.”

Jasonturnedhisfork.“Theoretically,thatleavesusenoughtime.It’sonlyJulyfifth.WeshouldbeabletoclosetheDoorsofDeath,thenfindthegiants’HQandstopthemfromwakingGaeabeforeAugustfirst.”

“Theoretically,”Hazelagreed.“ButI’dstillliketoknowhowwemakeourwaythroughtheHouseofHadeswithoutgoinginsaneordying.”

Nobodyvolunteeredanyideas.

Franksetdownhispancakerolllikeitsuddenlydidn’ttastesogood.“It’sJulyfifth.Oh,jeez,Ihadn’teventhoughtofthat.…”

“Hey,man,it’scool,”Leosaid.“You’reCanadian,right?Ididn’texpectyoutogetmeanIndependenceDaypresentoranything…unlessyouwantedto.”

“It’snotthat.Mygrandmother…shealwaystoldmethatsevenwasanunluckynumber.Itwasaghostnumber.Shedidn’tlikeitwhenItoldhertherewouldbesevendemigodsonourquest.AndJulyistheseventhmonth.”

“Yeah,but…”Leotappedhisfingersnervouslyonthetable.HerealizedhewasdoingtheMorsecodeforIloveyou,thewayheusedtodowithhismom,whichwouldhavebeenprettyembarrassingifhisfriendsunderstoodMorsecode.“Butthat’sjustcoincidence,right?”Frank’sexpressiondidn’treassurehim.

“BackinChina,”Franksaid,“intheolddays,peoplecalledtheseventhmonththeghostmonth.

That’swhenthespiritworldandthehumanworldwereclosest.Thelivingandthedeadcouldgobackandforth.Tellmeit’sacoincidencewe’researchingfortheDoorsofDeathduringtheghostmonth.”Noonespoke.

LeowantedtothinkthatanoldChinesebeliefcouldn’thaveanythingtodowiththeRomansandtheGreeks.Totallydifferent,right?ButFrank’sexistencewasproofthattheculturesweretiedtogether.TheZhangfamilywentallthewaybacktoAncientGreece.They’dfoundtheirwaythroughRomeandChinaandfinallytoCanada.

Also,LeokeptthinkingabouthismeetingwiththerevengegoddessNemesisattheGreatSaltLake.Nemesishadcalledhimtheseventhwheel,theoddmanoutonthequest.Shedidn’tmeanseventhasinghost,didshe?

Jasonpressedhishandsagainstthearmsofhischair.“Let’sfocusonthethingswecandealwith.

We’regettingclosetoBologna.Maybewe’llgetmoreanswersoncewefindthesedwarfsthatHecate

—”

Theshiplurchedasifithadhitaniceberg.Leo’sbreakfastplateslidacrossthetable.Nicofellbackwardoutofhischairandbangedhisheadagainstthesideboard.Hecollapsedon

thefloor,withadozenmagicgobletsandplatterscrashingdownontopofhim.

“Nico!”Hazelrantohelphim.

“What—?”Franktriedtostand,buttheshippitchedintheotherdirection.Hestumbledintothetableandwentface-firstintoLeo’splateofscrambledeggs.

“Look!”Jasonpointedatthewalls.TheimagesofCampHalf-Bloodwereflickeringandchanging.

“Notpossible,”Leomurmured.

Nowaythoseenchantmentscouldshowanythingotherthanscenesfromcamp,butsuddenlyahuge,distortedfacefilledtheentireport-sidewall:crookedyellowteeth,ascragglyredbeard,awartynose,andtwomismatchedeyes—onemuchlargerandhigherthantheother.Thefaceseemedtobetryingtoeatitswayintotheroom.

Theotherwallsflickered,showingscenesfromabovedeck.Piperstoodatthehelm,butsomethingwaswrong.Fromtheshouldersdownshewaswrappedinducttape,hermouthgaggedandherlegsboundtothecontrolconsole.

Atthemainmast,CoachHedgewassimilarlyboundandgagged,whileabizarre-lookingcreature

—asortofgnome/chimpanzeecombowithpoorfashionsense—dancedaroundhim,doingthecoach’shairintinypigtailswithpinkrubberbands.

Ontheport-sidewall,thehugeuglyfacerecededsothatLeocouldseetheentirecreature—

anothergnomechimp,inevencrazierclothes.Thisonebeganleapingaroundthedeck,stuffingthingsinaburlapbag—Piper’sdagger,Leo’sWiicontrollers.ThenhepriedtheArchimedessphereoutofthecommandconsole.

“No!”Leoyelled.

“Uhhh,”Nicogroanedfromthefloor.

“Piper!”Jasoncried.

“Monkey!”Frankyelled.

“Notmonkeys,”Hazelgrumbled.“Ithinkthosearedwarfs.”

“Stealingmystuff!”Leoyelled,andheranforthestairs.

LEOWASVAGUELYAWAREOFHAZELSHOUTING,“Go!I’lltakecareofNico!”AsifLeowasgoingtoturnback.Sure,hehopeddiAngelowasokay,buthehadheadachesofhisown.

Leoboundedupthesteps,withJasonandFrankbehindhim.

Thesituationondeckwasevenworsethanhe’dfeared.

CoachHedgeandPiperwerestrugglingagainsttheirducttapebondswhileoneofthedemonmonkeydwarfsdancedaroundthedeck,pickingupwhateverwasn’ttieddownandstickingitinhisbag.Hewasmaybefourfeettall,evenshorterthanCoachHedge,withbowedlegsandchimp-likefeet,hisclothessoloudtheygaveLeovertigo.Hisgreen-plaidpantswerepinnedatthecuffs,andheldupwithbright-redsuspendersoverastripedpink-and-blackwoman’sblouse.Heworehalfadozengoldwatchesoneacharm,andazebra-patternedcowboyhatwithapricetagdanglingfromthebrim.Hisskinwascoveredwithpatchesofscragglyredfur,thoughninetypercentofhisbodyhairseemedtobeconcentratedinhismagnificenteyebrows.

LeowasjustformingthethoughtWhere’stheotherdwarf?whenheheardaclickbehindhimandrealizedhe’dledhisfriendsintoatrap.

“Duck!”Hehitthedeckastheexplosionblastedhiseardrums.

Notetoself,Leothoughtgroggily.Donotleaveboxesofmagicgrenadeswheredwarfscanreachthem.

Atleasthewasalive.LeohadbeenexperimentingwithallsortsofweaponsbasedontheArchimedesspherethathe’drecoveredinRome.He’dbuiltgrenadesthatcouldsprayacid,fire,shrapnel,orfreshlybutteredpopcorn.(Hey,youneverknewwhenyou’dgethungryinbattle.)JudgingfromtheringinginLeo’sears,thedwarfhaddetonatedtheflash-banggrenade,whichLeohadfilledwithararevialofApollo’smusic,pureliquidextract.Itdidn’tkill,butitleftLeofeelinglikehe’djustdoneabellyflopoffthedeepend.

Hetriedtogetup.Hislimbswereuseless.Someonewastuggingathiswaist,maybeafriendtryingtohelphimup?No.Hisfriendsdidn’tsmelllikeheavilyperfumedmonkeycages.

Hemanagedtoturnover.Hisvisionwasoutoffocusandtintedpink,liketheworldhadbeensubmergedinstrawberryjelly.Agrinning,grotesquefaceloomedoverhim.Thebrown-furreddwarfwasdressedevenworsethanhisfriend,inagreenbowlerhatlikealeprechaun’s,danglydiamondearrings,andawhite-and-blackreferee’sshirt.Heshowedofftheprizehe’djuststolen—Leo’stoolbelt—thendancedaway.

Leotriedtograbhim,buthisfingerswerenumb.Thedwarffrolickedovertothenearestballista,whichhisred-furredfriendwasprimingtolaunch.

Thebrown-furreddwarfjumpedontotheprojectilelikeitwasaskateboard,andhisfriendshothimintothesky.

RedFurprancedovertoCoachHedge.Hegavethesatyrabigsmackonthecheek,thenskippedtotherail.HebowedtoLeo,doffinghiszebracowboyhat,anddidabackflipovertheside.

Leomanagedtogetup.Jasonwasalreadyonhisfeet,stumblingandrunningintothings.Frankhadturnedintoasilverbackgorilla(why,Leowasn’tsure;maybetocommunewiththemonkeydwarfs?)buttheflashgrenadehadhithimhard.Hewassprawledonthedeckwithhistonguehangingoutandhisgorillaeyesrolledupinhishead.

“Piper!”Jasonstaggeredtothehelmandcarefullypulledthegagoutofhermouth.

“Don’twasteyourtimeonme!”shesaid.“Goafterthem!”Atthemast,CoachHedgemumbled,“HHHmmmmm-hmmm!”

Leofiguredthatmeant:“KILLTHEM!”Easytranslation,sincemostofthecoach’ssentencesinvolvedthewordkill.

Leoglancedatthecontrolconsole.HisArchimedesspherewasgone.Heputhishandtohiswaist,wherehistoolbeltshouldhavebeen.Hisheadstartedtoclear,andhissenseofoutragecametoaboil.Thosedwarfshadattackedhisship.They’dstolenhismostpreciouspossessions.

BelowhimspreadthecityofBologna—ajigsawpuzzleofred-tiledbuildingsinavalleyhemmedbygreenhills.UnlessLeocouldfindthedwarfssomewhereinthatmazeofstreets…Nope.Failurewasn’tanoption.Neitherwaswaitingforhisfriendstorecover.

HeturnedtoJason.“Youfeelinggoodenoughtocontrolthewinds?Ineedalift.”Jasonfrowned.“Sure,but—”

“Good,”Leosaid.“We’vegotsomemonkeydudestocatch.”

JasonandLeotoucheddowninabigpiazzalinedwithwhitemarblegovernmentbuildingsandoutdoorcafés.BikesandVespascloggedthesurroundingstreets,butthesquareitselfwasemptyexceptforpigeonsandafewoldmendrinkingespresso.

NoneofthelocalsseemedtonoticethehugeGreekwarshiphoveringoverthepiazza,orthefactthatJasonandLeohadjustflowndown,Jasonwieldingagoldsword,andLeo…well,Leoprettymuchempty-handed.

“Whereto?”Jasonasked.

Leostaredathim.“Well,Idunno.Letmepullmydwarf-trackingGPSoutofmytoolbelt.…Oh,wait!Idon’thaveadwarf-trackingGPS—ormytoolbelt!”

“Fine,”Jasongrumbled.Heglancedupattheshipasiftogethisbearings,thenpointedacrossthepiazza.“Theballistafiredthefirstdwarfinthatdirection,Ithink.Comeon.”Theywadedthroughalakeofpigeons,thenmaneuvereddownasidestreetofclothingstoresandgelatoshops.Thesidewalkswerelinedwithwhitecolumnscoveredingraffiti.Afewpanhandlersaskedforchange(Leodidn’tknowItalian,buthegotthemessageloudandclear).

Hekeptpattinghiswaist,hopinghistoolbeltwouldmagicallyreappear.Itdidn’t.Hetriednottofreak,buthe’dcometodependonthatbeltforalmosteverything.Hefeltlikesomebodyhadstolenoneofhishands.

“We’llfindit,”Jasonpromised.

Usually,Leowouldhavefeltreassured.Jasonhadatalentforstayinglevelheadedinacrisis,andhe’dgottenLeooutofplentyofbadscrapes.Today,though,allLeocouldthinkaboutwasthestupidfortunecookiehehadopenedinRome.ThegoddessNemesishadpromisedhimhelp,andhe’dgottenit:thecodetoactivatetheArchimedessphere.Atthetime,Leohadhadnochoicebuttouseitifhewantedtosavehisfriends—butNemesishadwarnedthatherhelpcamewithaprice.

Leowonderedifthatpricewouldeverbepaid.PercyandAnnabethweregone.Theshipwashundredsofmilesoffcourse,headingtowardanimpossiblechallenge.Leo’sfriendswerecountingonhimtobeataterrifyinggiant.Andnowhedidn’tevenhavehistoolbeltorhisArchimedessphere.

Hewassoabsorbedwithfeelingsorryforhimselfthathedidn’tnoticewheretheywereuntilJasongrabbedhisarm.“Checkitout.”

Leolookedup.They’darrivedinasmallerpiazza.Loomingoverthemwasahugebronzestatueofabuck-nakedNeptune.

“Ah,jeez.”Leoavertedhiseyes.Hereallydidn’tneedtoseeagodlygrointhisearlyinthemorning.

Theseagodstoodonabigmarblecolumninthemiddleofafountainthatwasn’tworking(whichseemedkindofironic).OneithersideofNeptune,littlewingedCupiddudesweresitting,kindofchillin’,like,What’sup?Neptunehimself(avoidthegroin)wasthrowinghishiptoonesideinanElvisPresleymove.HegrippedhistridentlooselyinhisrighthandandstretchedhislefthandoutlikehewasblessingLeo,orpossiblyattemptingtolevitatehim.

“Somekindofclue?”Leowondered.

Jasonfrowned.“Maybe,maybenot.TherearestatuesofthegodsallovertheplaceinItaly.I’djustfeelbetterifweranacrossJupiter.OrMinerva.AnybodybutNeptune,really.”Leoclimbedintothedryfountain.Heputhishandonthestatue’spedestal,andarushofimpressionssurgedthroughhisfingertips.HesensedCelestialbronzegears,magicallevers,springs,andpistons.

“It’smechanical,”hesaid.“Maybeadoorwaytothedwarfs’secretlair?”

“Ooooo!”shriekedanearbyvoice.“Secretlair?”

“Iwantasecretlair!”yelledanothervoicefromabove.

Jasonsteppedback,hisswordready.Leoalmostgotwhiplashtryingtolookintwoplacesatonce.Thered-furreddwarfinthecowboyhatwassittingaboutthirtyfeetawayatthenearestcafétable,sippinganespressoheldbyhismonkey-likefoot.Thebrown-furreddwarfinthegreenbowlerwasperchedonthemarblepedestalatNeptune’sfeet,justaboveLeo’shead.

“Ifwehadasecretlair,”saidRedFur,“Iwouldwantafirehousepole.”

“Andawaterslide!”saidBrownFur,whowaspullingrandomtoolsoutofLeo’sbelt,tossingasidewrenches,hammers,andstapleguns.

“Stopthat!”Leotriedtograbthedwarf’sfeet,buthecouldn’treachthetopofthepedestal.

“Tooshort?”BrownFursympathized.

“You’recallingmeshort?”Leolookedaroundforsomethingtothrow,buttherewasnothingbutpigeons,andhedoubtedhecouldcatchone.“Givememybelt,youstupid—”

“Now,now!”saidBrownFur.“Wehaven’tevenintroducedourselves.I’mAkmon.Andmybrotheroverthere—”

“—isthehandsomeone!”Thered-furreddwarfliftedhisespresso.Judgingfromhisdilatedeyesandhismaniacalgrin,hedidn’tneedanymorecaffeine.“Passalos!Singerofsongs!Drinkerofcoffee!Stealerofshinystuff!”

“Please!”shriekedhisbrother,Akmon.“Istealmuchbetterthanyou.”Passalossnorted.“Stealingnaps,maybe!”Hetookoutaknife—Piper’sknife—andstartedpickinghisteethwithit.

“Hey!”Jasonyelled.“That’smygirlfriend’sknife!”

HelungedatPassalos,butthered-furreddwarfwastooquick.Hesprangfromhischair,bouncedoffJason’shead,didaflip,andlandednexttoLeo,hishairyarmsaroundLeo’swaist.

“Saveme?”thedwarfpleaded.

“Getoff!”Leotriedtoshovehimaway,butPassalosdidabackwardsomersaultandlandedoutofreach.Leo’spantspromptlyfellaroundhisknees.

HestaredatPassalos,whowasnowgrinningandholdingasmallzigzaggystripofmetal.

Somehow,thedwarfhadstolenthezipperrightoffLeo’spants.

“Give—stupid—zipper!”Leostuttered,tryingtoshakehisfistandhoistuphispantsatthesametime.

“Eh,notshinyenough.”Passalostosseditaway.

Jasonlungedwithhissword.Passaloslaunchedhimselfstraightupandwassuddenly

sittingonthestatue’spedestalnexttohisbrother.

“TellmeIdon’thavemoves,”Passalosboasted.

“Okay,”Akmonsaid.“Youdon’thavemoves.”

“Bah!”Passalossaid.“Givemethetoolbelt.Iwanttosee.”

“No!”Akmonelbowedhimaway.“Yougottheknifeandtheshinyball.”

“Yes,theshinyballisnice.”Passalostookoffhiscowboyhat.Likeamagicianproducingarabbit,hepulledouttheArchimedessphereandbegantinkeringwiththeancientbronzedials.

“Stop!”Leoyelled.“That’sadelicatemachine.”

Jasoncametohissideandglaredupatthedwarfs.“Whoareyoutwo,anyway?”

“TheKerkopes!”AkmonnarrowedhiseyesatJason.“Ibetyou’reasonofJupiter,eh?Icanalwaystell.”

“JustlikeBlackBottom,”Passalosagreed.

“BlackBottom?”Leoresistedtheurgetojumpatthedwarfs’feetagain.HewassurePassaloswasgoingtoruintheArchimedessphereanysecondnow.

“Yes,youknow.”Akmongrinned.“Hercules.WecalledhimBlackBottombecauseheusedtogoaroundwithoutclothes.Hegotsotanthathisbackside,well—”

“Atleasthehadasenseofhumor!”Passalossaid.“Hewasgoingtokilluswhenwestolefromhim,butheletusgobecausehelikedourjokes.Notlikeyoutwo.Grumpy,grumpy!”

“Hey,I’vegotasenseofhumor,”Leosnarled.“Givemebackourstuff,andI’lltellyouajokewithagoodpunchline.”

“Nicetry!”Akmonpulledaratchetwrenchfromthetoolbeltandspunitlikeanoisemaker.“Oh,verynice!I’mdefinitelykeepingthis!Thanks,BlueBottom!”BlueBottom?

Leoglanceddown.Hispantshadslippedaroundhisanklesagain,revealinghisblueundershorts.

“That’sit!”heshouted.“Mystuff.Now.OrI’llshowyouhowfunnyaflamingdwarfis.”Hishandscaughtfire.

“Nowwe’retalking.”Jasonthrusthisswordintothesky.Darkcloudsbegantogatheroverthepiazza.Thunderboomed.

“Oh,scary!”Akmonshrieked.

“Yes,”Passalosagreed.“Ifonlywehadasecretlairtohidein.”

“Alas,thisstatueisn’tthedoorwaytoasecretlair,”Akmonsaid.“Ithasadifferentpurpose.”Leo’sguttwisted.Thefiresdiedinhishands,andherealizedsomethingwasverywrong.Heyelled,“Trap!”anddoveoutofthefountain.Unfortunately,Jasonwastoobusysummoninghisstorm.

LeorolledonhisbackasfivegoldencordsshotfromtheNeptunestatue’sfingers.OnebarelymissedLeo’sfeet.TheresthomedinonJason,wrappinghimlikearodeocalfandyankinghimupsidedown.

AboltoflightningblastedthetinesofNeptune’strident,sendingarcsofelectricityupanddownthestatue,buttheKerkopeshadalreadydisappeared.

“Bravo!”Akmonapplaudedfromanearbycafétable.“Youmakeawonderfulpiñata,sonofJupiter!”

“Yes!”Passalosagreed.“Herculeshungusupsidedownonce,youknow.Oh,revengeissweet!”Leosummonedafireball.HelobbeditatPassalos,whowastryingtojuggletwopigeonsandtheArchimedessphere.

“Eek!”Thedwarfjumpedfreeoftheexplosion,droppingthesphereandlettingthepigeonsfly.

“Timetoleave!”Akmondecided.

Hetippedhisbowlerandsprangaway,jumpingfromtabletotable.PassalosglancedattheArchimedessphere,whichhadrolledbetweenLeo’sfeet.

Leosummonedanotherfireball.“Tryme,”hesnarled.

“Bye!”Passalosdidabackflipandranafterhisbrother.

LeoscoopeduptheArchimedessphereandranovertoJason,whowasstillhangingupsidedown,thoroughlyhog-tiedexceptforhisswordarm.Hewastryingtocutthecordswithhisgoldbladebuthavingnoluck.

“Holdon,”Leosaid.“IfIcanfindareleaseswitch—”

“Justgo!”Jasongrowled.“I’llfollowyouwhenIgetoutofthis.”

“But—”

“Don’tlosethem!”

ThelastthingLeowantedwassomealonetimewiththemonkeydwarfs,buttheKerkopeswerealreadydisappearingaroundthefarcornerofthepiazza.LeoleftJasonhangingandranafterthem.

THEDWARFSDIDN’TTRYVERYHARDTOLOSEHIM,whichmadeLeosuspicious.Theystayedjustattheedgeofhisvision,scamperingoverred-tiledrooftops,knockingoverwindowboxes,whoopingandholleringandleavingatrailofscrewsandnailsfromLeo’stoolbelt—almostasiftheywantedLeotofollow.

Hejoggedafterthem,cursingeverytimehispantsfelldown.Heturnedacornerandsawtwoancientstonetowersjuttingintothesky,sidebyside,muchtallerthananythingelseintheneighborhood—maybemedievalwatchtowers?Theyleanedindifferentdirectionslikegearshiftsonaracecar.

TheKerkopesscaledthetowerontheright.Whentheyreachedthetop,theyclimbedaroundthebackanddisappeared.

Hadtheygoneinside?Leocouldseesometinywindowsatthetop,coveredwithmetalgrates;buthedoubtedthosewouldstopthedwarfs.Hewatchedforaminute,buttheKerkopesdidn’treappear.WhichmeantLeohadtogetupthereandlookforthem.

“Great,”hemuttered.Noflyingfriendtocarryhimup.Theshipwastoofarawaytocallforhelp.

Hecouldjury-rigtheArchimedessphereintosomesortofflyingdevice,maybe,butonlyifhehadhistoolbelt—whichhedidn’t.Hescannedtheneighborhood,tryingtothink.Halfablockdown,asetofdoubleglassdoorsopenedandanoldladyhobbledout,carryingplasticshoppingbags.

Agrocerystore?Hmm…

Leopattedhispockets.Tohisamazement,hestillhadsomeeuronotesfromhistimeinRome.

Thosestupiddwarfshadtakeneverythingexcepthismoney.

Heranforthestoreasfastashiszipperlesspantsallowed.

Leoscouredtheaisles,lookingforthingshecoulduse.Hedidn’tknowtheItalianfor

Hello,whereareyourdangerouschemicals,please?Butthatwasprobablyjustaswell.Hedidn’twanttoendupinanItalianjail.

Fortunately,hedidn’tneedtoreadlabels.Hecouldtelljustfrompickingupatoothpastetubewhetheritcontainedpotassiumnitrate.Hefoundcharcoal.Hefoundsugarandbakingsoda.Thestoresoldmatches,andbugspray,andaluminumfoil.Prettymucheverythingheneeded,plusalaundrycordhecoulduseasabelt.HeaddedsomeItalianjunkfoodtothebasket,justtosortofdisguisehismoresuspiciouspurchases,thendumpedhisstuffattheregister.Awide-eyedcheckoutladyaskedhimsomequestionshedidn’tunderstand,buthemanagedtopay,getabag,andraceout.

Heduckedintothenearestdoorwaywherehecouldkeepaneyeonthetowers.Hestartedtowork,summoningfiretodryoutmaterialsanddoalittlecookingthatotherwisewouldhavetakendaystocomplete.

Everyonceinawhilehesneakedalookatthetower,buttherewasnosignofthedwarfs.Leocouldonlyhopetheywerestillupthere.Makinghisarsenaltookjustafewminutes—hewasthatgood—butitfeltlikehours.

Jasondidn’tshow.MaybehewasstilltangledattheNeptunefountain,orscouringthestreetslookingforLeo.Nooneelsefromtheshipcametohelp.ProbablyitwastakingthemalongtimetogetallthosepinkrubberbandsoutofCoachHedge’shair.

ThatmeantLeohadonlyhimself,hisbagofjunkfood,andafewhighlyimprovisedweaponsmadefromsugarandtoothpaste.Oh,andtheArchimedessphere.Thatwaskindofimportant.Hehopedhehadn’truineditbyfillingitwithchemicalpowder.

Herantothetowerandfoundtheentrance.Hestartedupthewindingstairsinside,onlytobestoppedataticketboothbysomecaretakerwhoyelledathiminItalian.

“Seriously?”Leoasked.“Look,man,you’vegotdwarfsinyourbelfry.I’mtheexterminator.”Hehelduphiscanofbugspray.“See?ExterminatorMoltoBuono.Squirt,squirt.Ahhh!”Hepantomimedadwarfmeltinginterror,whichforsomereasontheItaliandidn’tseemtounderstand.

Theguyjustheldouthispalmformoney.

“Dang,man,”Leogrumbled,“Ijustspentallmycashonhomemadeexplosivesandwhatnot.”Hedugaroundinhisgrocerybag.“Don’tsupposeyou’daccept…uh…whatevertheseare?”Leoheldupayellow-and-redbagofjunkfoodcalledFonzies.Heassumedtheyweresomekindofchips.Tohissurprise,thecaretakershruggedandtookthebag.“Avanti!”Leokeptclimbing,buthemadeamentalnotetostockuponFonzies.ApparentlytheywerebetterthancashinItaly.

Thestairswenton,andon,andon.Thewholetowerseemedtobenothingbutanexcusetobuildastaircase.

Hestoppedonalandingandslumpedagainstanarrowbarredwindow,tryingtocatchhisbreath.

Hewassweatinglikecrazy,andhisheartthumpedagainsthisribs.StupidKerkopes.Leofiguredthatassoonashereachedthetop,theywouldjumpawaybeforehecouldusehisweapons;buthehadtotry.

Hekeptclimbing.

Finally,hislegsfeelinglikeovercookednoodles,hereachedthesummit.

Theroomwasaboutthesizeofabroomcloset,withbarredwindowsonallfourwalls.Shovedinthecornersweresacksoftreasure,shinygoodiesspillingalloverthefloor.LeospottedPiper’sknife,anoldleather-boundbook,afewinteresting-lookingmechanicaldevices,andenoughgoldtogiveHazel’shorseastomachache.

Atfirst,hethoughtthedwarfshadleft.Thenhelookedup.AkmonandPassaloswerehangingupsidedownfromtheraftersbytheirchimpfeet,playingantigravitypoker.WhentheysawLeo,theythrewtheircardslikeconfettiandbrokeoutinapplause.

“Itoldyouhe’ddoit!”Akmonshriekedindelight.

Passalosshruggedandtookoffoneofhisgoldwatchesandhandedittohisbrother.“Youwin.Ididn’tthinkhewasthatdumb.”

Theybothdroppedtothefloor.AkmonwaswearingLeo’stoolbelt—hewassoclosethatLeohadtoresisttheurgetolungeforit.

Passalosstraightenedhiscowboyhatandkickedopenthegrateonthenearestwindow.“Whatshouldwemakehimclimbnext,brother?ThedomeofSanLuca?”Leowantedtothrottlethedwarfs,butheforcedasmile.“Oh,thatsoundsfun!Butbeforeyouguysgo,youforgotsomethingshiny.”

“Impossible!”Akmonscowled.“Wewereverythorough.”

“Yousure?”Leohelduphisgrocerybag.

Thedwarfsinchedcloser.AsLeohadhoped,theircuriositywassostrongthattheycouldn’tresist.

“Look.”Leobroughtouthisfirstweapon—alumpofdriedchemicalswrappedinaluminumfoil

—andlititwithhishand.

Heknewenoughtoturnawaywhenitpopped,butthedwarfswerestaringrightatit.Toothpaste,sugar,andbugsprayweren’tasgoodasApollo’smusic,buttheymadeforaprettydecentflash-bang.

TheKerkopeswailed,clawingattheireyes.Theystumbledtowardthewindow,butLeosetoffhishomemadefirecrackers—snappingthemaroundthedwarfs’barefeettokeepthemoffbalance.

Then,forgoodmeasure,LeoturnedthedialonhisArchimedessphere,whichunleashedaplumeoffoulwhitefogthatfilledtheroom.

Leowasn’tbotheredbysmoke.Beingimmunetofire,he’dstoodinsmokybonfires,endureddragonbreath,andcleanedoutblazingforgesplentyoftimes.Whilethedwarfswerehackingandwheezing,hegrabbedhistoolbeltfromAkmon,calmlysummonedsomebungeecords,andtiedupthedwarfs.

“Myeyes!”Akmoncoughed.“Mytoolbelt!”

“Myfeetareonfire!”Passaloswailed.“Notshiny!Notshinyatall!”Aftermakingsuretheyweresecurelybound,LeodraggedtheKerkopesintoonecornerandbeganriflingthroughtheirtreasures.HeretrievedPiper’sdagger,afewofhisprototypegrenades,andadozenotheroddsandendsthedwarfshadtakenfromtheArgoII.

“Please!”Akmonwailed.“Don’ttakeourshinies!”

“We’llmakeyouadeal!”Passalossuggested.“We’llcutyouinfortenpercentifyouletusgo!”

“Afraidnot,”Leomuttered.“It’sallminenow.”

“Twentypercent!”

Justthen,thunderboomedoverhead.Lightningflashed,andthebarsonthenearestwindowburstintosizzling,meltedstubsofiron.

JasonflewinlikePeterPan,electricitysparkingaroundhimandhisgoldswordsteaming.

Leowhistledappreciatively.“Man,youjustwastedanawesomeentrance.”Jasonfrowned.Henoticedthehog-tiedKerkopes.“Whatthe—”

“Allbymyself,”Leosaid.“I’mspecialthatway.Howdidyoufindme?”

“Uh,thesmoke,”Jasonmanaged.“AndIheardpoppingnoises.Wereyouhavingagunfightinhere?”

“Somethinglikethat.”LeotossedhimPiper’sdagger,thenkeptrummagingthroughthebagsofdwarfshinies.HerememberedwhatHazelhadsaidaboutfindingatreasurethatwouldhelpthemwiththequest,buthewasn’tsurewhathewaslookingfor.Therewerecoins,goldnuggets,jewelry,paperclips,foilwrappers,cufflinks.

Hekeptcomingbacktoacoupleofthingsthatdidn’tseemtobelong.Onewasanoldbronzenavigationdevice,likeanastrolabefromaship.Itwasbadlydamagedandseemedtobemissingsomepieces,butLeostillfounditfascinating.

“Takeit!”Passalosoffered.“Odysseusmadeit,youknow!Takeitandletusgo.”

“Odysseus?”Jasonasked.“Like,theOdysseus?”

“Yes!”Passalossqueaked.“MadeitwhenhewasanoldmaninIthaca.Oneofhislastinventions,andwestoleit!”

“Howdoesitwork?”Leoasked.

“Oh,itdoesn’t,”Akmonsaid.“Somethingaboutamissingcrystal?”Heglancedathisbrotherforhelp.

“‘Mybiggestwhat-if,’”Passalossaid.“‘Should’vetakenacrystal.’That’swhathekeptmutteringinhissleep,thenightwestoleit.”Passalosshrugged.“Noideawhathemeant.Buttheshinyisyours!Canwegonow?”

Leowasn’tsurewhyhewantedtheastrolabe.Itwasobviouslybroken,andhedidn’tgetthesensethatthiswaswhatHecatemeantforthemtofind.Still,heslippeditintooneofhistoolbelt’smagicpockets.

Heturnedhisattentiontotheotherstrangepieceofloot—theleather-boundbook.Itstitle

wasingoldleaf,inalanguageLeocouldn’tunderstand,butnothingelseaboutthebookseemedshiny.Hedidn’tfiguretheKerkopesforbigreaders.

“What’sthis?”Hewaggeditatthedwarfs,whowerestillteary-eyedfromthesmoke.

“Nothing!”Akmonsaid.“Justabook.Ithadaprettygoldcover,sowetookitfromhim.”

“Him?”Leoasked.

AkmonandPassalosexchangedanervouslook.

“Minorgod,”Passalossaid.“InVenice.Really,it’snothing.”

“Venice.”JasonfrownedatLeo.“Isn’tthatwherewe’resupposedtogonext?”

“Yeah.”Leoexaminedthebook.Hecouldn’treadthetext,butithadlotsofillustrations:scythes,differentplants,apictureofthesun,ateamofoxenpullingacart.Hedidn’tseehowanyofthatwasimportant,butifthebookhadbeenstolenfromaminorgodinVenice—thenextplaceHecatehadtoldthemtovisit—thenthishadtobewhattheywerelookingfor.

“Whereexactlycanwefindthisminorgod?”Leoasked.

“No!”Akmonshrieked.“Youcan’ttakeitbacktohim!Ifhefindsoutwestoleit—”

“He’lldestroyyou,”Jasonguessed.“Whichiswhatwe’lldoifyoudon’ttellus,andwe’realotcloser.”HepressedthepointofhisswordagainstAkmon’sfurrythroat.

“Okay,okay!”thedwarfshrieked.“LaCasaNera!CalleFrezzeria!”

“Isthatanaddress?”Leoasked.

Thedwarfsbothnoddedvigorously.

“Pleasedon’ttellhimwestoleit,”Passalosbegged.“Heisn’tniceatall!”

“Whoishe?”Jasonasked.“Whatgod?”

“I—Ican’tsay,”Passalosstammered.

“You’dbetter,”Leowarned.

“No,”Passalossaidmiserably.“Imean,Ireallycan’tsay.Ican’tpronounceit!Tr—tri—It’stoohard!”

“Truh,”Akmonsaid.“Tru-toh—Toomanysyllables!”

Theybothburstintotears.

Leodidn’tknowiftheKerkopesweretellingthemthetruth,butitwashardtostaymadatweepingdwarfs,nomatterhowannoyingandbadlydressedtheywere.

Jasonloweredhissword.“Whatdoyouwanttodowiththem,Leo?SendthemtoTartarus?”

“Please,no!”Akmonwailed.“Itmighttakeusweekstocomeback.”

“AssumingGaeaevenletsus!”Passalossniffled.“ShecontrolstheDoorsofDeathnow.She’llbeverycrosswithus.”

Leolookedatthedwarfs.He’dfoughtlotsofmonstersbeforeandneverfeltbadaboutdissolvingthem,butthiswasdifferent.Hehadtoadmithesortofadmiredtheselittleguys.Theyplayedcoolpranksandlikedshinythings.Leocouldrelate.Besides,PercyandAnnabethwereinTartarusrightnow,hopefullystillalive,trudgingtowardtheDoorsofDeath.Theideaofsendingthesetwinmonkeyboystheretofacethesamenightmarishproblem…well,itdidn’tseemright.

HeimaginedGaealaughingathisweakness—ademigodtoosoftheartedtokillmonsters.HerememberedhisdreamaboutCampHalf-Bloodinruins,GreekandRomanbodieslitteringthefields.

HerememberedOctavianspeakingwiththeEarthGoddess’svoice:TheRomansmoveeastfromNewYork.Theyadvanceonyourcamp,andnothingcanslowthemdown.

“Nothingcanslowthemdown,”Leomused.“Iwonder…”

“What?”Jasonasked.

Leolookedatthedwarfs.“I’llmakeyouadeal.”

Akmon’seyeslitup.“Thirtypercent?”

“We’llleaveyouallyourtreasure,”Leosaid,“exceptthestuffthatbelongstous,andtheastrolabe,andthisbook,whichwe’lltakebacktothedudeinVenice.”

“Buthe’lldestroyus!”Passaloswailed.

“Wewon’tsaywherewegotit,”Leopromised.“Andwewon’tkillyou.We’llletyougofree.”

“Uh,Leo…?”Jasonaskednervously.

Akmonsquealedwithdelight.“IknewyouwereassmartasHercules!IwillcallyouBlackBottom,theSequel!”

“Yeah,nothanks,”Leosaid.“Butinreturnforussparingyourlives,youhavetodosomethingforus.I’mgoingtosendyousomewheretostealfromsomepeople,harassthem,makelifehardforthemanywayyoucan.Youhavetofollowmydirectionsexactly.YouhavetoswearontheRiverStyx.”

“Weswear!”Passalossaid.“Stealingfrompeopleisourspecialty!”

“Iloveharassment!”Akmonagreed.“Wherearewegoing?”

Leogrinned.“EverheardofNewYork?”

PERCYHADTAKENHISGIRLFRIENDonsomeromanticwalksbefore.Thiswasn’toneofthem.

TheyfollowedtheRiverPhlegethon,stumblingovertheglassyblackterrain,jumpingcrevices,andhidingbehindrockswheneverthevampiregirlsslowedinfrontofthem.

ItwastrickytostayfarenoughbacktoavoidgettingspottedbutcloseenoughtokeepKelliandhercomradesinviewthroughthedarkhazyair.TheheatfromtheriverbakedPercy’sskin.Everybreathwaslikeinhalingsulfur-scentedfiberglass.Whentheyneededadrink,thebesttheycoulddowassipsomerefreshingliquidfire.

Yep.Percydefinitelyknewhowtoshowagirlagoodtime.

AtleastAnnabeth’sankleseemedtohavehealed.Shewashardlylimpingatall.Hervariouscutsandscrapeshadfaded.She’dtiedherblondhairbackwithastripofdenimtornfromherpantsleg,andinthefierylightoftheriver,hergrayeyesflickered.Despitebeingbeat-up,sooty,anddressedlikeahomelessperson,shelookedgreattoPercy.

SowhatiftheywereinTartarus?Sowhatiftheystoodaslimchanceofsurviving?Hewassogladthattheyweretogether,hehadtheridiculousurgetosmile.

Physically,Percyfeltbettertoo,thoughhisclotheslookedlikehe’dbeenthroughahurricaneofbrokenglass.Hewasthirsty,hungry,andscaredoutofhismind(thoughhewasn’tgoingtotellAnnabeththat),buthe’dshakenoffthehopelesscoldoftheRiverCocytus.Andasnastyasthefirewatertasted,itseemedtokeephimgoing.

Timewasimpossibletojudge.Theytrudgedalong,followingtheriverasitcutthroughtheharshlandscape.Fortunatelytheempousaiweren’texactlyspeedwalkers.Theyshuffledontheirmismatchedbronzeanddonkeylegs,hissingandfightingwitheachother,apparentlyinnohurrytoreachtheDoorsofDeath.

Once,thedemonsspedupinexcitementandswarmedsomethingthatlookedlikeabeachedcarcassontheriverbank.Percycouldn’ttellwhatitwas—afallenmonster?Ananimalofsomekind?

Theempousaiattackeditwithrelish.

Whenthedemonsmovedon,PercyandAnnabethreachedthespotandfoundnothingleftexceptafewsplinteredbonesandglisteningstainsdryingintheheatoftheriver.Percyhadnodoubttheempousaiwoulddevourdemigodswiththesamegusto.

“Comeon.”HeledAnnabethgentlyawayfromthescene.“Wedon’twanttolosethem.”Astheywalked,Percythoughtaboutthefirsttimehe’dfoughttheempousaKelliatGoodeHighSchool’sfreshmanorientation,whenheandRachelElizabethDaregottrappedinthebandhall.Atthetime,itseemedlikeahopelesssituation.Now,he’dgiveanythingtohaveaproblemthatsimple.Atleasthe’dbeeninthemortalworldthen.Here,therewasnowheretorun.

Wow.WhenhestartedlookingbackonthewarwithKronosasthegoodolddays—thatwassad.

HekepthopingthingswouldgetbetterforAnnabethandhim,buttheirlivesjustgotmoreandmoredangerous,asiftheThreeFateswereuptherespinningtheirfutureswithbarbedwireinsteadofthreadjusttoseehowmuchtwodemigodscouldtolerate.

Afterafewmoremiles,theempousaidisappearedoveraridge.WhenPercyandAnnabethcaughtup,theyfoundthemselvesattheedgeofanothermassivecliff.TheRiverPhlegethonspilledoverthesideinjaggedtiersoffierywaterfalls.Thedemonladieswerepickingtheirwaydownthecliff,jumpingfromledgetoledgelikemountaingoats.

Percy’sheartcreptintohisthroat.EvenifheandAnnabethreachedthebottomofthecliffalive,theydidn’thavemuchtolookforwardto.Thelandscapebelowthemwasableak,ash-grayplainbristlingwithblacktrees,likeinsecthair.Thegroundwaspockedwithblisters.Everyonceinawhile,abubblewouldswellandburst,disgorgingamonsterlikealarvafromanegg.

SuddenlyPercywasn’thungryanymore.

Allthenewlyformedmonsterswerecrawlingandhobblinginthesamedirection—towardabankofblackfogthatswallowedthehorizonlikeastormfront.ThePhlegethonflowedinthesamedirectionuntilabouthalfwayacrosstheplain,whereitmetanotherriverofblackwater—maybetheCocytus?Thetwofloodscombinedinasteaming,boilingcataractandflowedonasonetowardtheblackfog.

ThelongerPercylookedintothatstormofdarkness,thelesshewantedtogothere.Itcouldbehidinganything—anocean,abottomlesspit,anarmyofmonsters.ButiftheDoorsofDeathwereinthatdirection,itwastheironlychancetogethome.

Hepeeredovertheedgeofthecliff.

“Wishwecouldfly,”hemuttered.

Annabethrubbedherarms.“RememberLuke’swingedshoes?Iwonderifthey’restilldownheresomewhere.”

Percyremembered.ThoseshoeshadbeencursedtodragtheirwearerintoTartarus.They’dalmosttakenhisbestfriend,Grover.“I’dsettleforahangglider.”

“Maybenotagoodidea.”Annabethpointed.Abovethem,darkwingedshapesspiraledin

andoutofthebloodredclouds.

“Furies?”Percywondered.

“Orsomeotherkindofdemon,”Annabethsaid.“Tartarushasthousands.”

“Includingthekindthateatshanggliders,”Percyguessed.“Okay,soweclimb.”Hecouldn’tseetheempousaibelowthemanymore.They’ddisappearedbehindoneoftheridges,butthatdidn’tmatter.ItwasclearwhereheandAnnabethneededtogo.LikeallthemaggotmonsterscrawlingovertheplainsofTartarus,theyshouldheadtowardthedarkhorizon.Percywasjustbrimmingwithenthusiasmforthat.

ASTHEYSTARTEDDOWNTHECLIFF,Percyconcentratedonthechallengesathand:keepinghisfooting,avoidingrockslidesthatwouldalerttheempousaitotheirpresence,andofcoursemakingsureheandAnnabethdidn’tplummettotheirdeaths.

Abouthalfwaydowntheprecipice,Annabethsaid,“Stop,okay?Justaquickbreak.”Herlegswobbledsobadly,Percycursedhimselffornotcallingarestearlier.

Theysattogetheronaledgenexttoaroaringfierywaterfall.PercyputhisarmaroundAnnabeth,andsheleanedagainsthim,shakingfromexhaustion.

Hewasn’tmuchbetter.Hisstomachfeltlikeithadshrunktothesizeofagumdrop.Iftheycameacrossanymoremonstercarcasses,hewasafraidhemightpullanempousaandtrytodevourit.

AtleasthehadAnnabeth.TheywouldfindawayoutofTartarus.Theyhadto.Hedidn’tthinkmuchoffatesandprophecies,buthedidbelieveinonething:Annabethandheweresupposedtobetogether.Theyhadn’tsurvivedsomuchjusttogetkillednow.

“Thingscouldbeworse,”Annabethventured.

“Yeah?”Percydidn’tseehow,buthetriedtosoundupbeat.

Shesnuggledagainsthim.Herhairsmelledofsmoke,andifheclosedhiseyes,hecould

almostimaginetheywereatthecampfireatCampHalf-Blood.

“Wecould’vefallenintotheRiverLethe,”shesaid.“Lostallourmemories.”Percy’sskincrawledjustthinkingaboutit.He’dhadenoughtroublewithamnesiaforonelifetime.Onlylastmonth,HerahaderasedhismemoriestoputhimamongtheRomandemigods.

PercyhadstumbledintoCampJupiterwithnoideawhohewasorwherehecamefrom.Andafewyearsbeforethat,he’dfoughtaTitanonthebanksoftheLethe,nearHades’spalace.He’dblastedtheTitanwithwaterfromthatriverandcompletelywipedhismemoryclean.“Yeah,theLethe,”hemuttered.“Notmyfavorite.”

“WhatwastheTitan’sname?”Annabethasked.

“Uh…Iapetus.HesaiditmeanttheImpalerorsomething.”

“No,thenameyougavehimafterhelosthismemory.Steve?”

“Bob,”Percysaid.

Annabethmanagedaweaklaugh.“BobtheTitan.”

Percy’slipsweresoparched,ithurttosmile.HewonderedwhathadhappenedtoIapetusafterthey’dlefthiminHades’spalace…ifhewasstillcontentbeingBob,friendly,happy,andclueless.

Percyhopedso,buttheUnderworldseemedtobringouttheworstineveryone—monsters,heroes,andgods.

Hegazedacrosstheashenplains.TheotherTitansweresupposedtobehereinTartarus—maybeboundinchains,orroamingaimlessly,orhidinginsomeofthosedarkcrevices.PercyandhisallieshaddestroyedtheworstTitan,Kronos,butevenhisremainsmightbedownheresomewhere—abillionangryTitanparticlesfloatingthroughtheblood-coloredcloudsorlurkinginthatdarkfog.

Percydecidednottothinkaboutthat.HekissedAnnabeth’sforehead.“Weshouldkeepmoving.

Youwantsomemorefiretodrink?”

“Ugh.I’llpass.”

Theystruggledtotheirfeet.Therestoftheclifflookedimpossibletodescend—nothingmorethanacrosshatchingoftinyledges—buttheykeptclimbingdown.

Percy’sbodywentonautopilot.Hisfingerscramped.Hefeltblisterspoppinguponhisankles.

Hegotshakyfromhunger.

Hewonderediftheywoulddieofstarvation,orifthefirewaterwouldkeepthemgoing.HerememberedthepunishmentofTantalus,who’dbeenpermanentlystuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittreebutcouldn’treacheitherfoodordrink.

Jeez,Percyhadn’tthoughtaboutTantalusinyears.ThatstupidguyhadbeenparoledbrieflytoserveasdirectoratCampHalf-Blood.ProbablyhewasbackintheFieldsofPunishment.Percyhadneverfeltsorryforthejerkbefore,butnowhewasstartingto

sympathize.Hecouldimaginewhatitwouldbelike,gettinghungrierandhungrierforeternitybutneverbeingabletoeat.

Keepclimbing,hetoldhimself.

Cheeseburgers,hisstomachreplied.

Shutup,hethought.

Withfries,hisstomachcomplained.

Abillionyearslater,withadozennewblistersonhisfeet,Percyreachedthebottom.HehelpedAnnabethdown,andtheycollapsedontheground.

Aheadofthemstretchedmilesofwasteland,bubblingwithmonstrouslarvaeandbiginsect-hairtrees.Totheirright,thePhlegethonsplitintobranchesthatetchedtheplain,wideningintoadeltaofsmokeandfire.Tothenorth,alongthemainrouteoftheriver,thegroundwasriddledwithcaveentrances.Hereandthere,spiresofrockjutteduplikeexclamationpoints.

UnderPercy’shand,thesoilfeltalarminglywarmandsmooth.Hetriedtograbahandful,thenrealizedthatunderathinlayerofdirtanddebris,thegroundwasasinglevastmembrane…likeskin.

Healmostthrewup,butforcedhimselfnotto.Therewasnothinginhisstomachbutfire.

Hedidn’tmentionittoAnnabeth,buthestartedtofeellikesomethingwaswatchingthem—

somethingvastandmalevolent.Hecouldn’tzeroinonit,becausethepresencewasallaroundthem.

Watchingwasthewrongword,too.Thatimpliedeyes,andthisthingwassimplyawareofthem.Theridgesabovethemnowlookedlesslikestepsandmorelikerowsofmassiveteeth.Thespiresofrocklookedlikebrokenribs.Andifthegroundwasskin…

Percyforcedthosethoughtsaside.Thisplacewasjustfreakinghimout.Thatwasall.

Annabethstood,wipingsootfromherface.Shegazedtowardthedarknessonthehorizon.

“We’regoingtobecompletelyexposed,crossingthisplain.”Aboutahundredyardsaheadofthem,ablisterburstontheground.Amonsterclaweditswayout…aglisteningtelkhinewithslickfur,aseal-likebody,andstuntedhumanlimbs.Itmanagedtocrawlafewyardsbeforesomethingshotoutofthenearestcave,sofastthatPercycouldonlyregisteradarkgreenreptilianhead.Themonstersnatchedthesquealingtelkhineinitsjawsanddraggeditintothedarkness.

ReborninTartarusfortwoseconds,onlytobeeaten.PercywonderedifthattelkhinewouldpopupsomeotherplaceinTartarus,andhowlongitwouldtaketore-form.

Heswalloweddownthesourtasteoffirewater.“Oh,yeah.This’llbefun.”Annabethhelpedhimtohisfeet.Hetookonelastlookatthecliffs,buttherewasnogoingback.

Hewould’vegivenathousandgoldendrachmastohaveFrankZhangwiththemrightnow—goodoldFrank,whoalwaysseemedtoshowupwhenneededandcouldturnintoaneagleoradragontoflythemacrossthisstupidwasteland.

Theystartedwalking,tryingtoavoidthecaveentrances,stickingclosetothebankoftheriver.

TheywerejustskirtingoneofthespireswhenaglintofmovementcaughtPercy’seye—

somethingdartingbetweentherockstotheirright.

Amonsterfollowingthem?Ormaybeitwasjustsomerandombaddie,headingfortheDoorsofDeath.

Suddenlyherememberedwhythey’dstartedfollowingthisroute,andhefrozeinhistracks.

“Theempousai.”HegrabbedAnnabeth’sarm.“Wherearethey?”Annabethscannedathree-sixty,hergrayeyesbrightwithalarm.

Maybethedemonladieshadbeensnappedupbythatreptileinthecave.Iftheempousaiwerestillaheadofthem,theyshould’vebeenvisiblesomewhereontheplains.

Unlesstheywerehiding…

Toolate,Percydrewhissword.

Theempousaiemergedfromtherocksallaroundthem—fiveofthemformingaring.Aperfecttrap.

Kellilimpedforwardonhermismatchedlegs.HerfieryhairburnedacrosshershoulderslikeaminiaturePhlegethonwaterfall.Hertatteredcheerleaderoutfitwassplatteredwithrusty-brownstains,andPercywasprettysuretheyweren’tketchup.Shefixedhimwithherglowingredeyesandbaredherfangs.

“PercyJackson,”shecooed.“Howawesome!Idon’tevenhavetoreturntothemortalworldtodestroyyou!”

PERCYRECALLEDHOWDANGEROUSKellihadbeenthelasttimethey’dfoughtintheLabyrinth.

Despitethosemismatchedlegs,shecouldmovefastwhenshewantedto.She’ddodgedhisswordstrikesandwouldhaveeatenhisfaceifAnnabethhadn’tstabbedherfrombehind.

Nowshehadfourfriendswithher.

“AndyourfriendAnnabethiswithyou!”Kellihissedwithlaughter.“Oh,yeah,Itotallyrememberher.”

Kellitouchedherownsternum,wherethetipoftheknifehadexitedwhenAnnabethstabbedherintheback.“What’sthematter,daughterofAthena?Don’thaveyourweapon?Bummer.I’duseittokillyou.”

Percytriedtothink.HeandAnnabethstoodshouldertoshoulderastheyhadmanytimesbefore,readytofight.Butneitherofthemwasingoodshapeforbattle.Annabethwasempty-handed.Theywerehopelesslyoutnumbered.Therewasnowheretorun.Nohelpcoming.

BrieflyPercyconsideredcallingforMrs.O’Leary,hishellhoundfriendwhocouldshadow-travel.

Evenifsheheardhim,couldshemakeitintoTartarus?Thiswaswheremonsterswentwhentheydied.Callingherheremightkillher,orturnherbacktohernaturalstateasafiercemonster.No…hecouldn’tdothattohisdog.

So,nohelp.Fightingwasalongshot.

ThatleftAnnabeth’sfavoritetactics:trickery,talk,delay.

“So…”hestarted,“Iguessyou’rewonderingwhatwe’redoinginTartarus.”Kellisnickered.“Notreally.Ijustwanttokillyou.”

Thatwould’vebeenit,butAnnabethchimedin.

“Toobad,”shesaid.“Becauseyouhavenoideawhat’sgoingoninthemortalworld.”Theotherempousaicircled,watchingKelliforacuetoattack;buttheex-cheerleaderonlysnarled,crouchingoutofreachofPercy’ssword.

“Weknowenough,”Kellisaid.“Gaeahasspoken.”

“You’reheadingtowardamajordefeat.”Annabethsoundedsoconfident,evenPercywasimpressed.Sheglancedattheotherempousai,onebyone,thenpointedaccusinglyatKelli.“Thisoneclaimsshe’sleadingyoutoavictory.She’slying.Thelasttimeshewasinthemortalworld,KelliwasinchargeofkeepingmyfriendLukeCastellanfaithfultoKronos.Intheend,Lukerejectedhim.HegavehislifetoexpelKronos.TheTitanslostbecauseKellifailed.NowKelliwantstoleadyoutoanotherdisaster.”

Theotherempousaimutteredandshifteduneasily.

“Enough!”Kelli’sfingernailsgrewintolongblacktalons.SheglaredatAnnabethasifimaginingherslicedintosmallpieces.

PercywasprettysureKellihadhadathingforLukeCastellan.Lukehadthateffectongirls—

evendonkey-leggedvampires—andPercywasn’tsurebringinguphisnamewassucha

goodidea.

“Thegirllies,”Kellisaid.“SotheTitanslost.Fine!ThatwaspartoftheplantowakeGaea!NowtheEarthMotherandhergiantswilldestroythemortalworld,andwewilltotallyfeastondemigods!”Theothervampiresgnashedtheirteethinafrenzyofexcitement.Percyhadbeeninthemiddleofaschoolofsharkswhenthewaterwasfullofblood.Thatwasn’tnearlyasscaryasempousaireadytofeed.

Hepreparedtoattack,buthowmanycouldhedispatchbeforetheyoverwhelmedhim?Itwouldn’tbeenough.

“Thedemigodshaveunited!”Annabethyelled.“You’dbetterthinktwicebeforeyouattackus.

RomansandGreekswillfightyoutogether.Youdon’tstandachance!”Theempousaibackedupnervously,hissing,“Romani.”Percyguessedthey’dhadexperiencewiththeTwelfthLegionbefore,andithadn’tworkedoutwellforthem.

“Yeah,youbetRomani.”Percybaredhisforearmandshowedthemthebrandhe’dgottenatCampJupiter—theSPQRmark,withthetridentofNeptune.“YoumixGreekandRoman,andyouknowwhatyouget?YougetBAM!”

Hestompedhisfoot,andtheempousaiscrambledback.Onefellofftheboulderwhereshe’dbeenperched.

ThatmadePercyfeelgood,buttheyrecoveredquicklyandclosedinagain.

“Boldtalk,”Kellisaid,“fortwodemigodslostinTartarus.Loweryoursword,PercyJackson,andI’llkillyouquickly.Believeme,thereareworsewaystodiedownhere.”

“Wait!”Annabethtriedagain.“Aren’tempousaitheservantsofHecate?”Kellicurledherlip.“So?”

“SoHecateisonoursidenow,”Annabethsaid.“ShehasacabinatCampHalf-Blood.Someofherdemigodchildrenaremyfriends.Ifyoufightus,she’llbeangry.”PercywantedtohugAnnabeth,shewassobrilliant.

Oneoftheotherempousaigrowled.“Isthistrue,Kelli?HasourmistressmadepeacewithOlympus?”

“Shutup,Serephone!”Kelliscreeched.“Gods,you’reannoying!”

“IwillnotcrosstheDarkLady.”

Annabethtooktheopening.“You’dallbebetterfollowingSerephone.She’solderandwiser.”

“Yes!”Serephoneshrieked.“Followme!”

Kellistrucksofast,Percydidn’thavethechancetoraisehissword.Fortunately,shedidn’tattackhim.KellilashedoutatSerephone.Forhalfasecond,thetwodemonswereablurofslashingclawsandfangs.

Thenitwasover.Kellistoodtriumphantoverapileofdust.FromherclawshungthetatteredremainsofSerephone’sdress.

“Anymoreissues?”Kellisnappedathersisters.“HecateisthegoddessoftheMist!Herwaysaremysterious.Whoknowswhichsideshetrulyfavors?Sheisalsothegoddessofthecrossroads,andsheexpectsustomakeourownchoices.Ichoosethepaththatwillbringusthemostdemigodblood!IchooseGaea!”

Herfriendshissedinapproval.

AnnabethglancedatPercy,andhesawthatshewasoutofideas.She’ddonewhatshecould.

She’dgottenKellitoeliminateoneofherown.Nowtherewasnothingleftbuttofight.

“FortwoyearsIchurnedinthevoid,”Kellisaid.“Doyouknowhowcompletelyannoyingitistobevaporized,AnnabethChase?Slowlyre-forming,fullyconscious,insearingpainformonthsandyearsasyourbodyregrows,thenfinallybreakingthecrustofthishellishplaceandclawingyourwaybacktodaylight?Allbecausesomelittlegirlstabbedyouintheback?”HerbalefuleyesheldAnnabeth’s.“IwonderwhathappensifademigodiskilledinTartarus.Idoubtit’severhappenedbefore.Let’sfindout.”

Percysprang,slashingRiptideinahugearc.Hecutoneofthedemonsinhalf,butKellidodgedandchargedAnnabeth.TheothertwoempousailaunchedthemselvesatPercy.Onegrabbedhisswordarm.Herfriendjumpedonhisback.

PercytriedtoignorethemandstaggeredtowardAnnabeth,determinedtogodowndefendingherifhehadto;butAnnabethwasdoingprettywell.Shetumbledtooneside,evadingKelli’sclaws,andcameupwitharockinherhand,whichshesmackedintoKelli’snose.

Kelliwailed.Annabethscoopedupgravelandflungitintheempousa’seyes.

MeanwhilePercythrashedfromsidetoside,tryingtothrowoffhisempousahitchhiker,butherclawssankdeeperintohisshoulders.Thesecondempousaheldhisarm,preventinghimfromusingRiptide.

Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawKellilunge,rakinghertalonsacrossAnnabeth’sarm.

Annabethscreamedandfell.

Percystumbledinherdirection.Thevampireonhisbacksankherteethintohisneck.Searingpaincoursedthroughhisbody.Hiskneesbuckled.

Stayonyourfeet,hetoldhimself.Youhavetobeatthem.

Thentheothervampirebithisswordarm,andRiptideclatteredtotheground.

Thatwasit.Hisluckhadfinallyrunout.KelliloomedoverAnnabeth,savoringhermomentoftriumph.TheothertwoempousaicircledPercy,theirmouthsslavering,readyforanothertaste.

ThenashadowfellacrossPercy.Adeepwarcrybellowedfromsomewhereabove,echoingacrosstheplainsofTartarus,andaTitandroppedontothebattlefield.

PERCYTHOUGHTHEWASHALLUCINATING.Itjustwasn’tpossiblethatahuge,silveryfigurecoulddropoutoftheskyandstompKelliflat,tramplingherintoamoundofmonsterdust.

Butthat’sexactlywhathappened.TheTitanwastenfeettall,withwildsilverEinsteinhair,puresilvereyes,andmusculararmsprotrudingfromaripped-upbluejanitor’suniform.Inhishandwasamassivepushbroom.Hisnametag,incredibly,readBOB.

Annabethyelpedandtriedtocrawlaway,butthegiantjanitorwasn’tinterestedinher.Heturnedtothetworemainingempousai,whostoodoverPercy.

Onewasfoolishenoughtoattack.Shelungedwiththespeedofatiger,butsheneverstoodachance.AspearheadjuttedfromtheendofBob’sbroom.Withasingledeadlyswipe,hecuthertodust.Thelastvampiretriedtorun.Bobthrewhisbroomlikeamassiveboomerang(wastheresuchathingasabroomerang?).ItslicedthroughthevampireandreturnedtoBob’shand.

“SWEEP!”TheTitangrinnedwithdelightanddidavictorydance.“Sweep,sweep,sweep!”Percycouldn’tspeak.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftobelievethatsomethinggoodhadactuallyhappened.Annabethlookedjustasshocked.

“H-how…?”shestammered.

“Percycalledme!”thejanitorsaidhappily.“Yes,hedid.”Annabethcrawledalittlefartheraway.Herarmwasbleedingbadly.“Calledyou?He—wait.

You’reBob?TheBob?”

ThejanitorfrownedwhenhenoticedAnnabeth’swounds.“Owie.”Annabethflinchedashekneltnexttoher.

“It’sokay,”Percysaid,stillwoozywithpain.“He’sfriendly.”Herememberedwhenhe’dfirstmetBob.TheTitanhadhealedabadwoundonPercy’sshoulderjustbytouchingit.Sureenough,thejanitortappedAnnabeth’sforearmanditmendedinstantly.

Bobchuckled,pleasedwithhimself,thenboundedovertoPercyandhealedhisbleedingneckandarm.TheTitan’shandsweresurprisinglywarmandgentle.

“Allbetter!”Bobdeclared,hiseeriesilvereyescrinklingwithpleasure.“IamBob,Percy’sfriend!”

“Uh…yeah,”Percymanaged.“Thanksforthehelp,Bob.It’sreallygoodtoseeyouagain.”

“Yes!”thejanitoragreed.“Bob.That’sme.Bob,Bob,Bob.”Heshuffledaround,obviouslypleasedwithhisname.“Iamhelping.Iheardmyname.UpstairsinHades’spalace,nobodycallsforBobunlessthereisamess.Bob,sweepupthesebones.Bob,mopupthesetorturedsouls.Bob,azombieexplodedinthediningroom.”

AnnabethgavePercyapuzzledlook,buthehadnoexplanation.

“ThenIheardmyfriendcall!”TheTitanbeamed.“Percysaid,Bob!”HegrabbedPercy’sarmandhoistedhimtohisfeet.

“That’sawesome,”Percysaid.“Seriously.Buthowdidyou—”

“Oh,timetotalklater.”Bob’sexpressionturnedserious.“Wemustgobeforetheyfindyou.Theyarecoming.Yes,indeed.”

“They?”Annabethasked.

Percyscannedthehorizon.Hesawnoapproachingmonsters—nothingbutthestarkgraywasteland.

“Yes,”Bobagreed.“ButBobknowsaway.Comeon,friends!Wewillhavefun!”

FRANKWOKEUPASAPYTHON,whichpuzzledhim.

Changingintoananimalwasn’tconfusing.Hedidthatallthetime.Buthehadneverchangedfromoneanimaltoanotherinhissleepbefore.Hewasprettysurehehadn’tdozedoffasasnake.

Usually,hesleptlikeadog.

He’ddiscoveredthathegotthroughthenightmuchbetterifhecurleduponhisbunkintheshapeofabulldog.Forwhateverreason,hisnightmaresdidn’tbotherhimasmuch.Theconstantscreaminginhisheadalmostdisappeared.

Hehadnoideawhyhe’dbecomeareticulatedpython,butitdidexplainhisdreamaboutslowlyswallowingacow.Hisjawwasstillsore.

Hebracedhimselfandchangedbacktohumanform.Immediately,hissplittingheadachereturned,alongwiththevoices.

Fightthem!yelledMars.Takethisship!DefendRome!

ThevoiceofAresshoutedback:KilltheRomans!Bloodanddeath!Largeguns!

Hisfather’sRomanandGreekpersonalitiesscreamedbackandforthinFrank’smindwiththeusualsoundtrackofbattlenoises—explosions,assaultrifles,roaringjetengines—allthrobbinglikeasubwooferbehindFrank’seyes.

Hesatuponhisberth,dizzywithpain.Ashedideverymorning,hetookadeepbreathandstaredatthelamponhisdesk—atinyflamethatburnednightandday,fueledbymagicoliveoillfromthesupplyroom.

Fire…Frank’sbiggestfear.Keepinganopenflameinhisroomterrifiedhim,butitalsohelpedhimfocus.Thenoiseinhisheadfadedtothebackground,allowinghimtothink.

He’dgottenbetteratthis,butfordayshe’dbeenalmostworthless.AssoonasthefightingbrokeoutatCampJupiter,thewargod’stwovoiceshadstartedscreamingnonstop.Eversince,Frankhadbeenstumblingaroundinadaze,barelyabletofunction.He’dactedlikeafool,andhewassurehisfriendsthoughthe’dlosthismarbles.

Hecouldn’ttellthemwhatwaswrong.Therewasnothingtheycoulddo,andfromlisteningtothemtalk,Frankwasprettysuretheydidn’thavethesameproblemwiththeirgodlyparentsyellingintheirears.

JustFrank’sluck,buthehadtopullittogether.Hisfriendsneededhim—especiallynow,withAnnabethgone.

Annabethhadbeenkindtohim.Evenwhenhewassodistractedhe’dactedlikeabuffoon,Annabethhadbeenpatientandhelpful.WhileAresscreamedthatAthena’schildrencouldn’tbetrusted,andMarsbellowedathimtokillalltheGreeks,FrankhadgrowntorespectAnnabeth.

Nowthattheywerewithouther,Frankwasthenextbestthingthegrouphadtoamilitarystrategist.Theywouldneedhimforthetripahead.

Heroseandgotdressed.Fortunatelyhe’dmanagedtobuysomenewclothesinSienaacoupleofdaysago,replacingthelaundrythatLeohadsentflyingawayonBufordthetable.(Longstory.)HetuggedonsomeLevi’sandanarmy-greenT-shirt,thenreachedforhisfavoritepulloverbeforerememberinghedidn’tneedit.Theweatherwastoowarm.Moreimportant,hedidn’tneedthepocketsanymoretoprotectthemagicalpieceoffirewoodthatcontrolledhislifespan.Hazelwaskeepingitsafeforhim.

Maybethatshouldhavemadehimnervous.Ifthefirewoodburned,Frankdied:endof

story.ButhetrustedHazelmorethanhetrustedhimself.Knowingshewassafeguardinghisbigweaknessmadehimfeelbetter—likehe’dfastenedhisseatbeltforahigh-speedchase.

Heslunghisbowandquiveroverhisshoulder.Immediatelytheymorphedintoaregularbackpack.Franklovedthat.Heneverwould’veknownaboutthequiver’scamouflagepowerifLeohadn’tfigureditoutforhim.

Leo!Marsraged.Hemustdie!

Throttlehim!Arescried.Throttleeveryone!Whoarewetalkingaboutagain?

Thetwobeganshoutingateachotheragain,overthesoundofbombsexplodinginFrank’sskull.

Hesteadiedhimselfagainstthewall.Fordays,FrankhadlistenedtothosevoicesdemandingLeoValdez’sdeath.

Afterall,LeohadstartedthewarwithCampJupiterbyfiringaballistaintotheForum.Sure,he’dbeenpossessedatthetime;butstillMarsdemandedvengeance.LeomadethingsharderbyconstantlyteasingFrank,andAresdemandedthatFrankretaliateforeveryinsult.

Frankkeptthevoicesatbay,butitwasn’teasy.

OntheirtripacrosstheAtlantic,LeohadsaidsomethingthatstillstuckinFrank’smind.Whenthey’dlearnedthatGaeatheevilearthgoddesshadputabountyontheirheads,Leohadwantedtoknowforhowmuch.

IcanunderstandnotbeingaspriceyasJasonorPercy,he’dsaid,butamIworth,like,twoorthreeFranks?

JustanotheroneofLeo’sstupidjokes,butthecommenthitalittletooclosetohome.OntheArgoII,FrankdefinitelyfeltliketheLVP—LeastValuablePlayer.Sure,hecouldturnintoanimals.

Sowhat?Hisbiggestclaimtohelpfulnesssofarhadbeenchangingintoaweaseltoescapefromanundergroundworkshop,andeventhathadbeenLeo’sidea.FrankwasbetterknownfortheGiantGoldfishFiascoinAtlanta,and,justyesterday,forturningintoatwo-hundred-kilogorillaonlytogetknockedsenselessbyaflash-banggrenade.

Leohadn’tmadeanygorillajokesathisexpenseyet.Butitwasonlyamatteroftime.

Killhim!

Torturehim!Thenkillhim!

ThetwosidesofthewargodseemedtobekickingandpunchingeachotherinsideFrank’shead,usinghissinusesasawrestlingmat.

Blood!Guns!

Rome!War!

Quietdown,Frankordered.

Amazingly,thevoicesobeyed.

Okay,then,Frankthought.

Maybehecouldfinallygetthoseannoyingscreamingmini-godsundercontrol.Maybetodaywouldbeagoodday.

Thathopewasshatteredassoonasheclimbedabovedeck.

“Whatarethey?”Hazelasked.

TheArgoIIwasdockedatabusywharf.Ononesidestretchedashippingchannelabouthalfakilometerwide.OntheotherspreadthecityofVenice—red-tiledroofs,metalchurchdomes,steepledtowers,andsun-bleachedbuildingsinallthecolorsofValentinecandyhearts—red,white,ochre,pink,andorange.

Everywheretherewerestatuesoflions—ontopofpedestals,overdoorways,ontheporticoesofthelargestbuildings.Thereweresomany,Frankfiguredthelionmustbethecity’smascot.

Wherestreetsshouldhavebeen,greencanalsetchedtheirwaythroughtheneighborhoods,eachonejammedwithmotorboats.Alongthedocks,thesidewalksweremobbedwithtouristsshoppingattheT-shirtkiosks,overflowingfromstores,andloungingacrossacresofoutdoorcafétables,likepodsofsealions.FrankhadthoughtRomewasfulloftourists.Thisplacewasinsane.

Hazelandtherestofhisfriendsweren’tpayingattentiontoanyofthat,though.Theyhadgatheredatthestarboardrailtostareatthedozensofweirdshaggymonstersmillingthroughthecrowds.

Eachmonsterwasaboutthesizeofacow,withabowedbacklikeabroken-downhorse,mattedgrayfur,skinnylegs,andblackclovenhooves.Thecreatures’headsseemedmuchtooheavyfortheirnecks.Theirlong,anteater-likesnoutsdroopedtotheground.Theirovergrowngraymanescompletelycoveredtheireyes.

Frankwatchedasoneofthecreatureslumberedacrossthepromenade,snufflingandlickingthepavementwithitslongtongue.Thetouristspartedaroundit,unconcerned.Afewevenpettedit.Frankwonderedhowthemortalscouldbesocalm.Thenthemonster’sappearanceflickered.Foramomentitturnedintoanold,fatbeagle.

Jasongrunted.“Themortalsthinkthey’restraydogs.”

“Orpetsroamingaround,”Pipersaid.“MydadshotafilminVeniceonce.Irememberhimtellingmethereweredogseverywhere.Venetianslovedogs.”Frankfrowned.HekeptforgettingthatPiper’sdadwasTristanMcLean,A-listmoviestar.Shedidn’ttalkabouthimmuch.Sheseemedprettydown-to-earthforakidraisedinHollywood.ThatwasfinewithFrank.ThelastthingtheyneededonthisquestwaspaparazzitakingpicturesofallFrank’sepicfails.

“Butwhatarethey?”heasked,repeatingHazel’squestion.“Theylooklike…starving,shaggycowswithsheepdoghair.”

Hewaitedforsomeonetoenlightenhim.Nobodyvolunteeredanyinformation.

“Maybethey’reharmless,”Leosuggested.“They’reignoringthemortals.”

“Harmless!”GleesonHedgelaughed.Thesatyrworehisusualgymshorts,sportsshirt,

andcoach’swhistle.Hisexpressionwasasgruffasever,buthestillhadonepinkrubberbandstuckinhishairfromthepranksterdwarfsinBologna.Frankwaskindofscaredtomentionittohim.“Valdez,howmanyharmlessmonstershavewemet?Weshouldjustaimtheballistaeandseewhathappens!”

“Uh,no,”Leosaid.

Foronce,FrankagreedwithLeo.Thereweretoomanymonsters.Itwouldbeimpossibletotargetonewithoutcausingcollateraldamageinthecrowdsoftourists.Besides,ifthosecreaturespanickedandstampeded…

“We’llhavetowalkthroughthemandhopethey’repeaceful,”Franksaid,hatingtheideaalready.“It’stheonlywaywe’regoingtotrackdowntheownerofthatbook.”Leopulledtheleather-boundmanualfromunderneathhisarm.He’dslappedastickynoteonthecoverwiththeaddressthedwarfsinBolognahadgivenhim.

“LaCasaNera,”heread.“CalleFrezzeria.”

“TheBlackHouse,”NicodiAngelotranslated.“CalleFrezzeriaisthestreet.”FranktriednottoflinchwhenherealizedNicowasathisshoulder.Theguywassoquietandbrooding,healmostseemedtodematerializewhenhewasn’tspeaking.Hazelmighthavebeentheonewhocamebackfromthedead,butNicowaswaymoreghostlike.

“YouspeakItalian?”Frankasked.

Nicoshothimawarninglook,like:Watchthequestions.Hespokecalmly,though.“Frankisright.Wehavetofindthataddress.Theonlywaytodoitistowalkthecity.Veniceisamaze.We’llhavetoriskthecrowdsandthose…whatevertheyare.”

Thunderrumbledintheclearsummersky.They’dpassedthroughsomestormsthenightbefore.

Frankhadthoughttheywereover,butnowhewasn’tsure.Theairfeltasthickandwarmassaunasteam.

Jasonfrownedatthehorizon.“MaybeIshouldstayonboard.Lotsofventiinthatstormlastnight.Iftheydecidetoattacktheshipagain…”

Hedidn’tneedtofinish.They’dallhadexperienceswithangrywindspirits.Jasonwastheonlyonewhohadmuchluckfightingthem.

CoachHedgegrunted.“Well,I’mout,too.IfyousoftheartedcupcakesaregoingtostrollthroughVenicewithoutevenwhackingthosefurryanimalsonthehead,forgetit.Idon’tlikeboringexpeditions.”

“It’sokay,Coach.”Leogrinned.“Westillhavetorepairtheforemast.ThenIneedyourhelpintheengineroom.I’vegotanideaforanewinstallation.”Frankdidn’tlikethegleaminLeo’seye.SinceLeohadfoundthatArchimedessphere,he’dbeentryingoutalotof“newinstallations.”Usually,theyexplodedorsentsmokebillowingupstairsintoFrank’scabin.

“Well…”Pipershiftedherfeet.“Whoevergoesshouldbegoodwithanimals.I,uh…I’lladmitI’mnotgreatwithcows.”

Frankfiguredtherewasastorybehindthatcomment,buthedecidednottoask.

“I’llgo,”hesaid.

Hewasn’tsurewhyhevolunteered—maybebecausehewasanxioustobeusefulforachange.Ormaybehedidn’twantanyonebeatinghimtothepunch.Animals?Frankcanturnintoanimals!Sendhim!

Leopattedhimonshoulderandhandedhimtheleather-boundbook.“Awesome.Ifyoupassahardwarestore,couldyougetmesometwo-by-foursandagallonoftar?”

“Leo,”Hazelchided,“it’snotashoppingtrip.”

“I’llgowithFrank,”Nicooffered.

Frank’seyestartedtwitching.Thewargods’voicesrosetoacrescendoinhishead:Killhim!

Graecusscum!

No!IloveGraecusscum!

“Uh…you’regoodwithanimals?”heasked.

Nicosmiledwithouthumor.“Actually,mostanimalshateme.Theycansensedeath.Butthere’ssomethingaboutthiscity.…”Hisexpressionturnedgrim.“Lotsofdeath.Restlessspirits.IfIgo,Imaybeabletokeepthematbay.Besides,asyounoticed,IspeakItalian.”Leoscratchedhishead.“Lotsofdeath,huh?Personally,I’mtryingtoavoidlotsofdeath,butyouguyshavefun!”

Frankwasn’tsurewhatscaredhimmore:shaggy-cowmonsters,hordesofrestlessghosts,orgoingsomewherealonewithNicodiAngelo.

“I’llgotoo.”HazelslippedherarmthroughFrank’s.“Threeisthebestnumberforademigodquest,right?”

Franktriednottolooktoorelieved.Hedidn’twanttooffendNico.ButheglancedatHazelandtoldherwithhiseyes:Thankyouthankyouthankyou.

Nicostaredatthecanals,asifwonderingwhatnewandinterestingformsofevilspiritsmightbelurkingthere.“Allright,then.Let’sgofindtheownerofthatbook.”

FRANKMIGHTHAVELIKEDVENICEifithadn’tbeensummertimeandtouristseason,andifthecitywasn’toverrunwithlargehairycreatures.Betweentherowsofoldhousesandthecanals,thesidewalkswerealreadytoonarrowforthecrowdsjostlingoneanotherandstoppingtotakepictures.

Themonstersmadethingsworse.Theyshuffledaroundwiththeirheadsdown,bumpingintomortalsandsniffingthepavement.

Oneseemedtofindsomethingitlikedattheedgeofacanal.Itnibbledandlickedatacrackbetweenthestonesuntilitdislodgedsomesortofgreenishroot.Themonstersuckedituphappilyandshambledalong.

“Well,they’replant-eaters,”Franksaid.“That’sgoodnews.”Hazelslippedherhandintohis.“Unlesstheysupplementtheirdietwithdemigods.Let’shopenot.”

Frankwassopleasedtobeholdingherhand,thecrowdsandtheheatandthemonsterssuddenlydidn’tseemsobad.Hefeltneeded—useful.

NotthatHazelrequiredhisprotection.Anybodywho’dseenherchargingonArionwithhersworddrawnwouldknowshecouldtakecareofherself.Still,Franklikedbeingnexttoher,imagininghewasherbodyguard.Ifanyofthesemonsterstriedtohurther,Frankwouldgladlyturnintoarhinocerosandpushthemintothecanal.

Couldhedoarhino?Frankhadnevertriedthatbefore.

Nicostopped.“There.”

They’dturnedontoasmallerstreet,leavingthecanalbehind.Aheadofthemwasasmallplazalinedwithfive-storybuildings.Theareawasstrangelydeserted—asifthemortalscouldsenseitwasn’tsafe.Inthemiddleofthecobblestonecourtyard,adozenshaggycowcreaturesweresniffingaroundthemossybaseofanoldstonewell.

“Alotofcowsinoneplace,”Franksaid.

“Yeah,butlook,”Nicosaid.“Pastthatarchway.”

Nico’seyesmust’vebeenbetterthanhis.Franksquinted.Atthefarendoftheplaza,astonearchwaycarvedwithlionsledintoanarrowstreet.Justpastthearch,oneofthetownhouseswaspaintedblack—theonlyblackbuildingFrankhadseensofarinVenice.

“LaCasaNera,”heguessed.

Hazel’sgriptightenedonhisfingers.“Idon’tlikethatplaza.Itfeels…cold.”Frankwasn’tsurewhatshemeant.Hewasstillsweatinglikecrazy.

ButNiconodded.Hestudiedthetown-housewindows,mostofwhichwerecoveredwithwoodenshutters.“You’reright,Hazel.Thisneighborhoodisfilledwithlemures.”

“Lemurs?”Frankaskednervously.“I’mguessingyoudon’tmeanthefurrylittleguysfromMadagascar?”

“Angryghosts,”Nicosaid.“LemuresgobacktoRomantimes.TheyhangaroundalotofItaliancities,butI’veneverfeltsomanyinoneplace.Mymomtoldme…”Hehesitated.“SheusedtotellmestoriesabouttheghostsofVenice.”

AgainFrankwonderedaboutNico’spast,buthewasafraidtoask.HecaughtHazel’seye.

Goahead,sheseemedtobesaying.Niconeedspracticetalkingtopeople.

ThesoundsofassaultriflesandatombombsgotlouderinFrank’shead.MarsandAresweretryingtooutsingeachotherwith“Dixie”and“TheBattleHymnoftheRepublic.”Frankdidhisbesttopushthataside.

“Nico,yourmomwasItalian?”heguessed.“ShewasfromVenice?”Niconoddedreluctantly.“ShemetHadeshere,backinthe1930s.AsWorldWarTwogotcloser,shefledtotheU.S.withmysisterandme.Imean…Bianca,myothersister.Idon’tremembermuchaboutItaly,butIcanstillspeakthelanguage.”

Franktriedtothinkofaresponse.Oh,that’snicedidn’tseemtocutit.

Hewashangingoutwithnotonebuttwodemigodswho’dbeenpulledoutoftime.Theywereboth,technically,aboutseventyyearsolderthanhewas.

“Must’vebeenhardonyourmom,”Franksaid.“Iguesswe’lldoanythingforsomeonewelove.”Hazelsqueezedhishandappreciatively.Nicostaredatthecobblestones.“Yeah,”hesaidbitterly.

“Iguesswewill.”

Frankwasn’tsurewhatNicowasthinking.HehadahardtimeimaginingNicodiAngeloactingoutofloveforanybody,exceptmaybeHazel.ButFrankdecidedhe’dgoneasfarashedaredwiththepersonalquestions.

“So,thelemures…”Heswallowed.“Howdoweavoidthem?”

“I’malreadyonit,”Nicosaid.“I’msendingoutthemessagethattheyshouldstayawayandignoreus.Hopefullythat’senough.Otherwise…thingscouldgetmessy.”Hazelpursedherlips.“Let’sgetgoing,”shesuggested.

Halfwayacrossthepiazza,everythingwentwrong;butithadnothingtodowithghosts.

Theywereskirtingthewellinthemiddleofthesquare,tryingtogivethecowmonsters

somedistance,whenHazelstumbledonaloosepieceofcobblestone.Frankcaughther.Sixorsevenofthebiggraybeaststurnedtolookatthem.Frankglimpsedaglowinggreeneyeunderone’smane,andinstantlyhewashitwithawaveofnausea,thewayhefeltwhenheatetoomuchcheeseoricecream.

Thecreaturesmadedeepthrobbingsoundsintheirthroatslikeangryfoghorns.

“Nicecows,”Frankmurmured.Heputhimselfbetweenhisfriendsandthemonsters.“Guys,I’mthinkingweshouldbackoutofhereslowly.”

“I’msuchaklutz,”Hazelwhispered.“Sorry.”

“It’snotyourfault,”Nicosaid.“Lookatyourfeet.”

Frankglanceddownandcaughthisbreath.

Undertheirshoes,thepavingstonesweremoving—spikyplanttendrilswerepushingupfromthecracks.

Nicosteppedback.Therootssnakedoutinhisdirection,tryingtofollow.Thetendrilsgotthicker,exudingasteamygreenvaporthatsmelledofboiledcabbage.

“Theserootsseemtolikedemigods,”Franknoted.

Hazel’shanddriftedtoherswordhilt.“Andthecowcreaturesliketheroots.”Theentireherdwasnowlookingtheirdirection,makingfoghorngrowlsandstampingtheirhooves.Frankunderstoodanimalbehaviorwellenoughtogetthemessage:Youarestandingonourfood.Thatmakesyouenemies.

Franktriedtothink.Thereweretoomanymonsterstofight.Somethingabouttheireyeshiddenunderthoseshaggymanes…Frankhadgottensickfromthebarestglimpse.Hehadabadfeelingthatifthosemonstersmadedirecteyecontact,hemightgetalotworsethannauseous.

“Don’tmeettheireyes,”Frankwarned.“I’lldistractthem.Youtwobackupslowlytowardthatblackhouse.”

Thecreaturestensed,readytoattack.

“Nevermind,”Franksaid.“Run!”

Asitturnedout,Frankcouldnotturnintoarhino,andhelostvaluabletimetrying.

NicoandHazelboltedforthesidestreet.Franksteppedinfrontofthemonsters,hopingtokeeptheirattention.Heyelledatthetopofhislungs,imagininghimselfasafearsomerhinoceros,butwithAresandMarsscreaminginhishead,hecouldn’tconcentrate.Heremainedregular-oldFrank.

TwoofthecowmonsterspeeledofffromtheherdtochaseNicoandHazel.

“No!”Frankyelledafterthem.“Me!I’mtherhino!”

TherestoftheherdsurroundedFrank.Theygrowled,emerald-greengasbillowingfromtheirnostrils.Franksteppedbacktoavoidthestuff,butthestenchnearlyknockedhimover.

Okay,sonotarhino.Somethingelse.Frankknewhehadonlysecondsbeforethe

monsterstrampledorpoisonedhim,buthecouldn’tthink.Hecouldn’tholdtheimageofanyanimallongenoughtochangeform.

Thenheglancedupatoneofthetown-housebalconiesandsawastonecarving—thesymbolofVenice.

Thenextinstant,Frankwasafull-grownlion.Heroaredinchallenge,thensprangfromthemiddleofthemonsterherdandlandedeightmetersaway,ontopoftheoldstonewell.

Themonstersgrowledinreply.Threeofthemsprangatonce,butFrankwasready.Hislionreflexeswerebuiltforspeedincombat.

Heslashedthefirsttwomonstersintodustwithhisclaws,thensankhisfangsintothethirdone’sthroatandtosseditaside.

Thereweresevenleft,plusthetwochasinghisfriends.Notgreatodds,butFrankhadtokeepthebulkofherdfocusedonhim.Heroaredatthemonsters,andtheyedgedaway.

Theyoutnumberedhim,yes.ButFrankwasatop-of-the-chainpredator.Theherdmonstersknewit.TheyhadalsojustwatchedhimsendthreeoftheirfriendstoTartarus.

Hepressedhisadvantageandleapedoffthewell,stillbaringhisfangs.Theherdbackedoff.

Ifhecouldjustmaneuveraroundthem,thenturnandrunafterhisfriends…

Hewasdoingallright,untilhetookhisfirstbackwardsteptowardthearch.Oneofcows,eitherthebravestorthestupidest,tookthatasasignofweakness.ItchargedandblastedFrankinthefacewithgreengas.

Heslashedthemonstertodust,butthedamagewasalreadydone.Heforcedhimselfnottobreathe.Regardless,hecouldfeelthefurburningoffhissnout.Hiseyesstung.Hestaggeredback,half-blindanddizzy,dimlyawareofNicoscreaminghisname.

“Frank!Frank!”

Hetriedtofocus.Hewasbackinhumanform,retchingandstumbling.Hisfacefeltlikeitwaspeelingoff.Infrontofhim,thegreencloudofgasfloatedbetweenhimandtheherd.Theremainingcowmonsterseyedhimwarily,probablywonderingifFrankhadanymoretricksuphissleeve.

Heglancedbehindhim.Underthestonearch,NicodiAngelowasholdinghisblackStygianironsword,gesturingatFranktohurry.AtNico’sfeet,twopuddlesofdarknessstainedthepavement—nodoubttheremainsofthecowmonstersthathadchasedthem.

AndHazel…shewasproppedagainstthewallbehindherbrother.Shewasn’tmoving.

Frankrantowardthem,forgettingaboutthemonsterherd.HerushedpastNicoandgrabbedHazel’sshoulders.Herheadslumpedagainstherchest.

“Shegotablastofgreengasrightintheface,”Nicosaidmiserably.“I—Iwasn’tfastenough.”Frankcouldn’ttellifshewasbreathing.Rageanddespairbattledinsidehim.He’dalwaysbeenscaredofNico.Nowhewantedtodrop-kickthesonofHadesintothenearestcanal.Maybethatwasn’tfair,butFrankdidn’tcare.Neitherdidthewargodsscreaminginhishead.

“Weneedtogetherbacktotheship,”Franksaid.

Thecowmonsterherdprowledcautiouslyjustbeyondthearchway.Theybellowedtheirfoghorncries.Fromnearbystreets,moremonstersanswered.Reinforcementswouldsoonhavethedemigodssurrounded.

“We’llnevermakeitonfoot,”Nicosaid.“Frank,turnintoagianteagle.Don’tworryaboutme.

GetherbacktotheArgoII!”

Withhisfaceburningandthevoicesscreaminginhismind,Frankwasn’tsurehecouldchangeshape;buthewasabouttotrywhenavoicebehindthemsaid,“Yourfriendscan’thelpyou.Theydon’tknowthecure.”

Frankspun.StandinginthethresholdoftheBlackHousewasayoungmaninjeansandadenimshirt.Hehadcurlyblackhairandafriendlysmile,thoughFrankdoubtedhewasfriendly.Probablyhewasn’tevenhuman.

Atthemoment,Frankdidn’tcare.

“Canyoucureher?”heasked.

“Ofcourse,”themansaid.“Butyou’dbetterhurryinside.Ithinkyou’veangeredeverykatoblepsinVenice.”

THEYBARELYMADEITINSIDE.

Assoonastheirhostthrewthebolts,thecowmonstersbellowedandslammedintothedoor,makingitshudderonitshinges.

“Oh,theycan’tgetin,”themanindenimpromised.“You’resafenow!”

“Safe?”Frankdemanded.“Hazelisdying!”

Theirhostfrownedasifhedidn’tappreciateFrankruininghisgoodmood.“Yes,yes.

Bringherthisway.”

FrankcarriedHazelastheyfollowedthemanfartherintothebuilding.Nicoofferedtohelp,butFrankdidn’tneedit.Hazelweighednothing,andFrank’sbodyhummedwithadrenaline.HecouldfeelHazelshivering,soatleastheknewshewasalive;butherskinwascold.Herlipshadtakenonagreenishtinge—orwasthatjustFrank’sblurryvision?

Hiseyesstillburnedfromthemonster’sbreath.Hislungsfeltlikehe’dinhaledaflamingcabbage.Hedidn’tknowwhythegashadaffectedhimlessthanithadHazel.Maybeshe’dgottenmoreofitinherlungs.Hewouldhavegivenanythingtochangeplacesifitmeantsavingher.

ThevoicesofMarsandAresyelledinhishead,urginghimtokillNicoandthemanindenimandanyoneelsehecouldfind,butFrankforceddownthenoise.

Thehouse’sfrontroomwassomesortofgreenhouse.Thewallswerelinedwithtablesofplanttraysunderfluorescentlights.Theairsmelledoffertilizersolution.MaybeVenetiansdidtheirgardeninginside,sincetheyweresurroundedbywaterinsteadofsoil?Frankwasn’tsure,buthedidn’tspendmuchtimeworryingaboutit.

Thebackroomlookedlikeacombinationgarage,collegedorm,andcomputerlab.Againsttheleftwallglowedabankofserversandlaptops,theirscreensaversflashingpicturesofplowedfieldsandtractors.Againsttherightwallsatasinglebed,amessydesk,andanopenwardrobefilledwithextradenimclothesandastackoffarmimplements,likepitchforksandrakes.

Thebackwallwasahugegaragedoor.Parkednexttoitwasared-and-goldchariotwithanopencarriageandasingleaxle,likethechariotsFrankhadracedatCampJupiter.Sproutingfromthesidesofthedriver’sboxweregiantfeatherywings.Wrappedaroundtherimoftheleftwheel,aspottedpythonsnoredloudly.

Frankhadn’tknownthatpythonscouldsnore.Hehopedhehadn’tdonethathimselfinpythonformlastnight.

“Setyourfriendhere,”saidthemanindenim.

FrankplacedHazelgentlyonthebed.Heremovedherswordandtriedtomakehercomfortable,butshewasaslimpasascarecrow.Hercomplexiondefinitelyhadagreenishtint.

“Whatwerethosecowthings?”Frankdemanded.“Whatdidtheydotoher?”

“Katoblepones,”saidtheirhost.“Singular:katobleps.InEnglish,itmeansdown-looker.Calledthatbecause—”

“They’realwayslookingdown.”Nicosmackedhisforehead.“Right.Irememberreadingaboutthem.”

Frankglaredathim.“Nowyouremember?”

Nicohunghisheadalmostaslowasakatobleps.“I,uh…usedtoplaythisstupidcardgamewhenIwasyounger.Mythomagic.Thekatoblepswasoneofthemonstercards.”Frankblinked.“IplayedMythomagic.Ineversawthatcard.”

“ItwasintheAfricanusExtremeexpansiondeck.”

“Oh.”

Theirhostclearedhisthroat.“Areyoutwodone,ah,geekingout,astheysay?”

“Right,sorry,”Nicomuttered.“Anyway,katobleponeshavepoisonbreathandapoisongaze.IthoughttheyonlylivedinAfrica.”

Themanindenimshrugged.“That’stheirnativeland.TheywereaccidentallyimportedtoVenicehundredsofyearsago.You’veheardofSaintMark?”Frankwantedtoscreamwithfrustration.Hedidn’tseehowanyofthiswasrelevant,butiftheirhostcouldhealHazel,Frankdecidedmaybeitwouldbebestnottomakehimangry.“Saints?They’renotpartofGreekmythology.”

Themanindenimchuckled.“No,butSaintMarkisthepatronsaintofthiscity.HediedinEgypt,oh,alongtimeago.WhentheVenetiansbecamepowerful…well,therelicsofsaintswereabigtouristattractionbackintheMiddleAges.TheVenetiansdecidedtostealSaintMark’sremainsandbringthemtotheirbigchurchofSanMarco.Theysmuggledouthisbodyinabarrelofpickledpigparts.”

“That’s…disgusting,”Franksaid.

“Yes,”themanagreedwithasmile.“Thepointis,youcan’tdosomethinglikethatandnothaveconsequences.TheVenetiansunintentionallysmuggledsomethingelseoutofEgypt—thekatoblepones.Theycamehereaboardthatshipandhavebeenbreedinglikeratseversince.Theylovethemagicalpoisonrootsthatgrowhere—swampy,foul-smellingplantsthatcreepupfromthecanals.

Itmakestheirbreathevenmorepoisonous!Usuallythemonstersignoremortals,butdemigods…

especiallydemigodswhogetintheirway—”

“Gotit,”Franksnapped.“Canyoucureher?”

Themanshrugged.“Possibly.”

“Possibly?”Frankhadtouseallhiswillpowernottothrottletheguy.

HeputhishandunderHazel’snose.Hecouldn’tfeelherbreath.“Nico,pleasetellmeshe’sdoingthatdeath-trancething,likeyoudidinthebronzejar.”

Nicogrimaced.“Idon’tknowifHazelcandothat.HerdadistechnicallyPluto,notHades,so—”

“Hades!”criedtheirhost.Hebackedaway,staringatNicowithdistaste.“Sothat’swhatIsmell.

ChildrenoftheUnderworld?IfI’dknownthat,Iwouldneverhaveletyouin!”Frankrose.“Hazel’sagoodperson.Youpromisedyouwouldhelpher!”

“Ididnotpromise.”

Nicodrewhissword.“She’smysister,”hegrowled.“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butifyoucancureher,youhaveto,orsohelpmebytheRiverStyx—”

“Oh,blah,blah,blah!”Themanwavedhishand.SuddenlywhereNicodiAngelohad

beenstandingwasapottedplantaboutfivefeettall,withdroopinggreenleaves,tuftsofsilk,andhalfadozenripeyellowearsofcorn.

“There,”themanhuffed,wagginghisfingeratthecornplant.“ChildrenofHadescan’tordermearound!Youshouldtalklessandlistenmore.Nowatleastyouhaveears.”Frankstumbledagainstthebed.“Whatdidyou—why—?”

Themanraisedaneyebrow.Frankmadeasqueakynoisethatwasn’tverycourageous.He’dbeensofocusedonHazel,he’dforgottenwhatLeohadtoldthemabouttheguytheywerelookingfor.

“You’reagod,”heremembered.

“Triptolemus.”Themanbowed.“MyfriendscallmeTrip,sodon’tcallmethat.Andifyou’reanotherchildofHades—”

“Mars!”Franksaidquickly.“ChildofMars!”

Triptolemussniffed.“Well…notmuchbetter.Butperhapsyoudeservetobesomethingbetterthanacornplant.Sorghum?Sorghumisverynice.”

“Wait!”Frankpleaded.“We’rehereonafriendlymission.Webroughtagift.”Veryslowly,hereachedintohisbackpackandbroughtouttheleather-boundbook.“Thisbelongstoyou?”

“Myalmanac!”Triptolemusgrinnedandseizedthebook.Hethumbedthroughthepagesandstartedbouncingontheballsofhisfeet.“Oh,thisisfabulous!Wheredidyoufindit?”

“Um,Bologna.Therewerethese”—Frankrememberedthathewasn’tsupposedtomentionthedwarfs—“terriblemonsters.Weriskedourlives,butweknewthiswasimportanttoyou.Socouldyoumaybe,youknow,turnNicobacktonormalandhealHazel?”

“Hmm?”Triplookedupfromhisbook.He’dbeenhappilyrecitinglinestohimself—somethingaboutturnip-plantingschedules.FrankwishedthatEllatheharpywerehere.Shewouldgetalonggreatwiththisguy.

“Oh,healthem?”Triptolemuscluckeddisapprovingly.“I’mgratefulforthebook,ofcourse.Icandefinitelyletyougofree,sonofMars.ButIhavealong-standingproblemwithHades.Afterall,IowemygodlypowerstoDemeter!”

Frankrackedhisbrain,butitwashardwiththevoicesscreaminginhisheadandthekatoblepspoisonmakinghimdizzy.

“Uh,Demeter,”hesaid,“theplantgoddess.She—shedidn’tlikeHadesbecause…”Suddenlyherecalledanoldstoryhe’dheardatCampJupiter.“Herdaughter,Proserpine—”

“Persephone,”Tripcorrected.“IprefertheGreek,ifyoudon’tmind.”Killhim!Marsscreamed.

Ilovethisguy!Aresyelledback.Killhimanyway!

Frankdecidednottotakeoffense.Hedidn’twanttogetturnedintoasorghumplant.“Okay.

HadeskidnappedPersephone.”

“Exactly!”Tripsaid.

“So…Persephonewasafriendofyours?”

Tripsnorted.“Iwasjustamortalprincebackthen.Persephonewouldn’thavenoticedme.Butwhenhermother,Demeter,wentsearchingforher,scouringthewholeearth,notmanypeoplewouldhelpher.Hecatelitherwayatnightwithhertorches.AndI…well,whenDemetercametomypartofGreece,Igaveheraplacetostay.Icomfortedher,gaveherameal,andofferedmyassistance.Ididn’tknowshewasagoddessatthetime,butmygooddeedpaidoff.Later,Demeterrewardedmebymakingmeagodoffarming!”

“Wow,”Franksaid.“Farming.Congratulations.”

“Iknow!Prettyawesome,right?Anyway,DemeternevergotalongwithHades.Sonaturally,youknow,Ihavetosidewithmypatrongoddess.ChildrenofHades—forgetit!Infact,oneofthem—thisScythiankingnamedLynkos?WhenItriedtoteachhiscountrymenaboutfarming,hekilledmyrightpython!”

“Your…rightpython?”

Tripmarchedovertohiswingedchariotandhoppedin.Hepulledalever,andthewingsbegantoflap.Thespottedpythonontheleftwheelopenedhiseyes.Hestartedtowrithe,coilingaroundtheaxlelikeaspring.Thechariotwhirredintomotion,buttherightwheelstayedinplace,soTriptolemusspunincircles,thechariotbeatingitswingsandbouncingupanddownlikeadefectivemerry-go-round.

“Yousee?”hesaidashespun.“Nogood!EversinceIlostmyrightpython,Ihaven’tbeenabletospreadthewordaboutfarming—atleastnotinperson.NowIhavetoresorttogivingonlinecourses.”

“What?”Assoonashesaidit,Frankwassorryhe’dasked.

Triphoppedoffthechariotwhileitwasstillspinning.Thepythonslowedtoastopandwentbacktosnoring.Tripjoggedovertothelineofcomputers.Hetappedthekeyboardsandthescreenswokeup,displayingaWebsiteinmaroonandgold,withapictureofahappyfarmerinatogaandaJohnDeerecap,standingwithhisbronzescytheinafieldofwheat.

“TriptolemusFarmingUniversity!”heannouncedproudly.“Injustsixweeks,youcangetyourbachelor’sdegreeintheexcitingandvibrantcareerofthefuture—farming!”Frankfeltabeadofsweattrickledownhischeek.Hedidn’tcareaboutthiscrazygodorhissnake-poweredchariotorhisonlinedegreeprogram.ButHazelwasturninggreenerbythemoment.

Nicowasacornplant.Andhewasalone.

“Look,”hesaid.“Wedidbringyouthealmanac.Andmyfriendsarereallynice.They’renotlikethoseotherchildrenofHadesyou’vemet.Soifthere’sanyway—”

“Oh!”Tripsnappedhisfingers.“Iseewhereyou’regoing!”

“Uh…youdo?”

“Absolutely!IfIcureyourfriendHazelandreturntheotherone,Nicholas—”

“Nico.”

“—ifIreturnhimtonormal…”

Frankhesitated.“Yes?”

“Theninexchange,youstaywithmeandtakeupfarming!AchildofMarsasmyapprentice?It’sperfect!Whataspokesmanyou’llbe.Wecanbeatswordsintoplowsharesandhavesomuchfun!”

“Actually…”Franktriedfranticallytocomeupwithaplan.AresandMarsscreamedinhishead,Swords!Guns!Massiveka-booms!

IfhedeclinedTrip’soffer,Frankfiguredhewouldoffendtheguyandendupassorghumorwheatorsomeothercashcrop.

IfitwastheonlywaytosaveHazel,thensure,hecouldagreetoTrip’sdemandsandbecomeafarmer.Butthatcouldn’tbetheonlyway.Frankrefusedtobelievehe’dbeenchosenbytheFatestogoonthisquestjustsohecouldtakeonlinecoursesinturnipcultivation.

Frank’seyeswanderedtothebrokenchariot.“Ihaveabetteroffer,”heblurtedout.“Icanfixthat.”

Trip’ssmilemelted.“Fix…mychariot?”

Frankwantedtokickhimself.Whatwashethinking?Hewasn’tLeo.Hecouldn’tevenfigureoutastupidpairofChinesehandcuffs.HecouldbarelychangethebatteriesinaTVremote.Hecouldn’tfixamagicalchariot!

Butsomethingtoldhimitwashisonlychance.ThatchariotwastheonethingTriptolemusmightreallywant.

“I’llgofindawaytofixthechariot,”hesaid.“Inreturn,youfixNicoandHazel.Letusgoinpeace.And—andgiveuswhateveraidyoucantodefeatGaea’sforces.”Triptolemuslaughed.“WhatmakesyouthinkIcanaidyouwiththat?”

“Hecatetoldusso,”Franksaid.“Shesentushere.She—shedecidedHazelisoneofherfavorites.”

ThecolordrainedfromTrip’sface.“Hecate?”

Frankhopedhewasn’toverstatingthings.Hedidn’tneedHecatemadathimtoo.ButifTriptolemusandHecatewerebothfriendsofDemeter,maybethatwouldconvinceTriptohelp.

“ThegoddessguidedustoyouralmanacinBologna,”Franksaid.“Shewantedustoreturnittoyou,because…well,shemust’veknownyouhadsomeknowledgethatwouldhelpusgetthroughtheHouseofHadesinEpirus.”

Tripnoddedslowly.“Yes.Isee.IknowwhyHecatesentyoutome.Verywell,sonofMars.Gofindawaytofixmychariot.Ifyousucceed,Iwilldoallyouask.Ifnot—”

“Iknow,”Frankgrumbled.“Myfriendsdie.”

“Yes,”Tripsaidcheerfully.“Andyou’llmakealovelypatchofsorghum!”

FRANKSTUMBLEDOUTOFTHEBLACKHOUSE.Thedoorshutbehindhim,andhecollapsedagainstthewall,overcomewithguilt.Fortunatelythekatobleponeshadclearedoff,orhemighthavejustsatthereandletthemtramplehim.Hedeservednothingbetter.He’dleftHazelinside,dyinganddefenseless,atthemercyofacrazyfarmergod.

Killfarmers!Aresscreamedinhishead.

ReturntothelegionandfightGreeks!Marssaid.Whatarewedoinghere?

Killingfarmers!Aresscreamedback.

“Shutup!”Frankyelledaloud.“Bothofyou!”

Acoupleofoldladieswithshoppingbagsshuffledpast.TheygaveFrankastrangelook,mutteredsomethinginItalian,andkeptgoing.

FrankstaredmiserablyatHazel’scavalrysword,lyingathisfeetnexttohisbackpack.HecouldrunbacktotheArgoIIandgetLeo.MaybeLeocouldfixthechariot.

ButFranksomehowknewthiswasn’taproblemforLeo.ItwasFrank’stask.Hehadtoprovehimself.Besides,thechariotwasn’texactlybroken.Therewasnomechanicalproblem.Itwasmissingaserpent.

Frankcouldturnhimselfintoapython.Whenhe’dwokenupthatmorningasagiantsnake,perhapsithadbeenasignfromthegods.Hedidn’twanttospendtherestofhislifeturningthewheelofafarmer’schariot,butifitmeantsavingHazel…

No.Therehadtobeanotherway.

Serpents,Frankthought.Mars.

Didhisfatherhavesomeconnectiontosnakes?Mars’ssacredanimalwasthewildboar,nottheserpent.Still,Frankwassurehe’dheardsomethingonce.…

Hecouldthinkofonlyonepersontoask.Reluctantly,heopenedhismindtothevoicesofthewargod.

Ineedasnake,hetoldthem.How?

Ha,ha!Aresscreamed.Yes,theserpent!

LikethatvileCadmus,Marssaid.Wepunishedhimforkillingourdragon!

Theybothstartedyelling,untilFrankthoughthisbrainwouldsplitinhalf.

“Okay!Stop!”

Thevoicesquieted.

“Cadmus,”Frankmuttered.“Cadmus…”

Thestorycamebacktohim.ThedemigodCadmushadslainadragonthathappenedtobeachildofAres.HowAreshadendedupwithadragonforason,Frankdidn’twanttoknow;butaspunishmentforthedragon’sdeath,AresturnedCadmusintoasnake.

“Soyoucanturnyourenemiesintosnakes,”Franksaid.“That’swhatIneed.Ineedtofindanenemy.ThenIneedyoutoturnhimintoasnake.”

YouthinkIwoulddothatforyou?Aresroared.Youhavenotprovenyourworth!

Onlythegreatestherocouldasksuchaboon,Marssaid.AherolikeRomulus!

TooRoman!Aresshouted.Diomedes!

Never!Marsshoutedback.ThatcowardfelltoHeracles!

Horatius,then,Aressuggested.

Marswentsilent.Franksensedagrudgingagreement.

“Horatius,”Franksaid.“Fine.Ifthat’swhatittakes,I’llproveI’masgoodasHoratius.Uh…

whatdidhedo?”

ImagesfloodedintoFrank’smind.Hesawalonewarriorstandingonastonebridge,facinganentirearmymassedonthefarsideoftheTiberRiver.

Frankrememberedthelegend.Horatius,theRomangeneral,hadsingle-handedlyheldoffahordeofinvaders,sacrificinghimselfonthatbridgetokeepthebarbariansfromcrossingtheTiber.BygivinghisfellowRomanstimetofinishtheirdefenses,he’dsavedtheRepublic.

Veniceisoverrun,Marssaid,asRomewasabouttobe.Cleanseit!

Destroythemall!Aressaid.Putthemtothesword!

Frankpushedthevoicestothebackofhismind.Helookedathishandsandwasamazedtheyweren’ttrembling.

Forthefirsttimeindays,histhoughtswereclear.Heknewexactlywhatheneededtodo.Hedidn’tknowhowhewouldpullitoff.Theoddsofdyingwereexcellent,buthehadtotry.Hazel’slifedependedonhim.

HestrappedHazel’sswordtohisbelt,morphedhisbackpackintoaquiverandbow,andracedtowardthepiazzawherehe’dfoughtthecowmonsters.

Theplanhadthreephases:dangerous,reallydangerous,andinsanelydangerous.

Frankstoppedattheoldstonewell.Nokatobleponesinsight.HedrewHazel’sswordandusedittopryupsomecobblestones,unearthingabigtangleofspikyroots.Thetendrilsunfurled,exudingtheirstinkygreenfumesastheycrepttowardFrank’sfeet.

Inthedistance,akatobleps’sfoghornmoanfilledtheair.Othersjoinedinfromalldifferentdirections.Frankwasn’tsurehowthemonsterscouldtellhewasharvestingtheirfavoritefood—

maybetheyjusthadanexcellentsenseofsmell.

Hehadtomovefastnow.Heslicedoffalongclusterofvinesandlacedthemthroughoneofhisbeltloops,tryingtoignoretheburninganditchinginhishands.Soonhehadaglowing,stinkinglassoofpoisonousweeds.Hooray.

Thefirstfewkatobleponeslumberedintothepiazza,bellowinginanger.Greeneyesglowedundertheirmanes.Theirlongsnoutsblewcloudsofgas,likefurrysteamengines.

Franknockedanarrow.Hehadamomentarypangofguilt.Thesewerenottheworstmonstershe’dmet.Theywerebasicallygrazinganimalsthathappenedtobepoisonous.

Hazelisdyingbecauseofthem,heremindedhimself.

Heletthearrowfly.Thenearestkatoblepscollapsed,crumblingtodust.Henockedasecondarrow,buttherestoftheherdwasalmostontopofhim.Morewerechargingintothesquarefromtheoppositedirection.

Frankturnedintoalion.Heroareddefiantlyandleapedtowardthearchway,straightovertheheadsofthesecondherd.Thetwogroupsofkatobleponesslammedintoeachother,butquicklyrecoveredandranafterhim.

Frankhadn’tbeensuretherootswouldstillsmellwhenhechangedform.Usuallyhisclothesandpossessionsjustsortofmeltedintohisanimalshape,butapparentlyhestillsmelledlikeayummypoisondinner.Eachtimeheracedpastakatobleps,itroaredwithoutrageandjoinedtheKillFrank!

Parade.

Heturnedontoalargerstreetandpushedthroughthecrowdsoftourists.Whatthemortalssaw,hehadnoidea—acatbeingchasedbyapackofdogs?PeoplecursedatFrankinabouttwelvedifferentlanguages.Gelatoconeswentflying.Awomanspilledastackofcarnivalmasks.Onedudetoppledintothecanal.

WhenFrankglancedback,hehadatleasttwodozenmonstersonhistail,butheneededmore.HeneededallthemonstersinVenice,andhehadtokeeptheonesbehindhimenraged.

Hefoundanopenspotinthecrowdandturnedbackintoahuman.HedrewHazel’sspatha—

neverhispreferredweapon,buthewasbigenoughandstrongenoughthattheheavycavalrysworddidn’tbotherhim.Infacthewasgladfortheextrareach.Heslashedthegoldenblade,destroyingthefirstkatoblepsandlettingtheothersbunchupinfrontofhim.

Hetriedtoavoidtheireyes,buthecouldfeeltheirgazeburningintohim.Hefiguredthatifallthesemonstersbreathedonhimatonce,theircombinednoxiouscloudwouldbeenoughtomelthimintoapuddle.Themonsterscrowdedforwardandslammedintooneanother.

Frankyelled,“Youwantmypoisonroots?Comeandgetthem!”Heturnedintoadolphinandjumpedintothecanal.Hehopedkatobleponescouldn’tswim.Attheveryleast,theyseemedreluctanttofollowhimin,andhecouldn’tblamethem.Thecanalwasdisgusting—smellyandsaltyandaswarmassoup—butFrankforgedthroughit,dodginggondolasandspeedboats,pausingoccasionallytochitterdolphininsultsatthemonsterswhofollowedhimonthesidewalks.Whenhereachedthenearestgondoladock,Frankturnedbackintoahumanagain,stabbedafewmorekatobleponestokeepthemangry,andtookoffrunning.

Soitwent.

Afterawhile,Frankfellintoakindofdaze.Heattractedmoremonsters,scatteredmorecrowdsoftourists,andledhisnowmassivefollowingofkatobleponesthroughthewindingstreetsoftheoldcity.Wheneverheneededaquickescape,hedoveintoacanalasadolphin,orturnedintoaneagleandsoaredoverhead,buthenevergottoofaraheadofhispursuers.

Wheneverhefeltlikethemonstersmightbelosinginterest,hestoppedonarooftopanddrewhisbow,pickingoffafewofthekatobleponesinthecenteroftheherd.Heshookhislassoofpoisonvinesandinsultedthemonsters’badbreath,stirringthemintoafury.Thenhecontinuedtherace.

Hebacktracked.Helosthisway.Onceheturnedacornerandranintothetailendofhisownmonstermob.Heshouldhavebeenexhausted,yetsomehowhefoundthestrengthtokeepgoing—

whichwasgood.Thehardestpartwasyettocome.

Hespottedacoupleofbridges,buttheydidn’tlookright.Onewaselevatedandcompletelycovered;nowaycouldhegetthemonsterstofunnelthroughit.Anotherwastoocrowdedwithtourists.Evenifthemonstersignoredthemortals,thatnoxiousgascouldn’tbegoodforanyonetobreathe.Thebiggerthemonsterherdgot,themoremortalswouldgetpushedaside,knockedintothewater,ortrampled.

FinallyFranksawsomethingthatwouldwork.Justahead,pastabigpiazza,awoodenbridgespannedoneofthewidestcanals.Thebridgeitselfwasalatticedarcoftimber,likeanold-fashionedrollercoaster,aboutfiftymeterslong.

Fromabove,ineagleform,Franksawnomonstersonthefarside.EverykatoblepsinVeniceseemedtohavejoinedtheherdandwaspushingthroughthestreetsbehindhimastouristsscreamedandscattered,maybethinkingtheywerecaughtinthemidstofastraydogstampede.

Thebridgewasemptyoffoottraffic.Itwasperfect.

Frankdroppedlikeastoneandturnedbacktohumanform.Herantothemiddleofthebridge—anaturalchokepoint—andthrewhisbaitofpoisonousrootsonthedeckbehindhim.

Asthefrontofthekatoblepsherdreachedthebaseofthebridge,FrankdrewHazel’sgoldenspatha.

“Comeon!”heyelled.“YouwanttoknowwhatFrankZhangisworth?Comeon!”Herealizedhewasn’tjustshoutingatthemonsters.Hewasventingweeksoffear,rage,andresentment.ThevoicesofMarsandAresscreamedrightalongwithhim.

Themonsterscharged.Frank’svisionturnedred.

Later,hecouldn’trememberthedetailsclearly.Heslicedthroughmonstersuntilhewasankle-deepinyellowdust.Wheneverhegotoverwhelmedandthecloudsofgasbegantochokehim,hechangedshape—becameanelephant,adragon,alion—andeachtransformationseemedtoclearhislungs,givinghimafreshburstofenergy.Hisshape-shiftingbecamesofluid,hecouldstartanattackinhumanformwithhisswordandfinishasalion,rakinghisclawsacrossakatobleps’ssnout.

Themonsterskickedwiththeirhooves.TheybreathednoxiousgasandglaredstraightatFrankwiththeirpoisonouseyes.Heshouldhavedied.Heshouldhavebeentrampled.Butsomehow,hestayedonhisfeet,unharmed,andunleashedahurricaneofviolence.

Hedidn’tfeelanysortofpleasureinthis,buthedidn’thesitate,either.Hestabbedone

monsterandbeheadedanother.Heturnedintoadragonandbitakatoblepsinhalf,thenchangedintoanelephantandtrampledthreeatonceunderhisfeet.Hisvisionwasstilltintedred,andherealizedhiseyesweren’tplayingtricksonhim.Hewasactuallyglowing—surroundedbyarosyaura.

Hedidn’tunderstandwhy,buthekeptfightinguntiltherewasonlyonemonsterleft.

Frankfaceditwithhissworddrawn.Hewasoutofbreath,sweaty,andcakedinmonsterdust,buthewasunharmed.

Thekatoblepssnarled.Itmustnothavebeenthesmartestmonster.Despitethefactthatseveralhundredofitsbrethrenhadjustdied,itdidnotbackdown.

“Mars!”Frankyelled.“I’veprovenmyself.NowIneedasnake!”Frankdoubtedanyonehadevershoutedthosewordsbefore.Itwaskindofaweirdrequest.Hegotnoanswerfromtheskies.Foronce,thevoicesinhisheadweresilent.

Thekatoblepslostpatience.ItlauncheditselfatFrankandlefthimnochoice.Heslashedupward.Assoonashisbladehitthemonster,thekatoblepsdisappearedinaflashofblood-redlight.

WhenFrank’svisioncleared,amottledbrownBurmesepythonwascoiledathisfeet.

“Welldone,”saidafamiliarvoice.

Standingafewfeetawaywashisdad,Mars,wearingaredberetandolivefatigueswiththeinsigniaoftheItalianSpecialForces,anassaultrifleslungoverhisshoulder.Hisfacewashardandangular,hiseyescoveredwithdarksunglasses.

“Father,”Frankmanaged.

Hecouldn’tbelievewhathe’djustdone.Theterrorstartedtocatchuptohim.Hefeltlikesobbing,butheguessedthatwouldnotbeagoodideainfrontofMars.

“It’snaturaltofeelfear.”Thewargod’svoicewassurprisinglywarm,fullofpride.“Allgreatwarriorsareafraid.Onlythestupidandthedelusionalarenot.Butyoufacedyourfear,myson.Youdidwhatyouhadtodo,likeHoratius.Thiswasyourbridge,andyoudefendedit.”

“I—”Frankwasn’tsurewhattosay.“I…Ijustneededasnake.”AtinysmiletuggedatMars’smouth.“Yes.Andnowyouhaveone.Yourbraveryhasunitedmyforms,GreekandRoman,ifonlyforamoment.Go.Saveyourfriends.Buthearme,Frank.Yourgreatesttestisyettocome.WhenyoufacethearmiesofGaeaatEpirus,yourleadership—”Suddenlythegoddoubledover,clutchinghishead.Hisformflickered.Hisfatiguesturnedintoatoga,thenabiker’sjacketandjeans.Hisriflechangedintoaswordandthenarocketlauncher.

“Agony!”Marsbellowed.“Go!Hurry!”

Frankdidn’taskquestions.Despitehisexhaustion,heturnedintoagianteagle,snatchedupthepythoninhismassiveclaws,andlaunchedhimselfintotheair.

Whenheglancedback,aminiaturemushroomclouderuptedfromthemiddleofthebridge,ringsoffirewashingoutward,andapairofvoices—MarsandAres—screamed,“Noooo!”Frankwasn’tsurewhathadjusthappened,buthehadnotimetothinkaboutit.

Heflewoverthecity—nowcompletelyemptyofmonsters—andheadedforthehouseofTriptolemus.

“Youfoundone!”thefarmergodexclaimed.

Frankignoredhim.HestormedintoLaCasaNera,draggingthepythonbyitstaillikeaverystrangeSantaClausbag,anddroppeditnexttothebed.

HekneltatHazel’sside.

Shewasstillalive—greenandshivering,barelybreathing,butalive.AsforNico,hewasstillacornplant.

“Healthem,”Franksaid.“Now.”

Triptolemuscrossedhisarms.“HowdoIknowthesnakewillwork?”Frankgrittedhisteeth.Sincetheexplosiononthebridge,thevoicesofthewargodhadgonesilentinhishead,buthestillfelttheircombinedangerchurninginsidehim.Hefeltphysicallydifferent,too.HadTriptolemusgottenshorter?

“ThesnakeisagiftfromMars,”Frankgrowled.“Itwillwork.”Asifoncue,theBurmesepythonslitheredovertothechariotandwrappeditselfaroundtherightwheel.Theothersnakewokeup.Thetwoserpentscheckedeachotherout,touchingnoses,thenturnedtheirwheelsinunison.Thechariotinchedforward,itswingsflapping.

“Yousee?”Franksaid.“Now,healmyfriends!”

Triptolemustappedhischin.“Well,thankyouforthesnake,butI’mnotsureIlikeyourtone,demigod.PerhapsI’llturnyouinto—”

Frankwasfaster.HelungedatTripandslammedhimintothewall,hisfingerslockedaroundthegod’sthroat.

“Thinkaboutyournextwords,”Frankwarned,deadlycalm.“Orinsteadofbeatingmyswordintoaplowshare,Iwillbeatitintoyourhead.”

Triptolemusgulped.“Youknow…IthinkI’llhealyourfriends.”

“SwearitontheRiverStyx.”

“IswearitontheRiverStyx.”

Frankreleasedhim.Triptolemustouchedhisthroat,asifmakingsureitwasstillthere.HegaveFrankanervoussmile,edgedaroundhim,andscurriedofftothefrontroom.“Just—justgatheringherbs!”

Frankwatchedasthegodpickedleavesandrootsandcrushedtheminamortar.Herolledapill-sizedballofgreengoopandjoggedtoHazel’sside.HeplacedthegunkballunderHazel’stongue.

Instantly,sheshudderedandsatup,coughing.Hereyesflewopen.Thegreenishtintinherskindisappeared.

Shelookedaround,bewildered,untilshesawFrank.“What—?”Franktackledherinahug.“You’regoingtobefine,”hesaidfiercely.“Everythingisfine.”

“But…”Hazelgrippedhisshouldersandstaredathiminamazement.“Frank,what

happenedtoyou?”

“Tome?”Hestood,suddenlyself-conscious.“Idon’t…”Helookeddownandrealizedwhatshemeant.Triptolemushadn’tgottenshorter.Frankwastaller.Hisguthadshrunk.Hischestseemedbulkier.

Frankhadhadgrowthspurtsbefore.Oncehe’dwokenuptwocentimeterstallerthanwhenhe’dgonetosleep.Butthiswasnuts.Itwasasifsomeofthedragonandlionhadstayedwithhimwhenhe’dturnedbacktohuman.

“Uh…Idon’t…MaybeIcanfixit.”

Hazellaughedwithdelight.“Why?Youlookamazing!”

“I—Ido?”

“Imean,youwerehandsomebefore!Butyoulookolder,andtaller,andsodistinguished—”Triptolemusheavedadramaticsigh.“Yes,obviouslysomesortofblessingfromMars.

Congratulations,blah,blah,blah.Now,ifwe’redonehere…?”Frankglaredathim.“We’renotdone.HealNico.”

Thefarmgodrolledhiseyes.Hepointedatthecornplant,andBAM!NicodiAngeloappearedinanexplosionofcornsilk.

Nicolookedaroundinapanic.“I—Ihadtheweirdestnightmareaboutpopcorn.”HefrownedatFrank.“Whyareyoutaller?”

“Everything’sfine,”Frankpromised.“TriptolemuswasabouttotellushowtosurvivetheHouseofHades.Weren’tyou,Trip?”

Thefarmgodraisedhiseyestotheceiling,like,Whyme,Demeter?

“Fine,”Tripsaid.“WhenyouarriveatEpirus,youwillbeofferedachalicetodrinkfrom.”

“Offeredbywhom?”Nicoasked.

“Doesn’tmatter,”Tripsnapped.“Justknowthatitisfilledwithdeadlypoison.”Hazelshuddered.“Soyou’resayingthatweshouldn’tdrinkit.”

“No!”Tripsaid.“Youmustdrinkit,oryou’llneverbeabletomakeitthroughthetemple.Thepoisonconnectsyoutotheworldofthedead,letsyoupassintothelowerlevels.Thesecrettosurvivingis”—hiseyestwinkled—“barley.”

Frankstaredathim.“Barley.”

“Inthefrontroom,takesomeofmyspecialbarley.Makeitintolittlecakes.EatthesebeforeyoustepintotheHouseofHades.Thebarleywillabsorbtheworstofthepoison,soitwillaffectyou,butnotkillyou.”

“That’sit?”Nicodemanded.“HecatesentushalfwayacrossItalysoyoucouldtellustoeatbarley?”

“Goodluck!”Triptolemussprintedacrosstheroomandhoppedinhischariot.“And,FrankZhang,Iforgiveyou!You’vegotspunk.Ifyoueverchangeyourmind,myofferisopen.I’dlovetoseeyougetadegreeinfarming!”

“Yeah,”Frankmuttered.“Thanks.”

Thegodpulledaleveronhischariot.Thesnake-wheelsturned.Thewingsflapped.Atthebackoftheroom,thegaragedoorsrolledopen.

“Oh,tobemobileagain!”Tripcried.“Somanyignorantlandsinneedofmyknowledge.Iwillteachthemthegloriesoftilling,irrigation,fertilizing!”Thechariotliftedoffandzippedoutofthehouse,Triptolemusshoutingtothesky,“Away,myserpents!Away!”

“That,”Hazelsaid,“wasverystrange.”

“Thegloriesoffertilizing.”Nicobrushedsomecornsilkoffhisshoulder.“Canwegetoutofherenow?”

HazelputherhandonFrank’sshoulder.“Areyouokay,really?Youbarteredforourlives.WhatdidTriptolemusmakeyoudo?”

Franktriedtoholdittogether.Hescoldedhimselfforfeelingsoweak.Hecouldfaceanarmyofmonsters,butassoonasHazelshowedhimkindness,hewantedtobreakdownandcry.“Thosecowmonsters…thekatobleponesthatpoisonedyou…Ihadtodestroythem.”

“Thatwasbrave,”Nicosaid.“Theremusthavebeen,what,sixorsevenleftinthatherd.”

“No.”Frankclearedhisthroat.“Allofthem.Ikilledalloftheminthecity.”NicoandHazelstaredathiminstunnedsilence.Frankwasafraidtheymightdoubthim,orstarttolaugh.Howmanymonstershadhekilledonthatbridge—twohundred?Threehundred?

Buthesawintheireyesthattheybelievedhim.TheywerechildrenoftheUnderworld.Maybetheycouldsensethedeathandcarnagehe’dunleashed.

Hazelkissedhischeek.Shehadtostandonhertiptoestodoitnow.Hereyeswereincrediblysad,asifsherealizedsomethinghadchangedinFrank—somethingmuchmoreimportantthanthephysicalgrowthspurt.

Frankknewittoo.Hewouldneverbethesame.Hejustwasn’tsureifthatwasagoodthing.

“Well,”Nicosaid,breakingthetension,“doesanyoneknowwhatbarleylookslike?”

ANNABETHDECIDEDTHEMONSTERSwouldn’tkillher.Neitherwouldthepoisonousatmosphere,northetreacherouslandscapewithitspits,cliffs,andjaggedrocks.

Nope.Mostlikelyshewoulddiefromanoverloadofweirdnessthatwouldmakeherbrainexplode.

First,sheandPercyhadhadtodrinkfiretostayalive.Thentheywereattackedbyagaggleofvampires,ledbyacheerleaderAnnabethhadkilledtwoyearsago.Finally,theywererescuedbyaTitanjanitornamedBobwhohadEinsteinhair,silvereyes,andwickedbroomskills.

Sure.Whynot?

TheyfollowedBobthroughthewasteland,tracingtherouteofthePhlegethonastheyapproachedthestormfrontofdarkness.Everysooftentheystoppedtodrinkfirewater,whichkeptthemalive,butAnnabethwasn’thappyaboutit.Herthroatfeltlikeshewasconstantlygarglingwithbatteryacid.

HeronlycomfortwasPercy.Everysooftenhewouldglanceoverandsmile,orsqueezeherhand.

Hehadtobejustasscaredandmiserableasshewas,andshelovedhimfortryingtomakeherfeelbetter.

“Bobknowswhathe’sdoing,”Percypromised.

“Youhaveinterestingfriends,”Annabethmurmured.

“Bobisinteresting!”TheTitanturnedandgrinned.“Yes,thankyou!”Thebigguyhadgoodears.Annabethwouldhavetorememberthat.

“So,Bob…”Shetriedtosoundcasualandfriendly,whichwasn’teasywithathroatscorchedbyfirewater.“HowdidyougettoTartarus?”

“Ijumped,”hesaid,likeitwasobvious.

“YoujumpedintoTartarus,”shesaid,“becausePercysaidyourname?”

“Heneededme.”Thosesilvereyesgleamedinthedarkness.“Itisokay.Iwastiredofsweepingthepalace.Comealong!Wearealmostatareststop.”

Areststop.

Annabethcouldn’timaginewhatthosewordsmeantinTartarus.Sherememberedallthetimesshe,Luke,andThaliahadreliedonhighwayreststopswhentheywerehomelessdemigods,tryingtosurvive.

WhereverBobwastakingthem,shehopedithadcleanrestroomsandasnackmachine.Sherepressedthegiggles.Yes,shewasdefinitelylosingit.

Annabethhobbledalong,tryingtoignoretherumbleinherstomach.ShestaredatBob’sbackasheledthemtowardthewallofdarkness,nowonlyafewhundredyardsaway.Hisbluejanitor’scoverallswererippedbetweentheshoulderblades,asifsomeonehadtriedtostabhim.Cleaningragsstuckoutofhispocket.Asquirtbottleswungfromhisbelt,theblueliquidinsidesloshinghypnotically.

AnnabethrememberedPercy’sstoryaboutmeetingtheTitan.ThaliaGrace,NicodiAngelo,andPercyhadworkedtogethertodefeatBobonthebanksoftheLethe.Afterwipinghismemory,theydidn’thavethehearttokillhim.HebecamesogentleandsweetandcooperativethattheylefthimatthepalaceofHades,wherePersephonepromisedhewouldbelookedafter.

Apparently,theUnderworldkingandqueenthought“lookingafter”someonemeantgivinghimabroomandhavinghimsweepuptheirmesses.AnnabethwonderedhowevenHadescouldbesocallous.She’dneverfeltsorryforaTitanbefore,butitdidn’tseemrighttakingabrainwashedimmortalandturninghimintoanunpaidjanitor.

He’snotyourfriend,sheremindedherself.

ShewasterrifiedthatBobwouldsuddenlyrememberhimself.Tartaruswaswheremonsterscametoregenerate.Whatifithealedhismemory?IfhebecameIapetusagain…well,Annabethhadseenthewayhehaddealtwiththoseempousai.Annabethhadnoweapon.SheandPercywereinnoconditiontofightaTitan.

SheglancednervouslyatBob’sbroomhandle,wonderinghowlongitwouldbebeforethathiddenspearheadjuttedoutandgotpointedather.

FollowingBobthroughTartaruswasacrazyrisk.Unfortunately,shecouldn’tthinkofabetterplan.

Theypickedtheirwayacrosstheashenwastelandasredlightningflashedoverheadinthepoisonousclouds.Justanotherlovelydayinthedungeonofcreation.Annabethcouldn’tseefarinthehazyair,butthelongertheywalked,themorecertainshebecamethattheentirelandscapewasadownwardcurve.

She’dheardconflictingdescriptionsofTartarus.Itwasabottomlesspit.Itwasafortresssurroundedbybrasswalls.Itwasnothingbutanendlessvoid.

Onestorydescribeditastheinverseofthesky—ahuge,hollow,upside-downdomeofrock.Thatseemedthemostaccurate,thoughifTartaruswasadome,Annabethguessedit

waslikethesky—withnorealbottombutmadeofmultiplelayers,eachonedarkerandlesshospitablethanthelast.

Andeventhatwasn’tthefull,horribletruth.…

Theypassedablisterintheground—awrithing,translucentbubblethesizeofaminivan.Curledinsidewasthehalf-formedbodyofadrakon.Bobspearedtheblisterwithoutasecondthought.Itburstinageyserofsteamingyellowslime,andthedrakondissolvedintonothing.

Bobkeptwalking.

MonstersarezitsontheskinofTartarus,Annabeththought.Sheshuddered.Sometimesshewishedshedidn’thavesuchagoodimagination,becausenowshewascertaintheywerewalkingacrossalivingthing.Thiswholetwistedlandscape—thedome,pit,orwhateveryoucalledit—wasthebodyofthegodTartarus—themostancientincarnationofevil.JustasGaeainhabitedthesurfaceoftheearth,Tartarusinhabitedthepit.

Ifthatgodnoticedthemwalkingacrosshisskin,likefleasonadog…Enough.Nomorethinking.

“Here,”Bobsaid.

Theystoppedatthetopofaridge.Belowthem,inasheltereddepressionlikeamooncrater,stoodaringofbrokenblackmarblecolumnssurroundingadarkstonealtar.

“Hermes’sshrine,”Bobexplained.

Percyfrowned.“AHermesshrineinTartarus?”

Boblaughedindelight.“Yes.Itfellfromsomewherelongago.Maybemortalworld.MaybeOlympus.Anyway,monsterssteerclear.Mostly.”

“Howdidyouknowitwashere?”Annabethasked.

Bob’ssmilefaded.Hegotavacantlookinhiseyes.“Can’tremember.”

“That’sokay,”Percysaidquickly.

Annabethfeltlikekickingherself.BeforeBobbecameBob,hehadbeenIapetustheTitan.Likeallhisbrethren,he’dbeenimprisonedinTartarusforeons.Ofcourseheknewhiswayaround.Ifherememberedthisshrine,hemightstartrecallingotherdetailsofhisoldprisonandhisoldlife.Thatwouldnotbegood.

Theyclimbedintothecraterandenteredthecircleofcolumns.Annabethcollapsedonabrokenslabofmarble,tooexhaustedtotakeanotherstep.Percystoodoverherprotectively,scanningtheirsurroundings.Theinkystormfrontwaslessthanahundredfeetawaynow,obscuringeverythingaheadofthem.Thecrater’srimblockedtheirviewofthewastelandbehind.They’dbewellhiddenhere,butifmonstersdidstumbleacrossthem,theywouldhavenowarning.

“Yousaidsomeonewaschasingus,”Annabethsaid.“Who?”

Bobswepthisbroomaroundthebaseofthealtar,occasionallycrouchingtostudythegroundasiflookingforsomething.“Theyarefollowing,yes.Theyknowyouarehere.GiantsandTitans.Thedefeatedones.Theyknow.”

Thedefeatedones…

Annabethtriedtocontrolherfear.HowmanyTitansandgiantshadsheandPercyfoughtovertheyears?Eachonehadseemedlikeanimpossiblechallenge.IfallofthemweredownhereinTartarus,andiftheywereactivelyhuntingPercyandAnnabeth…

“Whyarewestopping,then?”shesaid.“Weshouldkeepmoving.”

“Soon,”Bobsaid.“Butmortalsneedrest.Goodplacehere.Bestplacefor…oh,long,longway.Iwillguardyou.”

AnnabethglancedatPercy,sendinghimthesilentmessage:Uh,no.HangingoutwithaTitanwasbadenough.GoingtosleepwhiletheTitanguardedyou…shedidn’tneedtobeadaughterofAthenatoknowthatwasonehundredpercentunwise.

“Yousleep,”Percytoldher.“I’llkeepthefirstwatchwithBob.”Bobrumbledinagreement.“Yes,good.Whenyouwake,foodshouldbehere!”Annabeth’sstomachdidarolloveratthementionoffood.Shedidn’tseehowBobcouldsummonfoodinthemidstofTartarus.Maybehewasacatereraswellasajanitor.

Shedidn’twanttosleep,butherbodybetrayedher.Hereyelidsturnedtolead.“Percy,wakemeforsecondwatch.Don’tbeahero.”

Hegaveherthatsmirkshe’dcometolove.“Who,me?”

Hekissedher,hislipsparchedandfeverishlywarm.“Sleep.”AnnabethfeltlikeshewasbackintheHypnoscabinatCampHalf-Blood,overcomewithdrowsiness.Shecurleduponthehardgroundandclosedhereyes.

LATER,SHEMADEARESOLUTION:NeverEVERsleepinTartarus.

Demigoddreamswerealwaysbad.Eveninthesafetyofherbunkatcamp,she’dhadhorriblenightmares.InTartarus,theywereathousandtimesmorevivid.

First,shewasalittlegirlagain,strugglingtoclimbHalf-BloodHill.LukeCastellanheld

herhand,pullingheralong.TheirsatyrguideGroverUnderwoodprancednervouslyatthesummit,yelling,“Hurry!Hurry!”

ThaliaGracestoodbehindthem,holdingbackanarmyofhellhoundswithherterror-invokingshield,Aegis.

Fromthetopofthehill,Annabethcouldseethecampinthevalleybelow—thewarmlightsofthecabins,thepossibilityofsanctuary.Shestumbled,twistingherankle,andLukescoopedheruptocarryher.Whentheylookedback,themonsterswereonlyafewyardsaway—dozensofthemsurroundingThalia.

“Go!”Thaliayelled.“I’llholdthemoff.”

Shebrandishedherspear,andforkedlightningslashedthroughthemonsters’ranks;butasthehellhoundsfell,moretooktheirplace.

“Wehavetorun!”Grovercried.

Heledthewayintocamp.Lukefollowed,withAnnabethcrying,beatingathischest,andscreamingthattheycouldn’tleaveThaliaalone.Butitwastoolate.

Thesceneshifted.

Annabethwasolder,climbingtothesummitofHalf-BloodHill.WhereThaliahadmadeherlaststand,atallpinetreenowrose.Overheadastormwasraging.

Thundershookthevalley.Ablastoflightningsplitthetreedowntoitsroots,openingasmokingcrevice.InthedarknessbelowstoodReyna,thepraetorofNewRome.Hercloakwasthecolorofbloodfreshfromavein.Hergoldarmorglinted.Shestaredup,herfaceregalanddistant,andspokedirectlyintoAnnabeth’smind.

Youhavedonewell,Reynasaid,butthevoicewasAthena’s.TherestofmyjourneymustbeonthewingsofRome.

Thepraetor’sdarkeyesturnedasgrayasstormclouds.

Imuststandhere,Reynatoldher.TheRomanmustbringme.

Thehillshook.Thegroundrippledasthegrassbecamefoldsofsilk—thedressofamassivegoddess.GaearoseoverCampHalf-Blood—hersleepingfaceaslargeasamountain.

Hellhoundspouredoverthehills.Giants,six-armedEarthborn,andwildCyclopeschargedfromthebeach,tearingdownthediningpavilion,settingfiretothecabinsandtheBigHouse.

Hurry,saidthevoiceofAthena.Themessagemustbesent.

ThegroundsplitatAnnabeth’sfeetandshefellintodarkness.

Hereyesflewopen.Shecriedout,graspingPercy’sarms.ShewasstillinTartarus,attheshrineofHermes.

“It’sokay,”Percypromised.“Baddreams?”

Herbodytingledwithdread.“Isit—isitmyturntowatch?”

“No,no.We’regood.Iletyousleep.”

“Percy!”

“Hey,it’sfine.Besides,Iwastooexcitedtosleep.Look.”BobtheTitansatcross-leggedbythealtar,happilymunchingapieceofpizza.

Annabethrubbedhereyes,wonderingifshewasstilldreaming.“Isthat…pepperoni?”

“Burntofferings,”Percysaid.“SacrificestoHermesfromthemortalworld,Iguess.Theyappearedinacloudofsmoke.We’vegothalfahotdog,somegrapes,aplateofroastbeef,andapackageofpeanutM&M’s.”

“M&M’sforBob!”Bobsaidhappily.“Uh,thatokay?”

Annabethdidn’tprotest.Percybroughthertheplateofroastbeef,andshewolfeditdown.She’dnevertastedanythingsogood.Thebrisketwasstillhot,withexactlythesamespicysweetglazeasthebarbecueatCampHalf-Blood.

“Iknow,”saidPercy,readingherexpression.“IthinkitisfromCampHalf-Blood.”TheideamadeAnnabethgiddywithhomesickness.Ateverymeal,thecamperswouldburnaportionoftheirfoodtohonortheirgodlyparents.Thesmokesupposedlypleasedthegods,butAnnabethhadneverthoughtaboutwherethefoodwentwhenitwasburned.Maybetheofferingsreappearedonthegods’altarsinOlympus…orevenhere,inthemiddleofTartarus.

“PeanutM&M’s,”Annabethsaid.“ConnorStollalwaysburnedapackforhisdadatdinner.”Shethoughtaboutsittinginthediningpavilion,watchingthesunsetoverLongIslandSound.

ThatwasthefirstplacesheandPercyhadtrulykissed.Hereyessmarted.

Percyputhishandonhershoulder.“Hey,thisisgood.Actualfoodfromhome,right?”Shenodded.Theyfinishedeatinginsilence.

BobchompeddownthelastofhisM&M’s.“Shouldgonow.Theywillbehereinafewminutes.”

“Afewminutes?”Annabethreachedforherdagger,thenrememberedshedidn’thaveit.

“Yes…well,Ithinkminutes…”Bobscratchedhissilveryhair.“TimeishardinTartarus.Notthesame.”

Percycrepttotheedgeofthecrater.Hepeeredbackthewaythey’dcome.“Idon’tseeanything,butthatdoesn’tmeanmuch.Bob,whichgiantsarewetalkingabout?WhichTitans?”Bobgrunted.“Notsureofnames.Six,maybeseven.Icansensethem.”

“Sixorseven?”Annabethwasn’tsureherbarbecuewouldstaydown.“Andcantheysenseyou?”

“Don’tknow.”Bobsmiled.“Bobisdifferent!Buttheycansmelldemigods,yes.Youtwosmellverystrong.Goodstrong.Like…hmm.Likebutterybread!”

“Butterybread,”Annabethsaid.“Well,that’sgreat.”

Percyclimbedbacktothealtar.“IsitpossibletokillagiantinTartarus?Imean,sincewe

don’thaveagodtohelpus?”

HelookedatAnnabethasifsheactuallyhadananswer.

“Percy,Idon’tknow.TravelinginTartarus,fightingmonstershere…it’sneverbeendonebefore.

MaybeBobcouldhelpuskillagiant?MaybeaTitanwouldcountasagod?Ijustdon’tknow.”

“Yeah,”Percysaid.“Okay.”

Shecouldseetheworryinhiseyes.Foryears,he’ddependedonherforanswers.Now,whenheneededhermost,shecouldn’thelp.Shehatedbeingsoclueless,butnothingshe’deverlearnedatcamphadpreparedherforTartarus.Therewasonlyonethingshewassureof:theyhadtokeepmoving.Theycouldn’tbecaughtbysixorsevenhostileimmortals.

Shestood,stilldisorientedfromhernightmares.Bobstartedcleaningup,collectingtheirtrashinalittlepile,usinghissquirtbottletowipeoffthealtar.

“Wheretonow?”Annabethasked.

Percypointedatthestormywallofdarkness.“Bobsaysthatway.ApparentlytheDoorsofDeath

—”

“Youtoldhim?”Annabethdidn’tmeanittocomeoutsoharsh,butPercywinced.

“Whileyouwereasleep,”headmitted.“Annabeth,Bobcanhelp.Weneedaguide.”

“Bobhelps!”Bobagreed.“IntotheDarkLands.TheDoorsofDeath…hmm,walkingstraighttothemwouldbebad.Toomanymonstersgatheredthere.EvenBobcouldnotsweepthatmany.TheywouldkillPercyandAnnabethinabouttwoseconds.”TheTitanfrowned.“Ithinkseconds.TimeishardinTartarus.”

“Right,”Annabethgrumbled.“Soisthereanotherway?”

“Hiding,”saidBob.“TheDeathMistcouldhideyou.”

“Oh…”AnnabethsuddenlyfeltverysmallintheshadowoftheTitan.“Uh,whatisDeathMist?”

“Itisdangerous,”Bobsaid.“ButiftheladywillgiveyouDeathMist,itmighthideyou.IfwecanavoidNight.TheladyisveryclosetoNight.Thatisbad.”

“Thelady,”Percyrepeated.

“Yes.”Bobpointedaheadofthemintotheinkyblackness.“Weshouldgo.”PercyglancedatAnnabeth,obviouslyhopingforguidance,butshehadnone.Shewasthinkingabouthernightmare—Thalia’streesplinteredbylightning,GaearisingonthehillsideandunleashinghermonstersonCampHalf-Blood.

“Okay,then,”Percysaid.“Iguesswe’llseealadyaboutsomeDeathMist.”

“Wait,”Annabethsaid.

Hermindwasbuzzing.ShethoughtofherdreamaboutLukeandThalia.SherecalledthestoriesLukehadtoldherabouthisfather,Hermes—godoftravelers,guidetothespiritsofthedead,godofcommunication.

Shestaredattheblackaltar.

“Annabeth?”Percysoundedconcerned.

Shewalkedtothepileoftrashandpickedoutareasonablycleanpapernapkin.

SherememberedhervisionofReyna,standinginthesmokingcrevicebeneaththeruinsofThalia’spinetree,speakingwiththevoiceofAthena:

Imuststandhere.TheRomanmustbringme.

Hurry.Themessagemustbesent.

“Bob,”shesaid,“offeringsburnedinthemortalworldappearonthisaltar,right?”Bobfrowneduncomfortably,likehewasn’treadyforapopquiz.“Yes?”

“SowhathappensifIburnsomethingonthealtarhere?”

“Uh…”

“That’sallright,”Annabethsaid.“Youdon’tknow.Nobodyknows,becauseit’sneverbeendone.”

Therewasachance,shethought,justtheslimmestchancethatanofferingburnedonthisaltarmightappearatCampHalf-Blood.

Doubtful,butifitdidwork…

“Annabeth?”Percysaidagain.“You’replanningsomething.You’vegotthatI’m-planning-somethinglook.”

“Idon’thaveanI’m-planning-somethinglook.”

“Yeah,youtotallydo.Youreyebrowsknitandyourlipspresstogetherand—”

“Doyouhaveapen?”sheaskedhim.

“You’rekidding,right?”HebroughtoutRiptide.

“Yes,butcanyouactuallywritewithit?”

“I—Idon’tknow,”headmitted.“Nevertried.”

Heuncappedthepen.Asusual,itsprangintoafull-sizedsword.Annabethhadwatchedhimdothishundredsoftimes.Normallywhenhefought,Percysimplydiscardedthecap.Italwaysappearedinhispocketlater,asneeded.Whenhetouchedthecaptothepointofthesword,itwouldturnbackintoaballpointpen.

“Whatifyoutouchthecaptotheotherendofthesword?”Annabethsaid.“Likewhereyou’dputthecapifyouwereactuallygoingtowritewiththepen.”

“Uh…”Percylookeddoubtful,buthetouchedthecaptothehiltofthesword.Riptideshrankbackintoaballpointpen,butnowthewritingpointwasexposed.

“MayI?”Annabethpluckeditfromhishand.Sheflattenedthenapkinagainstthealtar

andbegantowrite.Riptide’sinkglowedCelestialbronze.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Percyasked.

“Sendingamessage,”Annabethsaid.“IjusthopeRachelgetsit.”

“Rachel?”Percyasked.“YoumeanourRachel?OracleofDelphiRachel?”

“That’stheone.”Annabethsuppressedasmile.

WhenevershebroughtupRachel’sname,Percygotnervous.Atonepoint,RachelhadbeeninterestedindatingPercy.Thatwasancienthistory.RachelandAnnabethweregoodfriendsnow.ButAnnabethdidn’tmindmakingPercyalittleuneasy.Youhadtokeepyourboyfriendonhistoes.

Annabethfinishedhernoteandfoldedthenapkin.Ontheoutside,shewrote:Connor,

GivethistoRachel.Notaprank.Don’tbeamoron.

Love,

Annabeth

Shetookadeepbreath.ShewasaskingRachelDaretodosomethingridiculouslydangerous,butitwastheonlywayshecouldthinkoftocommunicatewiththeRomans—theonlywaythatmightavoidbloodshed.

“NowIjustneedtoburnit,”shesaid.“Anybodygotamatch?”ThepointofBob’sspearshotfromhisbroomhandle.Itsparkedagainstthealtaranderuptedinsilveryfire.

“Uh,thanks.”Annabethlitthenapkinandsetitonthealtar.Shewatcheditcrumbletoashandwonderedifshewascrazy.CouldthesmokereallymakeitoutofTartarus?

“Weshouldgonow,”Bobadvised.“Really,reallygo.Beforewearekilled.”Annabethstaredatthewallofblacknessinfrontofthem.SomewhereintherewasaladywhodispensedaDeathMistthatmighthidethemfrommonsters—aplanrecommendedbyaTitan,oneoftheirbitterestenemies.Anotherdoseofweirdnesstoexplodeherbrain.

“Right,”shesaid.“I’mready.”

ANNABETHLITERALLYSTUMBLEDoverthesecondTitan.

Afterenteringthestormfront,theyploddedonforwhatseemedlikehours,relyingonthelightofPercy’sCelestialbronzeblade,andonBob,whoglowedfaintlyinthedarklikesomesortofcrazyjanitorangel.

Annabethcouldonlyseeaboutfivefeetinfrontofher.Inastrangeway,theDarkLandsremindedherofSanFrancisco,whereherdadlived—onthosesummerafternoonswhenthefogbankrolledinlikecold,wetpackingmaterialandswallowedPacificHeights.ExcepthereinTartarus,thefogwasmadeofink.

Rocksloomedoutofnowhere.Pitsappearedattheirfeet,andAnnabethbarelyavoidedfallingin.

Monstrousroarsechoedinthegloom,butAnnabethcouldn’ttellwheretheycamefrom.Allshecouldbecertainofwasthattheterrainwasstillslopingdown.

DownseemedtobetheonlydirectionallowedinTartarus.IfAnnabethbacktrackedevenastep,shefelttiredandheavy,asifgravitywereincreasingtodiscourageher.AssumingthattheentirepitwasthebodyofTartarus,Annabethhadanastyfeelingtheyweremarchingstraightdownhisthroat.

Shewassopreoccupiedwiththatthought,shedidn’tnoticetheledgeuntilitwastoolate.

Percyyelled,“Whoa!”Hegrabbedforherarm,butshewasalreadyfalling.

Fortunately,itwasonlyashallowdepression.Mostofitwasfilledwithamonsterblister.Shehadasoftlandingonawarmbouncysurfaceandwasfeelinglucky—untilsheopenedhereyesandfoundherselfstaringthroughaglowinggoldmembraneatanother,muchlargerface.

Shescreamedandflailed,topplingsidewaysoffthemound.Herheartdidahundredjumpingjacks.

Percyhelpedhertoherfeet.“Youokay?”

Shedidn’ttrustherselftoanswer.Ifsheopenedhermouth,shemightscreamagain,andthatwouldbeundignified.ShewasadaughterofAthena,notsomeshrillgirlievictiminahorrormovie.

ButgodsofOlympus…CurledinthemembranebubbleinfrontofherwasafullyformedTitaningoldenarmor,hisskinthecolorofpolishedpennies.Hiseyeswereclosed,buthescowledsodeeplyheappearedtobeonthevergeofabloodcurdlingwarcry.Eventhroughtheblister,Annabethcouldfeeltheheatradiatingfromhisbody.

“Hyperion,”Percysaid.“Ihatethatguy.”

Annabeth’sshouldersuddenlyachedfromanoldwound.DuringtheBattleofManhattan,PercyhadfoughtthisTitanattheReservoir—wateragainstfire.IthadbeenthefirsttimePercyhadsummonedahurricane—whichwasn’tsomethingAnnabethwouldeverforget.“IthoughtGroverturnedthisguyintoamapletree.”

“Yeah,”Percyagreed.“Maybethemapletreedied,andhewoundupbackhere?”AnnabethrememberedhowHyperionhadsummonedfieryexplosions,andhowmanysatyrsandnymphshe’ddestroyedbeforePercyandGroverstoppedhim.

ShewasabouttosuggestthattheyburstHyperion’sbubblebeforehewokeup.Helookedreadytopopoutatanymomentandstartcharbroilingeverythinginhispath.

ThensheglancedatBob.ThesilveryTitanwasstudyingHyperionwithafrownofconcentration

—mayberecognition.Theirfaceslookedsomuchalike.…

Annabethbitbackacurse.Ofcoursetheylookedalike.Hyperionwashisbrother.HyperionwastheTitanlordoftheeast.Iapetus,Bob,wasthelordofthewest.TakeawayBob’sbroomandhisjanitor’sclothes,puthiminarmorandcuthishair,changehiscolorschemefromsilvertogold,andIapetuswouldhavebeenalmostindistinguishablefromHyperion.

“Bob,”shesaid,“weshouldgo.”

“Gold,notsilver,”Bobmurmured.“Buthelookslikeme.”

“Bob,”Percysaid.“Hey,buddy,overhere.”

TheTitanreluctantlyturned.

“AmIyourfriend?”Percyasked.

“Yes.”Bobsoundeddangerouslyuncertain.“Wearefriends.”

“Youknowthatsomemonstersaregood,”Percysaid.“Andsomearebad.”

“Hmm,”Bobsaid.“Like…theprettyghostladieswhoservePersephonearegood.Explodingzombiesarebad.”

“Right,”Percysaid.“Andsomemortalsaregood,andsomearebad.Well,thesamethingistrueforTitans.”

“Titans…”Bobloomedoverthem,glowering.Annabethwasprettysureherboyfriendhadjustmadeabigmistake.

“That’swhatyouare,”Percysaidcalmly.“BobtheTitan.You’regood.You’reawesome,infact.

ButsomeTitansarenot.Thisguyhere,Hyperion,isfull-onbad.Hetriedtokillme…triedtokillalotofpeople.”

Bobblinkedhissilvereyes.“Buthelooks…hisfaceisso—”

“Helookslikeyou,”Percyagreed.“He’saTitan,likeyou.Buthe’snotgoodlikeyouare.”

“Bobisgood.”Hisfingerstightenedonhisbroomhandle.“Yes.Thereisalwaysatleastonegoodone—monsters,Titans,giants.”

“Uh…”Percygrimaced.“Well,I’mnotsureaboutthegiants.”

“Oh,yes.”Bobnoddedearnestly.

Annabethsensedthey’dalreadybeeninthisplacetoolong.Theirpursuerswouldbeclosingin.

“Weshouldgo,”sheurged.“Whatdowedoabout…?”

“Bob,”Percysaid,“it’syourcall.Hyperionisyourkind.Wecouldleavehimalone,butifhewakesup—”

Bob’sbroom-spearsweptintomotion.Ifhe’dbeenaimingatAnnabethorPercy,theywould’vebeencutinhalf.Instead,Bobslashedthroughthemonstrousblister,whichburstinageyserofhotgoldenmud.

AnnabethwipedtheTitansludgeoutofhereyes.WhereHyperionhadbeen,therewasnothingbutasmokingcrater.

“HyperionisabadTitan,”Bobannounced,hisexpressiongrim.“Nowhecan’thurtmyfriends.

Hewillhavetore-formsomewhereelseinTartarus.Hopefullyitwilltakealongtime.”TheTitan’seyesseemedbrighterthanusual,asifhewereabouttocryquicksilver.

“Thankyou,Bob,”Percysaid.

Howwashekeepinghiscool?ThewayhetalkedtoBobleftAnnabethawestruck…andmaybealittleuneasy,too.IfPercyhadbeenseriousaboutleavingthechoicetoBob,thenshedidn’tlikehowmuchhetrustedtheTitan.Ifhe’dbeenmanipulatingBobintomakingthatchoice…well,then,AnnabethwasstunnedthatPercycouldbesocalculating.

Hemethereyes,butshecouldn’treadhisexpression.Thatbotheredhertoo.

“We’dbetterkeepgoing,”hesaid.

SheandPercyfollowedBob,thegoldenmudflecksfromHyperion’sburstbubbleglowingonhisjanitor’suniform.

AFTERAWHILE,Annabeth’sfeetfeltlikeTitanmush.Shemarchedalong,followingBob,listeningtothemonotonoussloshofliquidinhiscleaningbottle.

Stayalert,shetoldherself,butitwashard.Herthoughtswereasnumbasherlegs.Fromtimetotime,Percytookherhandormadeanencouragingcomment;butshecouldtellthedarklandscapewasgettingtohimaswell.Hiseyeshadadullsheen—likehisspiritwasbeingslowlyextinguished.

HefellintoTartarustobewithyou,saidavoiceinherhead.Ifhedies,itwillbeyourfault.

“Stopit,”shesaidaloud.

Percyfrowned.“What?”

“No,notyou.”Shetriedforareassuringsmile,butshecouldn’tquitemusterone.“Talkingtomyself.Thisplace…it’smessingwithmymind.Givingmedarkthoughts.”TheworrylinesdeepenedaroundPercy’ssea-greeneyes.“Hey,Bob,whereexactlyareweheading?”

“Thelady,”Bobsaid.“DeathMist.”

Annabethfoughtdownherirritation.“Butwhatdoesthatmean?Whoisthislady?”

“Namingher?”Bobglancedback.“Notagoodidea.”

Annabethsighed.TheTitanwasright.Nameshadpower,andspeakingthemhereinTartaruswasprobablyverydangerous.

“Canyouatleasttellushowfar?”sheasked.

“Idonotknow,”Bobadmitted.“Icanonlyfeelit.Wewaitforthedarknesstogetdarker.Thenwegosideways.”

“Sideways,”Annabethmuttered.“Naturally.”

Shewastemptedtoaskforarest,butshedidn’twanttostop.Nothereinthiscold,darkplace.

Theblackfogseepedintoherbody,turningherbonesintomoistStyrofoam.

ShewonderedifhermessagewouldgettoRachelDare.IfRachelcouldsomehowcarryherproposaltoReynawithoutgettingkilledintheprocess…

Aridiculoushope,saidthevoiceinherhead.YouhaveonlyputRachelindanger.EvenifshefindstheRomans,whyshouldReynatrustyouafterallthathashappened?

Annabethwastemptedtoshoutbackatthevoice,butsheresisted.Evenifsheweregoingcrazy,shedidn’twanttolooklikeshewasgoingcrazy.

Shedesperatelyneededsomethingtoliftherspirits.Adrinkofactualwater.Amomentofsunlight.Awarmbed.Akindwordfromhermother.

SuddenlyBobstopped.Heraisedhishand:Wait.

“What?”Percywhispered.

“Shh,”Bobwarned.“Ahead.Somethingmoves.”

Annabethstrainedherears.Fromsomewhereinthefogcameadeepthrummingnoise,liketheidlingengineofalargeconstructionvehicle.Shecouldfeelthevibrationsthroughhershoes.

“Wewillsurroundit,”Bobwhispered.“Eachofyou,takeaflank.”Forthemillionthtime,Annabethwishedshehadherdagger.Shepickedupachunkofjaggedblackobsidianandcrepttotheleft.Percywentright,hisswordready.

Bobtookthemiddle,hisspearheadglowinginthefog.

Thehumminggotlouder,shakingthegravelatAnnabeth’sfeet.Thenoiseseemedtobecomingfromimmediatelyinfrontofthem.

“Ready?”Bobmurmured.

Annabethcrouched,preparingtospring.“Onthree?”

“One,”Percywhispered.“Two—”

Afigureappearedinthefog.Bobraisedhisspear.

“Wait!”Annabethshrieked.

Bobfrozejustintime,thepointofhisspearhoveringaninchabovetheheadofatinycalicokitten.

“Rrow?”saidthekitten,clearlyunimpressedbytheirattackplan.ItbutteditsheadagainstBob’sfootandpurredloudly.

Itseemedimpossible,butthedeeprumblingsoundwascomingfromthekitten.Asitpurred,thegroundvibratedandpebblesdanced.Thekittenfixeditsyellow,lamp-likeeyesononeparticularrock,rightbetweenAnnabeth’sfeet,andpounced.

Thecatcould’vebeenademonorahorribleUnderworldmonsterindisguise.ButAnnabethcouldn’thelpit.Shepickeditupandcuddledit.Thelittlethingwasbonyunder

itsfur,butotherwiseitseemedperfectlynormal.

“Howdid…?”Shecouldn’tevenformthequestion.“Whatisakittendoing…?”Thecatgrewimpatientandsquirmedoutofherarms.Itlandedwithathump,paddedovertoBob,andstartedpurringagainasitrubbedagainsthisboots.

Percylaughed.“Somebodylikesyou,Bob.”

“Itmustbeagoodmonster.”Boblookedupnervously.“Isn’tit?”Annabethfeltalumpinherthroat.SeeingthehugeTitanandthistinykittentogether,shesuddenlyfeltinsignificantcomparedtothevastnessofTartarus.Thisplacehadnorespectforanything—goodorbad,smallorlarge,wiseorunwise.TartarusswallowedTitansanddemigodsandkittensindiscriminately.

Bobkneltdownandscoopedupthecat.ItfitperfectlyinBob’spalm,butitdecidedtoexplore.ItclimbedtheTitan’sarm,madeitselfathomeonhisshoulder,andcloseditseyes,purringlikeanearthmover.Suddenlyitsfurshimmered.Inaflash,thekittenbecameaghostlyskeleton,asifithadsteppedbehindanX-raymachine.Thenitwasaregularkittenagain.

Annabethblinked.“Didyousee—?”

“Yeah.”Percyknithiseyebrows.“Oh,man…Iknowthatkitten.It’soneoftheonesfromtheSmithsonian.”

Annabethtriedtomakesenseofthat.She’dneverbeentotheSmithsonianwithPercy.…Thensherecalledseveralyearsago,whentheTitanAtlashadcapturedher.PercyandThaliahadledaquesttorescueher.Alongtheway,they’dwatchedAtlasraisesomeskeletonwarriorsfromdragonteethintheSmithsonianMuseum.

AccordingtoPercy,theTitan’sfirstattemptwentwrong.He’dplantedsaber-toothedtigerteethbymistake,andraisedabatchofskeletonkittensfromthesoil.

“That’soneofthem?”Annabethasked.“Howdiditgethere?”Percyspreadhishandshelplessly.“Atlastoldhisservantstotakethekittensaway.MaybetheydestroyedthecatsandtheywerereborninTartarus?Idon’tknow.”

“It’scute,”Bobsaid,asthekittensniffedhisear.

“Butisitsafe?”Annabethasked.

TheTitanscratchedthekitten’schin.Annabethdidn’tknowifitwasagoodidea,carryingaroundacatgrownfromaprehistorictooth;butobviouslyitdidn’tmatternow.TheTitanandthecathadbonded.

“IwillcallhimSmallBob,”saidBob.“Heisagoodmonster.”Endofdiscussion.TheTitanheftedhisspearandtheycontinuedmarchingintothegloom.

Annabethwalkedinadaze,tryingnottothinkaboutpizza.Tokeepherselfdistracted,shewatchedSmallBobthekittenpacingacrossBob’sshouldersandpurring,occasionallyturningintoaglowingkittyskeletonandthenbacktoacalicofuzz-ball.

“Here,”Bobannounced.

Hestoppedsosuddenly,Annabethalmostranintohim.

Bobstaredofftotheirleft,asifdeepinthought.

“Isthistheplace?”Annabethasked.“Wherewegosideways?”

“Yes,”Bobagreed.“Darker,thensideways.”

Annabethcouldn’ttellifitwasactuallydarker,buttheairdidseemcolderandthicker,asifthey’dsteppedintoadifferentmicroclimate.AgainshewasremindedofSanFrancisco,whereyoucouldwalkfromoneneighborhoodtothenextandthetemperaturemightdroptendegrees.ShewonderediftheTitanshadbuilttheirpalaceonMountTamalpaisbecausetheBayArearemindedthemofTartarus.

Whatadepressingthought.OnlyTitanswouldseesuchabeautifulplaceasapotentialoutpostoftheabyss—ahellishhomeawayfromhome.

Bobstruckofftotheleft.Theyfollowed.Theairdefinitelygotcolder.AnnabethpressedagainstPercyforwarmth.Heputhisarmaroundher.Itfeltgoodbeingclosetohim,butshecouldn’trelax.

They’denteredsomesortofforest.Toweringblacktreessoaredintothegloom,perfectlyroundandbareofbranches,likemonstroushairfollicles.Thegroundwassmoothandpale.

Withourluck,Annabeththought,we’remarchingthroughthearmpitofTartarus.

Suddenlyhersenseswereonhighalert,asifsomebodyhadsnappedarubberbandagainstthebaseofherneck.Sherestedherhandonthetrunkofthenearesttree.

“Whatisit?”Percyraisedhissword.

Bobturnedandlookedback,confused.“Wearestopping?”

Annabethheldupherhandforsilence.Shewasn’tsurewhathadsetheroff.Nothinglookeddifferent.Thensherealizedthetreetrunkwasquivering.Shewonderedmomentarilyifitwasthekitten’spurr;butSmallBobhadfallenasleeponLargeBob’sshoulder.

Afewyardsaway,anothertreeshuddered.

“Something’smovingaboveus,”Annabethwhispered.“Gatherup.”BobandPercyclosedrankswithher,standingbacktoback.

Annabethstrainedhereyes,tryingtoseeabovetheminthedark,butnothingmoved.

Shehadalmostdecidedshewasbeingparanoidwhenthefirstmonsterdroppedtothegroundonlyfivefeetaway.

Annabeth’sfirstthought:TheFuries.

Thecreaturelookedalmostexactlylikeone:awrinkledhagwithbatlikewings,brasstalons,andglowingredeyes.Sheworeatattereddressofblacksilk,andherfacewastwistedandravenous,likeademonicgrandmotherinthemoodtokill.

Bobgruntedasanotheronedroppedinfrontofhim,andthenanotherinfrontofPercy.Soontherewerehalfadozensurroundingthem.Morehissedinthetreesabove.

Theycouldn’tbeFuries,then.Therewereonlythreeofthose,andthesewingedhags

didn’tcarrywhips.Thatdidn’tcomfortAnnabeth.Themonsters’talonslookedplentydangerous.

“Whatareyou?”shedemanded.

Thearai,hissedavoice.Thecurses!

Annabethtriedtolocatethespeaker,butnoneofthedemonshadmovedtheirmouths.Theireyeslookeddead;theirexpressionswerefrozen,likeapuppet’s.Thevoicesimplyfloatedoverheadlikeamovienarrator’s,asifasinglemindcontrolledallthecreatures.

“What—whatdoyouwant?”Annabethasked,tryingtomaintainatoneofconfidence.

Thevoicecackledmaliciously.Tocurseyou,ofcourse!TodestroyyouathousandtimesinthenameofMotherNight!

“Onlyathousandtimes?”Percymurmured.“Oh,good…Ithoughtwewereintrouble.”Thecircleofdemonladiesclosedin.

EVERYTHINGSMELLEDLIKEPOISON.TwodaysafterleavingVenice,Hazelstillcouldn’tgetthenoxiousscentofeaudecowmonsteroutofhernose.

Theseasicknessdidn’thelp.TheArgoIIsaileddowntheAdriatic,abeautifulglitteringexpanseofblue;butHazelcouldn’tappreciateit,thankstotheconstantrollingoftheship.Abovedeck,shetriedtokeephereyesfixedonthehorizon—thewhitecliffsthatalwaysseemedjustamileorsototheeast.Whatcountrywasthat,Croatia?Shewasn’tsure.Shejustwishedshewereonsolidgroundagain.

Thethingthatnauseatedhermostwastheweasel.

Lastnight,Hecate’spetGalehadappearedinhercabin.Hazelwokefromanightmare,thinking,Whatisthatsmell?Shefoundafurryrodentproppedonherchest,staringatherwithitsbeadyblackeyes.

Nothinglikewakingupscreaming,kickingoffyourcovers,anddancingaroundyour

cabinwhileaweaselscampersbetweenyourfeet,screechingandfarting.

Herfriendsrushedtoherroomtoseeifshewasokay.Theweaselwasdifficulttoexplain.HazelcouldtellthatLeowastryinghardnottomakeajoke.

Inthemorning,oncetheexcitementdieddown,HazeldecidedtovisitCoachHedge,sincehecouldtalktoanimals.

She’dfoundhiscabindoorajarandheardthecoachinside,talkingasifhewereonthephonewithsomeone—excepttheyhadnophonesonboard.MaybehewassendingamagicalIris-message?

HazelhadheardthattheGreeksusedthosealot.

“Sure,hon,”Hedgewassaying.“Yeah,Iknow,baby.No,it’sgreatnews,but—”Hisvoicebrokewithemotion.Hazelsuddenlyfelthorribleforeavesdropping.

Shewould’vebackedaway,butGalesqueakedatherheels.Hazelknockedonthecoach’sdoor.

Hedgepokedhisheadout,scowlingasusual,buthiseyeswerered.

“What?”hegrowled.

“Um…sorry,”Hazelsaid.“Areyouokay?”

Thecoachsnortedandopenedhisdoorwide.“Kindaquestionisthat?”Therewasnooneelseintheroom.

“I—”Hazeltriedtorememberwhyshewasthere.“Iwonderedifyoucouldtalktomyweasel.”Thecoach’seyesnarrowed.Heloweredhisvoice.“Arewespeakingincode?Isthereanintruderaboard?”

“Well,sortof.”

GalepeekedoutfrombehindHazel’sfeetandstartedchattering.

Thecoachlookedoffended.Hechatteredbackattheweasel.Theyhadwhatsoundedlikeaveryintenseargument.

“Whatdidshesay?”Hazelasked.

“Alotofrudethings,”grumbledthesatyr.“Thegistofit:she’sheretoseehowitgoes.”

“Howwhatgoes?”

CoachHedgestompedhishoof.“HowamIsupposedtoknow?She’sapolecat!Theynevergiveastraightanswer.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,I’vegot,uh,stuff…”Heclosedthedoorinherface.

Afterbreakfast,Hazelstoodattheportrail,tryingtosettleherstomach.Nexttoher,Galeranupanddowntherailing,passinggas;butthestrongwindofftheAdriatichelpedwhiskitaway.

HazelwonderedwhatwaswrongwithCoachHedge.HemusthavebeenusinganIris-messagetotalkwithsomeone,butifhe’dgottengreatnews,whyhadhelookedsodevastated?She’dneverseenhimsoshakenup.Unfortunately,shedoubtedthecoach

wouldaskforhelpifheneededit.Hewasn’texactlythewarmandopentype.

ShestaredatthewhitecliffsinthedistanceandthoughtaboutwhyHecatehadsentGalethepolecat.

She’sheretoseehowitgoes.

Somethingwasabouttohappen.Hazelwouldbetested.

Shedidn’tunderstandhowshewassupposedtolearnmagicwithnotraining.Hecateexpectedhertodefeatsomesuper-powerfulsorceress—theladyinthegolddress,whomLeohaddescribedfromhisdream.Buthow?

Hazelhadspentallherfreetimetryingtofigurethatout.She’dstaredatherspatha,tryingtomakeitlooklikeawalkingstick.She’dtriedtosummonacloudtohidethefullmoon.She’dconcentrateduntilhereyescrossedandherearspopped,butnothinghappened.Shecouldn’tmanipulatetheMist.

Thelastfewnights,herdreamshadgottenworse.ShefoundherselfbackintheFieldsofAsphodel,driftingaimlesslyamongtheghosts.ThenshewasinGaea’scaveinAlaska,whereHazelandhermotherhaddiedastheceilingcollapsedandthevoiceoftheEarthGoddesswailedinanger.

Shewasonthestairsofhermother’sapartmentbuildinginNewOrleans,face-to-facewithherfather,Pluto.Hiscoldfingersgrippedherarm.Thefabricofhisblackwoolsuitwrithedwithimprisonedsouls.Hefixedherwithhisdarkangryeyesandsaid:Thedeadseewhattheybelievetheywillsee.Sodotheliving.Thatisthesecret.

He’dneversaidthattoherinreallife.Shehadnoideawhatitmeant.

Theworstnightmaresseemedlikeglimpsesofthefuture.Hazelwasstumblingthroughadarktunnelwhileawoman’slaughterechoedaroundher.

Controlthisifyoucan,childofPluto,thewomantaunted.

Andalways,Hazeldreamedabouttheimagesshe’dseenatHecate’scrossroads:Leofallingthroughthesky;PercyandAnnabethlyingunconscious,possiblydead,infrontofblackmetaldoors;andashroudedfigureloomingabovethem—thegiantClytiuswrappedindarkness.

Nexttoherontherail,Galetheweaselchitteredimpatiently.Hazelwastemptedtopushthestupidrodentintothesea.

Ican’tevencontrolmyowndreams,shewantedtoscream.HowamIsupposedtocontroltheMist?

Shewassomiserable,shedidn’tnoticeFrankuntilhewasstandingatherside.

“Feelinganybetter?”heasked.

Hetookherhand,hisfingerscompletelycoveringhers.Shecouldn’tbelievehowmuchtallerhe’dgotten.Hehadchangedintosomanyanimals,shewasn’tsurewhyonemoretransformationshouldamazeher…butsuddenlyhe’dgrownintohisweight.Noonecouldcallhimpudgyorcuddlyanymore.Helookedlikeafootballplayer,solidandstrong,withanewcenterofgravity.Hisshouldershadbroadened.Hewalkedwithmoreconfidence.

WhatFrankhaddoneonthatbridgeinVenice…Hazelwasstillinawe.Noneofthemhadactuallyseenthebattle,butnoonedoubtedit.Frank’swholebearinghadchanged.EvenLeohadstoppedmakingjokesathisexpense.

“I’m—I’mallright,”Hazelmanaged.“You?”

Hesmiled,thecornersofhiseyescrinkling.“I’m,uh,taller.Otherwise,yeah.I’mgood.Ihaven’treally,youknow,changedinside.…”

Hisvoiceheldalittleoftheolddoubtandawkwardness—thevoiceofherFrank,whoalwaysworriedaboutbeingaklutzandmessingup.

Hazelfeltrelieved.Shelikedthatpartofhim.Atfirst,hisnewappearancehadshockedher.

She’dbeenworriedthathispersonalityhadchangedaswell.

Nowshewasstartingtorelaxaboutthat.Despiteallhisstrength,Frankwasthesamesweetguy.

Hewasstillvulnerable.Hestilltrustedherwithhisbiggestweakness—thepieceofmagicalfirewoodshecarriedinhercoatpocket,nexttoherheart.

“Iknow,andI’mglad.”Shesqueezedhishand.“It’s…it’sactuallynotyouI’mworriedabout.”Frankgrunted.“How’sNicodoing?”

She’dbeenthinkingaboutherself,notNico,butshefollowedFrank’sgazetothetopoftheforemast,whereNicowasperchedontheyardarm.

Nicoclaimedthathelikedtokeepwatchbecausehehadgoodeyes.Hazelknewthatwasn’tthereason.ThetopofthemastwasoneofthefewplacesonboardwhereNicocouldbealone.TheothershadofferedhimtheuseofPercy’scabin,sincePercywas…well,absent.Nicoadamantlyrefused.Hespentmostofhistimeupintherigging,wherehedidn’thavetotalkwiththerestofthecrew.

Sincehe’dbeenturnedintoacornplantinVenice,he’donlygottenmorereclusiveandmorose.

“Idon’tknow,”Hazeladmitted.“He’sbeenthroughalot.GettingcapturedinTartarus,beingheldprisonerinthatbronzejar,watchingPercyandAnnabethfall…”

“AndpromisingtoleadustoEpirus.”Franknodded.“IgetthefeelingNicodoesn’tplaywellwithothers.”

Frankstoodupstraight.HewaswearingabeigeT-shirtwithapictureofahorseandthewordsPALIODISIENA.He’donlyboughtitacoupleofdaysago,butnowitwastoosmall.Whenhestretched,hismidriffwasexposed.

Hazelrealizedshewasstaring.Shequicklylookedaway,herfaceflushed.

“Nicoismyonlyrelative,”shesaid.“He’snoteasytolike,but…thanksforbeingkindtohim.”Franksmiled.“Hey,youputupwithmygrandmotherinVancouver.Talkaboutnoteasytolike.”

“Ilovedyourgrandmother!”

Galethepolecatscampereduptothem,farted,andranaway.

“Ugh.”Frankwavedawaythesmell.“Whyisthatthinghere,anyway?”Hazelwasalmostgladshewasn’tondryland.Asagitatedasshefelt,goldandgemswouldprobablybepoppingupallaroundherfeet.

“HecatesentGaletoobserve,”shesaid.

“Observewhat?”

HazeltriedtotakecomfortinFrank’spresence,hisnewauraofsolidityandstrength.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaidatlast.“Somekindoftest.”

Suddenlytheboatlurchedforward.

HAZELANDFRANKTUMBLEDOVEREACHOTHER.HazelaccidentallygaveherselftheHeimlichmaneuverwiththepommelofherswordandcurledonthedeck,moaningandcoughingupthetasteofkatoblepspoison.

Throughafogofpain,sheheardtheship’sfigurehead,Festusthebronzedragon,creakinginalarmandshootingfire.

Dimly,Hazelwonderedifthey’dhitaniceberg—butintheAdriatic,inthemiddleofsummer?

Theshiprockedtoportwithamassivecommotion,liketelephonepolessnappinginhalf.

“Gahh!”Leoyelledsomewherebehindher.“It’seatingtheoars!”Whatis?Hazelwondered.Shetriedtostand,butsomethinglargeandheavywaspinningherlegs.

SherealizeditwasFrank,grumblingashetriedtoextracthimselffromapileoflooserope.

Everyoneelsewasscrambling.Jasonjumpedoverthem,hissworddrawn,andracedtowardthestern.Piperwasalreadyonthequarterdeck,shootingfoodfromhercornucopia

andyelling,“Hey!

HEY!Eatthis,yastupidturtle!”

Turtle?

FrankhelpedHazeltoherfeet.“Youokay?”

“Yeah,”Hazellied,clutchingherstomach.“Go!”

Franksprintedupthesteps,slingingoffhisbackpack,whichinstantlytransformedintoabowandquiver.Bythetimehereachedthehelm,hehadalreadyfiredonearrowandwasnockingthesecond.

Leofranticallyworkedtheship’scontrols.“Oarswon’tretract.Getitaway!Getitaway!”Upintherigging,Nico’sfacewasslackwithshock.

“Styx—it’shuge!”heyelled.“Port!Goport!”

CoachHedgewasthelastoneondeck.Hecompensatedforthatwithenthusiasm.Heboundedupthesteps,wavinghisbaseballbat,andwithouthesitationgoat-gallopedtothesternandleapedovertherailwithagleeful“Ha-HA!”

Hazelstaggeredtowardthequarterdecktojoinherfriends.Theboatshuddered.Moreoarssnapped,andLeoyelled,“No,no,no!Dangslimy-shelledsonofamother!”Hazelreachedthesternandcouldn’tbelievewhatshesaw.

Whensheheardthewordturtle,shethoughtofacutelittlethingthesizeofajewelrybox,sittingonarockinthemiddleofafishpond.Whensheheardhuge,hermindtriedtoadjust—okay,perhapsitwasliketheGalapagostortoiseshe’dseeninthezooonce,withashellbigenoughtorideon.

Shedidnotenvisionacreaturethesizeofanisland.Whenshesawthemassivedomeofcraggyblackandbrownsquares,thewordturtlesimplydidnotcompute.Itsshellwasmorelikealandmass

—hillsofbone,shinypearlvalleys,kelpandmossforests,riversofseawatertricklingdownthegroovesofitscarapace.

Ontheship’sstarboardside,anotherpartofthemonsterrosefromthewaterlikeasubmarine.

LaresofRome…wasthatitshead?

Itsgoldeyeswerethesizeofwadingpools,withdarksidewaysslitsforpupils.Itsskinglistenedlikewetarmycamouflage—brownfleckedwithgreenandyellow.Itsred,toothlessmouthcould’veswallowedtheAthenaParthenosinonebite.

Hazelwatchedasitsnappedoffhalfadozenoars.

“Stopthat!”Leowailed.

CoachHedgeclamberedaroundtheturtle’sshell,whackingatituselesslywithhisbaseballbatandyelling,“Takethat!Andthat!”

Jasonflewfromthesternandlandedonthecreature’shead.Hestabbedhisgoldenswordstraightbetweenitseyes,butthebladeslippedsideways,asiftheturtle’sskinwere

greasedsteel.Frankshotarrowsatthemonster’seyeswithnosuccess.Theturtle’sfilmyinnereyelidsblinkedwithuncannyprecision,deflectingeachshot.Pipershotcantaloupesintothewater,yelling,“Fetch,yastupidturtle!”ButtheturtleseemedfixatedoneatingtheArgoII.

“Howdiditgetsoclose?”Hazeldemanded.

Leothrewhishandsupinexasperation.“Mustbethatshell.Guessit’sinvisibletosonar.It’safreakingstealthturtle!”

“Cantheshipfly?”Piperasked.

“Withhalfouroarsbrokenoff?”LeopunchedsomebuttonsandspunhisArchimedessphere.

“I’llhavetotrysomethingelse.”

“There!”Nicoyelledfromabove.“Canyougetustothosestraits?”Hazellookedwherehewaspointing.Abouthalfamiletotheeast,alongstripoflandranparalleltothecoastalcliffs.Itwashardtobesurefromadistance,butthestretchofwaterbetweenthemlookedtobeonlytwentyorthirtyyardsacross—possiblywideenoughfortheArgoIItoslipthrough,butdefinitelynotwideenoughforthegiantturtle’sshell.

“Yeah.Yeah.”Leoapparentlyunderstood.HeturnedtheArchimedessphere.“Jason,getawayfromthatthing’shead!Ihaveanidea!”

Jasonwasstillhackingawayattheturtle’sface,butwhenheheardLeosayIhaveanidea,hemadetheonlysmartchoice.Heflewawayasfastaspossible.

“Coach,comeon!”Jasonsaid.

“No,Igotthis!”Hedgesaid,butJasongrabbedhimaroundthewaistandtookoff.Unfortunately,thecoachstruggledsomuchthatJason’sswordfelloutofhishandandsplashedintothesea.

“Coach!”Jasoncomplained.

“What?”Hedgesaid.“Iwassofteninghimup!”

Theturtlehead-buttedthehull,almosttossingthewholecrewofftheportside.Hazelheardacrackingsound,likethekeelhadsplintered.

“Justanotherminute,”Leosaid,hishandsflyingovertheconsole.

“Wemightnotbehereinanotherminute!”Frankfiredhislastarrow.

Piperyelledattheturtle,“Goaway!”

Foramoment,itactuallyworked.Theturtleturnedfromtheshipanddippeditsheadunderwater.

Butthenitcamerightbackandrammedthemevenharder.

JasonandCoachHedgelandedonthedeck.

“Youallright?”Piperasked.

“Fine,”Jasonmuttered.“Withoutaweapon,butfine.”

“Fireintheshell!”Leocried,spinninghisWiicontroller.

Hazelthoughtthesternhadexploded.Jetsoffireblastedoutbehindthem,washingovertheturtle’shead.TheshipshotforwardandthrewHazeltothedeckagain.

Shehauledherselfupandsawthattheshipwasbouncingoverthewavesatincrediblespeed,trailingfirelikearocket.Theturtlewasalreadyahundredyardsbehindthem,itsheadcharredandsmoking.

Themonsterbellowedinfrustrationandstartedafterthem,itspaddlefeetscoopingthroughthewaterwithsuchpowerthatitactuallystartedtogainonthem.Theentrancetothestraitswasstillaquartermileahead.

“Adistraction,”Leomuttered.“We’llnevermakeitunlesswegetadistraction.”

“Adistraction,”Hazelrepeated.

Sheconcentratedandthought:Arion!

Shehadnoideawhetheritwouldwork.Butinstantly,Hazelspottedsomethingonthehorizon—aflashoflightandsteam.ItstreakedacrossthesurfaceoftheAdriatic.Inaheartbeat,Arionstoodonthequarterdeck.

GodsofOlympus,Hazelthought.Ilovethishorse.

Arionsnortedasiftosay,Ofcourseyoudo.You’renotstupid.

Hazelclimbedonhisback.“Piper,Icouldusethatcharmspeakofyours.”

“Onceuponatime,Ilikedturtles,”Pipermuttered,acceptingahandup.“Notanymore!”HazelspurredArion.Heleapedoverthesideoftheboat,hittingthewateratafullgallop.

Theturtlewasafastswimmer,butitcouldn’tmatchArion’sspeed.HazelandPiperzippedaroundthemonster’shead,Hazelslicingwithhersword,Pipershoutingrandomcommandslike,

“Dive!Turnleft!Lookbehindyou!”

Thesworddidnodamage.Eachcommandonlyworkedforamoment,buttheyweremakingtheturtleveryannoyed.Arionwhinniedderisivelyastheturtlesnappedathim,onlytogetamouthfulofhorsevapor.

SoonthemonsterhadcompletelyforgottentheArgoII.Hazelkeptstabbingatitshead.Piperkeptyellingcommandsandusinghercornucopiatobouncecoconutsandroastedchickensofftheturtle’seyeballs.

AssoonastheArgoIIhadpassedintothestraits,Arionbrokeoffhisharassment.Theyspedaftertheship,andamomentlaterwerebackondeck.

Therocketfirehadextinguished,thoughsmokingbronzeexhaustventsstilljuttedfromthestern.

TheArgoIIlimpedforwardundersailpower,buttheirplanhadpaidoff.Theyweresafelyharboredinthenarrowwaters,withalong,rockyislandtostarboardandthesheerwhitecliffsofthemainlandtoport.Theturtlestoppedattheentrancetothestraitsandglaredatthembalefully,butitmadenoattempttofollow.Itsshellwasobviouslymuchtoowide.

HazeldismountedandgotabighugfromFrank.“Niceworkoutthere!”hesaid.

Herfaceflushed.“Thanks.”

Pipersliddownnexttoher.“Leo,sincewhendowehavejetpropulsion?”

“Aw,youknow…”Leotriedtolookmodestandfailed.“JustalittlesomethingIwhippedupinmysparetime.WishIcouldgiveyoumorethanafewsecondsofburn,butatleastitgotusoutofthere.”

“Androastedtheturtle’shead,”Jasonsaidappreciatively.“Sowhatnow?”

“Killit!”Coachsaid.“Youevenhavetoask?Wegotenoughdistance.Wegotballistae.Lockandload,demigods!”

Jasonfrowned.“Coach,firstofall,youmademelosemysword.”

“Hey!Ididn’taskforanevac!”

“Second,Idon’tthinktheballistaewilldoanygood.ThatshellislikeNemeanLionskin.Itsheadisn’tanysofter.”

“Sowechuckonerightdownitsthroat,”Coachsaid,“likeyouguysdidwiththatshrimpmonsterthingintheAtlantic.Lightitupfromtheinside.”

Frankscratchedhishead.“Mightwork.Butthenyou’vegotafive-million-kiloturtlecarcassblockingtheentrancetothestraits.Ifwecan’tflywiththeoarsbroken,howdowegettheshipout?”

“Youwaitandfixtheoars!”Coachsaid.“Orjustsailtheotherdirection,youbiggaloot.”Franklookedconfused.“What’sagaloot?”

“Guys!”Nicocalleddownfromthemast.“Aboutsailingtheotherdirection?Idon’tthinkthat’sgoingtowork.”

Hepointedpasttheprow.

Aquartermileaheadofthem,thelongrockystripoflandcurvedinandmetthecliffs.ThechannelendedinanarrowV.

“We’renotinastrait,”Jasonsaid.“We’reinadeadend.”Hazelgotacoldfeelinginherfingersandtoes.Ontheportrail,Galetheweaselsatuponherhaunches,staringatHazelexpectantly.

“Thisisatrap,”Hazelsaid.

Theotherslookedather.

“Nah,it’sfine,”Leosaid.“Worsethathappens,wemakerepairs.Mighttakeovernight,butIcangettheshipflyingagain.”

Atthemouthoftheinlet,theturtleroared.Itdidn’tappearinterestedinleaving.

“Well…”Pipershrugged.“Atleasttheturtlecan’tgetus.We’resafehere.”Thatwassomethingnodemigodshouldeversay.ThewordshadbarelyleftPiper’smouthwhenanarrowsankintothemainmast,sixinchesfromherface.

Thecrewscatteredforcover,exceptforPiper,whostoodfrozeninplace,gapingatthe

arrowthathadalmostpiercedhernosethehardway.

“Piper,duck!”Jasonwhisperedharshly.

Butnoothermissilesraineddown.

Frankstudiedtheangleoftheboltinthemastandpointedtowardthetopofthecliffs.

“Upthere,”hesaid.“Singleshooter.Seehim?”

Thesunwasinhereyes,butHazelspottedatinyfigurestandingatthetopoftheledge.Hisbronzearmorglinted.

“Whotheheckishe?”Leodemanded.“Whyishefiringatus?”

“Guys?”Piper’svoicewasthinandwatery.“There’sanote.”Hazelhadn’tseenitbefore,butaparchmentscrollwastiedtothearrowshaft.Shewasn’tsurewhy,butthatmadeherangry.Shestormedoveranduntiedit.

“Uh,Hazel?”Leosaid.“Yousurethat’ssafe?”

Shereadthenoteoutloud.“Firstline:Standanddeliver.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”CoachHedgecomplained.“Wearestanding.Well,crouching,anyway.

Andifthatguyisexpectingapizzadelivery,forgetit!”

“There’smore,”Hazelsaid.“Thisisarobbery.Sendtwoofyourpartytothetopofthecliffwithallyourvaluables.Nomorethantwo.Leavethemagichorse.Noflying.Notricks.Justclimb.”

“Climbwhat?”Piperasked.

Nicopointed.“There.”

Anarrowsetofstepswascarvedintothecliff,leadingtothetop.Theturtle,thedead-endchannel,thecliff…Hazelgotthefeelingthiswasnotthefirsttimetheletterwriterhadambushedashiphere.

Sheclearedherthroatandkeptreadingaloud:“Idomeanallyourvaluables.OtherwisemyturtleandIwilldestroyyou.Youhavefiveminutes.”

“Usethecatapults!”criedthecoach.

“P.S.,”Hazelread,“Don’teventhinkaboutusingyourcatapults.”

“Curseit!”saidthecoach.“Thisguyisgood.”

“Isthenotesigned?”Nicoasked.

Hazelshookherhead.She’dheardastorybackatCampJupiter,somethingaboutarobberwhoworkedwithagiantturtle;butasusual,assoonassheneededtheinformation,itsatannoyinglyinthebackofhermemory,justoutofreach.

TheweaselGalewatchedher,waitingtoseewhatshewoulddo.

Thetesthasn’thappenedyet,Hazelthought.

Distractingtheturtlehadn’tbeenenough.Hazelhadn’tprovenanythingabouthowshe

couldmanipulatetheMist…mostlybecauseshecouldn’tmanipulatetheMist.

Leostudiedtheclifftopandmutteredunderhisbreath.“That’snotagoodtrajectory.EvenifIcouldarmthecatapultbeforethatguypincushioneduswitharrows,Idon’tthinkIcouldmaketheshot.That’shundredsoffeet,almoststraightup.”

“Yeah,”Frankgrumbled.“Mybowisuselesstoo.He’sgotahugeadvantage,beingaboveuslikethat.Icouldn’treachhim.”

“And,um…”Pipernudgedthearrowthatwasstuckinthemast.“Ihaveafeelinghe’sagoodshot.Idon’tthinkhemeanttohitme.Butifhedid…”Shedidn’tneedtoelaborate.Whoeverthatrobberwas,hecouldhitatargetfromhundredsoffeetaway.Hecouldshootthemallbeforetheycouldreact.

“I’llgo,”Hazelsaid.

Shehatedtheidea,butshewassureHecatehadsetthisupassomesortoftwistedchallenge.ThiswasHazel’stest—herturntosavetheship.Asifsheneededconfirmation,Galescamperedalongtherailingandjumpedonhershoulder,readytohitcharide.

Theothersstaredather.

Frankgrippedhisbow.“Hazel—”

“No,listen,”shesaid,“thisrobberwantsvaluables.Icangoupthere,summongold,jewels,whateverhewants.”

Leoraisedaneyebrow.“Ifwepayhimoff,youthinkhe’llactuallyletusgo?”

“Wedon’thavemuchchoice,”Nicosaid.“Betweenthatguyandtheturtle…”Jasonraisedhishand.Theothersfellsilent.

“I’llgotoo,”hesaid.“Thelettersaystwopeople.I’lltakeHazelupthereandwatchherback.

Besides,Idon’tlikethelookofthosesteps.IfHazelfalls…well,Icanusethewindstokeepusbothfromcomingdownthehardway.”

Arionwhinniedinprotest,asiftosay,You’regoingwithoutme?You’rekidding,right?

“Ihaveto,Arion,”Hazelsaid.“Jason…yes.Ithinkyou’reright.It’sthebestplan.”

“OnlywishIhadmysword.”Jasonglaredatthecoach.“It’sbackthereatthebottomofthesea,andwedon’thavePercytoretrieveit.”

ThenamePercypassedoverthemlikeacloud.Themoodondeckgotevendarker.

Hazelstretchedoutherarm.Shedidn’tthinkaboutit.ShejustconcentratedonthewaterandcalledforImperialgold.

Astupididea.Theswordwasmuchtoofaraway,probablyhundredsoffeetunderwater.Butshefeltaquicktuginherfingers,likeabiteonafishingline,andJason’sbladeflewoutofthewaterandintoherhand.

“Here,”shesaid,handingitover.

Jason’seyeswidened.“How…Thatwaslikehalfamile!”

“I’vebeenpracticing,”shesaid,thoughitwasn’ttrue.

Shehopedshehadn’taccidentallycursedJason’sswordbysummoningit,thewayshecursedjewelsandpreciousmetals.

Somehow,though,shethought,weaponsweredifferent.Afterall,she’draisedabunchofImperialgoldequipmentfromGlacierBayanddistributedittotheFifthCohort.Thathadworkedoutokay.

Shedecidednottoworryaboutit.ShefeltsoangryatHecateandsotiredofbeingmanipulatedbythegodsthatshewasn’tgoingtoletanytriflingproblemsstandinherway.“Now,iftherearenootherobjections,wehavearobbertomeet.”

HAZELLIKEDTHEGREATOUTDOORS—butclimbingatwo-hundred-footcliffonastairwaywithoutrails,withabad-temperedweaselonhershoulder?Notsomuch.EspeciallywhenshecouldhaveriddenAriontothetopinamatterofseconds.

Jasonwalkedbehindhersohecouldcatchherifshefell.Hazelappreciatedthat,butitdidn’tmakethesheerdropanylessscary.

Sheglancedtoherright,whichwasamistake.Herfootalmostslipped,sendingasprayofgravelovertheedge.Galesqueakedinalarm.

“Youallright?”Jasonasked.

“Yes.”Hazel’sheartjackhammeredatherribs.“Fine.”

Shehadnoroomtoturnandlookathim.Shejusthadtotrusthewouldn’tletherplummettoherdeath.Sincehecouldfly,hewastheonlylogicalbackup.Still,shewisheditwasFrankatherback,orNico,orPiper,orLeo.Oreven…well,okay,maybenotCoachHedge.Butstill,Hazelcouldn’tgetareadonJasonGrace.

Eversinceshe’darrivedatCampJupiter,she’dheardstoriesabouthim.Thecampers

spokewithreverenceaboutthesonofJupiterwho’drisenfromthelowlyranksoftheFifthCohorttobecomepraetor,ledthemtovictoryintheBattleofMountTam,thendisappeared.Evennow,afteralltheeventsofthepastcoupleofweeks,Jasonseemedmorelikealegendthanaperson.Shehadahardtimewarminguptohim,withthoseicyblueeyesandthatcarefulreserve,likehewascalculatingeverywordbeforehesaidit.Also,shecouldn’tforgethowhehadbeenreadytowriteoffherbrother,Nico,whenthey’dlearnedhewasacaptiveinRome.

JasonhadthoughtNicowasbaitforatrap.Hehadbeenright.Andmaybe,nowthatNicowassafe,HazelcouldseewhyJason’scautionwasagoodidea.Still,shedidn’tquiteknowwhattothinkoftheguy.Whatiftheygotthemselvesintroubleatthetopofthiscliff,andJasondecidedthatsavingHazelwasn’tinthebestinterestofthequest?

Sheglancedup.Shecouldn’tseethethieffromhere,butshesensedhewaswaiting.Hazelwasconfidentshecouldproduceenoughgemsandgoldtoimpresseventhegreediestrobber.Shewonderedifthetreasuresshesummonedwouldstillbringbadluck.She’dneverbeensurewhetherthatcursehadbeenbrokenwhenshehaddiedthefirsttime.Thisseemedlikeagoodopportunitytofindout.Anybodywhorobbedinnocentdemigodswithagiantturtledeservedafewnastycurses.

Galetheweaseljumpedoffhershoulderandscamperedahead.Sheglancedbackandbarkedeagerly.

“GoingasfastasIcan,”Hazelmuttered.

Shecouldn’tshakethefeelingthattheweaselwasanxioustowatchherfail.

“This,uh,controllingtheMist,”Jasonsaid.“Haveyouhadanyluck?”

“No,”Hazeladmitted.

Shedidn’tliketothinkaboutherfailures—theseagullshecouldn’tturnintoadragon,CoachHedge’sbaseballbatstubbornlyrefusingtoturnintoahotdog.Shejustcouldn’tmakeherselfbelieveanyofitwaspossible.

“You’llgetit,”Jasonsaid.

Histonesurprisedher.Itwasn’tathrowawaycommentjusttobenice.Hesoundedtrulyconvinced.Shekeptclimbing,butsheimaginedhimwatchingherwiththosepiercingblueeyes,hisjawsetwithconfidence.

“Howcanyoubesure?”sheasked.

“Justam.I’vegotagoodinstinctforwhatpeoplecando—demigods,anyway.Hecatewouldn’thavepickedyouifshedidn’tbelieveyouhadpower.”

MaybethatshouldhavemadeHazelfeelbetter.Itdidn’t.

Shehadagoodinstinctforpeopletoo.Sheunderstoodwhatmotivatedmostofherfriends—evenherbrother,Nico,whowasn’teasytoread.

ButJason?Shedidn’thaveaclue.Everybodysaidhewasanaturalleader.Shebelievedit.Herehewas,makingherfeellikeavaluedmemberoftheteam,tellinghershewascapableofanything.

ButwhatwasJasoncapableof?

Shecouldn’ttalktoanyoneaboutherdoubts.Frankwasinaweoftheguy.Piper,ofcourse,washead-over-heels.Leowashisbestfriend.EvenNicoseemedtofollowhisleadwithoutquestion.

ButHazelcouldn’tforgetthatJasonhadbeenHera’sfirstmoveinthewaragainstthegiants.TheQueenofOlympushaddroppedJasonintoCampHalf-Blood,whichhadstartedthisentirechainofeventstostopGaea.WhyJasonfirst?SomethingtoldHazelhewasthelinchpin.Jasonwouldbethefinalplay,too.

Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall.That’swhattheprophecysaid.AsmuchasHazelfearedfire,shefearedstormsmore.JasonGracecouldcausesomeprettyhugestorms.

Sheglancedupandsawtherimofthecliffonlyafewyardsaboveher.

Shereachedthetop,breathlessandsweaty.Alongslopingvalleymarchedinland,dottedwithscragglyolivetreesandlimestoneboulders.Therewerenosignsofcivilization.

Hazel’slegstrembledfromtheclimb.Galeseemedanxioustoexplore.Theweaselbarkedandfartedandscamperedintothenearestbushes.Farbelow,theArgoIIlookedlikeatoyboatinthechannel.Hazeldidn’tunderstandhowanyonecouldshootanarrowaccuratelyfromthishighup,accountingforthewindandtheglareofthesunoffthewater.Atthemouthoftheinlet,themassiveshapeoftheturtle’sshellglintedlikeaburnishedcoin.

Jasonjoinedheratthetop,lookingnoworsefortheclimb.

Hestartedtosay,“Where—”

“Here!”saidavoice.

Hazelflinched.Onlytenfeetaway,amanhadappeared,abowandquiveroverhisshoulderandtwoold-fashionedflintlockduelingpistolsinhishands.Heworehighleatherboots,leatherbreeches,andapirate-styleshirt.Hiscurlyblackhairlookedlikealittlekid’sdoandhissparklygreeneyeswerefriendlyenough,butaredbandanacoveredthelowerhalfofhisface.

“Welcome!”thebanditcried,pointinghisgunsatthem.“Yourmoneyoryourlife!”Hazelwascertainthathehadn’tbeenthereasecondago.He’dsimplymaterialized,asifhe’dsteppedoutfrombehindaninvisiblecurtain.

“Whoareyou?”Hazelasked.

Thebanditlaughed.“Sciron,ofcourse!”

“Chiron?”Jasonasked.“Likethecentaur?”

Thebanditrolledhiseyes.“Sky-ron,myfriend.SonofPoseidon!Thiefextraordinaire!All-aroundawesomeguy!Butthat’snotimportant.I’mnotseeinganyvaluables!”hecried,asifthiswereexcellentnews.“Iguessthatmeansyouwanttodie?”

“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“We’vegotvaluables.Butifwegivethemup,howcanwebesureyou’llletusgo?”

“Oh,theyalwaysaskthat,”Scironsaid.“Ipromiseyou,ontheRiverStyx,thatassoonasyousurrenderwhatIwant,Iwillnotshootyou.Iwillsendyourightbackdownthat

cliff.”HazelgaveJasonawarylook.RiverStyxorno,thewayScironphrasedhispromisedidn’treassureher.

“Whatifwefoughtyou?”Jasonasked.“Youcan’tattackusandholdourshiphostageatthesame—”

BANG!BANG!

Ithappenedsofast,Hazel’sbrainneededamomenttocatchup.

SmokecurledfromthesideofJason’shead.Justabovehisleftear,agroovecutthroughhishairlikearacingstripe.OneofSciron’sflintlockswasstillpointedathisface.Theotherflintlockwaspointeddown,overthesideofthecliff,asifSciron’ssecondshothadbeenfiredattheArgoII.

Hazelchokedfromdelayedshock.“Whatdidyoudo?”

“Oh,don’tworry!”Scironlaughed.“Ifyoucouldseethatfar—whichyoucan’t—you’dseeaholeinthedeckbetweentheshoesofthebigyoungman,theonewiththebow.”

“Frank!”

Scironshrugged.“Ifyousayso.Thatwasjustademonstration.I’mafraiditcouldhavebeenmuchmoreserious.”

Hespunhisflintlocks.Thehammersreset,andHazelhadafeelingthegunshadjustmagicallyreloaded.

ScironwaggledhiseyebrowsatJason.“So!Toansweryourquestion—yes,Icanattackyouandholdyourshiphostageatthesametime.Celestialbronzeammunition.Quitedeadlytodemigods.Youtwowoulddiefirst—bang,bang.ThenIcouldtakemytimepickingoffyourfriendsonthatship.

Targetpracticeissomuchmorefunwithlivetargetsrunningaroundscreaming!”Jasontouchedthenewfurrowthatthebullethadplowedthroughhishair.Foronce,hedidn’tlookveryconfident.

Hazel’sankleswobbled.Frankwasthebestshotsheknewwithabow,butthisbanditScironwasinhumanlygood.

“You’reasonofPoseidon?”shemanaged.“Iwould’vethoughtApollo,thewayyoushoot.”Thesmilelinesdeepenedaroundhiseyes.“Why,thankyou!It’sjustfrompractice,though.Thegiantturtle—that’sduetomyparentage.Youcan’tgoaroundtaminggiantturtleswithoutbeingasonofPoseidon!Icouldoverwhelmyourshipwithatidalwave,ofcourse,butit’sterriblydifficultwork.

Notnearlyasfunasambushingandshootingpeople.”

Hazeltriedtocollectherthoughts,stallfortime,butitwasdifficultwhilestaringdownthesmokingbarrelsofthoseflintlocks.“Uh…what’sthebandanafor?”

“Sonoonerecognizesme!”Scironsaid.

“Butyouintroducedyourself,”Jasonsaid.“You’reSciron.”Thebandit’seyeswidened.“Howdidyou—Oh.Yes,IsupposeIdid.”Heloweredoneflintlockandscratchedthesideofhisheadwiththeother.“Terriblysloppyofme.Sorry.I’mafraidI’malittlerusty.

Backfromthedead,andallthat.Letmetryagain.”Heleveledhispistols.“Standanddeliver!Iamananonymousbandit,andyoudonotneedtoknowmyname!”

Ananonymousbandit.SomethingclickedinHazel’smemory.“Theseus.Hekilledyouonce.”Sciron’sshouldersslumped.“Now,whydidyouhavetomentionhim?Weweregettingalongsowell!”

Jasonfrowned.“Hazel,youknowthisguy’sstory?”

Shenodded,thoughthedetailsweremurky.“TheseusmethimontheroadtoAthens.Scironwouldkillhisvictimsby,um…”

Somethingabouttheturtle.Hazelcouldn’tremember.

“Theseuswassuchacheater!”Scironcomplained.“Idon’twanttotalkabouthim.I’mbackfromthedeadnow.GaeapromisedmeIcouldstayonthecoastlineandroballthedemigodsIwanted,andthat’swhatI’mgoingtodo!Now…wherewerewe?”

“Youwereabouttoletusgo,”Hazelventured.

“Hmm…”Scironsaid.“No,I’mprettysurethatwasn’tit.Ah,right!Moneyoryourlife.Whereareyourvaluables?Novaluables?ThenI’llhaveto—”

“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“Ihaveourvaluables.Atleast,Icangetthem.”ScironpointedaflintlockatJason’shead.“Well,then,mydear,hoptoit,ormynextshotwillcutoffmorethanyourfriend’shair!”

Hazelhardlyneededtoconcentrate.Shewassoanxious,thegroundrumbledbeneathherandimmediatelyyieldedabumpercrop—preciousmetalspoppingtothesurfaceasthoughthedirtwasanxioustoexpelthem.

Shefoundherselfsurroundedbyaknee-highmoundoftreasure—Romandenarii,silverdrachmas,ancientgoldjewelry,glitteringdiamondsandtopazandrubies—enoughtofillseverallawnbags.

Scironlaughedwithdelight.“Howintheworlddidyoudothat?”Hazeldidn’tanswer.ShethoughtaboutallthecoinsthathadappearedatthecrossroadswithHecate.Herewereevenmore—centuries’worthofhiddenwealthfromeveryempirethathadeverclaimedthisland—Greek,Roman,Byzantine,andsomanyothers.Thoseempiresweregone,leavingonlyabarrencoastlineforScironthebandit.

Thatthoughtmadeherfeelsmallandpowerless.

“Justtakethetreasure,”shesaid.“Letusgo.”

Scironchuckled.“Oh,butIdidsayallyourvaluables.Iunderstandyou’reholdingsomethingveryspecialonthatship…acertainivory-and-goldstatueabout,say,fortyfeettall?”ThesweatstartedtodryonHazel’sneck,sendingashiverdownherback.

Jasonsteppedforward.Despitethegunpointedathisface,hiseyeswereashardassapphires.

“Thestatueisn’tnegotiable.”

“You’reright,it’snot!”Scironagreed.“Imusthaveit!”

“Gaeatoldyouaboutit,”Hazelguessed.“Sheorderedyoutotakeit.”Scironshrugged.“Maybe.ButshetoldmeIcouldkeepitformyself.Hardtopassupthatoffer!Idon’tintendtodieagain,myfriends.Iintendtolivealonglifeasaverywealthyman!”

“Thestatuewon’tdoyouanygood,”Hazelsaid.“NotifGaeadestroystheworld.”ThemuzzlesofSciron’spistolswavered.“Pardon?”

“Gaeaisusingyou,”Hazelsaid.“Ifyoutakethatstatue,wewon’tbeabletodefeather.She’splanningonwipingallmortalsanddemigodsoffthefaceoftheearth,lettinghergiantsandmonsterstakeover.Sowherewillyouspendyourgold,Sciron?AssumingGaeaevenletsyoulive.”Hazelletthatsinkin.ShefiguredScironwouldhavenotroublebelievingindouble-crosses,beingabanditandall.

Hewassilentforacountoften.

Finallyhissmilelinesreturned.

“Allright!”hesaid.“I’mnotunreasonable.Keepthestatue.”Jasonblinked.“Wecango?”

“Justonemorething,”Scironsaid.“Ialwaysdemandashowofrespect.BeforeIletmyvictimsleave,Iinsistthattheywashmyfeet.”

Hazelwasn’tsureshe’dheardhimright.ThenScironkickedoffhisleatherboots,oneaftertheother.HisbarefeetwerethemostdisgustingthingsHazelhadeverseen…andshehadseensomeverydisgustingthings.

Theywerepuffy,wrinkled,andwhiteasdough,asifthey’dbeensoakinginformaldehydeforafewcenturies.Tuftsofbrownhairsproutedfromeachmisshapentoe.Hisjaggedtoenailsweregreenandyellow,likeatortoise’sshell.

Thenthesmellhither.Hazeldidn’tknowifherfather’sUnderworldpalacehadacafeteriaforzombies,butifitdid,thatcafeteriawouldsmelllikeSciron’sfeet.

“So!”Scironwriggledhisdisgustingtoes.“Whowantstheleft,andwhowantstheright?”Jason’sfaceturnedalmostaswhiteasthosefeet.“You’ve…gottobekidding.”

“Notatall!”Scironsaid.“Washmyfeet,andwe’redone.I’llsendyoubackdownthecliff.IpromiseontheRiverStyx.”

Hemadethatpromisesoeasily,alarmbellsranginHazel’smind.Feet.Sendyoubackdownthecliff.Tortoiseshell.

Thestorycamebacktoher,allthemissingpiecesfittingintoplace.SherememberedhowScironkilledhisvictims.

“Couldwehaveamoment?”Hazelaskedthebandit.

Sciron’seyesnarrowed.“Whatfor?”

“Well,it’sabigdecision,”shesaid.“Leftfoot,rightfoot.Weneedtodiscuss.”Shecouldtellhewassmilingunderthemask.

“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“I’msogenerous,youcanhavetwominutes.”Hazelclimbedoutofherpileoftreasure.SheledJasonasfarawayasshedared—aboutfiftyfeetdownthecliff,whichshehopedwasoutofearshot.

“Scironkickshisvictimsoffthecliff,”shewhispered.

Jasonscowled.“What?”

“Whenyoukneeldowntowashhisfeet,”Hazelsaid.“That’showhekillsyou.Whenyou’reoff-balance,woozyfromthesmellofhisfeet,he’llkickyouovertheedge.You’llfallrightintothemouthofhisgiantturtle.”

Jasontookamomenttodigestthat,sotospeak.Heglancedoverthecliff,wheretheturtle’smassiveshellglintedjustunderthewater.

“Sowehavetofight,”Jasonsaid.

“Sciron’stoofast,”Hazelsaid.“He’llkillusboth.”

“ThenI’llbereadytofly.Whenhekicksmeover,I’llfloathalfwaydownthecliff.Thenwhenhekicksyou,I’llcatchyou.”

Hazelshookherhead.“Ifhekicksyouhardandfastenough,you’llbetoodazedtofly.Andevenifyoucan,Sciron’sgottheeyesofamarksman.He’llwatchyoufall.Ifyouhover,he’lljustshootyououtoftheair.”

“Then…”Jasonclenchedhisswordhilt.“Ihopeyouhaveanotheridea?”Afewfeetaway,Galetheweaselappearedfromthebushes.ShegnashedherteethandpeeredatHazelasiftosay,Well?Doyou?

Hazelcalmedhernerves,tryingtoavoidpullingmoregoldfromtheground.Sherememberedthedreamshe’dhadofherfatherPluto’svoice:Thedeadseewhattheybelievetheywillsee.Sodotheliving.Thatisthesecret.

Sheunderstoodwhatshehadtodo.Shehatedtheideaworsethanshehatedthatfartingweasel,worsethanshehatedSciron’sfeet.

“Unfortunately,yes,”Hazelsaid.“WehavetoletScironwin.”

“What?”Jasondemanded.

Hazeltoldhimtheplan.

“FINALLY!”SCIRONCRIED.“Thatwasmuchlongerthantwominutes!”

“Sorry,”Jasonsaid.“Itwasabigdecision…whichfoot.”

HazeltriedtoclearhermindandimaginethescenethroughSciron’seyes—whathedesired,whatheexpected.

ThatwasthekeytousingtheMist.Shecouldn’tforcesomeonetoseetheworldherway.Shecouldn’tmakeSciron’srealityappearlessbelievable.Butifsheshowedhimwhathewantedtosee…

well,shewasachildofPluto.She’dspentdecadeswiththedead,listeningtothemyearnforpastlivesthatwereonlyhalf-remembered,distortedbynostalgia.

Thedeadsawwhattheybelievedtheywouldsee.Sodidtheliving.

PlutowasthegodoftheUnderworld,thegodofwealth.MaybethosetwospheresofinfluenceweremoreconnectedthanHazelhadrealized.Therewasn’tmuchdifferencebetweenlongingandgreed.

Ifshecouldsummongoldanddiamonds,whynotsummonanotherkindoftreasure—avisionoftheworldpeoplewantedtosee?

Ofcourseshecouldbewrong,inwhichcasesheandJasonwereabouttobeturtlefood.

Sherestedherhandonherjacketpocket,whereFrank’smagicalfirewoodseemedheavierthanusual.Shewasn’tjustcarryinghislifelinenow.Shewascarryingthelivesoftheentirecrew.

Jasonsteppedforward,hishandsopeninsurrender.“I’llgofirst,Sciron.I’llwashyourleftfoot.”

“Excellentchoice!”Scironwriggledhishairy,corpse-liketoes.“Imayhavesteppedonsomethingwiththatfoot.Itfeltalittlesquishyinsidemyboot.ButI’msureyou’llcleanitproperly.”Jason’searsreddened.Fromthetensioninhisneck,Hazelcouldtellthathe

wastemptedtodropthecharadeandattack—onequickslashwithhisImperialgoldblade.ButHazelknewifhetried,hewouldfail.

“Sciron,”shebrokein,“doyouhavewater?Soap?Howarewesupposedtowash—”

“Likethis!”Scironspunhisleftflintlock.Suddenlyitbecameasquirtbottlewitharag.HetossedittoJason.

Jasonsquintedatthelabel.“Youwantmetowashyourfeetwithglasscleaner?”

“Ofcoursenot!”Scironknithiseyebrows.“Itsaysmulti-surfacecleanser.Myfeetdefinitelyqualifyasmulti-surface.Besides,it’santibacterial.Ineedthat.Believeme,waterwon’tdothetrickonthesebabies.”

Scironwiggledhistoes,andmorezombiecaféodorwaftedacrossthecliffs.

Jasongagged.“Oh,gods,no…”

Scironshrugged.“Youcanalwayschoosewhat’sinmyotherhand.”Heheftedhisrightflintlock.

“He’lldoit,”Hazelsaid.

Jasonglaredather,butHazelwonthestaringcontest.

“Fine,”hemuttered.

“Excellent!Now…”Scironhoppedtothenearestchunkoflimestonethatwastherightsizeforafootstool.Hefacedthewaterandplantedhisfoot,sohelookedlikesomeexplorerwho’djustclaimedanewcountry.“I’llwatchthehorizonwhileyouscrubmybunions.It’llbemuchmoreenjoyable.”

“Yeah,”Jasonsaid.“Ibet.”

Jasonkneltinfrontofthebandit,attheedgeofthecliff,wherehewasaneasytarget.Onekick,andhe’dtoppleover.

Hazelconcentrated.SheimaginedshewasSciron,thelordofbandits.Shewaslookingdownatapatheticblond-hairedkidwhowasnothreatatall—justanotherdefeateddemigodabouttobecomehisvictim.

Inhermind,shesawwhatwouldhappen.ShesummonedtheMist,callingitfromthedepthsoftheearththewayshedidwithgoldorsilverorrubies.

Jasonsquirtedthecleaningfluid.Hiseyeswatered.HewipedSciron’sbigtoewithhisragandturnedasidetogag.Hazelcouldbarelywatch.Whenthekickhappened,shealmostmissedit.

ScironslammedhisfootintoJason’schest.Jasontumbledbackwardovertheedge,hisarmsflailing,screamingashefell.Whenhewasabouttohitthewater,theturtleroseupandswallowedhiminonebite,thensankbelowthesurface.

AlarmbellssoundedontheArgoII.Hazel’sfriendsscrambledondeck,manningthecatapults.

HazelheardPiperwailingallthewayfromtheship.

Itwassodisturbing,Hazelalmostlostherfocus.Sheforcedhermindtosplitintotwoparts—oneintenselyfocusedonhertask,oneplayingtheroleScironneededtosee.

Shescreamedinoutrage.“Whatdidyoudo?”

“Oh,dear…”Scironsoundedsad,butHazelgottheimpressionhewashidingagrinunderhisbandana.“Thatwasanaccident,Iassureyou.”

“Myfriendswillkillyounow!”

“Theycantry,”Scironsaid.“Butinthemeantime,Ithinkyouhavetimetowashmyotherfoot!

Believeme,mydear.Myturtleisfullnow.Hedoesn’twantyoutoo.You’llbequitesafe,unlessyourefuse.”

Heleveledtheflintlockpistolatherhead.

Shehesitated,lettinghimseeheranguish.Shecouldn’tagreetooeasily,orhewouldn’tthinkshewasbeaten.

“Don’tkickme,”shesaid,half-sobbing.

Hiseyestwinkled.Thiswasexactlywhatheexpected.Shewasbrokenandhelpless.Sciron,thesonofPoseidon,hadwonagain.

HazelcouldhardlybelievethisguyhadthesamefatherasPercyJackson.ThensherememberedthatPoseidonhadachangeablepersonality,likethesea.Maybehischildrenreflectedthat.PercywasachildofPoseidon’sbetternature—powerful,butgentleandhelpful,thekindofseathatspedshipssafelytodistantlands.ScironwasachildofPoseidon’sotherside—thekindofseathatbatteredrelentlesslyatthecoastlineuntilitcrumbledaway,orcarriedtheinnocentsfromshoreandletthemdrown,orsmashedshipsandkilledentirecrewswithoutmercy.

ShesnatchedupthespraybottleJasonhaddropped.

“Sciron,”shegrowled,“yourfeetaretheleastdisgustingthingaboutyou.”Hisgreeneyeshardened.“Justclean.”

Sheknelt,tryingtoignorethesmell.Sheshuffledtooneside,forcingScirontoadjusthisstance,butsheimaginedthattheseawasstillatherback.Sheheldthatvisioninhermindassheshuffledsidewaysagain.

“Justgetonwithit!”Scironsaid.

Hazelsuppressedasmile.She’dmanagedtoturnScirononehundredandeightydegrees,buthestillsawthewaterinfrontofhim,therollingcountrysideathisback.

Shestartedtoclean.

Hazelhaddoneplentyofuglyworkbefore.She’dcleanedtheunicornstablesatCampJupiter.

She’dfilledandduglatrinesforthelegion.

Thisisnothing,shetoldherself.ButitwashardnottoretchwhenshelookedatSciron’stoes.

Whenthekickcame,sheflewbackward,butshedidn’tgofar.Shelandedonherbuttinthegrassafewyardsaway.

Scironstaredather.“But…”

Suddenlytheworldshifted.Theillusionmelted,leavingScirontotallyconfused.Theseawasathisback.He’donlysucceededinkickingHazelawayfromtheledge.

Heloweredhisflintlock.“How—”

“Standanddeliver,”Hazeltoldhim.

Jasonswoopedoutofthesky,rightoverherhead,andbody-slammedthebanditoverthecliff.

Scironscreamedashefell,firinghisflintlockwildly,butforoncehittingnothing.Hazelgottoherfeet.Shereachedthecliff’sedgeintimetoseetheturtlelungeandsnapScironoutoftheair.

Jasongrinned.“Hazel,thatwasamazing.Seriously…Hazel?Hey,Hazel?”Hazelcollapsedtoherknees,suddenlydizzy.

Distantly,shecouldhearherfriendscheeringfromtheshipbelow.Jasonstoodoverher,buthewasmovinginslowmotion,hisoutlineblurry,hisvoicenothingbutstatic.

Frostcreptacrosstherocksandgrassaroundher.Themoundofrichesshe’dsummonedsankbackintotheearth.TheMistswirled.

WhathaveIdone?shethoughtinapanic.Somethingwentwrong.

“No,Hazel,”saidadeepvoicebehindher.“Youhavedonewell.”Shehardlydaredtobreathe.She’donlyheardthatvoiceoncebefore,butshehadreplayeditinhermindthousandsoftimes.

Sheturnedandfoundherselflookingupatherfather.

HewasdressedinRomanstyle—hisdarkhairclose-cropped,hispale,angularfaceclean-shaven.

Histunicandtogawereofblackwool,embroideredwiththreadsofgold.Thefacesoftormentedsoulsshiftedinthefabric.Theedgeofhistogawaslinedwiththecrimsonofasenatororapraetor,butthestriperippledlikeariverofblood.OnPluto’sringfingerwasamassiveopal,likeachunkofpolishedfrozenMist.

Hisweddingring,Hazelthought.ButPlutohadnevermarriedHazel’smother.Godsdidnotmarrymortals.ThatringwouldsignifyhismarriagetoPersephone.

ThethoughtmadeHazelsoangry,sheshookoffherdizzinessandstood.

“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.

Shehopedhertonewouldhurthim—jabhimforallthepainhe’dcausedher.Butafaintsmileplayedacrosshismouth.

“Mydaughter,”hesaid.“Iamimpressed.Youhavegrownstrong.”Nothankstoyou,shewantedtosay.Shedidn’twanttotakeanypleasureinhiscompliment,buthereyesstillprickled.

“Ithoughtyoumajorgodswereincapacitated,”shemanaged.“YourGreekandRomanpersonalitiesfightingagainstoneanother.”

“Weare,”Plutoagreed.“Butyouinvokedmesostronglythatyouallowedmetoappear…ifonlyforamoment.”

“Ididn’tinvokeyou.”

Butevenasshesaidit,sheknewitwasn’ttrue.Forthefirsttime,willingly,she’dembracedherlineageasachildofPluto.She’dtriedtounderstandherfather’spowersandusethemtothefullest.

“WhenyoucometomyhouseinEpirus,”Plutosaid,“youmustbeprepared.Thedeadwillnotwelcomeyou.AndthesorceressPasiphaë—”

“Pacify?”Hazelasked.Thensherealizedthatmustbethewoman’sname.

“ShewillnotbefooledaseasilyasSciron.”Pluto’seyesglitteredlikevolcanicstone.“Yousucceededinyourfirsttest,butPasiphaëintendstorebuildherdomain,whichwillendangeralldemigods.UnlessyoustopherattheHouseofHades…”

Hisformflickered.Foramomenthewasbearded,inGreekrobeswithagoldenlaurelwreathinhishair.Aroundhisfeet,skeletalhandsbrokethroughtheearth.

Thegodgrittedhisteethandscowled.

HisRomanformstabilized.Theskeletalhandsdissolvedbackintotheearth.

“Wedonothavemuchtime.”Helookedlikeamanwho’djustbeenviolentlyill.“KnowthattheDoorsofDeathareatthelowestleveloftheNecromanteion.YoumustmakePasiphaëseewhatshewantstosee.Youareright.Thatisthesecrettoallmagic.Butitwillnotbeeasywhenyouareinhermaze.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Whatmaze?”

“Youwillunderstand,”hepromised.“And,HazelLevesque…youwillnotbelieveme,butIamproudofyourstrength.Sometimes…sometimestheonlywayIcancareformychildrenistokeepmydistance.”

Hazelbitbackaninsult.Plutowasjustanotherdeadbeatgodlydadmakingweakexcuses.Butherheartpoundedasshereplayedhiswords:Iamproudofyourstrength.

“Gotoyourfriends,”Plutosaid.“Theywillbeworried.ThejourneytoEpirusstillholdsmanyperils.”

“Wait,”Hazelsaid.

Plutoraisedaneyebrow.

“WhenImetThanatos,”shesaid,“youknow…Death…hetoldmeIwasn’tonyourlistofroguespiritstocapture.Hesaidmaybethat’swhyyouwerekeepingyourdistance.Ifyouacknowledgedme,you’dhavetotakemebacktotheUnderworld.”

Plutowaited.“Whatisyourquestion?”

“You’rehere.Whydon’tyoutakemetotheUnderworld?Returnmetothedead?”Pluto’sformstartedtofade.Hesmiled,butHazelcouldn’ttellifhewassadorpleased.“Perhaps

thatisnotwhatIwanttosee,Hazel.PerhapsIwasneverhere.”

PERCYWASRELIEVEDwhenthedemongrandmothersclosedinforthekill.

Sure,hewasterrified.Hedidn’tliketheoddsofthreeagainstseveraldozen.Butatleastheunderstoodfighting.Wanderingthroughthedarkness,waitingtobeattacked—thathadbeendrivinghimcrazy.

Besides,heandAnnabethhadfoughttogethermanytimes.AndnowtheyhadaTitanontheirside.

“Backoff.”PercyjabbedRiptideatthenearestshriveledhag,butsheonlysneered.

Wearethearai,saidthatweirdvoice-over,liketheentireforestwasspeaking.Youcannotdestroyus.

Annabethpressedagainsthisshoulder.“Don’ttouchthem,”shewarned.“They’rethespiritsofcurses.”

“Bobdoesn’tlikecurses,”Bobdecided.TheskeletonkittenSmallBobdisappearedinsidehiscoveralls.Smartcat.

TheTitanswepthisbroominawidearc,forcingthespiritsback,buttheycameinagainlikethetide.

Weservethebitterandthedefeated,saidthearai.Weservetheslainwhoprayedforvengeancewiththeirfinalbreath.Wehavemanycursestosharewithyou.

ThefirewaterinPercy’sstomachstartedcrawlinguphisthroat.HewishedTartarushadbetterbeverageoptions,ormaybeatreethatdispensedantacidfruit.

“Iappreciatetheoffer,”hesaid.“Butmymomtoldmenottoacceptcursesfromstrangers.”Thenearestdemonlunged.Herclawsextendedlikebonyswitchblades.Percycutherintwo,butassoonasshevaporized,thesidesofhischestflaredwithpain.Hestumbledback,clampinghishandtohisribcage.Hisfingerscameawaywetandred.

“Percy,you’rebleeding!”Annabethcried,whichwaskindofobvioustohimatthatpoint.“Oh,gods,onbothsides.”

Itwastrue.Theleftandrighthemsofhistatteredshirtwerestickywithblood,asifajavelinhadrunhimthrough.

Oranarrow…

Queasinessalmostknockedhimover.Vengeance.Acursefromtheslain.

HeflashedbacktoanencounterinTexastwoyearsago—afightwithamonstrousrancherwhocouldonlybekilledifeachofhisthreebodieswascutthroughsimultaneously.

“Geryon,”Percysaid.“ThisishowIkilledhim.…”

Thespiritsbaredtheirfangs.Morearaileapedfromtheblacktrees,flappingtheirleatherywings.

Yes,theyagreed.FeelthepainyouinflicteduponGeryon.Somanycurseshavebeenleveledatyou,PercyJackson.Whichwillyoudiefrom?Choose,orwewillripyouapart!

Somehowhestayedonhisfeet.Thebloodstoppedspreading,buthestillfeltlikehehadahotmetalcurtainrodstickingthroughhisribs.Hisswordarmwasheavyandweak.

“Idon’tunderstand,”hemuttered.

Bob’svoiceseemedtoechofromtheendofalongtunnel:“Ifyoukillone,itgivesyouacurse.”

“Butifwedon’tkillthem…”Annabethsaid.

“They’llkillusanyway,”Percyguessed.

Choose!thearaicried.WillyoubecrushedlikeKampê?OrdisintegratedliketheyoungtelkhinesyouslaughteredunderMountSt.Helens?Youhavespreadsomuchdeathandsuffering,PercyJackson.Letusrepayyou!

Thewingedhagspressedin,theirbreathsour,theireyesburningwithhatred.TheylookedlikeFuries,butPercydecidedthesethingswereevenworse.AtleastthethreeFurieswereunderthecontrolofHades.Thesethingswerewild,andtheyjustkeptmultiplying.

IftheyreallyembodiedthedyingcursesofeveryenemyPercyhadeverdestroyed…thenPercywasinserioustrouble.He’dfacedalotofenemies.

OneofthedemonslungedatAnnabeth.Instinctively,shedodged.Shebroughtherrockdownontheoldlady’sheadandbrokeherintodust.

Itwasn’tlikeAnnabethhadachoice.Percywould’vedonethesamething.ButinstantlyAnnabethdroppedherrockandcriedinalarm.

“Ican’tsee!”Shetouchedherface,lookingaroundwildly.Hereyeswerepurewhite.

Percyrantohersideasthearaicackled.

PolyphemuscursedyouwhenyoutrickedhimwithyourinvisibilityintheSeaofMonsters.YoucalledyourselfNobody.Hecouldnotseeyou.Nowyouwillnotseeyourattackers.

“I’vegotyou,”Percypromised.HeputhisarmaroundAnnabeth,butasthearai

advanced,hedidn’tknowhowhecouldprotecteitherofthem.

Adozendemonsleapedfromeverydirection,butBobyelled,“SWEEP!”HisbroomwhooshedoverPercy’shead.Theentirearaioffensivelinetoppledbackwardlikebowlingpins.

Moresurgedforward.Bobwhackedoneovertheheadandspearedanother,blastingthemtodust.

Theothersbackedaway.

Percyheldhisbreath,waitingfortheirTitanfriendtobelaidlowwithsometerriblecurse,butBobseemedfine—amassivesilverybodyguardkeepingdeathatbaywiththeworld’smostterrifyingcleaningimplement.

“Bob,youokay?”Percyasked.“Nocurses?”

“NocursesforBob!”Bobagreed.

Thearaisnarledandcircled,eyingthebroom.TheTitanisalreadycursed.Whyshouldwetorturehimfurther?You,PercyJackson,havealreadydestroyedhismemory.

Bob’sspearheaddipped.

“Bob,don’tlistentothem,”Annabethsaid.“They’reevil!”Timeslowed.PercywonderedifthespiritofKronoswassomewherenearby,swirlinginthedarkness,enjoyingthismomentsomuchthathewantedittolastforever.Percyfeltexactlylikehehadattwelveyearsold,battlingAresonthatbeachinLosAngeles,whentheshadowoftheTitanlordhadfirstpassedoverhim.

Bobturned.Hiswildwhitehairlookedlikeanexplodedhalo.“Mymemory…Itwasyou?”Cursehim,Titan!thearaiurged,theirredeyesgleaming.Addtoournumbers!

Percy’sheartpressedagainsthisspine.“Bob,it’salongstory.Ididn’twantyoutobemyenemy.

Itriedtomakeyouafriend.”

Bystealingyourlife,thearaisaid.LeavingyouinthepalaceofHadestoscrubfloors!

AnnabethgrippedPercy’shand.“Whichway?”shewhispered.“Ifwehavetorun?”Heunderstood.IfBobwouldn’tprotectthem,theironlychancewastorun—butthatwasn’tanychanceatall.

“Bob,listen,”hetriedagain,“thearaiwantyoutogetangry.Theyspawnfrombitterthoughts.

Don’tgivethemwhattheywant.Weareyourfriends.”Evenashesaidit,Percyfeltlikealiar.He’dleftBobintheUnderworldandhadn’tgivenhimathoughtsince.Whatmadethemfriends?ThefactthatPercyneededhimnow?Percyalwayshateditwhenthegodsusedhimfortheirerrands.NowPercywastreatingBobthesameway.

Youseehisface?thearaigrowled.Theboycannotevenconvincehimself.Didhevisityou,afterhestoleyourmemory?

“No,”Bobmurmured.Hislowerlipquivered.“Theotheronedid.”Percy’sthoughts

movedsluggishly.“Theotherone?”

“Nico.”Bobscowledathim,hiseyesfullofhurt.“Nicovisited.ToldmeaboutPercy.SaidPercywasgood.Saidhewasafriend.ThatiswhyBobhelped.”

“But…”Percy’svoicedisintegratedlikesomeonehadhititwithaCelestialbronzeblade.He’dneverfeltsolowanddishonorable,sounworthyofhavingafriend.

Thearaiattacked,andthistimeBobdidnotstopthem.

“LEFT!”PERCYDRAGGEDANNABETH,slicingthroughthearaitoclearapath.Heprobablybroughtdownadozencursesonhimself,buthedidn’tfeelthemrightaway,sohekeptrunning.

Thepaininhischestflaredwitheverystep.Hewovebetweenthetrees,leadingAnnabethatafullsprintdespiteherblindness.

Percyrealizedhowmuchshetrustedhimtogetheroutofthis.Hecouldn’tletherdown,yethowcouldhesaveher?Andifshewaspermanentlyblind…No.Hesuppressedasurgeofpanic.Hewouldfigureouthowtocureherlater.Firsttheyhadtoescape.

Leatherywingsbeattheairabovethem.Angryhissingandthescuttlingofclawedfeettoldhimthedemonswereattheirbacks.

Astheyranpastoneoftheblacktrees,heslashedhisswordacrossthetrunk.Heheardittopple,followedbythesatisfyingcrunchofseveraldozenaraiastheyweresmashedflat.

Ifatreefallsintheforestandcrushesademon,doesthetreegetcursed?

Percyslasheddownanothertrunk,thenanother.Itboughtthemafewseconds,butnotenough.

Suddenlythedarknessinfrontofthembecamethicker.Percyrealizedwhatitmeantjustintime.

HegrabbedAnnabethrightbeforetheybothchargedoffthesideofthecliff.

“What?”shecried.“Whatisit?”

“Cliff,”hegasped.“Bigcliff.”

“Whichway,then?”

Percycouldn’tseehowfarthecliffdropped.Itcouldbetenfeetorathousand.Therewasnotellingwhatwasatthebottom.Theycouldjumpandhopeforthebest,buthedoubted“thebest”everhappenedinTartarus.

So,twooptions:rightorleft,followingtheedge.

Hewasabouttochooserandomlywhenawingeddemondescendedinfrontofhim,hoveringoverthevoidonherbatwings,justoutofswordreach.

Didyouhaveanicewalk?askedthecollectivevoice,echoingallaroundthem.

Percyturned.Thearaipouredoutofthewoods,makingacrescentaroundthem.OnegrabbedAnnabeth’sarm.Annabethwailedinrage,judo-flippingthemonsteranddroppingonitsneck,puttingherwholebodyweightintoanelbowstrikethatwould’vemadeanyprowrestlerproud.

Thedemondissolved,butwhenAnnabethgottoherfeet,shelookedstunnedandafraidaswellasblind.

“Percy?”shecalled,paniccreepingintohervoice.

“I’mrighthere.”

Hetriedtoputhishandonhershoulder,butshewasn’tstandingwherehethought.Hetriedagain,onlytofindshewasseveralfeetfartheraway.Itwasliketryingtograbsomethinginatankofwater,withthelightshiftingtheimageaway.

“Percy!”Annabeth’svoicecracked.“Whydidyouleaveme?”

“Ididn’t!”Heturnedonthearai,hisarmsshakingwithanger.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”Wedidnothing,thedemonssaid.Yourbelovedhasunleashedaspecialcurse—abitterthoughtfromsomeoneyouabandoned.Youpunishedaninnocentsoulbyleavingherinhersolitude.Nowhermosthatefulwishhascometopass:Annabethfeelsherdespair.She,too,willperishaloneandabandoned.

“Percy?”Annabethspreadherarms,tryingtofindhim.Thearaibackedup,lettingherstumbleblindlythroughtheirranks.

“WhodidIabandon?”Percydemanded.“Inever—”

Suddenlyhisstomachfeltlikeithaddroppedoffthecliff.

Thewordsranginhishead:Aninnocentsoul.Aloneandabandoned.Herememberedanisland,acavelitwithsoftglowingcrystals,adinnertableonthebeachtendedbyinvisibleairspirits.

“Shewouldn’t,”hemumbled.“She’dnevercurseme.”

Theeyesofthedemonsblurredtogetherliketheirvoices.Percy’ssidesthrobbed.Thepaininhischestwasworse,asifsomeonewereslowlytwistingadagger.

Annabethwanderedamongthedemons,desperatelycallinghisname.Percylongedtoruntoher,butheknewthearaiwouldn’tallowit.Theonlyreasontheyhadn’tkilledheryetwasthattheywereenjoyinghermisery.

Percyclenchedhisjaw.Hedidn’tcarehowmanycurseshesuffered.HehadtokeeptheseleatheryoldhagsfocusedonhimandprotectAnnabethaslongashecould.

Heyelledinfuryandattackedthemall.

FORONEEXCITINGMINUTE,Percyfeltlikehewaswinning.Riptidecutthroughthearaiasthoughtheyweremadeofpowderedsugar.Onepanickedandranface-firstintoatree.Anotherscreechedandtriedtoflyaway,butPercyslicedoffherwingsandsentherspiralingintothechasm.

Eachtimeademondisintegrated,Percyfeltaheaviersenseofdreadasanothercursesettledonhim.Somewereharshandpainful:astabbinginthegut,aburningsensationlikehewasbeingblastedbyablowtorch.Someweresubtle:achillintheblood,anuncontrollableticinhisrighteye.

Seriously,whocursesyouwiththeirdyingbreathandsays:Ihopeyoureyetwitches!

Percyknewthathe’dkilledalotofmonsters,buthe’dneverreallythoughtaboutitfromthemonsters’pointofview.Nowalltheirpainandangerandbitternesspouredoverhim,sappinghisstrength.

Thearaijustkeptcoming.Foreveryonehecutdown,sixmoreseemedtoappear.

Hisswordarmgrewtired.Hisbodyached,andhisvisionblurred.HetriedtomakehiswaytowardAnnabeth,butshewasjustoutofreach,callinghisnameasshewanderedamongthedemons.

AsPercyblunderedtowardher,ademonpouncedandsankitsteethintohisthigh.Percyroared.

Heslicedthedemontodust,butimmediatelyfelltohisknees.

HismouthburnedworsethanwhenhehadswallowedthefirewaterofthePhlegethon.Hedoubledover,shudderingandretching,asadozenfierysnakesseemedtoworktheirwaydownhisesophagus.

Youhavechosen,saidthevoiceofthearai,thecurseofPhineas…anexcellentpainfuldeath.

Percytriedtospeak.Histonguefeltlikeitwasbeingmicrowaved.HerememberedtheoldblindkingwhohadchasedharpiesthroughPortlandwithaWeedWacker.Percyhadchallengedhimtoacontest,andtheloserhaddrunkadeadlyvialofgorgon’sblood.Percydidn’tremembertheoldblindmanmutteringafinalcurse,butasPhineasdissolvedandreturnedtotheUnderworld,heprobablyhadn’twishedPercyalongandhappylife.

AfterPercy’svictorythen,Gaeahadwarnedhim:Donotpressyourluck.Whenyourdeathcomes,Ipromiseitwillbemuchmorepainfulthangorgon’sblood.

NowhewasinTartarus,dyingfromgorgon’sbloodplusadozenotheragonizingcurses,whilehewatchedhisgirlfriendstumblearound,helplessandblindandbelievinghe’dabandonedher.Heclutchedhissword.Hisknucklesstartedtosteam.Whitesmokecurledoffhisforearms.

Iwon’tdielikethis,hethought.

Notonlybecauseitwaspainfulandinsultinglylame,butbecauseAnnabethneededhim.Oncehewasdead,thedemonswouldturntheirattentiontoher.Hecouldn’tleaveheralone.

Thearaiclusteredaroundhim,snickeringandhissing.

Hisheadwilleruptfirst,thevoicespeculated.

No,thevoiceanswereditselffromanotherdirection.Hewillcombustallatonce.

Theywereplacingbetsonhowhewoulddie…whatsortofscorchmarkhewouldleaveontheground.

“Bob,”hecroaked.“Ineedyou.”

Ahopelessplea.Hecouldbarelyhearhimself.WhyshouldBobanswerhiscalltwice?TheTitanknewthetruthnow.Percywasnofriend.

Heraisedhiseyesonelasttime.Hissurroundingsseemedtoflicker.Theskyboiledandthegroundblistered.

PercyrealizedthatwhathesawofTartaruswasonlyawatered-downversionofitstruehorror—

onlywhathisdemigodbraincouldhandle.Theworstofitwasveiled,thesamewaytheMistveiledmonstersfrommortalsight.NowasPercydied,hebegantoseethetruth.

TheairwasthebreathofTartarus.Allthesemonsterswerejustbloodcellscirculatingthroughhisbody.EverythingPercysawwasadreaminthemindofthedarkgodofthepit.

ThismusthavebeenthewayNicohadseenTartarus,andithadalmostdestroyedhissanity.

Nico…oneofthemanypeoplePercyhadn’ttreatedwellenough.HeandAnnabethhadonlymadeitthisfarthroughTartarusbecauseNicodiAngelohadbehavedlikeBob’struefriend.

Youseethehorrorofthepit?thearaisaidsoothingly.Giveup,PercyJackson.Isn’tdeathbetterthanenduringthisplace?

“I’msorry,”Percymurmured.

Heapologizes!Thearaishriekedwithdelight.Heregretshisfailedlife,hiscrimesagainstthechildrenofTartarus!

“No,”Percysaid.“I’msorry,Bob.Ishould’vebeenhonestwithyou.Please…forgiveme.ProtectAnnabeth.”

Hedidn’texpectBobtohearhimorcare,butitfeltrighttoclearhisconscience.Hecouldn’tblameanyoneelseforhistroubles.Notthegods.NotBob.Hecouldn’tevenblameCalypso,thegirlhe’dleftaloneonthatisland.Maybeshe’dturnedbitterandcursedPercy’sgirlfriendoutofdespair.

Still…PercyshouldhavefollowedupwithCalypso,madesurethegodssprangherfromherexileonOgygialikethey’dpromised.Hehadn’ttreatedheranybetterthanhe’dtreatedBob.Hehadn’teventhoughtmuchabouther,thoughhermoonlaceplantstillbloomedinhismom’swindowbox.

Ittookallhisremainingeffort,buthegottohisfeet.Steamrosefromhiswholebody.Hislegsshook.Hisinsideschurnedlikeavolcano.

AtleastPercycouldgooutfighting.HeraisedRiptide.

Butbeforehecouldstrike,allthearaiinfrontofhimexplodedintodust.

BOBSERIOUSLYKNEWHOWTOUSEABROOM.

Heslashedbackandforth,destroyingthedemonsoneaftertheotherwhileSmallBobthe

kittensatonhisshoulder,archinghisbackandhissing.

Inamatterofseconds,thearaiweregone.Mosthadbeenvaporized.Thesmartoneshadflownoffintothedarkness,shriekinginterror.

PercywantedtothanktheTitan,buthisvoicewouldn’twork.Hislegsbuckled.Hisearsrang.

Througharedglowofpain,hesawAnnabethafewyardsaway,wanderingblindlytowardtheedgeofthecliff.

“Uh!”Percygrunted.

Bobfollowedhisgaze.HeboundedtowardAnnabethandscoopedherup.Sheyelledandkicked,pummelingBob’sgut,butBobdidn’tseemtocare.HecarriedherovertoPercyandputherdowngently.

TheTitantouchedherforehead.“Owie.”

Annabethstoppedfighting.Hereyescleared.“Where—what—?”ShesawPercy,andaseriesofexpressionsflashedacrossherface—relief,joy,shock,horror.

“What’swrongwithhim?”shecried.“Whathappened?”

Shecradledhisshouldersandweptintohisscalp.

Percywantedtotellheritwasokay,butofcourseitwasn’t.Hecouldn’tevenfeelhisbodyanymore.Hisconsciousnesswaslikeasmallheliumballoon,looselytiedtothetopofhishead.Ithadnoweight,nostrength.Itjustkeptexpanding,gettinglighterandlighter.Heknewthatsoonitwouldeitherburstorthestringwouldbreak,andhislifewouldfloataway.

Annabethtookhisfaceinherhands.Shekissedhimandtriedtowipethedustandsweatfromhiseyes.

Bobloomedoverthem,hisbroomplantedlikeaflag.Hisfacewasunreadable,luminouslywhiteinthedark.

“Lotsofcurses,”Bobsaid.“Percyhasdonebadthingstomonsters.”

“Canyoufixhim?”Annabethpleaded.“Likeyoudidwithmyblindness?FixPercy!”Bobfrowned.Hepickedatthenametagonhisuniformlikeitwasascab.

Annabethtriedagain.“Bob—”

“Iapetus,”Bobsaid,hisvoicealowrumble.“BeforeBob.ItwasIapetus.”Theairwasabsolutelystill.Percyfelthelpless,barelyconnectedtotheworld.

“IlikeBobbetter.”Annabeth’svoicewassurprisinglycalm.“Whichdoyoulike?”TheTitanregardedherwithhispuresilvereyes.“Idonotknowanymore.”HecrouchednexttoherandstudiedPercy.Bob’sfacelookedhaggardandcareworn,asifhesuddenlyfelttheweightofallhiscenturies.

“Ipromised,”hemurmured.“Nicoaskedmetohelp.IdonotthinkIapetusorBoblikesbreakingpromises.”HetouchedPercy’sforehead.

“Owie,”theTitanmurmured.“Verybigowie.”

Percysankbackintohisbody.Theringinginhisearsfaded.Hisvisioncleared.Hestillfeltlikehehadswallowedadeepfryer.Hisinsidesbubbled.Hecouldsensethatthepoisonhadonlybeenslowed,notremoved.

Buthewasalive.

HetriedtomeetBob’seyes,toexpresshisgratitude.Hisheadlolledagainsthischest.

“Bobcannotcurethis,”Bobsaid.“Toomuchpoison.Toomanycursespiledup.”AnnabethhuggedPercy’sshoulders.Hewantedtosay:Icanfeelthatnow.Ow.Tootight.

“Whatcanwedo,Bob?”Annabethasked.“Istherewateranywhere?Watermighthealhim.”

“Nowater,”Bobsaid.“Tartarusisbad.”

Inoticed,Percywantedtoyell.

AtleasttheTitancalledhimselfBob.EvenifheblamedPercyfortakinghismemory,maybehewouldhelpAnnabethifPercydidn’tmakeit.

“No,”Annabethinsisted.“No,therehastobeaway.Somethingtohealhim.”BobplacedhishandonPercy’schest.Acoldtinglelikeeucalyptusoillspreadacrosshissternum,butassoonasBobliftedhishand,thereliefstopped.Percy’slungsfeltashotaslavaagain.

“Tartaruskillsdemigods,”Bobsaid.“Ithealsmonsters,butyoudonotbelong.TartaruswillnothealPercy.Thepithatesyourkind.”

“Idon’tcare,”Annabethsaid.“Evenhere,therehastobesomeplacehecanrest,somekindofcurehecantake.MaybebackatthealtarofHermes,or—”

Inthedistance,adeepvoicebellowed—avoicethatPercyrecognized,unfortunately.

“ISMELLHIM!”roaredthegiant.“BEWARE,SONOFPOSEIDON!ICOMEFORYOU!”

“Polybotes,”Bobsaid.“HehatesPoseidonandhischildren.Heisveryclosenow.”AnnabethstruggledtogetPercytohisfeet.Hehatedmakingherworksohard,buthefeltlikeasackofbilliardballs.EvenwithAnnabethsupportingalmostallhisweight,hecouldbarelystand.

“Bob,I’mgoingon,withorwithoutyou,”shesaid.“Willyouhelp?”ThekittenSmallBobmewedandbegantopurr,rubbingagainstBob’schin.

BoblookedatPercy,andPercywishedhecouldreadtheTitan’sexpression.Washeangry,orjustthoughtful?Washeplanningrevenge,orwashejustfeelinghurtbecausePercyhadliedaboutbeinghisfriend?

“Thereisoneplace,”Bobsaidatlast.“Thereisagiantwhomightknowwhattodo.”AnnabethalmostdroppedPercy.“Agiant.Uh,Bob,giantsarebad.”

“Oneisgood,”Bobinsisted.“Trustme,andIwilltakeyou…unlessPolybotesandtheotherscatchusfirst.”

JASONFELLASLEEPONTHEJOB.Whichwasbad,sincehewasathousandfeetintheair.

Heshouldhaveknownbetter.ItwasthemorningaftertheirencounterwithScironthebandit,andJasonwasonduty,fightingsomewildventiwhowerethreateningtheship.Whenheslashedthroughthelastone,heforgottoholdhisbreath.

Astupidmistake.Whenawindspiritdisintegrates,itcreatesavacuum.Unlessyou’reholdingyourbreath,theairgetssuckedrightoutofyourlungs.Thepressureinyourinnerearsdropssofast,youblackout.

That’swhathappenedtoJason.

Evenworse,heinstantlyplungedintoadream.Inthebackofhissubconscious,hethought:Really?Now?

Heneededtowakeup,orhewoulddie;buthewasn’tabletoholdontothatthought.Inthedream,hefoundhimselfontheroofofatallbuilding,thenighttimeskylineofManhattanspreadaroundhim.Acoldwindwhippedthroughhisclothes.

Afewblocksaway,cloudsgatheredabovetheEmpireStateBuilding—theentrancetoMountOlympusitself.Lightningflashed.Theairwasmetallicwiththesmellofoncomingrain.Thetopoftheskyscraperwaslitupasusual,butthelightsseemedtobemalfunctioning.Theyflickeredfrompurpletoorangeasifthecolorswerefightingfordominance.

OntheroofofJason’sbuildingstoodhisoldcomradesfromCampJupiter:anarrayofdemigodsincombatarmor,theirImperialgoldweaponsandshieldsglintinginthedark.HesawDakotaandNathan,LeilaandMarcus.Octavianstoodtooneside,thinandpale,hiseyesred-rimmedfromsleeplessnessoranger,astringofsacrificialstuffedanimalsaroundhiswaist.Hisaugur’swhiterobewasdrapedoverapurpleT-shirtandcargopants.

InthecenterofthelinestoodReyna,hermetaldogsAurumandArgentumatherside.Uponseeingher,Jasonfeltanincrediblepangofguilt.He’dletherbelievetheyhada

futuretogether.Hehadneverbeeninlovewithher,andhehadn’tledheron,exactly…buthealsohadn’tshutherdown.

He’ddisappeared,leavinghertorunthecamponherown.(Okay,thathadn’texactlybeenJason’sidea,butstill…)ThenhehadreturnedtoCampJupiterwithhisnewgirlfriendPiperandawholebunchofGreekfriendsinawarship.They’dfiredontheForumandrunaway,leavingReynawithawaronherhands.

Inhisdreamshelookedtired.Othersmightnotnotice,buthe’dworkedwithherlongenoughtorecognizethewearinessinhereyes,thetightnessinhershouldersunderthestrapsofherarmor.Herdarkhairwaswet,likeshe’dtakenahastyshower.

TheRomansstaredattheroof-accessdoorasiftheywerewaitingforsomeone.

Whenthedooropened,twopeopleemerged.Onewasafaun—no,Jasonthought—asatyr.He’dlearnedthedifferenceatCampHalf-Blood,andCoachHedgewasalwayscorrectinghimifhemadethatmistake.Romanfaunstendedtohangaroundandbegandeat.Satyrsweremorehelpful,moreengagedwithdemigodaffairs.Jasondidn’tthinkhe’dseenthisparticularsatyrbefore,buthewassuretheguywasfromtheGreekside.NofaunwouldlooksopurposefulwalkinguptoanarmedgroupofRomansinthemiddleofthenight.

HeworeagreenNatureConservancyT-shirtwithpicturesofendangeredwhalesandtigersandstuff.Nothingcoveredhisshaggylegsandhooves.Hehadabushygoatee,curlybrownhairtuckedintoaRasta-stylecap,andasetofreedpipesaroundhisneck.Hishandsfidgetedwiththehemofhisshirt,butconsideringthewayhestudiedtheRomans,notingtheirpositionsandtheirweapons,Jasonfiguredthissatyrhadbeenincombatbefore.

AthissidewasaredheadedgirlJasonrecognizedfromCampHalf-Blood—theiroracle,RachelElizabethDare.Shehadlongfrizzyhair,aplainwhiteblouse,andjeanscoveredwithhand-drawninkdesigns.Sheheldablueplastichairbrushthatshetappednervouslyagainstherthighlikeagoodlucktalisman.

Jasonrememberedheratthecampfire,recitinglinesofprophecythatsentJason,Piper,andLeoontheirfirstquesttogether.Shewasaregularmortalteenager—notademigod—butforreasonsJasonneverunderstood,thespiritofDelphihadchosenherasitshost.

Therealquestion:WhatwasshedoingwiththeRomans?

Shesteppedforward,hereyesfixedonReyna.“Yougotmymessage.”Octaviansnorted.“That’stheonlyreasonyoumadeitthisfaralive,Graecus.Ihopeyou’vecometodiscusssurrenderterms.”

“Octavian…”Reynawarned.

“Atleastsearchthem!”Octavianprotested.

“Noneed,”Reynasaid,studyingRachelDare.“Doyoubringweapons?”Rachelshrugged.“IhitKronosintheeyewiththishairbrushonce.Otherwise,no.”TheRomansdidn’tseemtoknowwhattomakeofthat.Themortaldidn’tsoundlikeshewaskidding.

“Andyourfriend?”Reynanoddedtothesatyr.“Ithoughtyouwerecomingalone.”

“ThisisGroverUnderwood,”Rachelsaid.“He’saleaderoftheCouncil.”

“Whatcouncil?”Octaviandemanded.

“ClovenElders,man.”Grover’svoicewashighandreedy,asifhewereterrified,butJasonsuspectedthesatyrhadmoresteelthanheleton.“Seriously,don’tyouRomanshavenatureandtreesandstuff?I’vegotsomenewsyouneedtohear.Plus,I’macard-carryingprotector.I’mhereto,youknow,protectRachel.”

Reynalookedlikeshewastryingnottosmile.“Butnoweapons?”

“Justthepipes.”Grover’sexpressionbecamewistful.“Percyalwayssaidmycoverof‘BorntobeWild’shouldcountasadangerousweapon,butIdon’tthinkit’sthatbad.”Octaviansneered.“AnotherfriendofPercyJackson.That’sallIneedtohear.”Reynaheldupherhandforsilence.Hergoldandsilverdogssniffedtheair,buttheyremainedcalmandattentiveatherside.

“Sofar,ourguestsspeakthetruth,”Reynasaid.“Bewarned,RachelandGrover,ifyoustarttolie,thisconversationwillnotgowellforyou.Saywhatyoucametosay.”Fromherjeanspocket,Racheldugoutapieceofpaperlikeanapkin.“Amessage.FromAnnabeth.”

Jasonwasn’tsurehe’dheardherright.AnnabethwasinTartarus.Shecouldn’tsendanyoneanoteonanapkin.

MaybeI’vehitthewateranddied,hissubconscioussaid.Thisisn’tarealvision.It’ssomesortofafter-deathhallucination.

Butthedreamseemedveryreal.Hecouldfeelthewindsweepingacrosstheroof.Hecouldsmellthestorm.LightningflickeredovertheEmpireStateBuilding,makingtheRomans’armorflash.

Reynatookthenote.Asshereadit,hereyebrowscrepthigher.Hermouthpartedinshock.

Finally,shelookedupatRachel.“Isthisajoke?”

“Iwish,”Rachelsaid.“They’rereallyinTartarus.”

“Buthow—”

“Idon’tknow,”Rachelsaid.“Thenoteappearedinthesacrificialfireatourdiningpavilion.

That’sAnnabeth’shandwriting.Sheasksforyoubyname.”

Octavianstirred.“Tartarus?Whatdoyoumean?”

Reynahandedhimtheletter.

Octavianmutteredasheread:“Rome,Arachne,Athena—AthenaParthenos?”Helookedaroundinoutrage,asifwaitingforsomeonetocontradictwhathewasreading.“AGreektrick!Greeksareinfamousfortheirtricks!”

Reynatookbackthenote.“Whyaskthisofme?”

Rachelsmiled.“BecauseAnnabethiswise.Shebelievesyoucandothis,ReynaAvilaRamírez-Arellano.”

Jasonfeltlikehe’dbeenslapped.NobodyeverusedReyna’sfullname.Shehatedtelling

anyonewhatitwas.TheonlytimeJasonhadeversaiditaloud,justtryingtopronounceitcorrectly,she’dgivenhimamurderouslook.ThatwasthenameofalittlegirlinSanJuan,shetoldhim.IleftitbehindwhenIleftPuertoRico.

Reynascowled.“Howdidyou—”

“Uh,”GroverUnderwoodinterrupted.“YoumeanyourinitialsareRA-RA?”Reyna’shanddriftedtowardherdagger.

“Butthat’snotimportant!”thesatyrsaidquickly.“Look,wewouldn’thaveriskedcominghereifwedidn’ttrustAnnabeth’sinstincts.ARomanleaderreturningthemostimportantGreekstatuetoCampHalf-Blood—sheknowsthatcouldpreventawar.”

“Thisisn’tatrick,”Racheladded.“We’renotlying.Askyourdogs.”Themetallicgreyhoundsdidn’treact.ReynastrokedAurum’sheadthoughtfully.“TheAthenaParthenos…sothelegendistrue.”

“Reyna!”Octaviancried.“Youcan’tseriouslybeconsideringthis!Evenifthestatuestillexists,youseewhatthey’redoing.We’reonthevergeofattackingthem—destroyingthestupidGreeksonceandforall—andtheyconcoctthisstupiderrandtodivertyourattention.Theywanttosendyoutoyourdeath!”

TheotherRomansmuttered,glaringattheirvisitors.JasonrememberedhowpersuasiveOctaviancouldbe,andhewaswinningtheofficerstohisside.

RachelDarefacedtheaugur.“Octavian,sonofApollo,youshouldtakethismoreseriously.EvenRomansrespectedyourfather’sOracleofDelphi.”

“Ha!”Octaviansaid.“You’retheOracleofDelphi?Right.AndI’mtheEmperorNero!”

“AtleastNerocouldplaymusic,”Grovermuttered.

Octavianballedhisfists.

Suddenlythewindshifted.ItswirledaroundtheRomanswithahissingsound,likeanestofsnakes.RachelDareglowedinagreenaura,asifhitbyasoftemeraldspotlight.Thenthewindfadedandtheaurawasgone.

ThesneermeltedfromOctavian’sface.TheRomansrustleduneasily.

“It’syourdecision,”Rachelsaid,asifnothinghadhappened.“Ihavenospecificprophecytoofferyou,butIcanseeglimpsesofthefuture.IseetheAthenaParthenosonHalf-BloodHill.Iseeherbringingit.”ShepointedatReyna.“Also,EllahasbeenmurmuringlinesfromyourSibyllineBooks—”

“What?”Reynainterrupted.“TheSibyllineBooksweredestroyedcenturiesago.”

“Iknewit!”Octavianpoundedhisfistintohispalm.“Thatharpytheybroughtbackfromthequest—Ella.Iknewshewasspoutingprophecies!NowIunderstand.She—shesomehowmemorizedacopyoftheSibyllineBooks.”

Reynashookherheadindisbelief.“Howisthatpossible?”

“Wedon’tknow,”Racheladmitted.“But,yes,thatseemstobethecase.Ellahasaperfectmemory.Shelovesbooks.Somewhere,somehow,shereadyourRomanbookofprophecies.Nowshe’stheonlysourceforthem.”

“Yourfriendslied,”Octaviansaid.“Theytoldustheharpywasjustmutteringgibberish.Theystoleher!”

Groverhuffedindignantly.“Ellaisn’tyourproperty!She’safreecreature.Besides,shewantstobeatCampHalf-Blood.She’sdatingoneofmyfriends,Tyson.”

“TheCyclops,”Reynaremembered.“AharpydatingaCyclops…”

“That’snotrelevant!”Octaviansaid.“TheharpyhasvaluableRomanprophecies.IftheGreekswon’treturnher,weshouldtaketheirOraclehostage!Guards!”Twocenturionsadvanced,theirpilaleveled.Groverbroughthispipestohislips,playedaquickjig,andtheirspearsturnedintoChristmastrees.Theguardsdroppedtheminsurprise.

“Enough!”Reynashouted.

Shedidn’toftenraisehervoice.Whenshedid,everyonelistened.

“We’vestrayedfromthepoint,”shesaid.“RachelDare,you’retellingmeAnnabethisinTartarus,yetshe’sfoundawaytosendthismessage.Shewantsmetobringthisstatuefromtheancientlandstoyourcamp.”

Rachelnodded.“OnlyaRomancanreturnitandrestorepeace.”

“AndwhywouldtheRomanswantpeace,”Reynaasked,“afteryourshipattackedourcity?”

“Youknowwhy,”Rachelsaid.“Toavoidthiswar.Toreconcilethegods’GreekandRomansides.WehavetoworktogethertodefeatGaea.”

Octaviansteppedforwardtospeak,butReynashothimawitheringlook.

“AccordingtoPercyJackson,”Reynasaid,“thebattlewithGaeawillbefoughtintheancientlands.InGreece.”

“That’swherethegiantsare,”Rachelagreed.“Whatevermagic,whateverritualthegiantsareplanningtowaketheEarthMother,IsenseitwillhappeninGreece.But…well,ourproblemsaren’tlimitedtotheancientlands.That’swhyIbroughtGrovertotalktoyou.”Thesatyrtuggedhisgoatee.“Yeah…see,overthelastfewmonths,I’vebeentalkingtosatyrsandnaturespiritsacrossthecontinent.They’reallsayingthesamething.Gaeaisstirring—Imean,she’srightontheedgeofconsciousness.She’swhisperinginthemindsofnaiads,tryingtoturnthem.She’scausingearthquakes,uprootingthedryads’trees.Lastweekalone,sheappearedinhumanforminadozendifferentplaces,scaringthehornsoffsomeofmyfriends.InColorado,agiantstonefistroseoutofamountainandswattedsomePartyPonieslikeflies.”Reynafrowned.“PartyPonies?”

“Longstory,”Rachelsaid.“Thepointis:Gaeawillriseeverywhere.She’salreadystirring.Noplacewillbesafefromthebattle.Andweknowthatherfirsttargetsaregoingtobethedemigodcamps.Shewantsusdestroyed.”

“Speculation,”Octaviansaid.“Adistraction.TheGreeksfearourattack.They’retryingtoconfuseus.It’stheTrojanHorsealloveragain!”

Reynatwistedthesilverringshealwayswore,withtheswordandtorchsymbolsofhermother,Bellona.

“Marcus,”shesaid,“bringScipiofromthestables.”

“Reyna,no!”Octavianprotested.

ShefacedtheGreeks.“IwilldothisforAnnabeth,forthehopeofpeacebetweenourcamps,butdonotthinkIhaveforgottentheinsultstoCampJupiter.Yourshipfiredonourcity.Youdeclaredwar

—notus.Now,leave.”

Groverstampedhishoof.“Percywouldnever—”

“Grover,”Rachelsaid,“weshouldgo.”

Hertonesaid:Beforeit’stoolate.

Aftertheyhadretreatedbackdownthestairs,OctavianwheeledonReyna.“Areyoumad?”

“Iampraetorofthelegion,”Reynasaid.“IjudgethistobeinthebestinterestofRome.”

“Togetyourselfkilled?Tobreakouroldestlawsandtraveltotheancientlands?Howwillyouevenfindtheirship,assumingyousurvivethejourney?”

“Iwillfindthem,”Reynasaid.“IftheyaresailingforGreece,IknowaplaceJasonwillstop.TofacetheghostsintheHouseofHades,hewillneedanarmy.Thereisonlyoneplacewherehecanfindthatsortofhelp.”

InJason’sdream,thebuildingseemedtotiltunderhisfeet.Herememberedaconversationhe’dhadwithReynayearsago,apromisetheyhadmadetoeachother.Heknewwhatshewastalkingabout.

“Thisisinsanity,”Octavianmuttered.“We’realreadyunderattack.Wemusttaketheoffensive!

Thosehairydwarfshavebeenstealingoursupplies,sabotagingourscoutingparties—youknowtheGreekssentthem.”

“Perhaps,”Reynasaid.“Butyouwillnotlaunchanattackwithoutmyorders.Continuescoutingtheenemycamp.Secureyourpositions.Gatherallthealliesyoucan,andifyoucatchthosedwarfs,youhavemyblessingtosendthembacktoTartarus.ButdonotattackCampHalf-BlooduntilIreturn.”

Octaviannarrowedhiseyes.“Whileyou’regone,theauguristheseniorofficer.Iwillbeincharge.”

“Iknow.”Reynadidn’tsoundhappyaboutit.“Butyouhavemyorders.Youallheardthem.”Shescannedthefacesofthecenturions,daringthemtoquestionher.

Shestormedoff,herpurplecloakbillowingandherdogsatherheels.

Onceshewasgone,Octavianturnedtothecenturions.“Gatheralltheseniorofficers.IwantameetingassoonasReynahasleftonherfool’squest.Therewillbeafewchangesinthelegion’splans.”

Oneofthecenturionsopenedhismouthtorespond,butforsomereasonhespokeinPiper’svoice:“WAKEUP!”

Jason’seyessnappedopen,andhesawtheocean’ssurfacehurtlingtowardhim.

JASONSURVIVED—BARELY.

Later,hisfriendsexplainedthattheyhadn’tseenhimfallingfromtheskyuntilthelastsecond.

TherewasnotimeforFranktoturnintoaneagleandcatchhim;notimetoformulatearescueplan.

OnlyPiper’squickthinkingandcharmspeakhadsavedhislife.She’dyelledWAKEUP!withsomuchforcethatJasonfeltlikehe’dbeenhitwithdefibrillatorpaddles.Withamillisecondtospare,he’dsummonedthewindsandavoidedbecomingafloatingpatchofdemigodgreaseonthesurfaceoftheAdriatic.

Backonboard,hehadpulledLeoasideandsuggestedacoursecorrection.Fortunately,Leotrustedhimenoughnottoaskwhy.

“Weirdvacationspot.”Leogrinned.“But,hey,you’retheboss!”Now,sittingwithhisfriendsinthemesshall,Jasonfeltsoawake,hedoubtedhewouldsleepforaweek.Hishandswerejittery.Hecouldn’tstoptappinghisfeet.HeguessedthatthiswashowLeofeltallthetime,exceptthatLeohadasenseofhumor.

AfterwhatJasonhadseeninhisdream,hedidn’tfeelmuchlikejoking.

Whiletheyatelunch,Jasonreportedonhismidairvision.HisfriendswerequietlongenoughforCoachHedgetofinishapeanutbutterandbananasandwich,alongwiththeceramicplate.

TheshipcreakedasitsailedthroughtheAdriatic,itsremainingoarsstilloutofalignmentfromthegiantturtleattack.EveryonceinawhileFestusthefigureheadcreakedandsqueakedthroughthespeakers,reportingtheautopilotstatusinthatweirdmachinelanguagethatonlyLeocouldunderstand.

“AnotefromAnnabeth.”Pipershookherheadinamazement.“Idon’tseehowthat’s

possible,butifitis—”

“She’salive,”Leosaid.“Thankthegodsandpassthehotsauce.”Frankfrowned.“Whatdoesthatmean?”

Leowipedthechipcrumbsoffhisface.“Itmeanspassthehotsauce,Zhang.I’mstillhungry.”Frankslidoverajarofsalsa.“Ican’tbelieveReynawouldtrytofindus.It’staboo,comingtotheancientlands.She’llbestrippedofherpraetorship.”

“Ifshelives,”Hazelsaid.“Itwashardenoughforustomakeitthisfarwithsevendemigodsandawarship.”

“Andme.”CoachHedgebelched.“Don’tforget,cupcake,yougotthesatyradvantage.”Jasonhadtosmile.CoachHedgecouldbeprettyridiculous,butJasonwasgladhe’dcomealong.

Hethoughtaboutthesatyrhe’dseeninhisdream—GroverUnderwood.Hecouldn’timagineasatyrmoredifferentfromCoachHedge,buttheybothseemedbraveintheirownway.

ItmadeJasonwonderaboutthefaunsbackatCampJupiter—whethertheycouldbelikethatiftheRomandemigodsexpectedmorefromthem.Anotherthingtoaddtohislist.…

Hislist.Hehadn’trealizedthathehadoneuntilthatmoment,buteversinceleavingCampHalf-Blood,he’dbeenthinkingofwaystomakeCampJupitermore…Greek.

HehadgrownupatCampJupiter.He’ddonewellthere.Buthehadalwaysbeenalittleunconventional.Hechafedundertherules.

HehadjoinedtheFifthCohortbecauseeveryonetoldhimnotto.Theywarnedhimitwastheworstunit.Sohe’dthought,Fine,I’llmakeitthebest.

Oncehebecamepraetor,he’dcampaignedtorenamethelegiontheFirstLegionratherthantheTwelfthLegion,tosymbolizeanewstartforRome.Theideahadalmostcausedamutiny.NewRomewasallabouttraditionandlegacies;therulesdidn’tchangeeasily.Jasonhadlearnedtolivewiththatandevenrosetothetop.

Butnowthathehadseenbothcamps,hecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatCampHalf-Bloodmighthavetaughthimmoreabouthimself.IfhesurvivedthiswarwithGaeaandreturnedtoCampJupiterasapraetor,couldhechangethingsforthebetter?

Thatwashisduty.

Sowhydidtheideafillhimwithdread?HefeltguiltyaboutleavingReynatorulewithouthim,butstill…partofhimwantedtogobacktoCampHalf-BloodwithPiperandLeo.Heguessedthatthatmadehimaprettyterribleleader.

“Jason?”Leoasked.“ArgoIItoJason.Comein.”

Herealizedhisfriendswerelookingathimexpectantly.Theyneededreassurance.WhetherornothemadeitbacktoNewRomeafterthewar,Jasonhadtostepupnowandactlikeapraetor.

“Yeah,sorry.”HetouchedthegroovethatScironthebandithadcutinhishair.“CrossingtheAtlanticisahardjourney,nodoubt.ButI’dneverbetagainstReyna.Ifanyonecan

makeit,shewill.”Pipercircledherspoonthroughhersoup.JasonwasstillalittlenervousabouthergettingjealousofReyna,butwhenshelookedup,shegavehimadrysmilethatseemedmoreteasingthaninsecure.

“Well,I’dlovetoseeReynaagain,”shesaid.“Buthowisshesupposedtofindus?”Frankraisedhishand.“Can’tyoujustsendheranIris-message?”

“They’renotworkingverywell,”CoachHedgeputin.“Horriblereception.Everynight,Iswear,Icouldkickthatrainbowgoddess.…”

Hefaltered.Hisfaceturnedbrightred.

“Coach?”Leogrinned.“Whohaveyoubeencallingeverynight,youoldgoat?”

“Noone!”Hedgesnapped.“Nothing!Ijustmeant—”

“Hemeanswe’vealreadytried,”Hazelintervened,andthecoachgaveheragratefullook.“Somemagicisinterfering…maybeGaea.ContactingtheRomansisevenharder.Ithinkthey’reshieldingthemselves.”

JasonlookedfromHazeltothecoach,wonderingwhatwasgoingonwiththesatyr,andhowHazelknewaboutit.NowthatJasonthoughtaboutit,thecoachhadn’tmentionedhiscloudnymphgirlfriendMellieinalongtime.…

Frankdrummedhisfingersonthetable.“Idon’tsupposeReynahasacellphone…?Nah.Nevermind.She’dprobablyhavebadreceptiononapegasusflyingovertheAtlantic.”JasonthoughtabouttheArgoII’sjourneyacrosstheocean,thedozensofencountersthathadnearlykilledthem.ThinkingaboutReynamakingthatjourneyalone—hecouldn’tdecidewhetheritwasterrifyingorawe-inspiring.

“She’llfindus,”hesaid.“Shementionedsomethinginthedream—she’sexpectingmetogotoacertainplaceonourwaytotheHouseofHades.I—I’dforgottenaboutit,actually,butshe’sright.It’saplaceIneedtovisit.”

Piperleanedtowardhim,hercaramelbraidfallingoverhershoulder.Hermulticoloredeyesmadeithardforhimtothinkstraight.

“Andwhereisthisplace?”sheasked.

“A…uh,atowncalledSplit.”

“Split.”Shesmelledreallygood—likebloominghoneysuckle.

“Um,yeah.”JasonwonderedifPiperwasworkingsomesortofAphroditemagiconhim—likemaybeeverytimehementionedReyna’sname,shewouldbefuddlehimsomuchhecouldn’tthinkaboutanythingbutPiper.Hesupposeditwasn’ttheworstsortofrevenge.“Infact,weshouldbegettingclose.Leo?”

Leopunchedtheintercombutton.“How’sitgoingupthere,buddy?”Festusthefigureheadcreakedandsteamed.

“Hesaysmaybetenminutestotheharbor,”Leoreported.“ThoughIstilldon’tgetwhyyouwanttogotoCroatia,especiallyatowncalledSplit.Imean,younameyourcitySplit,yougottafigureit’sawarningto,youknow,split.KindoflikenamingyourcityGetOut!”

“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“WhyarewegoingtoCroatia?”

Jasonnoticedthattheotherswerereluctanttomeethereyes.SincehertrickwiththeMistagainstScironthebandit,evenJasonfeltalittlenervousaroundher.Heknewthatwasn’tfairtoHazel.ItwashardenoughbeingachildofPluto,butshe’dpulledoffsomeseriousmagiconthatcliff.Andafterward,accordingtoHazel,Plutohimselfhadappearedtoher.ThatwassomethingRomanstypicallycalledabadomen.

Leopushedhischipsandhotsauceaside.“Well,technicallywe’vebeeninCroatianterritoryforthepastdayorso.Allthatcoastlinewe’vebeensailingpastisit,butIguessbackintheRomantimesitwascalled…what’dyousay,Jason?Bodacious?”

“Dalmatia,”Nicosaid,makingJasonjump.

HolyRomulus…JasonwishedhecouldputabellaroundNicodiAngelo’snecktoremindhimtheguywasthere.Nicohadthisdisturbinghabitofstandingsilentlyinthecorner,blendingintotheshadows.

Hesteppedforward,hisdarkeyesfixedonJason.Sincethey’drescuedhimfromthebronzejarinRome,Nicohadsleptverylittleandeatenevenless,asifhewerestillsubsistingonthoseemergencypomegranateseedsfromtheUnderworld.HeremindedJasonalittletoomuchofaflesh-eatingghoulhe’doncefoughtinSanBernardino.

“CroatiausedtobeDalmatia,”Nicosaid.“AmajorRomanprovince.YouwanttovisitDiocletian’sPalace,don’tyou?”

CoachHedgemanagedanotherheroicbelch.“Whosepalace?AndisDalmatiawherethoseDalmatiandogscomefrom?That101Dalmatiansmovie—Istillhavenightmares.”Frankscratchedhishead.“Whywouldyouhavenightmaresaboutthat?”CoachHedgelookedlikehewasabouttolaunchintoamajorspeechabouttheevilsofcartoonDalmatians,butJasondecidedhedidn’twanttoknow.

“Nicoisright,”hesaid.“IneedtogotoDiocletian’sPalace.It’swhereReynawillgofirst,becausesheknowsIwouldgothere.”

Piperraisedaneyebrow.“AndwhywouldReynathinkthat?Becauseyou’vealwayshadamadfascinationwithCroatianculture?”

Jasonstaredathisuneatensandwich.ItwashardtotalkabouthislifebeforeJunowipedhismemory.HisyearsatCampJupiterseemedmadeup,likeamoviehe’dactedindecadesbefore.

“ReynaandIusedtotalkaboutDiocletian,”hesaid.“Webothkindofidolizedtheguyasaleader.Wetalkedabouthowwe’dliketovisitDiocletian’sPalace.Ofcourseweknewthatwasimpossible.Noonecouldtraveltotheancientlands.Butstill,wemadethispactthatifweeverdid,that’swherewe’dgo.”

“Diocletian…”Leoconsideredthename,thenshookhishead.“Igotnothing.Whywashesoimportant?”

Franklookedoffended.“Hewasthelastgreatpaganemperor!”Leorolledhiseyes.“WhyamInotsurprisedyouknowthat,Zhang?”

“Whywouldn’tI?HewasthelastonewhoworshippedtheOlympiangods,before

ConstantinecamealongandadoptedChristianity.”

Hazelnodded.“Iremembersomethingaboutthat.ThenunsatSt.AgnestaughtusthatDiocletianwasahugevillain,rightalongwithNeroandCaligula.”ShelookedaskanceatJason.“Whywouldyouidolizehim?”

“Hewasn’tatotalvillain,”Jasonsaid.“Yeah,hepersecutedChristians,butotherwisehewasagoodruler.Heworkedhiswayupfromnothingbyjoiningthelegion.Hisparentswereformerslaves…oratleasthismomwas.DemigodsknowhewasasonofJupiter—thelastdemigodtoruleRome.Hewasalsothefirstemperorevertoretire,like,peacefully,andgiveuphispower.HewasfromDalmatia,sohemovedbackthereandbuiltaretirementpalace.ThetownofSplitgrewuparound…”

HefalteredwhenhelookedatLeo,whowasmimickingtakingnoteswithanairpencil.

“Goon,ProfessorGrace!”hesaid,wide-eyed.“IwannagetanAonthetest.”

“Shutup,Leo.”

Pipersippedanotherspoonfulofsoup.“SowhyisDiocletian’sPalacesospecial?”Nicoleanedoverandpluckedagrape.Probablythatwastheguy’sentiredietfortheday.“It’ssaidtobehauntedbytheghostofDiocletian.”

“WhowasasonofJupiter,likeme,”Jasonsaid.“Histombwasdestroyedcenturiesago,butReynaandIusedtowonderifwecouldfindDiocletian’sghostandaskwherehewasburied…well,accordingtothelegends,hisscepterwasburiedwithhim.”Nicogavehimathin,creepysmile.“Ah…thatlegend.”

“Whatlegend?”Hazelasked.

Nicoturnedtohissister.“SupposedlyDiocletian’ssceptercouldsummontheghostsoftheRomanlegions,anyofthemwhoworshippedtheoldgods.”

Leowhistled.“Okay,nowI’minterested.Benicetohaveabooty-kickingarmyofpaganzombiesonoursidewhenweentertheHouseofHades.”

“NotsureIwould’veputitthatway,”Jasonmuttered,“butyeah.”

“Wedon’thavemuchtime,”Frankwarned.“It’salreadyJulyninth.WehavetogettoEpirus,closetheDoorsofDeath—”

“Whichareguarded,”Hazelmurmured,“byasmokygiantandasorceresswhowants…”Shehesitated.“Well,I’mnotsure.ButaccordingtoPluto,sheplansto‘rebuildherdomain.’Whateverthatmeans,it’sbadenoughthatmydadfeltlikewarningmepersonally.”Frankgrunted.“Andifwesurviveallthat,westillhavetofindoutwherethegiantsarewakingGaeaandgettherebeforethefirstofAugust.Besides,thelongerPercyandAnnabethareinTartarus

—”

“Iknow,”Jasonsaid.“Wewon’ttakelonginSplit.Butlookingforthescepterisworthatry.

Whilewe’reatthepalace,IcanleaveamessageforReyna,lettingherknowtheroutewe’retakingforEpirus.”

Niconodded.“ThescepterofDiocletiancouldmakeahugedifference.You’llneedmyhelp.”Jasontriednottoshowhisdiscomfort,buthisskinprickledatthethoughtofgoinganywherewithNicodiAngelo.

PercyhadsharedsomedisturbingstoriesaboutNico.Hisloyaltiesweren’talwaysclear.Hespentmoretimewiththedeadthantheliving.Once,he’dluredPercyintoatrapinthepalaceofHades.

MaybeNicohadmadeupforthatbyhelpingtheGreeksagainsttheTitans,butstill…

Pipersqueezedhishand.“Hey,soundsfun.I’llgo,too.”

Jasonwantedtoyell:Thankthegods!

ButNicoshookhishead.“Youcan’t,Piper.ItshouldonlybeJasonandme.Diocletian’sghostmightappearforasonofJupiter,butanyotherdemigodswouldmostlikely…ah,spookhim.AndI’mtheonlyonewhocantalktohisspirit.EvenHazelwon’tbeabletodothat.”Nico’seyesheldagleamofchallenge.HeseemedcuriousastowhetherornotJasonwouldprotest.

Theship’sbellsounded.Festuscreakedandwhirredovertheloudspeaker.

“We’vearrived,”Leoannounced.“TimetoSplit.”

Frankgroaned.“CanweleaveValdezinCroatia?”

Jasonstood.“Frank,you’reinchargeofdefendingtheship.Leo,you’vegotrepairstodo.Therestofyou,helpoutwhereveryoucan.NicoandI…”HefacedthesonofHades.“Wehaveaghosttofind.”

JASONFIRSTSAWTHEANGELATTHEICECREAMCART.

TheArgoIIhadanchoredinthebayalongwithsixorsevencruiseships.Asusual,themortalsdidn’tpaythetriremeanyattention;butjusttobesafe,JasonandNicohoppedonaskifffromoneofthetouristboatssotheywouldlooklikepartofthecrowdwhenthey

cameashore.

Atfirstglance,Splitseemedlikeacoolplace.Curvingaroundtheharborwasalongesplanadelinedwithpalmtrees.Atthesidewalkcafés,Europeanteenagerswerehangingout,speakingadozendifferentlanguagesandenjoyingthesunnyafternoon.Theairsmelledofgrilledmeatandfresh-cutflowers.

Beyondthemainboulevard,thecitywasahodgepodgeofmedievalcastletowers,Romanwalls,limestonetownhouseswithred-tiledroofs,andmodernofficebuildingsallcrammedtogether.Inthedistance,gray-greenhillsmarchedtowardamountainridge,whichmadeJasonalittlenervous.Hekeptglancingatthatrockyescarpment,expectingthefaceofGaeatoappearinitsshadows.

NicoandhewerewanderingalongtheesplanadewhenJasonspottedtheguywithwingsbuyinganicecreambarfromastreetcart.Thevendorladylookedboredasshecountedtheguy’schange.

Touristsnavigatedaroundtheangel’shugewingswithoutasecondglance.

JasonnudgedNico.“Areyouseeingthis?”

“Yeah,”Nicoagreed.“Maybeweshouldbuysomeicecream.”Astheymadetheirwaytowardthestreetcart,JasonworriedthatthiswingeddudemightbeasonofBoreastheNorthWind.Athisside,theangelcarriedthesamekindofjaggedbronzeswordtheBoreadshad,andJason’slastencounterwiththemhadn’tgonesowell.

Butthisguyseemedmorechillthanchilly.Heworearedtanktop,Bermudashorts,andhuarachesandals.Hiswingswereacombinationofrussetcolors,likeabantamroosteroralazysunset.HehadadeeptanandblackhairalmostascurlyasLeo’s.

“He’snotareturnedspirit,”Nicomurmured.“OracreatureoftheUnderworld.”

“No,”Jasonagreed.“Idoubttheywouldeatchocolate-coveredicecreambars.”

“Sowhatishe?”Nicowondered.

Theygotwithinthirtyfeet,andthewingeddudelookeddirectlyatthem.Hesmiled,gesturedoverhisshoulderwithhisicecreambar,anddissolvedintotheair.

Jasoncouldn’texactlyseehim,buthe’dhadenoughexperiencecontrollingthewindthathecouldtracktheangel’spath—awarmwispofredandgoldzippingacrossthestreet,spiralingdownthesidewalk,andblowingpostcardsfromthecarouselsinfrontofthetouristshops.Thewindheadedtowardtheendofthepromenade,whereabigfortresslikestructureloomed.

“I’mbettingthat’sthepalace,”Jasonsaid.“Comeon.”

Evenaftertwomillennia,Diocletian’sPalacewasstillimpressive.Theouterwallwasonlyapinkgraniteshell,withcrumblingcolumnsandarchedwindowsopentothesky,butitwasmostlyintact,aquartermilelongandseventyoreightyfeettall,dwarfingthemodernshopsandhousesthathuddledbeneathit.Jasonimaginedwhatthepalacemusthavelookedlikewhenitwasnewlybuilt,withImperialguardswalkingtherampartsandthegoldeneaglesofRomeglintingontheparapets.

Thewindangel—orwhateverhewas—whiskedinandoutofthepinkgranitewindows,

thendisappearedontheotherside.Jasonscannedthepalace’sfacadeforanentrance.Theonlyonehesawwasseveralblocksaway,withtouristslineduptobuytickets.Notimeforthat.

“We’vegottocatchhim,”Jasonsaid.“Holdon.”

“But—”

JasongrabbedNicoandliftedthembothintotheair.

Nicomadeamuffledsoundofprotestastheysoaredoverthewallsandintoacourtyardwheremoretouristsweremillingaround,takingpictures.

Alittlekiddidadoubletakewhentheylanded.Thenhiseyesglazedoverandheshookhishead,likehewasdismissingajuice-box-inducedhallucination.Nooneelsepaidthemanyattention.

Ontheleftsideofthecourtyardstoodalineofcolumnsholdingupweatheredgrayarches.Ontherightsidewasawhitemarblebuildingwithrowsoftallwindows.

“Theperistyle,”Nicosaid.“ThiswastheentrancetoDiocletian’sprivateresidence.”HescowledatJason.“Andplease,Idon’tlikebeingtouched.Don’tevergrabmeagain.”Jason’sshoulderbladestensed.Hethoughtheheardtheundertoneofathreat,like:unlessyouwanttogetaStygianswordupyournose.“Uh,okay.Sorry.Howdoyouknowwhatthisplaceiscalled?”

Nicoscannedtheatrium.Hefocusedonsomestepsinthefarcorner,leadingdown.

“I’vebeenherebefore.”Hiseyeswereasdarkashisblade.“WithmymotherandBianca.AweekendtripfromVenice.Iwasmaybe…six?”

“Thatwaswhen…the1930s?”

“’Thirty-eightorso,”Nicosaidabsently.“Whydoyoucare?Doyouseethatwingedguyanywhere?”

“No…”JasonwasstilltryingtowraphismindaroundNico’spast.

Jasonalwaystriedtobuildagoodrelationshipwiththepeopleonhisteam.He’dlearnedthehardwaythatifsomebodywasgoingtohaveyourbackinafight,itwasbetterifyoufoundsomecommongroundandtrustedeachother.ButNicowasn’teasytofigureout.“Ijust…Ican’timaginehowweirdthatmustbe,comingfromanothertime.”

“No,youcan’t.”Nicostaredatthestonefloor.Hetookadeepbreath.

“Look…Idon’tliketalkingaboutit.Honestly,IthinkHazelhasitworse.Sheremembersmoreaboutwhenshewasyoung.Shehadtocomebackfromthedeadandadjusttothemodernworld.Me…

meandBianca,wewerestuckattheLotusHotel.Timepassedsoquickly.Inaweirdway,thatmadethetransitioneasier.”

“Percytoldmeaboutthatplace,”Jasonsaid.“Seventyyears,butitonlyfeltlikeamonth?”Nicoclenchedhisfistuntilhisfingersturnedwhite.“Yeah.I’msurePercytoldyouallaboutme.”

Hisvoicewasheavywithbitterness—morethanJasoncouldunderstand.HeknewthatNicohadblamedPercyforgettinghissisterBiancakilled,butthey’dsupposedlygottenpastthat,atleastaccordingtoPercy.PiperhadalsomentionedarumorthatNicohadacrushonAnnabeth.Maybethatwaspartofit.

Still…Jasondidn’tgetwhyNicopushedpeopleaway,whyheneverspentmuchtimeateithercamp,whyhepreferredthedeadtotheliving.Hereallydidn’tgetwhyNicohadpromisedtoleadtheArgoIItoEpirusifhehatedPercyJacksonsomuch.

Nico’seyessweptthewindowsabovethem.“Romandeadareeverywherehere…Lares.Lemures.

They’rewatching.They’reangry.”

“Atus?”Jason’shandwenttohissword.

“Ateverything.”Nicopointedtoasmallstonebuildingonthewestendofthecourtyard.“ThatusedtobeatempletoJupiter.TheChristianschangedittoabaptistery.TheRomanghostsdon’tlikethat.”

Jasonstaredatthedarkdoorway.

He’dnevermetJupiter,buthethoughtofhisfatherasalivingperson—theguywho’dfalleninlovewithhismom.Ofcourseheknewhisdadwasimmortal,butsomehowthefullmeaningofthathadneverreallysunkinuntilnow,ashestaredatadoorwayRomanshadwalkedthrough,thousandsofyearsago,toworshiphisdad.TheideagaveJasonasplittingheadache.

“Andoverthere…”Nicopointedeasttoahexagonalbuildingringedwithfreestandingcolumns.

“Thatwasthemausoleumoftheemperor.”

“Buthistombisn’tthereanymore,”Jasonguessed.

“Notforcenturies,”Nicosaid.“Whentheempirecollapsed,thebuildingwasturnedintoaChristiancathedral.”

Jasonswallowed.“SoifDiocletian’sghostisstillaroundhere—”

“He’sprobablynothappy.”

Thewindrustled,pushingleavesandfoodwrappersacrosstheperistyle.Inthecornerofhiseye,Jasoncaughtaglimpseofmovement—ablurofredandgold.

Whenheturned,asinglerust-coloredfeatherwassettlingonthestepsthatleddown.

“Thatway.”Jasonpointed.“Thewingedguy.Wheredoyouthinkthosestairslead?”Nicodrewhissword.Hissmilewasevenmoreunsettlingthanhisscowl.“Underground,”hesaid.

“Myfavoriteplace.”

UndergroundwasnotJason’sfavoriteplace.

EversincehistripbeneathRomewithPiperandPercy,fightingthosetwingiantsinthehypogeumundertheColosseum,mostofhisnightmareswereaboutbasements,trapdoors,

andlargehamsterwheels.

HavingNicoalongwasnotreassuring.HisStygianironbladeseemedtomaketheshadowsevengloomier,asiftheinfernalmetalwasdrawingthelightandheatoutoftheair.

Theycreptthroughavastcellarwiththicksupportcolumnsholdingupavaultedceiling.Thelimestoneblocksweresoold,theyhadfusedtogetherfromcenturiesofmoisture,makingtheplacelookalmostlikeanaturallyformedcave.

Noneofthetouristshadventureddownhere.Obviously,theyweresmarterthandemigods.

Jasondrewhisgladius.Theymadetheirwayunderthelowarchways,theirstepsechoingonthestonefloor.Barredwindowslinedthetopofonewall,facingthestreetlevel,butthatjustmadethecellarfeelmoreclaustrophobic.Theshaftsofsunlightlookedlikeslantedprisonbars,swirlingwithancientdust.

Jasonpassedasupportbeam,lookedtohisleft,andalmosthadaheartattack.StaringrightathimwasamarblebustofDiocletian,hislimestonefacegloweringwithdisapproval.

Jasonsteadiedhisbreathing.Thisseemedlikeagoodplacetoleavethenotehe’dwrittenforReyna,tellingheroftheirroutetoEpirus.Itwasawayfromthecrowds,buthetrustedReynawouldfindit.Shehadtheinstinctsofahunter.Heslippedthenotebetweenthebustanditspedestal,andsteppedback.

Diocletian’smarbleeyesmadehimjumpy.Jasoncouldn’thelpthinkingofTerminus,thetalkingstatue-godbackatNewRome.HehopedDiocletiandidn’tbarkathimorsuddenlyburstintosong.

“Hello!”

BeforeJasoncouldregisterthatthevoicehadcomefromsomewhereelse,heslicedofftheemperor’shead.Thebusttoppledandshatteredagainstthefloor.

“Thatwasn’tverynice,”saidthevoicebehindthem.

Jasonturned.Thewingedmanfromtheicecreamstandwasleaningagainstanearbycolumn,casuallytossingasmallbronzehoopintheair.Athisfeetsatawickerpicnicbasketfulloffruit.

“Imean,”themansaid,“whatdidDiocletianeverdotoyou?”TheairswirledaroundJason’sfeet.Theshardsofmarblegatheredintoaminiaturetornado,spiraledbacktothepedestal,andreassembledintoacompletebust,thenotestilltuckedunderneath.

“Uh—”Jasonloweredhissword.“Itwasanaccident.Youstartledme.”Thewingeddudechuckled.“JasonGrace,theWestWindhasbeencalledmanythings…warm,gentle,life-giving,anddevilishlyhandsome.ButIhaveneverbeencalledstartling.Ileavethatcrassbehaviortomygustybrethreninthenorth.”

Nicoinchedbackward.“TheWestWind?Youmeanyou’re—”

“Favonius,”Jasonrealized.“GodoftheWestWind.”

Favoniussmiledandbowed,obviouslypleasedtoberecognized.“YoucancallmebymyRomanname,certainly,orZephyros,ifyou’reGreek.I’mnothungupaboutit.”Nicolookedprettyhungupaboutit.“Whyaren’tyourGreekandRomansidesinconflict,liketheothergods?”

“Oh,Ihavetheoccasionalheadache.”Favoniusshrugged.“SomemorningsI’llwakeupinaGreekchitonwhenI’msureIwenttosleepinmySPQRpajamas.Butmostlythewardoesn’tbotherme.I’maminorgod,youknow—neverreallybeenmuchinthelimelight.Theto-and-frobattlesamongyoudemigodsdon’taffectmeasgreatly.”

“So…”Jasonwasn’tquitesurewhethertosheathehissword.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Severalthings!”Favoniussaid.“Hangingoutwithmybasketoffruit.Ialwayscarryabasketoffruit.Wouldyoulikeapear?”

“I’mgood.Thanks.”

“Let’ssee…earlierIwaseatingicecream.RightnowI’mtossingthisquoitring.”Favoniusspunthebronzehooponhisindexfinger.

Jasonhadnoideawhataquoitwas,buthetriedtostayfocused.“Imeanwhydidyouappeartous?Whydidyouleadustothiscellar?”

“Oh!”Favoniusnodded.“ThesarcophagusofDiocletian.Yes.Thiswasitsfinalrestingplace.

TheChristiansmoveditoutofthemausoleum.Thensomebarbariansdestroyedthecoffin.Ijustwantedtoshowyou”—hespreadhishandssadly—“thatwhatyou’relookingforisn’there.Mymasterhastakenit.”

“Yourmaster?”JasonhadaflashbacktoafloatingpalaceabovePikesPeakinColorado,wherehe’dvisited(andbarelysurvived)thestudioofacrazyweathermanwhoclaimedhewasthegodofallthewinds.“Pleasetellmeyourmasterisn’tAeolus.”

“Thatairhead?”Favoniussnorted.“No,ofcoursenot.”

“HemeansEros.”Nico’svoiceturnededgy.“Cupid,inLatin.”Favoniussmiled.“Verygood,NicodiAngelo.I’mgladtoseeyouagain,bytheway.It’sbeenalongtime.”

Nicoknithiseyebrows.“I’venevermetyou.”

“You’veneverseenme,”thegodcorrected.“ButI’vebeenwatchingyou.Whenyoucamehereasasmallboy,andseveraltimessince.Ikneweventuallyyouwouldreturntolookuponmymaster’sface.”

Nicoturnedevenpalerthanusual.Hiseyesdartedaroundthecavernousroomasifhewasstartingtofeeltrapped.

“Nico?”Jasonsaid.“What’shetalkingabout?”

“Idon’tknow.Nothing.”

“Nothing?”Favoniuscried.“Theoneyoucareformost…plungedintoTartarus,andstillyouwillnotallowthetruth?”

SuddenlyJasonfeltlikehewaseavesdropping.

Theoneyoucareformost.

HerememberedwhatPiperhadtoldhimaboutNico’scrushonAnnabeth.ApparentlyNico’sfeelingswentwaydeeperthanasimplecrush.

“We’veonlycomeforDiocletian’sscepter,”Nicosaid,clearlyanxioustochangethesubject.

“Whereisit?”

“Ah…”Favoniusnoddedsadly.“YouthoughtitwouldbeaseasyasfacingDiocletian’sghost?

I’mafraidnot,Nico.Yourtrialswillbemuchmoredifficult.Youknow,longbeforethiswasDiocletian’sPalace,itwasthegatewaytomymaster’scourt.I’vedwelthereforeons,bringingthosewhosoughtloveintothepresenceofCupid.”

Jasondidn’tlikethementionofdifficulttrials.Hedidn’ttrustthisweirdgodwiththehoopandthewingsandthebasketoffruit.Butanoldstorysurfacedinhismind—somethinghe’dheardatCampJupiter.“LikePsyche,Cupid’swife.Youcarriedhertohispalace.”Favonius’seyestwinkled.“Verygood,JasonGrace.Fromthisexactspot,IcarriedPsycheonthewindsandbroughthertothechambersofmymaster.Infact,thatiswhyDiocletianbuilthispalacehere.ThisplacehasalwaysbeengracedbythegentleWestWind.”Hespreadhisarms.“Itisaspotoftranquilityandloveinaturbulentworld.WhenDiocletian’sPalacewasransacked—”

“Youtookthescepter,”Jasonguessed.

“Forsafekeeping,”Favoniusagreed.“ItisoneofCupid’smanytreasures,areminderofbettertimes.Ifyouwantit…”FavoniusturnedtoNico.“Youmustfacethegodoflove.”Nicostaredatthesunlightcomingthroughthewindows,asifwishinghecouldescapethroughthosenarrowopenings.

Jasonwasn’tsurewhatFavoniuswanted,butiffacingthegodoflovemeantforcingNicointosomesortofconfessionaboutwhichgirlheliked,thatdidn’tseemsobad.

“Nico,youcandothis,”Jasonsaid.“Itmightbeembarrassing,butit’sforthescepter.”Nicodidn’tlookconvinced.Infacthelookedlikehewasgoingtobesick.Buthesquaredhisshouldersandnodded.“You’reright.I—I’mnotafraidofalovegod.”Favoniusbeamed.“Excellent!Wouldyoulikeasnackbeforeyougo?”Hepluckedagreenapplefromhisbasketandfrownedatit.“Oh,bluster.Ikeepforgettingmysymbolisabasketofunripefruit.

Whydoesn’tthespringwindgetmorecredit?Summerhasallthefun.”

“That’sokay,”Nicosaidquickly.“JusttakeustoCupid.”Favoniusspunthehooponhisfinger,andJason’sbodydissolvedintoair.

JASONHADRIDDENTHEWINDMANYTIMES.Beingthewindwasnotthesame.

Hefeltoutofcontrol,histhoughtsscattered,noboundariesbetweenhisbodyandtherestoftheworld.Hewonderedifthiswashowmonstersfeltwhentheyweredefeated—burstingintodust,helplessandformless.

JasoncouldsenseNico’spresencenearby.TheWestWindcarriedthemintotheskyaboveSplit.

Togethertheyracedoverthehills,pastRomanaqueducts,highways,andvineyards.Astheyapproachedthemountains,JasonsawtheruinsofaRomantownspreadoutinavalleybelow—

crumblingwalls,squarefoundations,andcrackedroads,allovergrownwithgrass—soitlookedlikeagiant,mossygameboard.

Favoniussetthemdowninthemiddleoftheruins,nexttoabrokencolumnthesizeofaredwood.

Jason’sbodyre-formed.Foramomentitfeltevenworsethanbeingthewind,likehe’dsuddenlybeenwrappedinaleadovercoat.

“Yes,mortalbodiesareterriblybulky,”Favoniussaid,asifreadinghisthoughts.Thewindgodsettledonanearbywallwithhisbasketoffruitandspreadhisrussetwingsinthesun.“Honestly,Idon’tknowhowyoustandit,dayinanddayout.”

Jasonscannedtheirsurroundings.Thetownmusthavebeenhugeonce.Hecouldmakeouttheshellsoftemplesandbathhouses,ahalf-buriedamphitheater,andemptypedestalsthatmusthaveonceheldstatues.Rowsofcolumnsmarchedofftonowhere.Theoldcitywallswoveinandoutofthehillsidelikestonethreadthroughagreencloth.

Someareaslookedlikethey’dbeenexcavated,butmostofthecityjustseemedabandoned,asifithadbeenlefttotheelementsforthelasttwothousandyears.

“WelcometoSalona,”Favoniussaid.“CapitalofDalmatia!BirthplaceofDiocletian!But

beforethat,longbeforethat,itwasthehomeofCupid.”Thenameechoed,asifvoiceswerewhisperingitthroughtheruins.

SomethingaboutthisplaceseemedevencreepierthanthepalacebasementinSplit.JasonhadneverthoughtmuchaboutCupid.He’dcertainlyneverthoughtofCupidasscary.EvenforRomandemigods,thenameconjuredupanimageofasillywingedbabywithatoybowandarrow,flyingaroundinhisdiapersonValentine’sDay.

“Oh,he’snotlikethat,”saidFavonius.

Jasonflinched.“Youcanreadmymind?”

“Idon’tneedto.”Favoniustossedhisbronzehoopintheair.“EveryonehasthewrongimpressionofCupid…untiltheymeethim.”

Nicobracedhimselfagainstacolumn,hislegstremblingvisibly.

“Hey,man…”Jasonsteppedtowardhim,butNicowavedhimoff.

AtNico’sfeet,thegrassturnedbrownandwilted.Thedeadpatchspreadoutward,asifpoisonwereseepingfromthesolesofhisshoes.

“Ah…”Favoniusnoddedsympathetically.“Idon’tblameyouforbeingnervous,NicodiAngelo.

DoyouknowhowIendedupservingCupid?”

“Idon’tserveanyone,”Nicomuttered.“EspeciallynotCupid.”Favoniuscontinuedasifhehadn’theard.“IfellinlovewithamortalnamedHyacinthus.Hewasquiteextraordinary.”

“He…?”Jason’sbrainwasstillfuzzyfromhiswindtrip,soittookhimasecondtoprocessthat.

“Oh…”

“Yes,JasonGrace.”Favoniusarchedaneyebrow.“Ifellinlovewithadude.Doesthatshockyou?”

Honestly,Jasonwasn’tsure.Hetriednottothinkaboutthedetailsofgodlylovelives,nomatterwhotheyfellinlovewith.Afterall,hisdad,Jupiter,wasn’texactlyamodelofgoodbehavior.

ComparedtosomeoftheOlympianlovescandalshe’dheardabout,theWestWindfallinginlovewithamortalguydidn’tseemveryshocking.“Iguessnot.So…Cupidstruckyouwithhisarrow,andyoufellinlove.”

Favoniussnorted.“Youmakeitsoundsosimple.Alas,loveisneversimple.Yousee,thegodApolloalsolikedHyacinthus.Heclaimedtheywerejustfriends.Idon’tknow.ButonedayIcameacrossthemtogether,playingagameofquoits—”

Therewasthatweirdwordagain.“Quoits?”

“Agamewiththosehoops,”Nicoexplained,thoughhisvoicewasbrittle.“Likehorseshoes.”

“Sortof,”Favoniussaid.“Atanyrate,Iwasjealous.Insteadofconfrontingthemand

findingoutthetruth,IshiftedthewindandsentaheavymetalringrightatHyacinthus’sheadand…well.”Thewindgodsighed.“AsHyacinthusdied,Apolloturnedhimintoaflower,thehyacinth.I’msureApollowould’vetakenhorriblevengeanceonme,butCupidofferedmehisprotection.I’ddoneaterriblething,butI’dbeendrivenmadbylove,sohesparedme,ontheconditionthatIworkforhimforever.”CUPID.

Thenameechoedthroughtheruinsagain.

“Thatwouldbemycue.”Favoniusstood.“Thinklongandhardabouthowyouproceed,NicodiAngelo.YoucannotlietoCupid.Ifyouletyourangerruleyou…well,yourfatewillbeevensadderthanmine.”

Jasonfeltlikehisbrainwasturningbackintowind.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatFavoniuswastalkingabout,orwhyNicoseemedsoshaken,buthehadnotimetothinkaboutit.Thewindgoddisappearedinaswirlofredandgold.Thesummerairsuddenlyfeltoppressive.Thegroundshook,andJasonandNicodrewtheirswords.

So.

ThevoicerushedpastJason’searlikeabullet.Whenheturned,noonewasthere.

Youcometoclaimthescepter.

Nicostoodathisback,andforonceJasonwasgladtohavetheguy’scompany.

“Cupid,”Jasoncalled,“whereareyou?”

Thevoicelaughed.Itdefinitelydidn’tsoundlikeacutebabyangel’s.Itsoundeddeepandrich,butalsothreatening—likeatremorbeforeamajorearthquake.

Whereyouleastexpectme,Cupidanswered.AsLovealwaysis.

SomethingslammedintoJasonandhurledhimacrossthestreet.HetoppleddownasetofstepsandsprawledonthefloorofanexcavatedRomanbasement.

Iwouldthinkyou’dknowbetter,JasonGrace.Cupid’svoicewhirledaroundhim.You’vefoundtruelove,afterall.Ordoyoustilldoubtyourself?

Nicoscrambleddownthesteps.“Youokay?”

Jasonacceptedhishandandgottohisfeet.“Yeah.Justsuckerpunched.”Oh,didyouexpectmetoplayfair?Cupidlaughed.Iamthegodoflove.Iamneverfair.

Thistime,Jason’ssenseswereonhighalert.Hefelttheairripplejustasanarrowmaterialized,racingtowardNico’schest.

Jasonintercepteditwithhisswordanddeflecteditsideways.Thearrowexplodedagainstthenearestwall,pepperingthemwithlimestoneshrapnel.

Theyranupthesteps.JasonpulledNicotoonesideasanothergustofwindtoppledacolumnthatwouldhavecrushedhimflat.

“IsthisguyLoveorDeath?”Jasongrowled.

Askyourfriends,Cupidsaid.Frank,Hazel,andPercymetmycounterpart,Thanatos.Wearenotsodifferent.ExceptDeathissometimeskinder.

“Wejustwantthescepter!”Nicoshouted.“We’retryingtostopGaea.Areyouonthegods’sideornot?”

AsecondarrowhitthegroundbetweenNico’sfeetandglowedwhite-hot.Nicostumbledbackasthearrowburstintoageyserofflame.

Loveisoneveryside,Cupidsaid.Andnoone’sside.Don’taskwhatLovecandoforyou.

“Great,”Jasonsaid.“Nowhe’sspoutinggreetingcardmessages.”Movementbehindhim:Jasonspun,slicinghisswordthroughtheair.Hisbladebitintosomethingsolid.Heheardagruntandheswungagain,buttheinvisiblegodwasgone.Onthepavingstones,atrailofgoldenichorshimmered—thebloodofthegods.

Verygood,Jason,Cupidsaid.Atleastyoucansensemypresence.Evenaglancinghitattrueloveismorethanmostheroesmanage.

“SonowIgetthescepter?”Jasonasked.

Cupidlaughed.Unfortunately,youcouldnotwieldit.OnlyachildoftheUnderworldcansummonthedeadlegions.AndonlyanofficerofRomecanleadthem.

“But…”Jasonwavered.Hewasanofficer.Hewaspraetor.Thenherememberedallhissecondthoughtsaboutwherehebelonged.InNewRome,he’dofferedtogiveuphispositiontoPercyJackson.DidthatmakehimunworthytoleadalegionofRomanghosts?

Hedecidedtofacethatproblemwhenthetimecame.

“Justleavethattous,”hesaid.“Nicocansummon—”

ThethirdarrowzippedbyJason’sshoulder.Hecouldn’tstopitintime.Nicogaspedasitsunkintohisswordarm.

“Nico!”

ThesonofHadesstumbled.Thearrowdissolved,leavingnobloodandnovisiblewound,butNico’sfacewastightwithrageandpain.

“Enoughgames!”Nicoshouted.“Showyourself!”

Itisacostlything,Cupidsaid,lookingonthetruefaceofLove.

Anothercolumntoppled.Jasonscrambledoutofitsway.

MywifePsychelearnedthatlesson,Cupidsaid.Shewasbroughthereeonsago,whenthiswasthesiteofmypalace.Wemetonlyinthedark.Shewaswarnednevertolookuponme,andyetshecouldnotstandthemystery.ShefearedIwasamonster.Onenight,shelitacandle,andbeheldmyfaceasIslept.

“Wereyouthatugly?”JasonthoughthehadzeroedinonCupid’svoice—attheedgeoftheamphitheaterabouttwentyyardsaway—buthewantedtomakesure.

Thegodlaughed.Iwastoohandsome,I’mafraid.Amortalcannotgazeuponthetrueappearanceofagodwithoutsufferingconsequences.Mymother,Aphrodite,cursedPsycheforherdistrust.Mypoorloverwastormented,forcedintoexile,givenhorribletaskstoproveherworth.ShewasevensenttotheUnderworldonaquesttoshowherdedication.Sheearnedherwaybacktomyside,butshesufferedgreatly.

NowI’vegotyou,Jasonthought.

Hethrusthisswordintheskyandthundershookthevalley.Lightningblastedacraterwherethevoicehadbeenspeaking.

Silence.Jasonwasjustthinking,Dang,itactuallyworked,whenaninvisibleforceknockedhimtotheground.Hisswordskitteredacrosstheroad.

Agoodtry,Cupidsaid,hisvoicealreadydistant.ButLovecannotbepinneddownsoeasily.

Nexttohim,awallcollapsed.Jasonbarelymanagedtorollaside.

“Stopit!”Nicoyelled.“It’smeyouwant.Leavehimalone!”Jason’searsrang.Hewasdizzyfromgettingsmackedaround.Hismouthtastedlikelimestonedust.Hedidn’tunderstandwhyNicowouldthinkofhimselfasthemaintarget,butCupidseemedtoagree.

PoorNicodiAngelo.Thegod’svoicewastingedwithdisappointment.Doyouknowwhatyouwant,muchlesswhatIwant?MybelovedPsycheriskedeverythinginthenameofLove.Itwastheonlywaytoatoneforherlackoffaith.Andyou—whathaveyouriskedinmyname?

“I’vebeentoTartarusandback,”Nicosnarled.“Youdon’tscareme.”Iscareyouvery,verymuch.Faceme.Behonest.

Jasonpulledhimselfup.

AllaroundNico,thegroundshifted.Thegrasswithered,andthestonescrackedasifsomethingwasmovingintheearthbeneath,tryingtopushitswaythrough.

“GiveusDiocletian’sscepter,”Nicosaid.“Wedon’thavetimeforgames.”Games?Cupidstruck,slappingNicosidewaysintoagranitepedestal.Loveisnogame!Itisnoflowerysoftness!Itishardwork—aquestthatneverends.Itdemandseverythingfromyou—especiallythetruth.Onlythendoesityieldrewards.

Jasonretrievedhissword.IfthisinvisibleguywasLove,JasonwasbeginningtothinkLovewasoverrated.HelikedPiper’sversionbetter—considerate,kind,andbeautiful.Aphroditehecouldunderstand.Cupidseemedmorelikeathug,anenforcer.

“Nico,”hecalled,“whatdoesthisguywantfromyou?”Tellhim,NicodiAngelo,Cupidsaid.Tellhimyouareacoward,afraidofyourselfandyourfeelings.TellhimtherealreasonyouranfromCampHalf-Blood,andwhyyouarealwaysalone.

Nicoletlooseagutturalscream.Thegroundathisfeetsplitopenandskeletonscrawledforth—

deadRomanswithmissinghandsandcaved-inskulls,crackedribs,andjawsunhinged.Someweredressedintheremnantsoftogas.Othershadglintingpiecesofarmorhangingofftheirchests.

Willyouhideamongthedead,asyoualwaysdo?Cupidtaunted.

WavesofdarknessrolledoffthesonofHades.WhentheyhitJason,healmostlostconsciousness

—overwhelmedbyhatredandfearandshame…

Imagesflashedthroughhismind.HesawNicoandhissisteronasnowycliffinMaine,PercyJacksonprotectingthemfromamanticore.Percy’sswordgleamedinthedark.He’dbeenthefirstdemigodNicohadeverseeninaction.

Later,atCampHalf-Blood,PercytookNicobythearm,promisingtokeephissisterBiancasafe.

Nicobelievedhim.Nicolookedintohissea-greeneyesandthought,Howcanhepossiblyfail?Thisisarealhero.HewasNico’sfavoritegame,Mythomagic,broughttolife.

JasonsawthemomentwhenPercyreturnedandtoldNicothatBiancawasdead.Nicohadscreamedandcalledhimaliar.He’dfeltbetrayed,butstill…whentheskeletonwarriorsattacked,hecouldn’tletthemharmPercy.Nicohadcalledontheearthtoswallowthemup,andthenhe’drunaway—terrifiedofhisownpowers,andhisownemotions.

JasonsawadozenmoresceneslikethisfromNico’spointofview.…Andtheylefthimstunned,unabletomoveorspeak.

Meanwhile,Nico’sRomanskeletonssurgedforwardandgrappledwithsomethinginvisible.Thegodstruggled,flingingthedeadaside,breakingoffribsandskulls,buttheskeletonskeptcoming,pinningthegod’sarms.

Interesting!Cupidsaid.Doyouhavethestrength,afterall?

“IleftCampHalf-Bloodbecauseoflove,”Nicosaid.“Annabeth…she—”Stillhiding,Cupidsaid,smashinganotherskeletontopieces.Youdonothavethestrength.

“Nico,”Jasonmanagedtosay,“it’sokay.Igetit.”

Nicoglancedover,painandmiserywashingacrosshisface.

“No,youdon’t,”hesaid.“There’snowayyoucanunderstand.”Andsoyourunawayagain,Cupidchided.Fromyourfriends,fromyourself.

“Idon’thavefriends!”Nicoyelled.“IleftCampHalf-BloodbecauseIdon’tbelong!I’llneverbelong!”

TheskeletonshadCupidpinnednow,buttheinvisiblegodlaughedsocruellythatJasonwantedtosummonanotherboltoflightning.Unfortunately,hedoubtedhehadthestrength.

“Leavehimalone,Cupid,”Jasoncroaked.“Thisisn’t…”

Hisvoicefailed.Hewantedtosayitwasn’tCupid’sbusiness,butherealizedthiswasexactlyCupid’sbusiness.SomethingFavoniussaidkeptbuzzinginhisears:Areyoushocked?

ThestoryofPsychefinallymadesensetohim—whyamortalgirlwouldbesoafraid.Whyshewouldriskbreakingtherulestolookthegodofloveintheface,becauseshefearedhemightbeamonster.

Psychehadbeenright.Cupidwasamonster.Lovewasthemostsavagemonsterofall.

Nico’svoicewaslikebrokenglass.“I—Iwasn’tinlovewithAnnabeth.”

“Youwerejealousofher,”Jasonsaid.“That’swhyyoudidn’twanttobearoundher.Especiallywhyyoudidn’twanttobearound…him.Itmakestotalsense.”AllthefightanddenialseemedtogooutofNicoatonce.Thedarknesssubsided.TheRomandeadcollapsedintobonesandcrumbledtodust.

“Ihatedmyself,”Nicosaid.“IhatedPercyJackson.”

Cupidbecamevisible—alean,muscularyoungmanwithsnowywhitewings,straightblackhair,asimplewhitefrockandjeans.Thebowandquiverslungoverhisshoulderwerenotoys—theywereweaponsofwar.Hiseyeswereasredasblood,asifeveryValentineintheworldhadbeensqueezeddry,distilledintoonepoisonousmixture.Hisfacewashandsome,butalsoharsh—asdifficulttolookatasaspotlight.HewatchedNicowithsatisfaction,asifhe’didentifiedtheexactspotforhisnextarrowtomakeacleankill.

“IhadacrushonPercy,”Nicospat.“That’sthetruth.That’sthebigsecret.”HeglaredatCupid.“Happynow?”

Forthefirsttime,Cupid’sgazeseemedsympathetic.“Oh,Iwouldn’tsayLovealwaysmakesyouhappy.”Hisvoicesoundedsmaller,muchmorehuman.“Sometimesitmakesyouincrediblysad.Butatleastyou’vefaceditnow.That’stheonlywaytoconquerme.”Cupiddissolvedintothewind.

Onthegroundwherehe’dstoodlayanivorystaffthreefeetlong,toppedwithadarkglobeofpolishedmarbleaboutthesizeofabaseball,nestledonthebacksofthreegoldRomaneagles.ThescepterofDiocletian.

Nicokneltandpickeditup.HeregardedJason,asifwaitingforanattack.“Iftheothersfoundout—”

“Iftheothersfoundout,”Jasonsaid,“you’dhavethatmanymorepeopletobackyouup,andtounleashthefuryofthegodsonanybodywhogivesyoutrouble.”Nicoscowled.Jasonstillfelttheresentmentandangerripplingoffhim.

“Butit’syourcall,”Jasonadded.“Yourdecisiontoshareornot.Icanonlytellyou—”

“Idon’tfeelthatwayanymore,”Nicomuttered.“Imean…IgaveuponPercy.Iwasyoungandimpressionable,andI—Idon’t…”

Hisvoicecracked,andJasoncouldtelltheguywasabouttogetteary-eyed.WhetherNicohadreallygivenuponPercyornot,Jasoncouldn’timaginewhatithadbeenlikeforNicoallthoseyears,keepingasecretthatwould’vebeenunthinkabletoshareinthe1940s,denyingwhohewas,feelingcompletelyalone—evenmoreisolatedthanotherdemigods.

“Nico,”hesaidgently,“I’veseenalotofbravethings.Butwhatyoujustdid?Thatwasmaybethebravest.”

Nicolookedupuncertainly.“Weshouldgetbacktotheship.”

“Yeah.Icanflyus—”

“No,”Nicoannounced.“Thistimewe’reshadow-traveling.I’vehadenoughofthewindsforawhile.”

LOSINGHERSIGHTHADBEENBADENOUGH.BeingisolatedfromPercyhadbeenhorrible.

Butnowthatshecouldseeagain,watchinghimdieslowlyfromgorgon’sbloodpoisonandbeingunabletodoanythingaboutit—thatwastheworstcurseofall.

BobslungPercyoverhisshoulderlikeabagofsportsequipmentwhiletheskeletonkittenSmallBobcurleduponPercy’sbackandpurred.Boblumberedalongatafastpace,evenforaTitan,whichmadeitalmostimpossibleforAnnabethtokeepup.

Herlungsrattled.Herskinhadstartedtoblisteragain.Sheprobablyneededanotherdrinkoffirewater,butthey’dlefttheRiverPhlegethonbehind.Herbodywassosoreandbatteredthatshe’dforgottenwhatitwaslikenottobeinpain.

“Howmuchlonger?”shewheezed.

“Almosttoolong,”Bobcalledback.“Butmaybenot.”

Veryhelpful,Annabeththought,butshewastoowindedtosayit.

Thelandscapechangedagain.Theywerestillgoingdownhill,whichshouldhavemadetravelingeasier;butthegroundslopedatjustthewrongangle—toosteeptojog,tootreacheroustoletherguarddownevenforamoment.Thesurfacewassometimesloosegravel,sometimespatchesofslime.

Annabethsteppedaroundrandombristlessharpenoughtoimpaleherfoot,andclustersof…well,notrocksexactly.Morelikewartsthesizeofwatermelons.IfAnnabethhadtoguess(andshedidn’twantto)shesupposedBobwasleadingherdownthelengthofTartarus’slargeintestine.

Theairgotthickerandstankofsewage.Thedarknessmaybewasn’tquiteasintense,butshecouldonlyseeBobbecauseoftheglintofhiswhitehairandthepointofhisspear.Shenoticedhehadn’tretractedthespearheadonhisbroomsincetheirfightwiththearai.Thatdidn’treassureher.

Percyfloppedaround,causingthekittentoreadjusthisnestinthesmallofPercy’sback.

OccasionallyPercywouldgroaninpain,andAnnabethfeltlikeafistwassqueezingherheart.

SheflashedbacktoherteapartywithPiper,Hazel,andAphroditeinCharleston.Gods,thatseemedsolongago.AphroditehadsighedandwaxednostalgicaboutthegoodolddaysoftheCivilWar—howloveandwaralwayswenthandinhand.

AphroditehadgesturedproudlytoAnnabeth,usingherasanexamplefortheothergirls:Ioncepromisedtomakeherlovelifeinteresting.Anddidn’tI?

Annabethhadwantedtothrottlethegoddessoflove.She’dhadmorethanhershareofinteresting.NowAnnabethwasholdingoutforahappyending.Surelythatwaspossible,nomatterwhatthelegendssaidabouttragicheroes.Therehadtobeexceptions,right?Ifsufferingledtoreward,thenPercyandshedeservedthegrandprize.

ShethoughtaboutPercy’sdaydreamofNewRome—thetwoofthemsettlingdownthere,goingtocollegetogether.Atfirst,theideaoflivingamongtheRomanshadappalledher.ShehadresentedthemfortakingPercyawayfromher.

Nowshewouldacceptthatoffergladly.

Ifonlytheysurvivedthis.IfonlyReynahadgottenhermessage.Ifonlyamillionotherlongshotspaidoff.

Stopit,shechidedherself.

Shehadtoconcentrateonthepresent,puttingonefootinfrontoftheother,takingthisdownhillintestinalhikeonegiantwartatatime.

Herkneesfeltwarmandwobbly,likewirehangersbenttothepointofsnapping.Percygroanedandmutteredsomethingshecouldn’tmakeout.

Bobstoppedsuddenly.“Look.”

Aheadinthegloom,theterrainleveledoutintoablackswamp.Sulfur-yellowmisthungintheair.Evenwithoutsunlight,therewereactualplants—clumpsofreeds,scrawnyleaflesstrees,evenafewsickly-lookingflowersbloominginthemuck.Mossytrailswoundbetweenbubblingtarpits.

DirectlyinfrontofAnnabeth,sunkintothebog,werefootprintsthesizeoftrash-canlids,withlong,pointedtoes.

Sadly,Annabethwasprettysuresheknewwhathadmadethem.“Drakon?”

“Yes.”Bobgrinnedather.“Thatisgood!”

“Uh…why?”

“Becauseweareclose.”

Bobmarchedintotheswamp.

Annabethwantedtoscream.ShehatedbeingatthemercyofaTitan—especiallyonewhowasslowlyrecoveringhismemoryandbringingthemtoseea“good”giant.Shehatedforgingthroughaswampthatwasobviouslythestompinggroundofadrakon.

ButBobhadPercy.Ifshehesitated,shewouldlosetheminthedark.Shehurriedafterhim,hoppingfrommosspatchtomosspatchandprayingtoAthenathatshedidn’tfallinasinkhole.

AtleasttheterrainforcedBobtogoslower.OnceAnnabethcaughtup,shecouldwalkrightbehindhimandkeepaneyeonPercy,whowasmumblingdeliriously,hisforeheaddangerouslyhot.

SeveraltimeshemutteredAnnabeth,andshefoughtbackasob.Thekittenjustpurredlouderandsnuggledup.

Finallytheyellowmistparted,revealingamuddyclearinglikeanislandinthemuck.Thegroundwasdottedwithstuntedtreesandwartmounds.Inthecenterloomedalarge,domedhutmadeofbonesandgreenishleather.Smokerosefromaholeinthetop.Theentrancewascoveredwithcurtainsofscalyreptileskin,andflankingtheentrance,twotorchesmadefromcolossalfemurbonesburnedbrightyellow.

WhatreallycaughtAnnabeth’sattentionwasthedrakonskull.Fiftyyardsintotheclearing,abouthalfwaytothehut,amassiveoaktreejuttedfromthegroundataforty-five-degreeangle.Thejawsofadrakonskullencircledthetrunk,asiftheoaktreewerethedeadmonster’stongue.

“Yes,”Bobmurmured.“Thisisverygood.”

NothingaboutthisplacefeltgoodtoAnnabeth.

Beforeshecouldprotest,SmallBobarchedhisbackandhissed.Behindthem,amightyroarechoedthroughtheswamp—asoundAnnabethhadlastheardintheBattleofManhattan.

Sheturnedandsawthedrakonchargingtowardthem.

THEMOSTINSULTINGPART?

ThedrakonwaseasilythemostbeautifulthingAnnabethhadseensinceshehadfallen

intoTartarus.Itshidewasdappledgreenandyellow,likesunlightthroughaforestcanopy.ItsreptilianeyeswereAnnabeth’sfavoriteshadeofseagreen(justlikePercy’s).Whenitsfrillsunfurledarounditshead,Annabethcouldn’thelpbutthinkwhataregalandamazingmonsteritwasthatwasabouttokillher.

Itwaseasilyaslongasasubwaytrain.Itsmassivetalonsdugintothemudasitpulleditselfforward,itstailwhippingfromsidetoside.Thedrakonhissed,spittingjetsofgreenpoisonthatsmokedonthemossygroundandsettarpitsonfire,fillingtheairwiththescentoffreshpineandginger.Themonsterevensmelledgood.Likemostdrakons,itwaswingless,longer,andmoresnakelikethanadragon,anditlookedhungry.

“Bob,”Annabethsaid,“whatarewefacinghere?”

“Maeoniandrakon,”Bobsaid.“FromMaeonia.”

Morehelpfulinformation.Annabethwould’vesmackedBobupsidetheheadwithhisownbroomifshecouldliftit.“Anywaywecankillit?”

“Us?”Bobsaid.“No.”

Thedrakonroaredasiftoaccentuatethepoint,fillingtheairwithmorepine-gingerpoison,whichwouldhavemadeanexcellentcar-freshenerscent.

“GetPercytosafety,”Annabethsaid.“I’lldistractit.”

Shehadnoideahowshewoulddothat,butitwasheronlychoice.Shecouldn’tletPercydie—

notifshestillhadthestrengthtostand.

“Youdon’thaveto,”Bobsaid.“Anyminute—”

“ROOOOOAAAR!”

Annabethturnedasthegiantemergedfromhishut.

Hewasabouttwentyfeettall—typicalgiantheight—withahumanoidupperbody,andscalyreptilianlegs,likeabipedaldinosaur.Heheldnoweapon.Insteadofarmor,heworeonlyashirtstitchedtogetherfromsheephidesandgreen-spottedleather.Hisskinwascherryred;hisbeardandhairthecolorofironrust,braidedwithtuftsofgrass,leaves,andswampflowers.

Heshoutedinchallenge,butthankfullyhewasn’tlookingatAnnabeth.Bobpulledheroutofthewayasthegiantstormedtowardthedrakon.

TheyclashedlikesomesortofweirdChristmascombatscene—theredversusthegreen.Thedrakonspewedpoison.Thegiantlungedtooneside.Hegrabbedtheoaktreeandpulleditfromtheground,rootsandall.Theoldskullcrumbledtodustasthegiantheftedthetreelikeabaseballbat.

Thedrakon’staillashedaroundthegiant’swaist,dragginghimclosertoitsgnashingteeth.Butassoonasthegiantwasinrange,heshovedthetreestraightdownthemonster’sthroat.

Annabethhopedsheneverhadtoseesuchagruesomesceneagain.Thetreepiercedthedrakon’sgulletandimpaledittotheground.Therootsbegantomove,diggingdeeperas

theytouchedtheearth,anchoringtheoakuntilitlookedlikeithadstoodinthatspotforcenturies.Thedrakonshookandthrashed,butitwaspinnedfast.

Thegiantbroughthisfistdownonthedrakon’sneck.CRACK.Themonsterwentlimp.Itbegantodissolve,leavingonlyscrapsofbone,meat,hide,andanewdrakonskullwhoseopenjawsringedtheoaktree.

Bobgrunted.“Goodone.”

Thekittenpurredinagreementandstartedcleaninghispaws.

Thegiantkickedatthedrakon’sremains,examiningthemcritically.“Nogoodbones,”hecomplained.“Iwantedanewwalkingstick.Hmpf.Somegoodskinfortheouthouse,though.”Herippedsomesofthidefromthedrakon’sfrillsandtuckeditinhisbelt.

“Uh…”Annabethwantedtoaskifthegiantreallyuseddrakonhidefortoiletpaper,butshedecidedagainstit.“Bob,doyouwanttointroduceus?”

“Annabeth…”BobpattedPercy’slegs.“ThisisPercy.”

AnnabethhopedtheTitanwasjustmessingwithher,thoughBob’sfacerevealednothing.

Shegrittedherteeth.“Imeantthegiant.Youpromisedhecouldhelp.”

“Promise?”Thegiantglancedoverfromhiswork.Hiseyesnarrowedunderhisbushyredbrows.

“Abigthing,apromise.WhywouldBobpromisemyhelp?”

Bobshiftedhisweight.Titanswerescary,butAnnabethhadneverseenonenexttoagiantbefore.Comparedtothedrakon-killer,Boblookeddownrightrunty.

“Damasenisagoodgiant,”Bobsaid.“Heispeaceful.Hecancurepoisons.”AnnabethwatchedthegiantDamasen,whowasnowrippingchunksofbloodymeatfromthedrakoncarcasswithhisbarehands.

“Peaceful,”shesaid.“Yes,Icanseethat.”

“Goodmeatfordinner.”DamasenstoodupstraightandstudiedAnnabeth,asifshewereanotherpotentialsourceofprotein.“Comeinside.Wewillhavestew.Thenwewillseeaboutthispromise.”

COZY.

AnnabethneverthoughtshewoulddescribeanythinginTartarusthatway,butdespitethefactthatthegiant’shutwasasbigasaplanetariumandconstructedofbones,mud,anddrakonskin,itdefinitelyfeltcozy.

Inthecenterblazedabonfiremadeofpitchandbone;yetthesmokewaswhiteandodorless,risingthroughtheholeinthemiddleoftheceiling.Thefloorwascoveredwithdrymarshgrassandgraywoolrugs.Atoneendlayamassivebedofsheepskinsanddrakonleather.Attheotherend,freestandingrackswerehungwithdryingplants,curedleather,andwhatlookedlikestripsofdrakonjerky.Thewholeplacesmelledofstew,smoke,basil,andthyme.

TheonlythingthatworriedAnnabethwastheflockofsheephuddledinapenatthebackofthehut.

AnnabethrememberedthecaveofPolyphemustheCyclops,whoatedemigodsandsheepindiscriminately.Shewonderedifgiantshadsimilartastes.

Partofherwastemptedtorun,butBobhadalreadyplacedPercyinthegiant’sbed,wherehenearlydisappearedinthewoolandleather.SmallBobhoppedoffPercyandkneadedtheblankets,purringsostronglythebedrattledlikeaThousand-FingerMassage.

Damasenploddedtothebonfire.Hetossedhisdrakonmeatintoahangingpotthatseemedtobemadefromanoldmonsterskull,thenpickedupaladleandbegantostir.

Annabethdidn’twanttobethenextingredientinhisstew,butshe’dcomehereforareason.ShetookadeepbreathandmarcheduptoDamasen.“Myfriendisdying.Canyoucurehimornot?”Hervoicecaughtonthewordfriend.Percywasalotmorethanthat.Evenboyfriendreallydidn’tcoverit.They’dbeenthroughsomuchtogether,atthispointPercywaspartofher—asometimesannoyingpart,sure,butdefinitelyapartshecouldnotlivewithout.

Damasenlookeddownather,gloweringunderhisbushyredeyebrows.Annabethhadmetlargescaryhumanoidsbefore,butDamasenunsettledherinadifferentway.Hedidn’tseemhostile.Heradiatedsorrowandbitterness,asifheweresowrappedupinhisownmiserythatheresentedAnnabethfortryingtomakehimfocusonanythingelse.

“Idon’thearwordslikethoseinTartarus,”thegiantgrumbled.“Friend.Promise.”Annabethcrossedherarms.“Howaboutgorgon’sblood?Canyoucurethat,ordidBoboverstateyourtalents?”

Angeringatwenty-foot-talldrakonslayerprobablywasn’tawisestrategy,butPercywasdying.

Shedidn’thavetimefordiplomacy.

Damasenscowledather.“Youquestionmytalents?Ahalf-deadmortalstragglesintomyswampandquestionsmytalents?”

“Yep,”shesaid.

“Hmph.”DamasenhandedBobtheladle.“Stir.”

AsBobtendedthestew,Damasenperusedhisdryingracks,pluckingvariousleavesandroots.Hepoppedafistfulofplantmaterialintohismouth,cheweditup,thenspatitintoaclumpofwool.

“Cupofbroth,”Damasenordered.

Bobladledsomestewjuiceintoahollowgourd.HehandedittoDamasen,whodunkedthechewed-upgunkballandstirreditwithhisfinger.

“Gorgon’sblood,”hemuttered.“Hardlyachallengeformytalents.”HelumberedtothebedsideandproppedupPercywithonehand.SmallBobthekittensniffedthebrothandhissed.Hescratchedthesheetswithhispawslikehewantedtoburyit.

“You’regoingtofeedhimthat?”Annabethasked.

Thegiantglaredather.“Whoisthehealerhere?You?”

Annabethshuthermouth.ShewatchedasthegiantmadePercysipthebroth.Damasenhandledhimwithsurprisinggentleness,murmuringwordsofencouragementthatshecouldn’tquitecatch.

Witheachsip,Percy’scolorimproved.Hedrainedthecup,andhiseyesflutteredopen.Helookedaroundwithadazedexpression,spottedAnnabeth,andgaveheradrunkengrin.“Feelgreat.”Hiseyesrolledupinhishead.Hefellbackinthebedandbegantosnore.

“Afewhoursofsleep,”Damasenpronounced.“He’llbegoodasnew.”Annabethsobbedwithrelief.

“Thankyou,”shesaid.

Damasenstaredathermournfully.“Oh,don’tthankme.You’restilldoomed.AndIrequirepaymentformyservices.”

Annabeth’smouthwentdry.“Uh…whatsortofpayment?”

“Astory.”Thegiant’seyesglittered.“ItgetsboringinTartarus.Youcantellmeyourstory

whileweeat,eh?”

Annabethfeltuneasytellingagiantabouttheirplans.

Still,Damasenwasagoodhost.He’dsavedPercy.Hisdrakon-meatstewwasexcellent(especiallycomparedtofirewater).Hishutwaswarmandcomfortable,andforthefirsttimesinceplungingintoTartarus,Annabethfeltlikeshecouldrelax.Whichwasironic,sinceshewashavingdinnerwithaTitanandagiant.

ShetoldDamasenaboutherlifeandheradventureswithPercy.SheexplainedhowPercyhadmetBob,wipedhismemoryintheRiverLethe,andlefthiminthecareofHades.

“Percywastryingtodosomethinggood,”shepromisedBob.“Hedidn’tknowHadeswouldbesuchacreep.”

Eventoher,itdidn’tsoundconvincing.Hadeswasalwaysacreep.

Shethoughtaboutwhatthearaihadsaid—howNicodiAngelohadbeentheonlypersontovisitBobinthepalaceoftheUnderworld.Nicowasoneoftheleastoutgoing,leastfriendlydemigodsAnnabethknew.Yethe’dbeenkindtoBob.ByconvincingBobthatPercywasafriend,Nicohadinadvertentlysavedtheirlives.Annabethwonderedifshewouldeverfigurethatguyout.

Bobwashedhisbowlwithhissquirtbottleandrag.

Damasenmadearollinggesturewithhisspoon.“Continueyourstory,AnnabethChase.”SheexplainedabouttheirquestintheArgoII.WhenshegottothepartaboutstoppingGaeafromwaking,shefaltered.“She’s,um…she’syourmom,right?”

Damasenscrapedhisbowl.Hisfacewascoveredwitholdpoisonburns,gouges,andscartissue,soitlookedlikethesurfaceofanasteroid.

“Yes,”hesaid.“AndTartarusismyfather.”Hegesturedaroundthehut.“Asyoucansee,Iwasadisappointmenttomyparents.Theyexpected…morefromme.”Annabethcouldn’tquitewraphermindaroundthefactthatshewassharingsoupwithatwenty-foot-talllizard-leggedmanwhoseparentswereEarthandthePitofDarkness.

Olympiangodswerehardenoughtoimagineasparents,butatleasttheyresembledhumans.TheoldprimordialgodslikeGaeaandTartarus…Howcouldyouleavehomeandeverbeindependentofyourparents,whentheyliterallyencompassedtheentireworld?

“So…”shesaid.“Youdon’tmindusfightingyourmom?”

Damasensnortedlikeabull.“Bestofluck.Atpresent,it’smyfatheryoushouldworryabout.

Withhimopposingyou,youhavenochancetosurvive.”

SuddenlyAnnabethdidn’tfeelsohungry.Sheputherbowlonthefloor.SmallBobcameovertocheckitout.

“Opposingushow?”sheasked.

“Allofthis.”Damasencrackedadrakonboneandusedasplinterasatoothpick.“AllthatyouseeisthebodyofTartarus,oratleastonemanifestationofit.Heknowsyouarehere.

Hetriestothwartyourprogressateverystep.Mybrethrenhuntyou.Itisremarkableyouhavelivedthislong,evenwiththehelpofIapetus.”

Bobscowledwhenheheardhisname.“Thedefeatedoneshuntus,yes.Theywillbeclosebehindnow.”

Damasenspatouthistoothpick.“Icanobscureyourpathforawhile,longenoughforyoutorest.

Ihavepowerinthisswamp.Buteventually,theywillcatchyou.”

“MyfriendsmustreachtheDoorsofDeath,”Bobsaid.“Thatisthewayout.”

“Impossible,”Damasenmuttered.“TheDoorsaretoowellguarded.”Annabethsatforward.“Butyouknowwheretheyare?”

“Ofcourse.AllofTartarusflowsdowntooneplace:hisheart.TheDoorsofDeatharethere.ButyoucannotmakeittherealivewithonlyIapetus.”

“Thencomewithus,”Annabethsaid.“Helpus.”

“HA!”

Annabethjumped.Inthebed,Percymuttereddeliriouslyinhissleep,“Ha,ha,ha.”

“ChildofAthena,”thegiantsaid,“Iamnotyourfriend.Ihelpedmortalsonce,andyouseewhereitgotme.”

“Youhelpedmortals?”AnnabethknewalotaboutGreeklegends,butshedrewatotalblankonthenameDamasen.“I—Idon’tunderstand.”

“Badstory,”Bobexplained.“Goodgiantshavebadstories.DamasenwascreatedtoopposeAres.”

“Yes,”thegiantagreed.“Likeallmybrethren,Iwasborntoansweracertaingod.MyfoewasAres.ButAreswasthegodofwar.Andso,whenIwasborn—”

“Youwerehisopposite,”Annabethguessed.“Youwerepeaceful.”

“Peacefulforagiant,atleast.”Damasensighed.“IwanderedthefieldsofMaeonia,inthelandyounowcallTurkey.Itendedmysheepandcollectedmyherbs.Itwasagoodlife.ButIwouldnotfightthegods.Mymotherandfathercursedmeforthat.Thefinalinsult:OnedaytheMaeoniandrakonkilledahumanshepherd,afriendofmine,soIhuntedthecreaturedownandslewit,thrustingatreestraightthroughitsmouth.Iusedthepoweroftheearthtoregrowthetree’sroots,plantingthedrakonfirmlyintheground.Imadesureitwouldterrorizemortalsnomore.ThatwasadeedGaeacouldnotforgive.”

“Becauseyouhelpedsomeone?”

“Yes.”Damasenlookedashamed.“Gaeaopenedtheearth,andIwasconsumed,exiledhereinthebellyofmyfatherTartarus,wherealltheuselessflotsamcollects—allthebitsofcreationhedoesnotcarefor.”Thegiantpluckedafloweroutofhishairandregardeditabsently.“Theyletmelive,tendingmysheep,collectingmyherbs,soImightknowtheuselessnessofthelifeIchose.Everyday

—orwhatpassesfordayinthislightlessplace—theMaeoniandrakonre-formsand

attacksme.

Killingitismyendlesstask.”

Annabethgazedaroundthehut,tryingtoimaginehowmanyeonsDamasenhadbeenexiledhere

—slayingthedrakon,collectingitsbonesandhideandmeat,knowingitwouldattackagainthenextday.ShecouldbarelyimaginesurvivingaweekinTartarus.Exilingyourownsonhereforcenturies—

thatwasbeyondcruel.

“Breakthecurse,”sheblurtedout.“Comewithus.”

Damasenchuckledsourly.“Assimpleasthat.Don’tyouthinkIhavetriedtoleavethisplace?Itisimpossible.NomatterwhichdirectionItravel,Ienduphereagain.TheswampistheonlythingIknow—theonlydestinationIcanimagine.No,littledemigod.Mycursehasovertakenme.Ihavenohopeleft.”

“Nohope,”Bobechoed.

“Theremustbeaway.”Annabethcouldn’tstandtheexpressiononthegiant’sface.Itremindedherofherownfather,thefewtimeshe’dconfessedtoherthathestilllovedAthena.Hehadlookedsosadanddefeated,wishingforsomethingheknewwasimpossible.

“BobhasaplantoreachtheDoorsofDeath,”sheinsisted.“HesaidwecouldhideinsomesortofDeathMist.”

“DeathMist?”DamasenscowledatBob.“YouwouldtakethemtoAkhlys?”

“Itistheonlyway,”Bobsaid.

“Youwilldie,”Damasensaid.“Painfully.Indarkness.Akhlystrustsnooneandhelpsnoone.”Boblookedlikehewantedtoargue,buthepressedhislipstogetherandremainedsilent.

“Isthereanotherway?”Annabethasked.

“No,”Damasensaid.“TheDeathMist…thatisthebestplan.Unfortunately,itisaterribleplan.”Annabethfeltlikeshewashangingoverthepitagain,unabletopullherselfup,unabletomaintainhergrip—leftwithnogoodoptions.

“Butisn’titworthtrying?”sheasked.“Youcouldreturntothemortalworld.Youcouldseethesunagain.”

Damasen’seyeswerelikethesocketsofthedrakon’sskull—darkandhollow,devoidofhope.Heflickedabrokenboneintothefireandrosetohisfullheight—amassiveredwarriorinsheepskinanddrakonleather,withdriedflowersandherbsinhishair.Annabethcouldseehowhewastheanti-Ares.

Areswastheworstgod,blusteryandviolent.Damasenwasthebestgiant,kindandhelpful…andforthat,he’dbeencursedtoeternaltorment.

“Getsomesleep,”thegiantsaid.“Iwillpreparesuppliesforyourjourney.Iamsorry,butI

cannotdomore.”

Annabethwantedtoargue,butassoonashesaidsleep,herbodybetrayedher,despiteherresolutionnevertosleepinTartarusagain.Herbellywasfull.Thefiremadeapleasantcracklingsound.TheherbsintheairremindedherofthehillsaroundCampHalf-Bloodinthesummer,whenthesatyrsandnaiadsgatheredwildplantsinthelazyafternoons.

“Maybealittlesleep,”sheagreed.

Bobscoopedheruplikearagdoll.Shedidn’tprotest.HesethernexttoPercyonthegiant’sbed,andsheclosedhereyes.

ANNABETHWOKESTARINGattheshadowsdancingacrossthehut’sceiling.Shehadn’thadasingledream.Thatwassounusual,shewasn’tsureifshe’dactuallywokenup.

Asshelaythere,PercysnoringnexttoherandSmallBobpurringonherbelly,sheheardBobandDamasendeepinconversation.

“Youhaven’ttoldher,”Damasensaid.

“No,”Bobadmitted.“Sheisalreadyscared.”

Thegiantgrumbled.“Sheshouldbe.AndifyoucannotguidethempastNight?”DamasensaidNightlikeitwasapropername—anevilname.

“Ihaveto,”Bobsaid.

“Why?”Damasenwondered.“Whathavethedemigodsgivenyou?Theyhaveerasedyouroldself,everythingyouwere.Titansandgiants…wearemeanttobethefoesofthegodsandtheirchildren.Arewenot?”

“Thenwhydidyouhealtheboy?”

Damasenexhaled.“Ihavebeenwonderingthatmyself.Perhapsbecausethegirlgoadedme,orperhaps…Ifindthesetwodemigodsintriguing.Theyareresilienttohavemadeit

sofar.Thatisadmirable.Still,howcanwehelpthemanyfurther?Itisnotourfate.”

“Perhaps,”Bobsaid,uncomfortably.“But…doyoulikeourfate?”

“Whataquestion.Doesanyonelikehisfate?”

“IlikedbeingBob,”Bobmurmured.“BeforeIstartedtoremember…”

“Huh.”Therewasashufflingsound,asifDamasenwasstuffingaleatherbag.

“Damasen,”theTitanasked,“doyourememberthesun?”

Theshufflingstopped.Annabethheardthegiantexhalethroughhisnostrils.“Yes.Itwasyellow.

Whenittouchedthehorizon,itturnedtheskybeautifulcolors.”

“Imissthesun,”Bobsaid.“Thestars,too.Iwouldliketosayhellotothestarsagain.”

“Stars…”Damasensaidthewordasifhe’dforgottenitsmeaning.“Yes.Theymadesilverpatternsinthenightsky.”Hethrewsomethingtothefloorwithathump.“Bah.Thisisuselesstalk.

Wecannot—”

Inthedistance,theMaeoniandrakonroared.

Percysatboltupright.“What?What—where—what?”

“It’sokay.”Annabethtookhisarm.

Whenheregisteredthattheyweretogetherinagiant’sbedwithaskeletoncat,helookedmoreconfusedthanever.“Thatnoise…wherearewe?”

“Howmuchdoyouremember?”sheasked.

Percyfrowned.Hiseyesseemedalert.Allhiswoundshadvanished.Exceptforhistatteredclothesandafewlayersofdirtandgrime,helookedasifhe’dneverfallenintoTartarus.

“I—thedemongrandmothers—andthen…notmuch.”

Damasenloomedoverthebed.“Thereisnotime,littlemortals.Thedrakonisreturning.Ifearitsroarwilldrawtheothers—mybrethren,huntingyou.Theywillbeherewithinminutes.”Annabeth’spulsequickened.“Whatwillyoutellthemwhentheygethere?”Damasen’smouthtwitched.“Whatistheretotell?Nothingofsignificance,aslongasyouaregone.”

Hetossedthemtwodrakon-leathersatchels.“Clothes,food,drink.”Bobwaswearingasimilarbutlargerpack.Heleanedonhisbroom,gazingatAnnabethasifstillponderingDamasen’swords:Whathavethedemigodsgivenyou?Wearemeanttobethefoesofthegodsandtheirchildren.

SuddenlyAnnabethwasstruckbyathoughtsosharpandclear,itwaslikeabladefromAthenaherself.

“TheProphecyofSeven,”shesaid.

Percyhadalreadyclimbedoutofthebedandwasshoulderinghispack.Hefrownedat

her.“Whataboutit?”

AnnabethgrabbedDamasen’shand,startlingthegiant.Hisbrowfurrowed.Hisskinwasasroughassandstone.

“Youhavetocomewithus,”shepleaded.“TheprophecysaysfoesbeararmstotheDoorsofDeath.IthoughtitmeantRomansandGreeks,butthat’snotit.Thelinemeansus—demigods,aTitan,agiant.WeneedyoutoclosetheDoors!”

Thedrakonroaredoutside,closerthistime.Damasengentlypulledhishandaway.

“No,child,”hemurmured.“Mycurseishere.Icannotescapeit.”

“Yes,youcan,”Annabethsaid.“Don’tfightthedrakon.Figureoutawaytobreakthecycle!Findanotherfate.”

Damasenshookhishead.“EvenifIcould,Icannotleavethisswamp.ItistheonlydestinationIcanpicture.”

Annabeth’smindraced.“Thereisanotherdestination.Lookatme!Remembermyface.Whenyou’reready,comefindme.We’lltakeyoutothemortalworldwithus.Youcanseethesunlightandstars.”

Thegroundshook.Thedrakonwasclosenow,stompingthroughthemarsh,blastingtreesandmosswithitspoisonspray.Fartheraway,AnnabethheardthevoiceofthegiantPolybotes,urginghisfollowersforward.“THESEAGOD’SSON!HEISCLOSE!”

“Annabeth,”Percysaidurgently,“that’sourcuetoleave.”Damasentooksomethingfromhisbelt.Inhismassivehand,thewhiteshardlookedlikeanothertoothpick;butwhenheofferedittoAnnabeth,sherealizeditwasasword—abladeofdragonbone,honedtoadeadlyedge,withasimplegripofleather.

“OnelastgiftforthechildofAthena,”rumbledthegiant.“Icannothaveyouwalkingtoyourdeathunarmed.Now,go!Beforeitistoolate.”

Annabethwantedtosob.Shetookthesword,butshecouldn’tevenmakeherselfsaythankyou.

Sheknewthegiantwasmeanttofightattheirside.Thatwastheanswer—butDamasenturnedaway.

“Wemustleave,”Boburgedashiskittenclimbedontohisshoulder.

“He’sright,Annabeth,”Percysaid.

Theyranfortheentrance.Annabethdidn’tlookbackasshefollowedPercyandBobintotheswamp,butsheheardDamasenbehindthem,shoutinghisbattlecryattheadvancingdrakon,hisvoicecrackingwithdespairashefacedhisoldenemyyetagain.

PIPERDIDN’TKNOWMUCHabouttheMediterranean,butshewasprettysureitwasn’tsupposedtofreezeinJuly.

TwodaysouttoseafromSplit,graycloudsswallowedthesky.Thewavesturnedchoppy.Colddrizzlesprayedacrossthedeck,formingiceontherailsandtheropes.

“It’sthescepter,”Nicomurmured,heftingtheancientstaff.“Ithastobe.”Piperwondered.EversinceJasonandNicohadreturnedfromDiocletian’sPalace,they’dbeenactingnervousandcagey.Somethingmajorhadhappenedthere—somethingJasonwouldn’tsharewithher.

Itmadesensethatthesceptermighthavecausedthisweatherchange.Theblackorbontopseemedtoleachthecolorrightoutoftheair.Thegoldeneaglesatitsbaseglintedcoldly.Thesceptercouldsupposedlycontrolthedead,anditdefinitelygaveoffbadvibes.CoachHedgehadtakenonelookatthething,turnedpale,andannouncedthathewasgoingtohisroomtoconsolehimselfwithChuckNorrisvideos.(AlthoughPipersuspectedthathewasactuallymakingIris-messagesbackhometohisgirlfriendMellie;thecoachhadbeenactingveryagitatedaboutherlately,thoughhewouldn’ttellPiperwhatwasgoingon.)

So,yes…maybethesceptercouldcauseafreakicestorm.ButPiperdidn’tthinkthatwasit.Shefearedsomethingelsewashappening—somethingevenworse.

“Wecan’ttalkuphere,”Jasondecided.“Let’spostponethemeeting.”They’dallgatheredonthequarterdecktodiscussstrategyastheygotclosertoEpirus.Nowitwasclearlynotagoodplacetohangout.Windsweptfrostacrossthedeck.Theseachurnedbeneaththem.

Piperdidn’tmindthewavessomuch.TherockingandpitchingremindedherofsurfingwithherdadofftheCaliforniacoast.ButshecouldtellHazelwasn’tdoingwell.Thepoorgirlgotseasickevenincalmwaters.Shelookedlikeshewastryingtoswallowabilliardball.

“Needto—”Hazelgaggedandpointedbelow.

“Yeah,go.”Nicokissedhercheek,whichPiperfoundsurprising.Hehardlyevermadegesturesofaffection,eventohissister.Heseemedtohatephysicalcontact.KissingHazel…itwasalmostlikehewassayinggood-bye.

“I’llwalkyoudown.”FrankputhisarmaroundHazel’swaistandhelpedhertothestairs.

PiperhopedHazelwouldbeokay.Thelastfewnights,sincethatfightwithSciron,they’dhadsomegoodtalkstogether.Beingtheonlytwogirlsonboardwaskindofrough.They’dsharedstories,complainedabouttheguys’grosshabits,andshedsometearstogetheraboutAnnabeth.HazelhadtoldherwhatitwasliketocontroltheMist,andPiperhadbeensurprisedbyhowmuchitsoundedlikeusingcharmspeak.Piperhadofferedtohelpherifshecould.Inreturn,Hazelhadpromisedtocoachherinswordfighting—askillatwhichPiperepicallysucked.Piperfeltlikeshehadanewfriend,whichwasgreat…assumingtheylivedlongenoughtoenjoythefriendship.

Nicobrushedsomeicefromhishair.HefrownedatthescepterofDiocletian.“Ishouldputthisthingaway.Ifit’sreallycausingtheweather,maybetakingitbelowdeckwillhelp…”

“Sure,”Jasonsaid.

NicoglancedatPiperandLeo,asifworriedwhattheymightsaywhenhewasgone.Piperfelthisdefensesgoingup,likehewascurlingintoapsychologicalball,thewayhe’dgoneintoadeathtranceinthatbronzejar.

Onceheheadedbelow,PiperstudiedJason’sface.Hiseyeswerefullofconcern.WhathadhappenedinCroatia?

Leopulledascrewdriverfromhisbelt.“Somuchforthebigteammeeting.Lookslikeit’sjustusagain.”

Justusagain.

PiperrememberedawintrydayinChicagolastDecember,whenthethreeofthemhadlandedinMillennialParkontheirfirstquest.

Leohadn’tchangedmuchsincethen,exceptheseemedmorecomfortableinhisroleasachildofHephaestus.He’dalwayshadtoomuchnervousenergy.Nowheknewhowtouseit.Hishandswereconstantlyinmotion,pullingtoolsfromhisbelt,workingcontrols,tinkeringwithhisbelovedArchimedessphere.Todayhe’dremoveditfromthecontrolpanelandshutdownFestusthefigureheadformaintenance—somethingaboutrewiringhisprocessorforamotor-controlupgradewiththesphere,whatevertheheckthatmeant.

AsforJason,helookedthinner,taller,andmorecareworn.Hishairhadgonefromclose-croppedRomanstyletolongerandshaggier.ThegrooveScironhadshotacrosstheleftsideofhisscalpwasinterestingtoo—almostlikearebelliousstreak.Hisicyblueeyeslookedolder,somehow—fullofworryandresponsibility.

PiperknewwhatherfriendswhisperedaboutJason—hewastooperfect,toostraitlaced.Ifthathadeverbeentrue,itwasn’tanymore.He’dbeenbatteredonthisjourney,andnotjustphysically.Hishardshipshadn’tweakenedhim,buthe’dbeenweatheredandsoftenedlike

leather—asifhewerebecomingamorecomfortableversionofhimself.

AndPiper?ShecouldonlyimaginewhatLeoandJasonthoughtwhentheylookedather.Shedefinitelydidn’tfeellikethesamepersonshe’dbeenlastwinter.

ThatfirstquesttorescueHeraseemedlikecenturiesago.Somuchhadchangedinsevenmonths…shewonderedhowthegodscouldstandbeingaliveforthousandsofyears.Howmuchchangehadtheyseen?Maybeitwasn’tsurprisingthattheOlympiansseemedalittlecrazy.IfPiperhadlivedthroughthreemillennia,shewouldhavegoneloopy.

Shegazedintothecoldrain.ShewouldhavegivenanythingtobebackatCampHalf-Blood,wheretheweatherwascontrolledeveninthewinter.Theimagesshe’dseeninherkniferecently…

well,theydidn’tgivehermuchtolookforwardto.

Jasonsqueezedhershoulder.“Hey,it’llbefine.We’reclosetoEpirusnow.Anotherdayorso,ifNico’sdirectionsareright.”

“Yep.”Leotinkeredwithhissphere,tappingandnudgingoneofthejewelsonitssurface.“Bytomorrowmorning,we’llreachthewesterncoastofGreece.Thenanotherhourinland,andbang—

HouseofHades!I’magetmetheT-shirt!”

“Yay,”Pipermuttered.

Shewasn’tanxioustoplungeintothedarknessagain.ShestillhadnightmaresaboutthenymphaeumandthehypogeumunderRome.InthebladeofKatoptris,she’dseenimagessimilartowhatLeoandHazelhaddescribedfromtheirdreams—apalesorceressinagolddress,herhandsweavinggoldenlightintheairlikesilkonaloom;agiantwrappedinshadows,marchingdownalongcorridorlinedwithtorches.Ashepassedeachone,theflamesdied.Shesawahugecavernfilledwithmonsters—Cyclopes,Earthborn,andstrangerthings—surroundingherandherfriends,hopelesslyoutnumberingthem.

Everytimeshesawthoseimages,avoiceinherheadkeptrepeatingonelineoverandover.

“Guys,”shesaid,“I’vebeenthinkingabouttheProphecyofSeven.”IttookalottogetLeo’sattentionawayfromhiswork,butthatdidthetrick.

“Whataboutit?”heasked.“Like…goodstuff,Ihope?”

Shereadjustedhercornucopia’sshoulderstrap.Sometimesthehornofplentyseemedsolightsheforgotaboutit.Othertimesitfeltlikeananvil,asiftherivergodAchelouswassendingoutbadthoughts,tryingtopunishherfortakinghishorn.

“InKatoptris,”shestarted,“IkeepseeingthatgiantClytius—theguywho’swrappedinshadows.

Iknowhisweaknessisfire,butinmyvisions,hesnuffsoutflameswhereverhegoes.Anykindoflightjustgetssuckedintohiscloudofdarkness.”

“SoundslikeNico,”Leosaid.“Youthinkthey’rerelated?”Jasonscowled.“Hey,man,cutNicosomeslack.So,Piper,whataboutthisgiant?Whatareyouthinking?”

SheandLeoexchangedaquizzicallook,like:SincewhendoesJasondefendNicodiAngelo?Shedecidednottocomment.

“Ikeepthinkingaboutfire,”Pipersaid.“HowweexpectLeotobeatthisgiantbecausehe’s…”

“Hot?”Leosuggestedwithagrin.

“Um,let’sgowithflammable.Anyway,thatlinefromtheprophecybothersme:Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall.”

“Yeah,weknowallaboutit,”Leopromised.“You’regonnasayI’mfire.AndJasonhereisstorm.”

Pipernoddedreluctantly.Sheknewthatnoneofthemlikedtalkingaboutthis,buttheyallmusthavefeltitwasthetruth.

Theshippitchedtostarboard.Jasongrabbedtheicyrailing.“Soyou’reworriedoneofuswillendangerthequest,maybeaccidentallydestroytheworld?”

“No,”Pipersaid.“Ithinkwe’vebeenreadingthatlinethewrongway.Theworld…theEarth.InGreek,thewordforthatwouldbe…”

Shehesitated,notwantingtosaythenamealoud,evenatsea.

“Gaea.”Jason’seyesgleamedwithsuddeninterest.“Youmean,tostormorfireGaeamustfall?”

“Oh…”Leogrinnedevenwider.“Youknow,Ilikeyourversionalotbetter.’CauseifGaeafallstome,Mr.Fire,thatisabsolutelycopacetic.”

“Ortome…storm.”Jasonkissedher.“Piper,that’sbrilliant!Ifyou’reright,thisisgreatnews.

WejusthavetofigureoutwhichofusdestroysGaea.”

“Maybe.”Shefeltuneasygettingtheirhopesup.“But,see,it’sstormorfire…”SheunsheathedKatoptrisandsetitontheconsole.Immediately,thebladeflickered,showingthedarkshapeofthegiantClytiusmovingthroughacorridor,snuffingouttorches.

“I’mworriedaboutLeoandthisfightwithClytius,”shesaid.“Thatlineintheprophecymakesitsoundlikeonlyoneofyoucansucceed.Andifthestormorfirepartisconnectedtothethirdline,anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath…”

Shedidn’tfinishthethought,butfromJason’sandLeo’sexpressions,shesawthattheyunderstood.Ifshewasreadingtheprophecyright,eitherLeoorJasonwoulddefeatGaea.Theotheronewoulddie.

LEOSTAREDATTHEDAGGER.“Okay…soIdon’tlikeyourideaasmuchasIthought.YouthinkoneofusdefeatsGaeaandtheotheronedies?Ormaybeoneofusdieswhiledefeatingher?Or—”

“Guys,”Jasonsaid,“we’lldriveourselvescrazyoverthinkingit.Youknowhowpropheciesare.

Heroesalwaysgetintroubletryingtothwartthem.”

“Yeah,”Leomuttered.“We’dhatetogetintrouble.We’vegotitsogoodrightnow.”

“YouknowwhatImean,”Jasonsaid.“Thefinalbreathlinemightnotbeconnectedtothestormandfirepart.Forallweknow,thetwoofusaren’tevenstormandfire.Percycanraisehurricanes.”

“AndIcouldalwayssetCoachHedgeonfire,”Leovolunteered.“Thenhecanbefire.”Thethoughtofablazingsatyrscreaming,“Die,scumbag!”asheattackedGaeawasalmostenoughtomakePiperlaugh—almost.

“IhopeI’mwrong,”shesaidcautiously.“ButthewholequeststartedwithusfindingHeraandwakingthatgiantkingPorphyrion.Ihaveafeelingthewarwillendwithustoo.Forbetterorworse.”

“Hey,”Jasonsaid,“personally,Ilikeus.”

“Agreed,”Leosaid.“Usismyfavoritepeople.”

Pipermanagedasmile.Shereallydidlovetheseguys.ShewishedshecouldusehercharmspeakontheFates,describeahappyending,andforcethemtomakeitcometrue.

Unfortunately,itwashardtoimagineahappyendingwithallthedarkthoughtsinherhead.SheworriedthatthegiantClytiushadbeenputintheirpathtoeliminateLeoasathreat.Ifso,thatmeantGaeawouldalsotrytoeliminateJason.Withoutstormorfire,theirquestcouldn’tsucceed.

Andthiswintryweatherbotheredhertoo.…ShefeltcertainitwasbeingcausedbysomethingmorethanjustDiocletian’sscepter.Thecoldwind,themixoficeandrainseemedactivelyhostile,andsomehowfamiliar.

Thatsmellintheair,thethicksmellof…

Pipershouldhaveunderstoodwhatwashappeningsooner,butshe’dspentmostofherlifeinSouthernCaliforniawithnomajorchangesofseason.Shehadn’tgrownupwiththatsmell…thesmellofimpendingsnow.

Everymuscleinherbodytensed.“Leo,soundthealarm.”

Piperhadn’trealizedshewascharmspeaking,butLeoimmediatelydroppedhisscrewdriverandpunchedthealarmbutton.Hefrownedwhennothinghappened.

“Uh,it’sdisconnected,”heremembered.“Festusisshutdown.Gimmeaminutetogetthesystembackonline.”

“Wedon’thaveaminute!Fires—weneedvialsofGreekfire.Jason,callthewinds.Warm,southerlywinds.”

“Wait,what?”Jasonstaredatherinconfusion.“Piper,what’swrong?”

“It’sher!”Pipersnatchedupherdagger.“She’sback!Wehaveto—”Beforeshecouldfinish,theboatlistedtoport.Thetemperaturedroppedsofast,thesailscrackledwithice.Thebronzeshieldsalongtherailspoppedlikeover-pressurizedsodacans.

Jasondrewhissword,butitwastoolate.Awaveoficeparticlessweptoverhim,coatinghimlikeaglazeddonutandfreezinghiminplace.Underalayerofice,hiseyeswerewidewithamazement.

“Leo!Flames!Now!”Piperyelled.

Leo’srighthandblazed,butthewindswirledaroundhimanddousedthefire.LeoclutchedhisArchimedessphereasafunnelcloudofsleetliftedhimoffhisfeet.

“Hey!”heyelled.“Hey!Letmego!”

Piperrantowardhim,butavoiceinthestormsaid,“Oh,yes,LeoValdez.Iwillletyougopermanently.”

Leoshotskyward,likehe’dbeenlaunchedfromacatapult.Hedisappearedintotheclouds.

“No!”Piperraisedherknife,buttherewasnothingtoattack.Shelookeddesperatelyatthestairwell,hopingtoseeherfriendschargingtotherescue,butablockoficehadsealedthehatch.Thewholelowerdeckmighthavebeenfrozensolid.

Sheneededabetterweapontofightwith—somethingmorethanhervoice,astupidfortune-tellingdagger,andacornucopiathatshothamandfreshfruit.

Shewonderedwhethershecouldmakeittotheballista.

Thenherenemiesappeared,andsherealizedthatnoweaponwouldbeenough.

Standingamidshipswasagirlinaflowingdressofwhitesilk,hermaneofblackhairpinnedbackwithacircletofdiamonds.Hereyeswerethecolorofcoffee,butwithoutthe

warmth.

Behindherstoodherbrothers—twoyoungmenwithpurple-featheredwings,starkwhitehair,andjaggedswordsofCelestialbronze.

“Sogoodtoseeyouagain,machère,”saidKhione,thegoddessofsnow.“It’stimewehadaverycoldreunion.”

PIPERDIDN’TPLANTOSHOOTBLUEBERRYMUFFINS.Thecornucopiamusthavesensedherdistressandthoughtsheandhervisitorscouldusesomewarmbakedgoods.

Halfadozensteamymuffinsflewfromthehornofplentylikebuckshot.Itwasn’tthemosteffectiveopeningattack.

Khionesimplyleanedtooneside.Mostofthemuffinssailedpastherovertherail.Herbrothers,theBoreads,eachcaughtoneandbegantoeat.

“Muffins,”saidthebiggerone.Cal,Piperremembered:shortforCalais.HewasdressedexactlyashehadbeeninQuebec—incleats,sweatpants,andaredhockeyjersey—andhadtwoblackeyesandseveralbrokenteeth.“Muffinsaregood.”

“Ah,merci,”saidthescrawnybrother—Zethes,sherecalled—whostoodonthecatapultplatform,hispurplewingsspread.HiswhitehairwasstillfeatheredinahorribleDiscoAgemullet.

Thecollarofhissilkshirtstuckoutoverhisbreastplate.Hischartreusepolyesterpantsweregrotesquelytight,andhisacnehadonlygottenworse.Despitethat,hewriggledhiseyebrowsandsmiledlikehewasthedemigodofpickupartists.

“Iknewtheprettygirlwouldmissme.”HespokeQuébécoisFrench,whichPipertranslatedeffortlessly.Thankstohermom,Aphrodite,thelanguageoflovewashardwiredintoher,thoughshedidn’twanttospeakitwithZethes.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Piperdemanded.Then,incharmspeak:“Letmyfriendsgo.”

Zethesblinked.“Weshouldletyourfriendsgo.”

“Yes,”Callagreed.

“No,youidiots!”Khionesnapped.“Sheischarmspeaking.Useyourwits.”

“Wits…”Callfrownedasifhewasn’tsurewhatwitswere.“Muffinsarebetter.”Hestuffedthewholethinginhismouthandbegantochew.

Zethespickedablueberryoffthetopofhisandnibbleditdelicately.“Ah,mybeautifulPiper…solongIhavewaitedtoseeyouagain.Sadly,mysisterisright.Wecannotletyourfriendsgo.InfactwemusttakethemtoQuebec,wheretheyshallbelaughedateternally.Iamsosorry,buttheseareourorders.”

“Orders…?”

Eversincelastwinter,PiperhadexpectedKhionetoshowherfrostyfacesoonerorlater.Whenthey’ddefeatedherattheWolfHouseinSonoma,thesnowgoddesshadvowedrevenge.ButwhywereZethesandCallhere?InQuebec,theBoreadshadseemedalmostfriendly—atleastcomparedtotheirsubzerosister.

“Guys,listen,”Pipersaid.“YoursisterdisobeyedBoreas.She’sworkingwiththegiants,tryingtoraiseGaea.She’splanningtotakeoveryourfather’sthrone.”Khionelaughed,softandcold.“DearPiperMcLean.Youwouldmanipulatemyweak-willedbrotherswithyourcharms,likeatruedaughterofthelovegoddess.Suchaskillfulliar.”

“Liar?”Pipercried.“Youtriedtokillus!Zethes,she’sworkingforGaea!”Zetheswinced.“Alas,beautifulgirl.WeallareworkingforGaeanow.Ifeartheseordersarefromourfather,Boreashimself.”

“What?”Piperdidn’twanttobelieveit,butKhione’ssmugsmiletoldheritwastrue.

“Atlastmyfathersawthewisdomofmycounsel,”Khionepurred,“oratleasthedidbeforehisRomansidebeganwarringwithhisGreekside.Ifearheisquiteincapacitatednow,butheleftmeincharge.HehasorderedthattheforcesoftheNorthWindbeusedintheserviceofKingPorphyrion,andofcourse…theEarthMother.”

Pipergulped.“Howareyouevenhere?”Shegesturedattheiceallovertheship.“It’ssummer!”Khioneshrugged.“Ourpowersgrow.Therulesofnatureareturnedupsidedown.OncetheEarthMotherwakes,weshallremaketheworldaswechoose!”

“Withhockey,”Callsaid,hismouthstillfull.“Andpizza.Andmuffins.”

“Yes,yes,”Khionesneered.“Ihadtopromiseafewthingstothebigsimpleton.AndtoZethes

—”

“Oh,myneedsaresimple.”ZethesslickedbackhishairandwinkedatPiper.“Ishouldhavekeptyouatourpalacewhenwefirstmet,mydearPiper.Butsoonwewillgothereagain,together,andIshallromanceyoumostincredibly.”

“Thanks,butnothanks,”Pipersaid.“Now,letJasongo.”Sheputallherpowerintothewords,andZethesobeyed.Hesnappedhisfingers.Jasoninstantlydefrosted.Hecrumpledtothefloor,gaspingandsteaming;butatleasthewasalive.

“Youimbecile!”Khionethrustoutherhand,andJasonrefroze,nowflatonthedecklikeabearskinrug.ShewheeledonZethes.“Ifyouwishthegirlasyourprize,youmustproveyoucancontrolher.Nottheotherwayaround!”

“Yes,ofcourse.”Zetheslookedchagrined.

“AsforJasonGrace…”Khione’sbrowneyesgleamed.“HeandtherestofyourfriendswilljoinourcourtoficestatuesinQuebec.Jasonwillgracemythroneroom.”

“Clever,”Pipermuttered.“Takeyoualldaytothinkupthatline?”AtleastsheknewJasonwasstillalive,whichmadePiperalittlelesspanicky.Thedeepfreezecouldbereversed.Thatmeantherotherfriendswereprobablystillalivebelowdeck.Shejustneededaplantofreethem.

Unfortunately,shewasn’tAnnabeth.Shewasn’tsogoodatdevisingplansonthefly.Sheneededtimetothink.

“WhataboutLeo?”sheblurted.“Wheredidyousendhim?”

ThesnowgoddesssteppedlightlyaroundJason,examininghimasifheweresidewalkart.

“LeoValdezdeservedaspecialpunishment,”shesaid.“Ihavesenthimtoaplacefromwhichhecanneverreturn.”

Pipercouldn’tbreathe.PoorLeo.Theideaofneverseeinghimagainalmostdestroyedher.

Khionemust’veseenitinherface.

“Alas,mydearPiper!”Shesmiledintriumph.“Butitisforthebest.Leocouldnotbetolerated,evenasanicestatue…notafterheinsultedme.Thefoolrefusedtoruleatmyside!Andhispoweroverfire…”Sheshookherhead.“HecouldnotbeallowedtoreachtheHouseofHades.I’mafraidLordClytiuslikesfireevenlessthanIdo.”

Pipergrippedherdagger.

Fire,shethought.Thanksforremindingme,youwitch.

Shescannedthedeck.Howtomakefire?AboxofGreekfirevialswassecuredbytheforwardballista,butthatwastoofaraway.Evenifshemadeitwithoutgettingfrozen,Greekfirewouldburneverything,includingtheshipandallherfriends.Therehadtobeanotherway.Hereyesstrayedtotheprow.

Oh.

Festusthefigureheadcouldblowsomeseriousflames.Unfortunately,Leohadswitchedhimoff.

Piperhadnoideahowtoreactivatehim.Shewouldneverhavetimetofigureouttherightcontrolsattheship’sconsole.ShehadvaguememoriesofLeotinkeringaroundinsidethedragon’sbronzeskull,mumblingaboutacontroldisk;butevenifPipercouldmakeittotheprow,shewouldhavenoideawhatshewasdoing.

Still,someinstincttoldherFestuswasherbestchance,ifonlyshecouldfigureouthowtoconvincehercaptorstolethergetcloseenough…

“Well!”Khioneinterruptedherthoughts.“Ifearourtimetogetherisataclose.Zethes,ifyouwould—”

“Wait!”Pipersaid.

Asimplecommand,anditworked.TheBoreadsandKhionefrownedather,waiting.

Piperwasfairlysureshecouldcontrolthebrotherswithcharmspeak,butKhionewasaproblem.

Charmspeakworkedpoorlyifthepersonwasn’tattractedtoyou.Itworkedpoorlyonapowerfulbeinglikeagod.Anditworkedpoorlywhenyourvictimknewaboutcharmspeakandwasactivelyonguardagainstit.AlloftheaboveappliedtoKhione.

WhatwouldAnnabethdo?

Delay,Piperthought.Whenindoubt,talksomemore.

“You’reafraidofmyfriends,”shesaid.“Sowhynotjustkillthem?”Khionelaughed.“Youarenotagod,oryouwouldunderstand.Deathissoshort,so…

unsatisfying.YourpunymortalsoulsflitofftotheUnderworld,andwhathappensthen?ThebestIcanhopeforisthatyougototheFieldsofPunishmentorAsphodel,butyoudemigodsareinsufferablynoble.MorelikelyyouwillgotoElysium—orgetreborninanewlife.WhywouldIwanttorewardyourfriendsthatway?Why…whenIcanpunishthemeternally?”

“Andme?”Piperhatedtoask.“WhyamIstillaliveandunfrozen?”Khioneglancedatherbrotherswithannoyance.“Zetheshasclaimedyou,foronething.”

“Ikissmagnificently,”Zethespromised.“Youwillsee,beautifulone.”TheideamadePiper’sstomachchurn.

“Butthatisnottheonlyreason,”Khionesaid.“ItisbecauseIhateyou,Piper.Deeplyandtruly.

Withoutyou,JasonwouldhavestayedwithmeinQuebec.”

“Delusional,much?”

Khione’seyesturnedashardasthediamondsinhercirclet.“Youareameddler,thedaughterofauselessgoddess.Whatcanyoudoalone?Nothing.Ofallthesevendemigods,youhavenopurpose,nopower.Iwishyoutostayonthisship,adriftandhelpless,whileGaearisesandtheworldends.Andjusttobesureyouarewelloutoftheway…”

ShegesturedtoZethes,whopluckedsomethingfromtheair—afrozenspherethesizeofasoftball,coveredinicyspikes.

“Abomb,”Zethesexplained,“especiallyforyou,mylove.”

“Bombs!”Calllaughed.“Agoodday!Bombsandmuffins!”

“Uh…”Piperloweredherdagger,whichseemedevenmoreuselessthanusual.“Flowerswould’vebeenfine.”

“Oh,itwillnotkilltheprettygirl.”Zethesfrowned.“Well…Iamfairlysureofthis.But

whenthefragilecontainercracks,in…ah,roughlynotverylong…itwillunleashthefullforceofthenorthernwinds.Thisshipwillbeblownveryfaroffcourse.Very,veryfar.”

“Indeed.”Khione’svoiceprickledwithfalsesympathy.“Wewilltakeyourfriendsforourstatuecollection,thenunleashthewindsandbidyougood-bye!Youcanwatchtheendoftheworldfrom…

well,theendoftheworld!Perhapsyoucancharmspeakthefish,andfeedyourselfwithyoursillycornucopia.Youcanpacethedeckofthisemptyshipandwatchourvictoryinthebladeofyourdagger.WhenGaeahasarisenandtheworldyouknewisdead,thenZethescancomebackandretrieveyouforhisbride.Whatwillyoudotostopus,Piper?Ahero?Ha!Youareajoke.”Herwordsstunglikesleet,mostlybecausePiperhadhadthesamethoughtsherself.Whatcouldshedo?Howcouldshesaveherfriendswithwhatshehad?

Shecameclosetosnapping—flyingatherenemiesinarageandgettingherselfkilled.

ShelookedatKhione’ssmugexpressionandsherealizedthegoddesswashopingforthat.ShewantedPipertobreak.Shewantedentertainment.

Piper’sspineturnedtosteel.SherememberedthegirlswhousedtomakefunofherattheWildernessSchool.SherememberedDrew,thecruelheadcounselorshehadreplacedinAphrodite’scabin;andMedea,whohadcharmedJasonandLeoinChicago;andJessica,herdad’soldassistant,whohadalwaystreatedherlikeauselessbrat.Allherlife,Piperhadbeenlookeddownupon,toldshewasuseless.

Ithasneverbeentrue,anothervoicewhispered—avoicethatsoundedlikehermother’s.Eachofthemberatedyoubecausetheyfearedyouandenviedyou.SodoesKhione.Usethat!

Piperdidn’tfeellikeit,butshemanagedalaugh.Shetrieditagain,andthelaughtercamemoreeasily.Soonshewasdoubledover,gigglingandsnorting.

Calaisjoinedin,untilZetheselbowedhim.

Khione’ssmilewavered.“What?Whatissofunny?Ihavedoomedyou!”

“Doomedme!”Piperlaughedagain.“Oh,gods…sorry.”Shetookashakybreathandtriedtostopgiggling.“Oh,boy…okay.YoureallythinkI’mpowerless?YoureallythinkI’museless?GodsofOlympus,yourbrainmusthavefreezerburn.Youdon’tknowmysecret,doyou?”Khione’seyesnarrowed.

“Youhavenosecret,”shesaid.“Youarelying.”

“Okay,whatever,”Pipersaid.“Yeah,goaheadandtakemyfriends.Leavemehere…useless.”Shesnorted.“Yeah.Gaeawillbereallypleasedwithyou.”Snowswirledaroundthegoddess.ZethesandCalaisglancedateachothernervously.

“Sister,”Zethessaid,“ifshereallyhassomesecret—”

“Pizza?”Callspeculated.“Hockey?”

“—thenwemustknow,”Zethescontinued.

Khioneobviouslydidn’tbuyit.Pipertriedtokeepastraightface,butshemadehereyes

dancewithmischiefandhumor.

Goahead,shedared.Callmybluff.

“Whatsecret?”Khionedemanded.“Revealittous!”

Pipershrugged.“Suityourself.”Shepointedcasuallytowardtheprow.“Followme,icepeople.”

SHEPUSHEDBETWEENTHEBOREADS,whichwaslikewalkingthroughameatfreezer.Theairaroundthemwassocold,itburnedherface.Shefeltlikeshewasbreathingpuresnow.

PipertriednottolookdownatJason’sfrozenbodyasshepassed.Shetriednottothinkaboutherfriendsbelow,orLeoshotintotheskytoaplaceofnoreturn.ShedefinitelytriednottothinkabouttheBoreadsandthesnowgoddesswhowerefollowingher.

Shefixedhereyesonthefigurehead.

Theshiprockedunderherfeet.Asinglegustofsummerairmadeitthroughthechill,andPiperbreatheditin,takingitasagoodomen.Itwasstillsummeroutthere.Khioneandherbrothersdidnotbelonghere.

Piperknewshecouldn’twinastraightfightagainstKhioneandtwowingedguyswithswords.

Shewasn’tascleverasAnnabeth,orasgoodatproblemsolvingasLeo.Butshedidhavepower.Andsheintendedtouseit.

Lastnight,duringhertalkwithHazel,PiperhadrealizedthatthesecretofcharmspeakwasalotlikeusingtheMist.Inthepast,Piperhadhadalotoftroublemakinghercharmswork,becauseshealwaysorderedherenemiestodowhatshewanted.ShewouldyellDon’tkilluswhenthemonster’sfondestwishwastokillthem.Shewouldputallherpowerintohervoiceandhopeitwasenoughtooverwhelmherenemy’swill.

Sometimesitworked,butitwasexhaustingandunreliable.Aphroditewasn’tabouthead-onconfrontation.Aphroditewasaboutsubtletyandguileandcharm.Piperdecidedsheshouldn’tfocusonmakingpeopledowhatshewanted.Sheneededtopushthemtodothethingstheywanted.

Agreattheory,ifshecouldmakeitwork.…

ShestoppedattheforemastandfacedKhione.“Wow,Ijustrealizedwhyyouhateussomuch,”shesaid,fillinghervoicewithpity.“WehumiliatedyouprettybadlyinSonoma.”Khione’seyesglintedlikeicedespresso.Sheshotanuneasylookatherbrothers.

Piperlaughed.“Oh,youdidn’ttellthem!”sheguessed.“Idon’tblameyou.Youhadagiantkingonyourside,plusanarmyofwolvesandEarthborn,andyoustillcouldn’tbeatus.”

“Silence!”thegoddesshissed.

Theairturnedmisty.Piperfeltfrostgatheringonhereyebrowsandfreezingherearcanals,butshefeignedasmile.

“Whatever.”ShewinkedatZethes.“Butitwasprettyfunny.”

“Thebeautifulgirlmustbelying,”Zethessaid.“KhionewasnotbeatenattheWolfHouse.Shesaiditwasa…ah,whatistheterm?Atacticalretreat.”

“Treats?”Callasked.“Treatsaregood.”

Piperpushedthebigguy’schestplayfully.“No,Cal.Hemeansthatyoursisterranaway.”

“Ididnot!”Khioneshrieked.

“WhatdidHeracallyou?”Pipermused.“Right—aD-listgoddess!”Sheburstoutlaughingagain,andheramusementwassogenuine,ZethesandCallstartedlaughingtoo.

“Thatistrèsbon!”Zethessaid.“AD-listgoddess.Ha!”

“Ha!”Callsaid.“Sisterranaway!Ha!”

Khione’swhitedressbegantosteam.IceformedoverZethes’sandCal’smouths,pluggingthemup.

“Showusthissecretofyours,PiperMcLean,”Khionegrowled.“ThenprayIleaveyouonthisshipintact.Ifyouaretoyingwithus,Iwillshowyouthehorrorsoffrostbite.IdoubtZetheswillstillwantyouifyouhavenofingersortoes…perhapsnonoseorears.”ZethesandCallspattheiceplugsoutoftheirmouths.

“Theprettygirlwouldlooklessprettywithoutanose,”Zethesadmitted.

Piperhadseenpicturesoffrostbitevictims.Thethreatterrifiedher,butshedidn’tletitshow.

“Comeon,then.”Sheledthewaytotheprow,hummingoneofherdad’sfavoritesongs

—“Summertime.”

Whenshegottothefigurehead,sheputherhandonFestus’sneck.Hisbronzescaleswerecold.

Therewasnohumofmachinery.Hisrubyeyesweredullanddark.

“Yourememberourdragon?”Piperasked.

Khionescoffed.“Thiscannotbeyoursecret.Thedragonisbroken.Itsfireisgone.”

“Well,yes…”Piperstrokedthedragon’ssnout.

Shedidn’thaveLeo’spowertomakegearsturnorcircuitsspark.Shecouldn’tsenseanythingabouttheworkingsofamachine.Allshecoulddowasspeakherheartandtellthedragonwhathemostwantedtohear.“ButFestusismorethanamachine.He’salivingcreature.”

“Ridiculous,”thegoddessspat.“Zethes,Cal—gatherthefrozendemigodsfrombelow.Thenweshallbreakopenthesphereofwinds.”

“Youcoulddothat,boys,”Piperagreed.“Butthenyouwouldn’tseeKhionehumiliated.Iknowyou’dlikethat.”

TheBoreadshesitated.

“Hockey?”Callasked.

“Almostasgood,”Piperpromised.“YoufoughtatthesideofJasonandtheArgonauts,didn’tyou?Onashiplikethis,thefirstArgo.”

“Yes,”Zethesagreed.“TheArgo.Muchlikethis,butwedidnothaveadragon.”

“Don’tlistentoher!”Khionesnapped.

Piperfelticeformingonherlips.

“Youcouldshutmeup,”shesaidquickly.“Butyouwanttoknowmysecretpower—howIwilldestroyyou,andGaea,andthegiants.”

HatredseethedinKhione’seyes,butshewithheldherfrost.

“You—have—no—power,”sheinsisted.

“SpokenlikeaD-listgoddess,”Pipersaid.“Onewhonevergetstakenseriously,whoalwayswantsmorepower.”

SheturnedtoFestusandranherhandbehindhismetalears.“You’reagoodfriend,Festus.Noonecantrulydeactivateyou.You’remorethanamachine.Khionedoesn’tunderstandthat.”SheturnedtotheBoreads.“Shedoesn’tvalueyou,either,youknow.Shethinksshecanbossyouaroundbecauseyou’redemigods,notfull-fledgedgods.Shedoesn’tunderstandthatyou’reapowerfulteam.”

“Ateam,”Callgrunted.“LiketheCa-na-di-ens.”

Hehadtostrugglewiththewordsinceitwasmorethantwosyllables.Hegrinnedandlookedverypleasedwithhimself.

“Exactly,”Pipersaid.“Justlikeahockeyteam.Thewholeisgreaterthantheparts.”

“Likeapizza,”Calladded.

Piperlaughed.“Youaresmart,Cal!EvenIunderestimatedyou.”

“Wait,now,”Zethesprotested.“Iamsmartalso.Andgood-looking.”

“Verysmart,”Piperagreed,ignoringthegood-lookingpart.“Soputdownthewindbomb,andwatchKhionegethumiliated.”

Zethesgrinned.Hecrouchedandrolledtheicesphereacrossthedeck.

“Youfool!”Khioneyelled.

Beforethegoddesscouldgoafterthesphere,Pipercried,“Oursecretweapon,Khione!We’renotjustabunchofdemigods.We’reateam.JustlikeFestusisn’tonlyacollectionofparts.He’salive.

He’smyfriend.Andwhenhisfriendsareintrouble,especiallyLeo,hecanwakeuponhisown.”Shewilledallherconfidenceintohervoice—allherloveforthemetaldragonandeverythinghe’ddoneforthem.

Therationalpartofherknewthiswashopeless.Howcouldyoustartamachinewithemotions?

ButAphroditewasn’trational.Sheruledthroughemotions.ShewastheoldestandmostprimordialoftheOlympians,bornfromthebloodofOuranoschurninginthesea.HerpowerwasmoreancientthanthatofHephaestus,orAthena,orevenZeus.

Foraterriblemoment,nothinghappened.Khioneglaredather.TheBoreadsbegantocomeoutoftheirdaze,lookingdisappointed.

“Nevermindourplan,”Khionesnarled.“Killher!”

AstheBoreadsraisedtheirswords,thedragon’smetalskingrewwarmunderPiper’shand.Shedoveoutoftheway,tacklingthesnowgoddess,asFestusturnedhisheadonehundredandeightydegreesandblastedtheBoreads,vaporizingthemonthespot.Forsomereason,Zethes’sswordwasspared.Itclunkedtothedeck,stillsteaming.

Piperscrambledtoherfeet.Shespottedthesphereofwindsatthebaseoftheforemast.Sheranforit,butbeforeshecouldgetclose,Khionematerializedinfrontofherinaswirloffrost.Herskinglowedbrightenoughtocausesnowblindness.

“Youmiserablegirl,”shehissed.“Youthinkyoucandefeatme—agoddess?”AtPiper’sback,Festusroaredandblewsteam,butPiperknewhecouldn’tbreathefireagainwithouthittinghertoo.

Abouttwentyfeetbehindthegoddess,theicespherebegantocrackandhiss.

Piperwasoutoftimeforsubtlety.Sheyelledandraisedherdagger,chargingthegoddess.

Khionegrabbedherwrist.IcespreadoverPiper’sarm.ThebladeofKatoptristurnedwhite.

Thegoddess’sfacewasonlysixinchesfromhers.Khionesmiled,knowingshehadwon.

“AchildofAphrodite,”shechided.“Youarenothing.”Festuscreakedagain.Pipercouldswearhewastryingtoshoutencouragement.

Suddenlyherchestgrewwarm—notwithangerorfear,butwithloveforthatdragon;andJason,whowasdependingonher;andherfriendstrappedbelow;andLeo,whowaslost

andwouldneedherhelp.

Maybelovewasnomatchforice…butPiperhadusedittowakeametaldragon.Mortalsdidsuperhumanfeatsinthenameofloveallthetime.Mothersliftedcarstosavetheirchildren.AndPiperwasmorethanjustmortal.Shewasademigod.Ahero.

Theicemeltedonherblade.HerarmsteamedunderKhione’sgrip.

“Stillunderestimatingme,”Pipertoldthegoddess.“Youreallyneedtoworkonthat.”Khione’ssmugexpressionfalteredasPiperdroveherdaggerstraightdown.

ThebladetouchedKhione’schest,andthegoddessexplodedinaminiatureblizzard.Pipercollapsed,dazedfromthecold.SheheardFestusclackingandwhirring,thereactivatedalarmbellsringing.

Thebomb.

Piperstruggledtorise.Thespherewastenfeetaway,hissingandspinningasthewindsinsidebegantostir.

Piperdoveforit.

Herfingersclosedaroundthebombjustastheiceshatteredandthewindsexploded.

PERCYFELTHOMESICKFORTHESWAMP.

Heneverthoughthe’dmisssleepinginagiant’sleatherbedinadrakon-bonehutinafesteringcesspool,butrightnowthatsoundedlikeElysium.

HeandAnnabethandBobstumbledalonginthedarkness,theairthickandcold,thegroundalternatingpatchesofpointyrocksandpoolsofmuck.TheterrainseemedtobedesignedsothatPercycouldneverlethisguarddown.Evenwalkingtenfeetwasexhausting.

Percyhadstartedoutfromthegiant’shutfeelingstrongagain,hisheadclear,hisbellyfullofdrakonjerkyfromtheirpacksofprovisions.Nowhislegsweresore.Everymuscle

ached.HepulledamakeshifttunicofdrakonleatheroverhisshreddedT-shirt,butitdidnothingtokeepoutthechill.

Hisfocusnarrowedtothegroundinfrontofhim.NothingexistedexceptforthatandAnnabethathisside.

Wheneverhefeltlikegivingup,ploppinghimselfdown,anddying(whichwas,like,everytenminutes),hereachedoverandtookherhand,justtoremembertherewaswarmthintheworld.

AfterAnnabeth’stalkwithDamasen,Percywasworriedabouther.Annabethdidn’tgiveintodespaireasily,butastheywalked,shewipedtearsfromhereyes,tryingnottoletPercysee.Heknewshehateditwhenherplansdidn’tworkout.ShewasconvincedtheyneededDamasen’shelp,butthegianthadturnedthemdown.

PartofPercywasrelieved.HewasconcernedenoughaboutBob’sstayingontheirsideoncetheyreachedtheDoorsofDeath.Hewasn’tsurehewantedagiantashiswingman,evenifthatgiantcouldcookameanbowlofstew.

HewonderedwhathadhappenedaftertheyleftDamasen’shut.Hehadn’theardtheirpursuersinhours,buthecouldsensetheirhatred…especiallyPolybotes’s.Thatgiantwasbacktheresomewhere,following,pushingthemdeeperintoTartarus.

Percytriedtothinkofgoodthingstokeephisspiritsup—thelakeatCampHalf-Blood,thetimehe’dkissedAnnabethunderwater.HetriedtoimaginethetwoofthematNewRometogether,walkingthroughthehillsandholdinghands.ButCampJupiterandCampHalf-Bloodbothseemedlikedreams.

HefeltasifonlyTartarusexisted.Thiswastherealworld—death,darkness,cold,pain.He’dbeenimaginingalltherest.

Heshivered.No.Thatwasthepitspeakingtohim,sappinghisresolve.HewonderedhowNicohadsurviveddownherealonewithoutgoinginsane.ThatkidhadmorestrengththanPercyhadgivenhimcreditfor.Thedeepertheytraveled,theharderitbecametostayfocused.

“ThisplaceisworsethantheRiverCocytus,”hemuttered.

“Yes,”Bobcalledbackhappily.“Muchworse!Itmeansweareclose.”Closetowhat?Percywondered.Buthedidn’thavethestrengthtoask.HenoticedSmallBobthecathadhiddenhimselfinBob’scoverallsagain,whichreinforcedPercy’sopinionthatthekittenwasthesmartestoneintheirgroup.

Annabethlacedherfingersthroughhis.Inthelightofhisbronzesword,herfacewasbeautiful.

“We’retogether,”sheremindedhim.“We’llgetthroughthis.”He’dbeensoworriedaboutliftingherspirits,andhereshewasreassuringhim.

“Yeah,”heagreed.“Pieceofcake.”

“Butnexttime,”shesaid,“Iwanttogosomewheredifferentonadate.”

“Pariswasnice,”herecalled.

Shemanagedasmile.Monthsago,beforePercygotamnesia,they’dhaddinnerinParisonenight,complimentsofHermes.Thatseemedlikeanotherlifetime.

“I’dsettleforNewRome,”sheoffered.“Aslongasyou’retherewithme.”Man,Annabethwasawesome.Foramoment,Percyactuallyrememberedwhatitwasliketofeelhappy.Hehadanamazinggirlfriend.Theycouldhaveafuturetogether.

Thenthedarknessdispersedwithamassivesigh,likethelastbreathofadyinggod.Infrontofthemwasaclearing—abarrenfieldofdustandstones.Inthecenter,abouttwentyyardsaway,kneltthegruesomefigureofawoman,herclothestattered,herlimbsemaciated,herskinleatherygreen.

Herheadwasbentasshesobbedquietly,andthesoundshatteredallPercy’shopes.

Herealizedthatlifewaspointless.Hisstruggleswerefornothing.Thiswomancriedasifmourningthedeathoftheentireworld.

“We’rehere,”Bobannounced.“Akhlyscanhelp.”

IFTHESOBBINGGHOULWASBOB’SIDEAOFHELP,Percywasprettysurehedidn’twantit.

Nevertheless,Bobtrudgedforward.Percyfeltobligedtofollow.Ifnothingelse,thisareawaslessdark—notexactlylight,butwithmoreofasoupywhitefog.

“Akhlys!”Bobcalled.

Thecreatureraisedherhead,andPercy’sstomachscreamed,Helpme!

Herbodywasbadenough.Shelookedlikethevictimofafamine—limbslikesticks,swollenkneesandknobbyelbows,ragsforclothes,brokenfingernailsandtoenails.Dustwascakedonherskinandpiledonhershouldersasifshe’dtakenashoweratthebottomofanhourglass.

Herfacewasutterdesolation.Hereyesweresunkenandrheumy,pouringouttears.Her

nosedrippedlikeawaterfall.Herstringygrayhairwasmattedtoherskullingreasytufts,andhercheekswererakedandbleedingasifshe’dbeenclawingherself.

Percycouldn’tstandtomeethereyes,soheloweredhisgaze.Acrossherkneeslayanancientshield—abatteredcircleofwoodandbronze,paintedwiththelikenessofAkhlysherselfholdingashield,sotheimageseemedtogoonforever,smallerandsmaller.

“Thatshield,”Annabethmurmured.“That’shis.Ithoughtitwasjustastory.”

“Oh,no,”theoldhagwailed.“TheshieldofHercules.Hepaintedmeonitssurface,sohisenemieswouldseemeintheirfinalmoments—thegoddessofmisery.”Shecoughedsohard,itmadePercy’schesthurt.“AsifHerculesknewtruemisery.It’snotevenagoodlikeness!”Percygulped.WhenheandhisfriendshadencounteredHerculesattheStraitsofGibraltar,ithadn’tgonewell.Theexchangehadinvolvedalotofyelling,deaththreats,andhigh-velocitypineapples.

“What’shisshielddoinghere?”Percyasked.

Thegoddessstaredathimwithherwetmilkyeyes.Hercheeksdrippedblood,makingredpolkadotsonhertattereddress.“Hedoesn’tneeditanymore,doeshe?Itcameherewhenhismortalbodywasburned.Areminder,Isuppose,thatnoshieldissufficient.Intheend,miseryovertakesallofyou.

EvenHercules.”

PercyinchedclosertoAnnabeth.Hetriedtorememberwhytheywerehere,butthesenseofdespairmadeitdifficulttothink.HearingAkhlysspeak,henolongerfounditstrangethatshehadclawedherowncheeks.Thegoddessradiatedpurepain.

“Bob,”Percysaid,“weshouldn’thavecomehere.”

FromsomewhereinsideBob’suniform,theskeletonkittenmewledinagreement.

TheTitanshiftedandwincedasifSmallBobwasclawinghisarmpit.“AkhlyscontrolstheDeathMist,”heinsisted.“Shecanhideyou.”

“Hidethem?”Akhlysmadeagurglingsound.Shewaseitherlaughingorchokingtodeath.“WhywouldIdothat?”

“TheymustreachtheDoorsofDeath,”Bobsaid.“Toreturntothemortalworld.”

“Impossible!”Akhlyssaid.“ThearmiesofTartaruswillfindyou.Theywillkillyou.”Annabethturnedthebladeofherdrakon-bonesword,whichPercyhadtoadmitmadeherlookprettyintimidatingandhotina“BarbarianPrincess”kindofway.“SoIguessyourDeathMistisprettyuseless,then,”shesaid.

Thegoddessbaredherbrokenyellowteeth.“Useless?Whoareyou?”

“AdaughterofAthena.”Annabeth’svoicesoundedbrave—thoughhowshedidit,Percydidn’tknow.“Ididn’twalkhalfwayacrossTartarustobetoldwhat’simpossiblebysomeminorgoddess.”Thedustquiveredattheirfeet.Fogswirledaroundthemwithasoundlikeagonizedwailing.

“Minorgoddess?”Akhlys’sgnarledfingernailsdugintoHercules’sshield,gougingthemetal.“IwasoldbeforetheTitanswereborn,youignorantgirl.IwasoldwhenGaeafirst

woke.Miseryiseternal.Existenceismisery.Iwasbornoftheeldestones—ofChaosandNight.Iwas—”

“Yes,yes,”Annabethsaid.“Sadnessandmisery,blahblahblah.Butyoustilldon’thaveenoughpowertohidetwodemigodswithyourDeathMist.LikeIsaid:useless.”Percyclearedhisthroat.“Uh,Annabeth—”

Sheflashedhimawarninglook:Workwithme.Herealizedhowterrifiedshewas,butshehadnochoice.Thiswastheirbestshotatstirringthegoddessintoaction.

“Imean…Annabethisright!”Percyvolunteered.“Bobbroughtusallthiswaybecausehethoughtyoucouldhelp.ButIguessyou’retoobusystaringatthatshieldandcrying.Ican’tblameyou.Itlooksjustlikeyou.”

AkhlyswailedandglaredattheTitan.“Whydidyouinflicttheseannoyingchildrenonme?”Bobmadeasoundsomewherebetweenarumbleandawhimper.“Ithought—Ithought—”

“TheDeathMistisnotforhelping!”Akhlysshrieked.“ItshroudsmortalsinmiseryastheirsoulspassintotheUnderworld.ItistheverybreathofTartarus,ofdeath,ofdespair!”

“Awesome,”Percysaid.“Couldwegettwoordersofthattogo?”Akhlyshissed.“Askmeforamoresensiblegift.Iamalsothegoddessofpoisons.Icouldgiveyoudeath—thousandsofwaystodielesspainfulthantheoneyouhavechosenbymarchingintotheheartofthepit.”

Aroundthegoddess,flowersbloomedinthedust—darkpurple,orange,andredblossomsthatsmelledsicklysweet.Percy’sheadswam.

“Nightshade,”Akhlysoffered.“Hemlock.Belladonna,henbane,orstrychnine.Icandissolveyourinnards,boilyourblood.”

“That’sveryniceofyou,”Percysaid.“ButI’vehadenoughpoisonforonetrip.Now,canyouhideusinyourDeathMist,ornot?”

“Yeah,it’llbefun,”Annabethsaid.

Thegoddess’seyesnarrowed.“Fun?”

“Sure,”Annabethpromised.“Ifwefail,thinkhowgreatitwillbeforyou,gloatingoverourspiritswhenwedieinagony.You’llgettosay‘Itoldyouso’foreternity.”

“Or,ifwesucceed,”Percyadded,“thinkofallthesufferingyou’llbringtothemonstersdownhere.WeintendtosealtheDoorsofDeath.That’sgoingtocausealotofwailingandmoaning.”Akhlysconsidered.“Ienjoysuffering.Wailingisalsogood.”

“Thenit’ssettled,”Percysaid.“Makeusinvisible.”

Akhlysstruggledtoherfeet.TheshieldofHerculesrolledawayandwobbledtoastopinapatchofpoisonflowers.“Itisnotsosimple,”thegoddesssaid.“TheDeathMistcomesatthemomentyouareclosesttoyourend.Youreyeswillbecloudedonlythen.Theworldwillfade.”Percy’smouthfeltdry.“Okay.But…we’llbeshroudedfromthemonsters?”

“Oh,yes,”Akhlyssaid.“Ifyousurvivetheprocess,youwillbeabletopassunnoticedamongthearmiesofTartarus.Itishopeless,ofcourse,butifyouaredetermined,then

come.Iwillshowyoutheway.”

“Thewaytowhere,exactly?”Annabethasked.

Thegoddesswasalreadyshufflingintothegloom.

PercyturnedtolookatBob,buttheTitanwasgone.Howdoesaten-foot-tallsilverdudewithaveryloudkittendisappear?

“Hey!”PercyyelledtoAkhlys.“Where’sourfriend?”

“Hecannottakethispath,”thegoddesscalledback.“Heisnotmortal.Come,littlefools.ComeexperiencetheDeathMist.”

Annabethexhaledandgrabbedhishand.“Well…howbadcanitbe?”ThequestionwassoridiculousPercylaughed,eventhoughithurthislungs.“Yeah.Nextdate,though—dinnerinNewRome.”

Theyfollowedthegoddess’sdustyfootprintsthroughthepoisonflowers,deeperintothefog.

PERCYMISSEDBOB.

He’dgottenusedtohavingtheTitanonhisside,lightingtheirwaywithhissilverhairandhisfearsomewarbroom.

Nowtheironlyguidewasanemaciatedcorpseladywithseriousself-esteemissues.

Astheystruggledacrossthedustyplain,thefogbecamesothickthatPercyhadtoresisttheurgetoswatitawaywithhishands.TheonlyreasonhewasabletofollowAkhlys’spathwasbecausepoisonousplantssprangupwherevershewalked.

IftheywerestillonthebodyofTartarus,Percyfiguredtheymustbeonthebottomofhisfoot—arough,callousedexpansewhereonlythemostdisgustingplantlifegrew.

Finallytheyarrivedattheendofthebigtoe.Atleastthat’swhatitlookedliketoPercy.

Thefogdissipated,andtheyfoundthemselvesonapeninsulathatjuttedoutoverapitch-blackvoid.

“Hereweare.”Akhlysturnedandleeredatthem.Bloodfromhercheeksdrippedonherdress.

Hersicklyeyeslookedmoistandswollenbutsomehowexcited.CanMiserylookexcited?

“Uh…great,”Percyasked.“Whereishere?”

“Thevergeoffinaldeath,”Akhlyssaid.“WhereNightmeetsthevoidbelowTartarus.”Annabethinchedforwardandpeeredoverthecliff.“IthoughttherewasnothingbelowTartarus.”

“Oh,certainlythereis.…”Akhlyscoughed.“EvenTartarushadtorisefromsomewhere.Thisistheedgeoftheearliestdarkness,whichwasmymother.BelowliestherealmofChaos,myfather.

Here,youareclosertonothingnessthananymortalhaseverbeen.Canyounotfeelit?”Percyknewwhatshemeant.Thevoidseemedtobepullingathim,leachingthebreathfromhislungsandtheoxygenfromhisblood.HelookedatAnnabethandsawthatherlipsweretingedblue.

“Wecan’tstayhere,”hesaid.

“No,indeed!”Akhlyssaid.“Don’tyoufeeltheDeathMist?Evennow,youpassbetween.Look!”WhitesmokegatheredaroundPercy’sfeet.Asitcoileduphislegs,herealizedthesmokewasn’tsurroundinghim.Itwascomingfromhim.Hiswholebodywasdissolving.Hehelduphishandsandfoundtheywerefuzzyandindistinct.Hecouldn’teventellhowmanyfingershehad.Hopefullystillten.

HeturnedtoAnnabethandstifledayelp.“You’re—uh—”

Hecouldn’tsayit.Shelookeddead.

Herskinwassallow,hereyesocketsdarkandsunken.Herbeautifulhairhaddriedintoaskeinofcobwebs.Shelookedlikeshe’dbeenstuckinacool,darkmausoleumfordecades,slowlywitheringintoadesiccatedhusk.Whensheturnedtolookathim,herfeaturesmomentarilyblurredintomist.

Percy’sbloodmovedlikesapinhisveins.

Foryears,hehadworriedaboutAnnabethdying.Whenyouwereademigod,thatwentwiththeterritory.Mosthalf-bloodsdidn’tlivelong.Youalwaysknewthatthenextmonsteryoufoughtcouldbeyourlast.ButseeingAnnabethlikethiswastoopainful.He’dratherstandintheRiverPhlegethon,orgetattackedbyarai,orbetrampledbygiants.

“Oh,gods,”Annabethsobbed.“Percy,thewayyoulook…”

Percystudiedhisarms.Allhesawwereblobsofwhitemist,butheguessedthattoAnnabethhelookedlikeacorpse.Hetookafewsteps,thoughitwasdifficult.Hisbodyfeltinsubstantial,likehewasmadeofheliumandcottoncandy.

“I’velookedbetter,”hedecided.“Ican’tmoveverywell.ButI’mallright.”Akhlys

clucked.“Oh,you’redefinitelynotallright.”Percyfrowned.“Butwe’llpassunseennow?WecangettotheDoorsofDeath?”

“Well,perhapsyoucould,”thegoddesssaid,“ifyoulivedthatlong,whichyouwon’t.”Akhlysspreadhergnarledfingers.Moreplantsbloomedalongtheedgeofthepit—hemlock,nightshade,andoleanderspreadingtowardPercy’sfeetlikeadeadlycarpet.“TheDeathMistisnotsimplyadisguise,yousee.Itisastateofbeing.Icouldnotbringyouthisgiftunlessdeathfollowed—

truedeath.”

“It’satrap,”Annabethsaid.

Thegoddesscackled.“Didn’tyouexpectmetobetrayyou?”

“Yes,”AnnabethandPercysaidtogether.

“Well,then,itwashardlyatrap!Moreofaninevitability.Miseryisinevitable.Painis—”

“Yeah,yeah,”Percygrowled.“Let’sgettothefighting.”

HedrewRiptide,butthebladewasmadeofsmoke.WhenheslashedatAkhlys,theswordjustfloatedacrossherlikeagentlebreeze.

Thegoddess’sruinedmouthsplitintoagrin.“DidIforgettomention?Youareonlymistnow—ashadowbeforedeath.Perhapsifyouhadtime,youcouldlearntocontrolyournewform.Butyoudonothavetime.Sinceyoucannottouchme,IfearanyfightwithMiserywillbequiteone-sided.”Herfingernailsgrewintotalons.Herjawunhinged,andheryellowteethelongatedintofangs.

AKHLYSLUNGEDATPERCY,andforasplitsecondhethought:Well,hey,I’mjustsmoke.Shecan’ttouchme,right?

HeimaginedtheFatesupinOlympus,laughingathiswishfulthinking:LOL,NOOB!

Thegoddess’sclawsrakedacrosshischestandstunglikeboilingwater.

Percystumbledbackward,buthewasn’tusedtobeingsmoky.Hislegsmovedtooslowly.Hisarmsfeltliketissuepaper.Indesperation,hethrewhisbackpackather,thinkingmaybeitwouldturnsolidwhenitlefthishand,butnosuchluck.Itfellwithasoftthud.

Akhlyssnarled,crouchingtospring.ShewouldhavebittenPercy’sfaceoffifAnnabethhadn’tchargedandscreamed,“HEY!”rightinthegoddess’sear.

Akhlysflinched,turningtowardthesound.

ShelashedoutatAnnabeth,butAnnabethwasbetteratmovingthanPercy.Maybeshewasn’tfeelingassmoky,ormaybeshe’djusthadmorecombattraining.She’dbeenatCampHalf-Bloodsinceshewasseven.Probablyshe’dhadclassesPercynevergot,likeHowtoFightWhilePartiallyMadeofSmoke.

Annabethdovestraightbetweenthegoddess’slegsandsomersaultedtoherfeet.Akhlysturnedandattacked,butAnnabethdodgedagain,likeamatador.

Percywassostunned,helostafewpreciousseconds.HestaredatcorpseAnnabeth,shroudedinmistbutmovingasfastandconfidentlyasever.Thenitoccurredtohimwhyshewasdoingthis:tobuythemtime.WhichmeantPercyneededtohelp.

Hethoughtfuriously,tryingtocomeupwithawaytodefeatMisery.Howcouldhefightwhenhecouldn’ttouchanything?

OnAkhlys’sthirdattack,Annabethwasn’tsolucky.Shetriedtoveeraside,butthegoddessgrabbedAnnabeth’swristandpulledherhard,sendinghersprawling.

Beforethegoddesscouldpounce,Percyadvanced,yellingandwavinghissword.HestillfeltaboutassolidasaKleenex,buthisangerseemedtohelphimmovefaster.

“Hey,Happy!”heyelled.

Akhlysspun,droppingAnnabeth’sarm.“Happy?”shedemanded.

“Yeah!”Heduckedassheswipedathishead.“You’redownrightcheerful!”

“Arggh!”Shelungedagain,butshewasoffbalance.Percysidesteppedandbackedaway,leadingthegoddessfartherfromAnnabeth.

“Pleasant!”hecalled.“Delightful!”

Thegoddesssnarledandwinced.ShestumbledafterPercy.Eachcomplimentseemedtohitherlikesandintheface.

“Iwillkillyouslowly!”shegrowled,hereyesandnosewatering,blooddrippingfromhercheeks.“IwillcutyouintopiecesasasacrificetoNight!”Annabethstruggledtoherfeet.Shestartedriflingthroughherpack,nodoubtlookingforsomethingthatmighthelp.

Percywantedtogivehermoretime.Shewasthebrains.Betterforhimtogetattackedwhileshecameupwithabrilliantplan.

“Cuddly!”Percyyelled.“Fuzzy,warm,andhuggable!”

Akhlysmadeagrowling,chokingnoise,likeacathavingaseizure.

“Aslowdeath!”shescreamed.“Adeathfromathousandpoisons!”Allaroundher,poisonousplantsgrewandburstlikeoverfilledballoons.Green-and-whitesaptrickledout,

collectingintopools,andbeganflowingacrossthegroundtowardPercy.Thesweet-smellingfumesmadehisheadfeelwobbly.

“Percy!”Annabeth’svoicesoundedfaraway.“Uh,hey,MissWonderful!Cheerful!Grins!Overhere!”

ButthegoddessofmiserywasnowfixatedonPercy.Hetriedtoretreatagain.Unfortunatelythepoisonichorwasflowingallaroundhimnow,makingthegroundsteamandtheairburn.Percyfoundhimselfstuckonanislandofdustnotmuchbiggerthanashield.Afewyardsaway,hisbackpacksmokedanddissolvedintoapuddleofgoo.Percyhadnowheretogo.

Hefelltooneknee.HewantedtotellAnnabethtorun,buthecouldn’tspeak.Histhroatwasasdryasdeadleaves.

HewishedtherewerewaterinTartarus—somenicepoolhecouldjumpintotohealhimself,ormaybeariverhecouldcontrol.He’dsettleforabottleofEvian.

“Youwillfeedtheeternaldarkness,”Akhlyssaid.“YouwilldieinthearmsofNight!”HewasdimlyawareofAnnabethshouting,throwingrandompiecesofdrakonjerkyatthegoddess.Thewhite-greenpoisonkeptpooling,littlestreamstricklingfromtheplantsasthevenomouslakearoundhimgotwiderandwider.

Lake,hethought.Streams.Water.

Probablyitwasjusthisbraingettingfriedfrompoisonfumes,buthecroakedoutalaugh.Poisonwasliquid.Ifitmovedlikewater,itmustbepartiallywater.

Herememberedsomesciencelectureaboutthehumanbodybeingmostlywater.HerememberedextractingwaterfromJason’slungsbackinRome.…Ifhecouldcontrolthat,thenwhynototherliquids?

Itwasacrazyidea.Poseidonwasthegodofthesea,notofeveryliquideverywhere.

Thenagain,Tartarushaditsownrules.Firewasdrinkable.Thegroundwasthebodyofadarkgod.Theairwasacid,anddemigodscouldbeturnedintosmokycorpses.

Sowhynottry?Hehadnothinglefttolose.

Heglaredatthepoisonfloodencroachingfromallsides.Heconcentratedsohardthatsomethinginsidehimcracked—asifacrystalballhadshatteredinhisstomach.

Warmthflowedthroughhim.Thepoisontidestopped.

Thefumesblewawayfromhim—backtowardthegoddess.Thelakeofpoisonrolledtowardherintinywavesandrivulets.

Akhlysshrieked.“Whatisthis?”

“Poison,”Percysaid.“That’syourspecialty,right?”

Hestood,hisangergrowinghotterinhisgut.Asthefloodofvenomrolledtowardthegoddess,thefumesbegantomakehercough.Hereyeswateredevenmore.

Oh,good,Percythought.Morewater.

Percyimaginedhernoseandthroatfillingwithherowntears.

Akhlysgagged.“I—”Thetideofvenomreachedherfeet,sizzlinglikedropletsonahotiron.Shewailedandstumbledback.

“Percy!”Annabethcalled.

She’dretreatedtotheedgeofthecliff,eventhoughthepoisonwasn’tafterher.Shesoundedterrified.IttookPercyamomenttorealizeshewasterrifiedofhim.

“Stop…”shepleaded,hervoicehoarse.

Hedidn’twanttostop.Hewantedtochokethisgoddess.Hewantedtowatchherdrowninherownpoison.HewantedtoseejusthowmuchmiseryMiserycouldtake.

“Percy,please…”Annabeth’sfacewasstillpaleandcorpse-like,buthereyeswerethesameasalways.TheanguishinthemmadePercy’sangerfade.

Heturnedtothegoddess.Hewilledthepoisontorecede,creatingasmallpathofretreatalongtheedgeofthecliff.

“Leave!”hebellowed.

Foranemaciatedghoul,Akhlyscouldrunprettyfastwhenshewantedto.Shescrambledalongthepath,fellonherface,andgotupagain,wailingasshespedintothedark.

Assoonasshewasgone,thepoolsofpoisonevaporated.Theplantswitheredtodustandblewaway.

Annabethstumbledtowardhim.Shelookedlikeacorpsewreathedinsmoke,butshefeltsolidenoughwhenshegrippedhisarms.

“Percy,pleasedon’tever…”Hervoicebrokeinasob.“Somethingsaren’tmeanttobecontrolled.Please.”

Hiswholebodytingledwithpower,buttheangerwassubsiding.Thebrokenglassinsidehimwasbeginningtosmoothattheedges.

“Yeah,”hesaid.“Yeah,okay.”

“Wehavetogetawayfromthiscliff,”Annabethsaid.“IfAkhlysbroughtushereassomekindofsacrifice…”

Percytriedtothink.HewasgettingusedtomovingwiththeDeathMistaroundhim.Hefeltmoresolid,morelikehimself.Buthismindstillfeltstuffedwithcotton.

“Shesaidsomethingaboutfeedingustothenight,”heremembered.“Whatwasthatabout?”Thetemperaturedropped.Theabyssbeforethemseemedtoexhale.

PercygrabbedAnnabethandbackedawayfromtheedgeasapresenceemergedfromthevoid—aformsovastandshadowy,hefeltlikeheunderstoodtheconceptofdarkforthefirsttime.

“Iimagine,”saidthedarkness,inafemininevoiceassoftascoffinlining,“thatshemeantNight,withacapitalN.Afterall,Iamtheonlyone.”

THEWAYLEOFIGUREDIT,hespentmoretimecrashingthanhedidflying.

Iftherewerearewardscardforfrequentcrashers,he’dbe,like,double-platinumlevel.

Heregainedconsciousnessashewasfree-fallingthroughtheclouds.HehadahazymemoryofKhionetauntinghimrightbeforehegotshotintothesky.Hehadn’tactuallyseenher,buthecouldneverforgetthatsnowwitch’svoice.Hehadnoideahowlonghe’dbeengainingaltitude,butatsomepointhemusthavepassedoutfromthecoldandthelackofoxygen.Nowhewasonhiswaydown,headingforhisbiggestcrashever.

Thecloudspartedaroundhim.Hesawtheglitteringseafar,farbelow.NosignoftheArgoII.Nosignofanycoastline,familiarorotherwise,exceptforonetinyislandatthehorizon.

Leocouldn’tfly.Hehadacoupleofminutesatmostbeforehe’dhitthewaterandgoker-splat.

Hedecidedhedidn’tlikethatendingtotheEpicBalladofLeo.

HewasstillclutchingtheArchimedessphere,whichdidn’tsurprisehim.Unconsciousornot,hewouldneverletgoofhismostvaluablepossession.Withalittlemaneuvering,hemanagedtopullsomeducttapefromhistoolbeltandstrapthespheretohischest.Thatmadehimlooklikealow-budgetIronMan,butatleasthehadbothhandsfree.Hestartedtowork,furiouslytinkeringwiththesphere,pullingoutanythinghethoughtwouldhelpfromhismagictoolbelt:adropcloth,metalextenders,somestringandgrommets.

Workingwhilefallingwasalmostimpossible.Thewindroaredinhisears.Itkeptrippingtools,screws,andcanvasoutofhishands,butfinallyheconstructedamakeshiftframe.Hepoppedopenahatchonthesphere,teasedouttwowires,andconnectedthemtohiscrossbar.

Howlonguntilhehitthewater?Maybeaminute?

Heturnedthesphere’scontroldial,anditwhirredintoaction.Morebronzewiresshot

fromtheorb,intuitivelysensingwhatLeoneeded.Cordslacedupthecanvasdropcloth.Theframebegantoexpandonitsown.Leopulledoutacanofkeroseneandarubbertubeandlashedthemtothethirstynewenginethattheorbwashelpinghimassemble.

FinallyhemadehimselfaropehalterandshiftedsothattheX-framewasattachedtohisback.

Theseagotcloserandcloser—aglitteringexpanseofslap-you-in-the-facedeath.

Heyelledindefianceandpunchedthesphere’soverrideswitch.

Theenginecoughedtolife.Themakeshiftrotorturned.Thecanvasbladesspun,butmuchtooslowly.Leo’sheadwaspointedstraightdownatthesea—maybethirtysecondstoimpact.

Atleastnobody’saround,hethoughtbitterly,orI’dbeademigodjokeforever.WhatwasthelastthingtogothroughLeo’smind?TheMediterranean.

Suddenlytheorbgotwarmagainsthischest.Thebladesturnedfaster.Theenginecoughed,andLeotiltedsideways,slicingthroughtheair.

“YES!”heyelled.

Hehadsuccessfullycreatedtheworld’smostdangerouspersonalhelicopter.

Heshottowardtheislandinthedistance,buthewasstillfallingmuchtoofast.Thebladesshuddered.Thecanvasscreamed.

Thebeachwasonlyafewhundredyardsawaywhenthesphereturnedlava-hotandthehelicopterexploded,shootingflamesineverydirection.Ifhehadn’tbeenimmunetofire,Leowouldhavebeencharcoal.Asitwas,themidairexplosionprobablysavedhislife.TheblastflungLeosidewayswhilethebulkofhisflamingcontraptionsmashedintotheshoreatfullspeedwithamassiveKA-BOOM!

Leoopenedhiseyes,amazedtobealive.Hewassittinginabathtub-sizedcraterinthesand.Afewyardsaway,acolumnofthickblacksmokeroiledintotheskyfromamuchlargercrater.Thesurroundingbeachwaspepperedwithsmallerpiecesofburningwreckage.

“Mysphere.”Leopattedhischest.Thespherewasn’tthere.Hisducttapeandropehalterhaddisintegrated.

Hestruggledtohisfeet.Noneofhisbonesseemedbroken,whichwasgood;butmostlyhewasworriedabouthisArchimedessphere.Ifhe’ddestroyedhispricelessartifacttomakeaflamingthirty-secondhelicopter,hewasgoingtotrackdownthatstupidsnowgoddessKhioneandsmackherwithamonkeywrench.

Hestaggeredacrossthebeach,wonderingwhythereweren’tanytouristsorhotelsorboatsinsight.Theislandseemedperfectforaresort,withbluewaterandsoftwhitesand.Maybeitwasuncharted.Didtheystillhaveunchartedislandsintheworld?MaybeKhionehadblastedhimoutoftheMediterraneanaltogether.Forallheknew,hewasinBoraBora.

Thelargercraterwasabouteightfeetdeep.Atthebottom,thehelicopterbladeswerestilltryingtoturn.Theenginebelchedsmoke.Therotorcroakedlikeastepped-onfrog,but

dang—prettyimpressiveforarushjob.

Thehelicopterhadapparentlycrashedontosomething.Thecraterwaslitteredwithbrokenwoodenfurniture,shatteredchinaplates,somehalf-meltedpewtergoblets,andburninglinennapkins.

Leowasn’tsurewhyallthatfancystuffhadbeenonthebeach,butatleastitmeantthatthisplacewasinhabited,afterall.

FinallyhespottedtheArchimedessphere—steamingandcharredbutstillintact,makingunhappyclickingnoisesinthecenterofthewreckage.

“Sphere!”heyelled.“CometoPapa!”

Heskiddedtothebottomofthecraterandsnatchedupthesphere.Hecollapsed,satcross-legged,andcradledthedeviceinhishands.Thebronzesurfacewassearinghot,butLeodidn’tcare.Itwasstillinonepiece,whichmeanthecoulduseit.

Now,ifhecouldjustfigureoutwherehewas,andhowtogetbacktohisfriends.…

Hewasmakingamentallistoftoolshemightneedwhenagirl’svoiceinterruptedhim:“Whatareyoudoing?Youblewupmydiningtable!”

ImmediatelyLeothought:Uh-oh.

He’dmetalotofgoddesses,butthegirlglaringdownathimfromtheedgeofthecrateractuallylookedlikeagoddess.

SheworeasleevelesswhiteGreek-styledresswithagoldbraidedbelt.Herhairwaslong,straight,andgoldenbrown—almostthesamecinnamon-toastcolorasHazel’s,butthesimilaritytoHazelendedthere.Thegirl’sfacewasmilkypale,withdark,almond-shapedeyesandpoutylips.Shelookedmaybefifteen,aboutLeo’sage,and,sure,shewaspretty;butwiththatangryexpressiononherfacesheremindedLeoofeverypopulargirlineveryschoolhe’deverattended—theoneswhomadefunofhim,gossipedalot,thoughttheyweresosuperior,andbasicallydideverythingtheycouldtomakehislifemiserable.

Leodislikedherinstantly.

“Oh,I’msorry!”hesaid.“Ijustfelloutofthesky.Iconstructedahelicopterinmidair,burstintoflameshalfwaydown,crash-landed,andbarelysurvived.Butbyallmeans—let’stalkaboutyourdiningtable!”

Hesnatchedupahalf-meltedgoblet.“Whoputsadiningtableonthebeachwhereinnocentdemigodscancrashintoit?Whodoesthat?”

Thegirlclenchedherfists.Leowasprettysureshewasgoingtomarchdownthecraterandpunchhimintheface.Insteadshelookedupatthesky.

“REALLY?”shescreamedattheemptyblue.“Youwanttomakemycurseevenworse?Zeus!

Hephaestus!Hermes!Haveyounoshame?”

“Uh…”Leonoticedthatshe’djustpickedthreegodstoblame,andoneofthemwashisdad.Hedidn’tfigurethatwasagoodsign.“Idoubtthey’relistening.Youknow,thewholesplitpersonalitything—”

“Showyourself!”thegirlyelledatthesky,completelyignoringLeo.“It’snotbadenoughIamexiled?It’snotbadenoughyoutakeawaythefewgoodheroesI’mallowedtomeet?Youthinkit’sfunnytosendmethis—thischarbroiledruntofaboytoruinmytranquility?ThisisNOTFUNNY!

Takehimback!”

“Hey,Sunshine,”Leosaid.“I’mrighthere,youknow.”

Shegrowledlikeacorneredanimal.“DonotcallmeSunshine!GetoutofthatholeandcomewithmenowsoIcangetyouoffmyisland!”

“Well,sinceyouaskedsonicely…”

Leodidn’tknowwhatthecrazygirlwassoworkedupabout,buthedidn’treallycare.Ifshecouldhelphimleavethisisland,thatwastotallyfinebyhim.Heclutchedhischarredsphereandclimbedoutofthecrater.Whenhereachedthetop,thegirlwasalreadymarchingdowntheshoreline.

Hejoggedtocatchup.

Shegesturedindisgustattheburningwreckage.“Thiswasapristinebeach!Lookatitnow.”

“Yeah,mybad,”Leomuttered.“Ishould’vecrashedononeoftheotherislands.Oh,wait—therearen’tany!”

Shesnarledandkeptwalkingalongtheedgeofthewater.Leocaughtawhiffofcinnamon—

maybeherperfume?Notthathecared.Herhairswayeddownherbackinamesmerizingkindofway,whichofcoursehedidn’tcareabouteither.

Hescannedthesea.Justlikehe’dseenduringhisfall,therewerenolandmassesorshipsallthewaytothehorizon.Lookinginland,hesawgrassyhillsdottedwithtrees.Afootpathwoundthroughagroveofcedars.Leowonderedwhereitled:probablytothegirl’ssecretlair,wheresheroastedherenemiessoshecouldeatthematherdiningtableonthebeach.

Hewassobusythinkingaboutthat,hedidn’tnoticewhenthegirlstopped.Heranintoher.

“Gah!”Sheturnedandgrabbedhisarmstokeepfromfallinginthesurf.Herhandswerestrong,asthoughsheworkedwiththemforaliving.Backatcamp,thegirlsintheHephaestuscabinhadhadstronghandslikethat,butshedidn’tlooklikeaHephaestuskid.

Sheglaredathim,herdarkalmondeyesonlyafewinchesfromhis.Hercinnamonsmellremindedhimofhisabuela’sapartment.Man,hehadn’tthoughtaboutthatplaceinyears.

Thegirlpushedhimaway.“Allright.Thisspotisgood.Nowtellmeyouwanttoleave.”

“What?”Leo’sbrainwasstillkindofmuddledfromthecrashlanding.Hewasn’tsurehehadheardherright.

“Doyouwanttoleave?”shedemanded.“Surelyyou’vegotsomewheretogo!”

“Uh…yeah.Myfriendsareintrouble.Ineedtogetbacktomyshipand—”

“Fine,”shesnapped.“Justsay,IwanttoleaveOgygia.”

“Uh,okay.”Leowasn’tsurewhy,buthertonekindofhurt…whichwasstupid,sincehedidn’tcarewhatthisgirlthought.“Iwanttoleave—whateveryousaid.”

“Oh-gee-gee-ah.”Thegirlpronounceditslowly,asifLeowerefiveyearsold.

“IwanttoleaveOh-gee-gee-ah,”hesaid.

Sheexhaled,clearlyrelieved.“Good.Inamoment,amagicalraftwillappear.Itwilltakeyouwhereveryouwanttogo.”

“Whoareyou?”

Shelookedlikeshewasabouttoanswerbutstoppedherself.“Itdoesn’tmatter.You’llbegonesoon.You’reobviouslyamistake.”

Thatwasharsh,Leothought.

He’dspentenoughtimethinkinghewasamistake—asademigod,onthisquest,inlifeingeneral.Hedidn’tneedarandomcrazygoddessreinforcingtheidea.

HerememberedaGreeklegendaboutagirlonanisland.…Maybeoneofhisfriendshadmentionedit?Itdidn’tmatter.Aslongasshelethimleave.

“Anymomentnow…”Thegirlstaredoutatthewater.

Nomagicalraftappeared.

“Maybeitgotstuckintraffic,”Leosaid.

“Thisiswrong.”Sheglaredatthesky.“Thisiscompletelywrong!”

“So…planB?”Leoasked.“Yougotaphone,or—”

“Agh!”Thegirlturnedandstormedinland.Whenshegottothefootpath,shesprintedintothegroveoftreesanddisappeared.

“Okay,”Leosaid.“Oryoucouldjustrunaway.”

Fromhistoolbeltpoucheshepulledsomeropeandasnaphook,thenfastenedtheArchimedesspheretohisbelt.

Helookedouttosea.Stillnomagicraft.

Hecouldstandhereandwait,buthewashungry,thirsty,andtired.Hewasbangedupprettybadfromhisfall.

Hedidn’twanttofollowthatcrazygirl,nomatterhowgoodshesmelled.

Ontheotherhand,hehadnoplaceelsetogo.Thegirlhadadiningtable,sosheprobablyhadfood.AndsheseemedtofindLeo’spresenceannoying.

“Annoyingherisaplus,”hedecided.

Hefollowedherintothehills.

“HOLYHEPHAESTUS,”LEOSAID.

ThepathopenedintothenicestgardenLeohadeverseen.Notthathehadspentalotoftimeingardens,butdang.Ontheleftwasanorchardandavineyard—peachtreeswithred-goldenfruitthatsmelledawesomeinthewarmsun,carefullyprunedvinesburstingwithgrapes,bowersoffloweringjasmine,andabunchofotherplantsLeocouldn’tname.

Ontherightwereneatbedsofvegetablesandherbs,arrangedlikespokesaroundabigsparklingfountainwherebronzesatyrsspewedwaterintoacentralbowl.

Atthebackofthegarden,wherethefootpathended,acaveopenedinthesideofagrassyhill.

ComparedtoBunkerNinebackatcamp,theentrancewastiny,butitwasimpressiveinitsownway.

Oneitherside,crystallinerockhadbeencarvedintoglitteringGreciancolumns.Thetopswerefittedwithabronzerodthatheldsilkywhitecurtains.

Leo’snosewasassaultedbygoodsmells—cedar,juniper,jasmine,peaches,andfreshherbs.Thearomafromthecavereallycaughthisattention—likebeefstewcooking.

Hestartedtowardtheentrance.Seriously,howcouldhenot?Hestoppedwhenhenoticedthegirl.

Shewaskneelinginhervegetablegarden,herbacktoLeo.Shemutteredtoherselfasshedugfuriouslywithatrowel.

Leoapproachedherfromonesidesoshecouldseehim.Hedidn’tfeellikesurprisingherwhenshewasarmedwithasharpgardeningimplement.

ShekeptcursinginAncientGreekandstabbingatthedirt.Shehadflecksofsoilalloverherarms,herface,andherwhitedress,butshedidn’tseemtocare.

Leocouldappreciatethat.Shelookedbetterwithalittlemud—lesslikeabeautyqueen

andmorelikeanactualget-your-hands-dirtykindofperson.

“Ithinkyou’vepunishedthatdirtenough,”heoffered.

Shescowledathim,hereyesredandwatery.“Justgoaway.”

“You’recrying,”hesaid,whichwasstupidlyobvious;butseeingherthatwaytookthewindoutofhishelicopterblades,sotospeak.Itwashardtostaymadatsomeonewhowascrying.

“Noneofyourbusiness,”shemuttered.“It’sabigisland.Just…findyourownplace.Leavemealone.”Shewavedvaguelytowardthesouth.“Gothatway,maybe.”

“So,nomagicraft,”Leosaid.“Nootherwayofftheisland?”

“Apparentlynot!”

“WhatamIsupposedtodo,then?SitinthesanddunesuntilIdie?”

“Thatwouldbefine.…”Thegirlthrewdownhertrowelandcursedatthesky.“ExceptIsupposehecan’tdiehere,canhe?Zeus!Thisisnotfunny!”Can’tdiehere?

“Holdup.”Leo’sheadspunlikeacrankshaft.Hecouldn’tquitetranslatewhatthisgirlwassaying—likewhenheheardSpaniardsorSouthAmericansspeakingSpanish.Yeah,hecouldunderstandit,sortof;butitsoundedsodifferent,itwasalmostanotherlanguage.

“I’mgoingtoneedsomemoreinformationhere,”hesaid.“Youdon’twantmeinyourface,that’scool.Idon’twanttobehereeither.ButI’mnotgoingtogodieinacorner.Ihavetogetoffthisisland.There’sgottobeaway.Everyproblemhasafix.”Shelaughedbitterly.“Youhaven’tlivedverylong,ifyoustillbelievethat.”Thewayshesaiditsentashiveruphisback.Shelookedthesameageashim,buthewonderedhowoldshereallywas.

“Yousaidsomethingaboutacurse,”heprompted.

Sheflexedherfingers,likeshewaspracticingherthroat-stranglingtechnique.“Yes.IcannotleaveOgygia.Myfather,Atlas,foughtagainstthegods,andIsupportedhim.”

“Atlas,”Leosaid.“AsintheTitanAtlas?”

Thegirlrolledhereyes.“Yes,youimpossiblelittle…”Whatevershewasgoingtosay,shebititback.“Iwasimprisonedhere,whereIcouldcausetheOlympiansnotrouble.Aboutayearago,aftertheSecondTitanWar,thegodsvowedtoforgivetheirenemiesandofferamnesty.SupposedlyPercymadethempromise—”

“Percy,”Leosaid.“PercyJackson?”

Shesqueezedhereyesshut.Ateartrickleddownhercheek.

Oh,Leothought.

“Percycamehere,”hesaid.

Shedugherfingersintothesoil.“I—IthoughtIwouldbereleased.Idaredtohope…butIamstillhere.”

Leorememberednow.Thestorywassupposedtobeasecret,butofcoursethatmeantit

hadspreadlikewildfireacrossthecamp.PercyhadtoldAnnabeth.Monthslater,whenPercyhadgonemissing,AnnabethtoldPiper.PipertoldJason…

Percyhadtalkedaboutvisitingthisisland.Hehadmetagoddesswho’dgottenamajorcrushonhimandwantedhimtostay,buteventuallyshelethimgo.

“You’rethatlady,”Leosaid.“TheonewhowasnamedafterCaribbeanmusic.”Hereyesglintedmurderously.“Caribbeanmusic.”

“Yeah.Reggae?”Leoshookhishead.“Merengue?Holdon,I’llgetit.”Hesnappedhisfingers.“Calypso!ButPercysaidyouwereawesome.Hesaidyouwereallsweetandhelpful,not,um…”

Sheshottoherfeet.“Yes?”

“Uh,nothing,”Leosaid.

“Wouldyoubesweet,”shedemanded,“ifthegodsforgottheirpromisetoletyougo?Wouldyoubesweetiftheylaughedatyoubysendinganotherhero,butaherowholookedlike—likeyou?”

“Isthatatrickquestion?”

“DiImmortales!”Sheturnedandmarchedintohercave.

“Hey!”Leoranafterher.

Whenhegotinside,helosthistrainofthought.Thewallsweremadefrommulticoloredchunksofcrystal.Whitecurtainsdividedthecaveintodifferentroomswithcomfypillowsandwovenrugsandplattersoffreshfruit.Hespottedaharpinonecorner,aloominanother,andabigcookingpotwherethestewwasbubbling,fillingthecavernwithluscioussmells.

Thestrangestthing?Thechoresweredoingthemselves.Towelsfloatedthroughtheair,foldingandstackingintoneatpiles.Spoonswashedthemselvesinacoppersink.ThesceneremindedLeooftheinvisiblewindspiritsthathadservedhimlunchatCampJupiter.

Calypsostoodatawashbasin,cleaningthedirtoffherarms.

ShescowledatLeo,butshedidn’tyellathimtoleave.Sheseemedtoberunningoutofenergyforheranger.

Leoclearedhisthroat.Ifhewasgoingtogetanyhelpfromthislady,heneededtobenice.“So…

Igetwhyyou’reangry.Youprobablyneverwanttoseeanotherdemigodagain.Iguessthatdidn’tsitrightwhen,uh,Percyleftyou—”

“Hewasonlythelatest,”shegrowled.“Beforehim,itwasthatpirateDrake.Andbeforehim,Odysseus.Theywereallthesame!Thegodssendmethegreatestheroes,theonesIcannothelpbut…”

“Youfallinlovewiththem,”Leoguessed.“Andthentheyleaveyou.”Herchintrembled.“Thatismycurse.Ihadhopedtobefreeofitbynow,buthereIam,stillstuckonOgygiaafterthreethousandyears.”

“Threethousand.”Leo’smouthfelttingly,likehe’djusteatenPopRocks.“Uh,youlookgoodforthreethousand.”

“Andnow…theworstinsultofall.Thegodsmockmebysendingyou.”AngerbubbledinLeo’sstomach.

Yeah,typical.IfJasonwerehere,Calypsowouldfallalloverhim.She’dbeghimtostay,buthe’dbeallnobleaboutreturningtohisduties,andhe’dleaveCalypsobrokenhearted.Thatmagicraftwouldtotallyarriveforhim.

ButLeo?Hewastheannoyingguestshecouldn’tgetridof.She’dneverfallforhim,becauseshewastotallyoutofhisleague.Notthathecared.Shewasn’thistypeanyway.Shewaswaytooannoying,andbeautiful,and—well,itdidn’tmatter.

“Fine,”hesaid.“I’llleaveyoualone.I’llbuildsomethingmyselfandgetoffthisstupidislandwithoutyourhelp.”

Sheshookherheadsadly.“Youdon’tunderstand,doyou?Thegodsarelaughingatbothofus.Iftheraftwillnotappear,thatmeansthey’veclosedOgygia.You’restuckherethesameasme.Youcanneverleave.”

THEFIRSTFEWDAYSWERETHEWORST.

Leosleptoutsideonabedofdropclothsunderthestars.Itgotcoldatnight,evenonthebeachinthesummer,sohebuiltfireswiththeremainsofCalypso’sdiningtable.Thatcheeredhimupalittle.

Duringthedays,hewalkedthecircumferenceoftheislandandfoundnothingofinterest—unlessyoulikedbeachesandendlessseaineverydirection.HetriedtosendanIris-messageintherainbowsthatformedintheseaspray,buthehadnoluck.Hedidn’thaveanydrachmasforanoffering,andapparentlythegoddessIriswasn’tinterestedinnutsandbolts.

Hedidn’tevendream,whichwasunusualforhim—orforanydemigod—sohehadno

ideawhatwasgoingonintheoutsideworld.HadhisfriendsgottenridofKhione?Weretheylookingforhim,orhadtheysailedontoEpirustocompletethequest?

Hewasn’tevensurewhattohopefor.

Thedreamhe’dhadbackontheArgoIIfinallymadesensetohim—whentheevilsorceressladyhadtoldhimtoeitherjumpoffacliffintothecloudsordescendintoadarktunnelwhereghostlyvoiceswhispered.ThattunnelmusthaverepresentedtheHouseofHades,whichLeowouldneverseenow.He’dtakenthecliffinstead—fallingthroughtheskytothisstupidisland.Butinthedream,Leohadbeengivenachoice.Inreallife,he’dhadnone.Khionehadsimplypluckedhimoffhisshipandshothimintoorbit.Totallyunfair.

Theworstpartofbeingstuckhere?Hewaslosingtrackofthedays.Hewokeuponemorningandcouldn’trememberifhe’dbeenonOgygiaforthreenightsorfour.

Calypsowasn’tmuchhelp.Leoconfrontedherinthegarden,butshejustshookherhead.“Timeisdifficulthere.”

Great.ForallLeoknew,acenturyhadpassedintherealworld,andthewarwithGaeawasoverforbetterorworse.Ormaybehe’donlybeenonOgygiaforfiveminutes.HiswholelifemightpasshereinthetimeittookhisfriendsontheArgoIItohavebreakfast.

Eitherway,heneededtogetoffthisisland.

Calypsotookpityonhiminsomeways.Shesentherinvisibleservantstoleavebowlsofstewandgobletsofappleciderattheedgeofthegarden.Sheevensenthimafewnewsetsofclothes—

simple,undyedcottonpantsandshirtsthatshemusthavemadeonherloom.Theyfithimsowell,Leowonderedhowshe’dgottenhismeasurements.MaybeshejustusedhergenericpatternforSCRAWNY

MALE.

Anyway,hewasgladtohavenewthreads,sincehisoldoneswereprettysmellyandburnedup.

UsuallyLeocouldkeephisclothesfromburningwhenhecaughtfire,butittookconcentration.

Sometimesbackatcamp,ifhewasn’tthinkingaboutit,he’dbeworkingonsomemetalprojectatthehotforge,lookdown,andrealizehisclotheshadburnedaway,exceptforhismagictoolbeltandasmokingpairofunderwear.Kindofembarrassing.

Despitethegifts,Calypsoobviouslydidn’twanttoseehim.Onetimehepokedhisheadinsidethecaveandshefreakedout,yellingandthrowingpotsathishead.

Yeah,shewasdefinitelyonTeamLeo.

Heendeduppitchingamorepermanentcampnearthefootpath,wherethebeachmetthehills.

Thatwayhewascloseenoughtopickuphismeals,butCalypsodidn’thavetoseehimandgointoapot-throwingrage.

Hemadehimselfalean-towithsticksandcanvas.Hedugacampfirepit.Heevenmanagedtobuildhimselfabenchandaworktablefromsomedriftwoodanddeadcedarbranches.HespenthoursfixingtheArchimedessphere,cleaningitandrepairingitscircuits.Hemadehimselfacompass,buttheneedlewouldspinallcrazynomatterwhathetried.LeoguessedaGPSwouldhavebeenuselesstoo.Thisislandwasdesignedtobeoffthecharts,impossibletoleave.

Herememberedtheoldbronzeastrolabehe’dpickedupinBologna—theonethedwarfstoldhimOdysseushadmade.HehadasneakingsuspicionOdysseushadbeenthinkingaboutthisislandwhenheconstructedit,butunfortunatelyLeohadleftitbackontheshipwithBufordtheWonderTable.

Besides,thedwarfshadtoldhimtheastrolabedidn’twork.Somethingaboutamissingcrystal…

Hewalkedthebeach,wonderingwhyKhionehadsenthimhere—assuminghislandingherewasn’tanaccident.Whynotjustkillhiminstead?MaybeKhionewantedhimtobeinlimboforever.

PerhapssheknewthegodsweretooincapacitatedtopayattentiontoOgygia,andsotheisland’smagicwasbroken.ThatcouldbewhyCalypsowasstillstuckhere,andwhythemagicraftwouldn’tappearforLeo.

Ormaybethemagicofthisplacewasworkingjustfine.ThegodspunishedCalypsobysendingherbuffcourageousdudeswholeftassoonasshefellforthem.Maybethatwastheproblem.CalypsowouldneverfallforLeo.Shewantedhimtoleave.Sotheywerestuckinaviciouscircle.IfthatwasKhione’splan…wow.Major-leaguedevious.

Thenonemorninghemadeadiscovery,andthingsgotevenmorecomplicated.

Leowaswalkinginthehills,followingalittlebrookthatranbetweentwobigcedartrees.Helikedthisarea—itwastheonlyplaceonOgygiawherehecouldn’tseethesea,sohecouldpretendhewasn’tstuckonanisland.Intheshadeofthetrees,healmostfeltlikehewasbackatCampHalf-Blood,headingthroughthewoodstowardBunkerNine.

Hejumpedoverthecreek.Insteadoflandingonsoftearth,hisfeethitsomethingmuchharder.

CLANG.

Metal.

Excited,Leodugthroughthemulchuntilhesawtheglintofbronze.

“Oh,man.”Hegiggledlikeacrazypersonasheexcavatedthescraps.

Hehadnoideawhythestuffwashere.Hephaestuswasalwaystossingbrokenpartsoutofhisgodlyworkshopandlitteringtheearthwithscrapmetal,butwhatwerethechancessomeofitwouldhitOgygia?

Leofoundahandfulofwires,afewbentgears,apistonthatmightstillwork,andseveralhammeredsheetsofCelestialbronze—thesmallestthesizeofadrinkcoaster,thelargestthesizeofawarshield.

Itwasn’talot—notcomparedtoBunkerNine,oreventohissuppliesaboardtheArgoII.

Butitwasmorethansandandrocks.

Helookedupatthesunlightwinkingthroughthecedarbranches.“Dad?Ifyousentthishereforme—thanks.Ifyoudidn’t…well,thanksanyway.”

Hegathereduphistreasuretroveandluggeditbacktohiscampsite.

Afterthat,thedayspassedmorequickly,andwithalotmorenoise.

FirstLeomadehimselfaforgeoutofmudbricks,eachonebakedwithhisownfieryhands.Hefoundalargerockhecoulduseasananvilbase,andhepullednailsfromhistoolbeltuntilhehadenoughtomeltintoaplateforahammeringsurface.

Oncethatwasdone,hebegantorecasttheCelestialbronzescraps.Eachdayhishammerrangonbronzeuntilhisrockanvilbroke,orhistongsbent,orheranoutoffirewood.

Eacheveninghecollapsed,drenchedinsweatandcoveredinsoot;buthefeltgreat.Atleasthewasworking,tryingtosolvehisproblem.

ThefirsttimeCalypsocametocheckonhim,itwastocomplainaboutthenoise.

“Smokeandfire,”shesaid.“Clangingonmetalalldaylong.You’rescaringawaythebirds!”

“Oh,no,notthebirds!”Leogrumbled.

“Whatdoyouhopetoaccomplish?”

Heglancedupandalmostsmashedhisthumbwithhishammer.He’dbeenstaringatmetalandfiresolonghe’dforgottenhowbeautifulCalypsowas.Annoyinglybeautiful.Shestoodtherewiththesunlightinherhair,herwhiteskirtflutteringaroundherlegs,abasketofgrapesandfresh-bakedbreadtuckedunderonearm.

Leotriedtoignorehisrumblingstomach.

“I’mhopingtogetoffthisisland,”hesaid.“Thatiswhatyouwant,right?”Calypsoscowled.Shesetthebasketnearhisbedroll.“Youhaven’teatenintwodays.Takeabreakandeat.”

“Twodays?”Leohadn’tevennoticed,whichsurprisedhim,sincehelikedfood.HewasevenmoresurprisedthatCalypsohadnoticed.

“Thanks,”hemuttered.“I’ll,uh,trytohammermorequietly.”

“Huh.”Shesoundedunimpressed.

Afterthat,shedidn’tcomplainaboutthenoiseorthesmoke.

Thenexttimeshevisited,Leowasputtingthefinaltouchesonhisfirstproject.Hedidn’tseeheruntilshespokerightbehindhim.

“Ibroughtyou—”

Leojumped,droppinghiswires.“Bronzebulls,girl!Don’tsneakuponmelikethat!”Shewaswearingredtoday—Leo’sfavoritecolor.Thatwascompletelyirrelevant.Shelookedreallygoodinred.Alsoirrelevant.

“Iwasn’tsneaking,”shesaid.“Iwasbringingyouthese.”Sheshowedhimtheclothesthat

werefoldedoverherarm:anewpairofjeans,awhiteT-shirt,anarmyfatiguejacket…wait,thosewerehisclothes,exceptthattheycouldn’tbe.Hisoriginalarmyjackethadburnedupmonthsago.Hehadn’tbeenwearingitwhenhelandedonOgygia.ButtheclothesCalypsoheldlookedexactlyliketheclotheshe’dbeenwearingthefirstdayhe’darrivedatCampHalf-Blood—excepttheselookedbigger,resizedtofithimbetter.

“How?”heasked.

Calypsosettheclothesathisfeetandbackedawayasifhewereadangerousbeast.“Idohavealittlemagic,youknow.YoukeepburningthroughtheclothesIgiveyou,soIthoughtIwouldweavesomethinglessflammable.”

“Thesewon’tburn?”Hepickedupthejeans,buttheyfeltjustlikenormaldenim.

“Theyarecompletelyfireproof,”Calypsopromised.“They’llstaycleanandexpandtofityou,shouldyoueverbecomelessscrawny.”

“Thanks.”Hemeantittosoundsarcastic,buthewashonestlyimpressed.Leocouldmakealotofthings,butaninflammable,self-cleaningoutfitwasn’toneofthem.“So…youmadeanexactreplicaofmyfavoriteoutfit.Didyou,like,Googlemeorsomething?”Shefrowned.“Idon’tknowthatword.”

“Youlookedmeup,”hesaid.“Almostlikeyouhadsomeinterestinme.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Ihaveaninterestinnotmakingyouanewsetofclotheseveryotherday.

Ihaveaninterestinyournotsmellingsobadandwalkingaroundmyislandinsmolderingrags.”

“Oh,yeah.”Leogrinned.“You’rereallywarminguptome.”Herfacegotevenredder.“YouarethemostinsufferablepersonIhaveevermet!Iwasonlyreturningafavor.Youfixedmyfountain.”

“That?”Leolaughed.Theproblemhadbeensosimple,he’dalmostforgottenaboutit.Oneofthebronzesatyrshadgottenturnedsidewaysandthewaterpressurewasoff,soitstartedmakinganannoyingtickingsound,jigglingupanddown,andspewingwaterovertherimofthepool.He’dpulledoutacoupleoftoolsandfixeditinabouttwominutes.“Thatwasnobigdeal.Idon’tlikeitwhenthingsdon’tworkright.”

“Andthecurtainsacrossthecaveentrance?”

“Therodwasn’tlevel.”

“Andmygardeningtools?”

“Look,Ijustsharpenedtheshears.Cuttingvineswithadullbladeisdangerous.Andtheprunersneededtobeoiledatthehinge,and—”

“Oh,yeah,”Calypsosaid,inaprettygoodimitationofhisvoice.“You’rereallywarminguptome.”

Foronce,Leowasspeechless.Calypso’seyesglittered.Heknewshewasmakingfunofhim,butsomehowitdidn’tfeelmean.

Shepointedathisworktable.“Whatareyoubuilding?”

“Oh.”Helookedatthebronzemirror,whichhe’djustfinishedwiringuptothe

Archimedessphere.Inthescreen’spolishedsurface,hisownreflectionsurprisedhim.Hishairhadgrownoutlongerandcurlier.Hisfacewasthinnerandmorechiseled,maybebecausehehadn’tbeeneating.Hiseyesweredarkandalittleferociouswhenhewasn’tsmiling—kindofaTarzanlook,ifTarzancameinextra-smallLatino.Hecouldn’tblameCalypsoforbackingawayfromhim.

“Uh,it’saseeingdevice,”hesaid.“WefoundonelikethisinRome,intheworkshopofArchimedes.IfIcanmakeitwork,maybeIcanfindoutwhat’sgoingonwithmyfriends.”Calypsoshookherhead.“That’simpossible.Thisislandishidden,cutofffromtheworldbystrongmagic.Timedoesn’tevenflowthesamehere.”

“Well,you’vegottohavesomekindofoutsidecontact.HowdidyoufindoutthatIusedtowearanarmyjacket?”

Shetwistedherhairasifthequestionmadeheruncomfortable.“Seeingthepastissimplemagic.

Seeingthepresentorthefuture—thatisnot.”

“Yeah,well,”Leosaid.“Watchandlearn,Sunshine.Ijustconnecttheselasttwowires,and—”Thebronzeplatesparked.Smokebillowedfromthesphere.AflashoffireracedupLeo’ssleeve.

Hepulledoffhisshirt,threwitdown,andstompedonit.

HecouldtellCalypsowastryingnottolaugh,butshewasshakingwiththeeffort.

“Notaword,”Leowarned.

Sheglancedathisbarechest,whichwassweaty,bony,andstreakedwitholdscarsfromweapon-makingaccidents.

“Nothingworthcommentingon,”sheassuredhim.“Ifyouwantthatdevicetowork,perhapsyoushouldtryamusicalinvocation.”

“Right,”hesaid.“Wheneveranenginemalfunctions,Iliketotap-dancearoundit.Workseverytime.”

Shetookadeepbreathandbegantosing.

Hervoicehithimlikeacoolbreeze—likethatfirstcoldfrontinTexaswhenthesummerheatfinallybreaksandyoustarttobelievethingsmightgetbetter.Leocouldn’tunderstandthewords,butthesongwasplaintiveandbittersweet,asifsheweredescribingahomeshecouldneverreturnto.

Hersingingwasmagic,nodoubt.Butitwasn’tlikeMedea’strance-inducingvoice,orevenPiper’scharmspeak.Themusicdidn’twantanythingfromhim.Itsimplyremindedhimofhisbestmemories—buildingthingswithhismominherworkshop;sittinginthesunshinewithhisfriendsatcamp.Itmadehimmisshome.

Calypsostoppedsinging.Leorealizedhewasstaringlikeanidiot.

“Anyluck?”sheasked.

“Uh…”Heforcedhiseyesbacktothebronzemirror.“Nothing.Wait…”Thescreenglowed.Intheairaboveit,holographicpicturesshimmeredtolife.

LeorecognizedthecommonsatCampHalf-Blood.

Therewasnosound,butClarisseLaRuefromtheAresCabinwasyellingordersatthecampers,formingthemintolines.Leo’sbrethrenfromCabinNinehurriedaround,fittingeveryonewitharmorandpassingoutweapons.

EvenChironthecentaurwasdressedforwar.Hetrottedupanddowntheranks,hisplumedhelmetgleaming,hislegsdeckedinbronzegreaves.Hisusualfriendlysmilewasgone,replacedwithalookofgrimdetermination.

Inthedistance,GreektriremesfloatedonLongIslandSound,preppedforwar.Alongthehills,catapultswerebeingprimed.Satyrspatrolledthefields,andridersonpegasicircledoverhead,alertforaerialattacks.

“Yourfriends?”Calypsoasked.

Leonodded.Hisfacefeltnumb.“They’repreparingforwar.”

“Againstwhom?”

“Look,”Leosaid.

Thescenechanged.AphalanxofRomandemigodsmarchedthroughamoonlitvineyard.Anilluminatedsigninthedistanceread:GOLDSMITHWINERY.

“I’veseenthatsignbefore,”Leosaid.“That’snotfarfromCampHalf-Blood.”SuddenlytheRomanranksdeterioratedintochaos.Demigodsscattered.Shieldsfell.Javelinsswungwildly,likethewholegrouphadsteppedinfireants.

Dartingthroughthemoonlightweretwosmallhairyshapesdressedinmismatchedclothesandgarishhats.Theyseemedtobeeverywhereatonce—whackingRomansonthehead,stealingtheirweapons,cuttingtheirbeltssotheirpantsfellaroundtheirankles.

Leocouldn’thelpgrinning.“Thosebeautifullittletroublemakers!Theykepttheirpromise.”Calypsoleanedin,watchingtheKerkopes.“Cousinsofyours?”

“Ha,ha,ha,no,”Leosaid.“CoupleofdwarfsImetinBologna.IsentthemtoslowdowntheRomans,andthey’redoingit.”

“Butforhowlong?”Calypsowondered.

Goodquestion.Thesceneshiftedagain.LeosawOctavian—thatno-goodblondscarecrowofanaugur.Hestoodinagasstationparkinglot,surroundedbyblackSUVsandRomandemigods.Heheldupalongpolewrappedincanvas.Whenheuncoveredit,agoldeneagleglimmeredatthetop.

“Oh,that’snotgood,”Leosaid.

“ARomanstandard,”Calypsonoted.

“Yeah.Andthisoneshootslightning,accordingtoPercy.”AssoonashesaidPercy’sname,Leoregrettedit.HeglancedatCalypso.Hecouldseeinhereyeshowmuchshewasstruggling,tryingtoMarshallheremotionsintoneatorderlyrowslikestrandsonherloom.WhatsurprisedLeomostwasthesurgeofangerhefelt.Itwasn’tjustannoyanceorjealousy.HewasmadatPercyforhurtingthisgirl.

Herefocusedontheholographicimages.Nowhesawasinglerider—Reyna,thepraetorfromCampJupiter—flyingthroughastormonthebackofalight-brownpegasus.Reyna’sdarkhairflewinthewind.Herpurplecloakfluttered,revealingtheglimmerofherarmor.Shewasbleedingfromcutsonherarmsandface.Herpegasus’seyeswerewild,hismouthslatheringfromhardriding;butReynapeeredsteadfastlyforwardintothestorm.

AsLeowatched,awildgryphondivedoutoftheclouds.Itrakeditsclawsacrossthehorse’sribs,almostthrowingReyna.Shedrewherswordandslashedthemonsterdown.Secondslater,threeventiappeared—darkairspiritsswirlinglikeminiaturetornadoeslacedwithlightning.Reynachargedthem,yellingdefiantly.

Thenthebronzemirrorwentdark.

“No!”Leoyelled.“No,notnow.Showmewhathappens!”Hebangedonthemirror.“Calypso,canyousingagainorsomething?”

Sheglaredathim.“Isupposethatisyourgirlfriend?YourPenelope?YourElizabeth?YourAnnabeth?”

“What?”Leocouldn’tfigurethisgirlout.Halfthestuffshesaidmadenosense.“That’sReyna.

She’snotmygirlfriend!Ineedtoseemore!Ineed—”

NEED,avoicerumbledinthegroundbeneathhisfeet.Leostaggered,suddenlyfeelinglikehewasstandingonthesurfaceofatrampoline.

NEEDisanoverusedword.Aswirlinghumanfigureeruptedfromthesand—Leo’sleastfavoritegoddess,theMistressofMud,thePrincessofPottySludge,Gaeaherself.

Leothrewapairofpliersather.Unfortunatelyshewasn’tsolid,andtheypassedrightthrough.

Hereyeswereclosed,butshedidn’tlookasleep,exactly.Shehadasmileonherdustdevilface,asifshewereintentlylisteningtoherfavoritesong.Hersandyrobesshiftedandfolded,remindingLeooftheundulatingfinsonthatstupidshrimpzillamonsterthey’dfoughtintheAtlantic.Forhismoney,though,Gaeawasuglier.

Youwanttolive,Gaeasaid.Youwanttojoinyourfriends.Butyoudonotneedthis,mypoorboy.

Itwouldmakenodifference.Yourfriendswilldie,regardless.

Leo’slegsshook.Hehatedit,butwheneverthiswitchappeared,hefeltlikehewaseightyearsoldagain,trappedinthelobbyofhismom’smachineshop,listeningtoGaea’ssoothingevilvoicewhilehismotherwaslockedinsidetheburningwarehouse,dyingfromheatandsmoke.

“WhatIdon’tneed,”hegrowled,“ismoreliesfromyou,DirtFace.Youtoldmemygreat-granddaddiedinthe1960s.Wrong!YoutoldmeIcouldn’tsavemyfriendsinRome.Wrong!Youtoldmealotofthings.”

Gaea’slaughterwasasoftrustlingsound,likedirttricklingdownahillinthefirstmomentsofanavalanche.

Itriedtohelpyoumakebetterchoices.Youcouldhavesavedyourself.Butyoudefiedmeateverystep.Youbuiltyourship.Youjoinedthatfoolishquest.Nowyouaretrappedhere,helpless,whilethemortalworlddies.

Leo’shandsburstintoflame.HewantedtomeltGaea’ssandyfacetoglass.ThenhefeltCalypso’shandonhisshoulder.

“Gaea.”Hervoicewassternandsteady.“Youarenotwelcome.”LeowishedhecouldsoundasconfidentasCalypso.Thenherememberedthatthisannoyingfifteen-year-oldgirlwasactuallytheimmortaldaughterofaTitan.

Ah,Calypso.Gaearaisedherarmsasifforahug.Stillhere,Isee,despitethegods’promises.

Whydoyouthinkthatis,mydeargrandchild?AretheOlympiansbeingspiteful,leavingyouwithnocompanyexceptthisundergrownfool?Orhavetheysimplyforgottenyou,becauseyouarenotworththeirtime?

CalypsostaredstraightthroughtheswirlingfaceofGaea,allthewaytothehorizon.

Yes,Gaeamurmuredsympathetically.TheOlympiansarefaithless.Theydonotgivesecondchances.Whydoyouholdouthope?Yousupportedyourfather,Atlas,inhisgreatwar.Youknewthatthegodsmustbedestroyed.Whydoyouhesitatenow?IofferyouachancethatZeuswouldnevergiveyou.

“Wherewereyoutheselastthreethousandyears?”Calypsoasked.“Ifyouaresoconcernedwithmyfate,whydoyouvisitmeonlynow?”

Gaeaturnedupherpalms.Theearthisslowtowake.Warcomesinitsowntime.ButdonotthinkitwillpassyoubyonOgygia.WhenIremaketheworld,thisprisonwillbedestroyedaswell.

“Ogygiadestroyed?”Calypsoshookherhead,asifshecouldn’timaginethosetwowordsgoingtogether.

Youdonothavetobeherewhenthathappens,Gaeapromised.Joinmenow.Killthisboy.Spillhisbloodupontheearth,andhelpmetowake.Iwillfreeyouandgrantyouanywish.Freedom.

Revengeagainstthegods.Evenaprize.WouldyoustillhavethedemigodPercyJackson?Iwillsparehimforyou.IwillraisehimfromTartarus.Hewillbeyourstopunishortolove,asyouchoose.Onlykillthistrespassingboy.Showyourloyalty.

SeveralscenarioswentthroughLeo’shead—noneofthemgood.HewaspositiveCalypsowouldstranglehimonthespot,ororderherinvisiblewindservantstochophimintoaLeopurée.

Whywouldn’tshe?Gaeawasmakinghertheultimatedeal—killoneannoyingguy,getahandsomeonefree!

CalypsothrustherhandtowardGaeainathree-fingeredgestureLeorecognizedfromCampHalf-Blood:theAncientGreekwardagainstevil.“Thisisnotjustmyprison,Grandmother.Itismyhome.

Andyouarethetrespasser.”

ThewindrippedGaea’sformintonothingness,scatteringthesandintothebluesky.

Leoswallowed.“Uh,don’ttakethisthewrongway,butyoudidn’tkillme.Areyoucrazy?”Calypso’seyessmolderedwithanger,butforonceLeodidn’tthinktheangerwasaimedathim.

“Yourfriendsmustneedyou,orelseGaeawouldnotaskforyourdeath.”

“I—uh,yeah.Iguess.”

“Thenwehaveworktodo,”shesaid.“Wemustgetyoubacktoyourship.”

LEOTHOUGHTHE’DBEENBUSYBEFORE.WhenCalypsosethermindtosomething,shewasamachine.

Withinaday,she’dgatheredenoughsuppliesforaweeklongvoyage—food,flasksofwater,herbalmedicinesfromhergarden.Shewoveasailbigenoughforasmallyachtandmadeenoughropeforalltherigging.

ShegotsomuchdonethatbytheseconddaysheaskedLeoifheneededanyhelpwithhisownproject.

Helookedupfromthecircuitboardthatwasslowlycomingtogether.“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dthinkyouwereanxioustogetridofme.”

“That’sabonus,”sheadmitted.ShewasdressedforworkinapairofjeansandagrubbywhiteT-shirt.Whenheaskedheraboutthewardrobechange,sheclaimedshehadrealizedhowpracticaltheseclotheswereaftermakingsomeforLeo.

Inthebluejeans,shedidn’tlookmuchlikeagoddess.HerT-shirtwascoveredwithgrassanddirtstains,likeshe’djustrunthroughaswirlingGaea.Herfeetwerebare.Hercinnamon-toasthairwastiedback,whichmadeheralmondeyeslookevenlargerandmorestartling.Herhandswerecallousedandblisteredfromworkingwithrope.

Lookingather,Leofeltatugginginhisstomachthathecouldn’tquiteexplain.

“So?”sheprompted.

“So…what?”

Shenoddedatthecircuitry.“SocanIhelp?Howisitcoming?”

“Oh,uh,I’mgoodhere.Iguess.IfIcanwirethisthinguptotheboat,Ishouldbeabletonavigatebacktotheworld.”

“Nowallyouneedisaboat.”

Hetriedtoreadherexpression.Hewasn’tsureifshewasannoyedthathewasstillhere,orwistfulthatshewasn’tleavingtoo.Thenhelookedatallthesuppliesshe’dstackedup—easilyenoughfortwopeopleforseveraldays.

“WhatGaeasaid…”Hehesitated.“Aboutyougettingoffthisisland.Wouldyouwanttotryit?”Shescowled.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well…I’mnotsayingitwouldbefunhavingyoualong,alwayscomplainingandglaringatmeandstuff.ButIsupposeIcouldstandit,ifyouwantedtotry.”Herexpressionsoftenedjustalittle.

“Hownoble,”shemuttered.“Butno,Leo.IfItriedtocomewithyou,yourtinychanceofescapewouldbenochanceatall.Thegodshaveplacedancientmagiconthisislandtokeepmehere.Aherocanleave.Icannot.ThemostimportantthingisgettingyoufreesoyoucanstopGaea.NotthatIcarewhathappenstoyou,”sheaddedquickly.“Buttheworld’sfateisatstake.”

“Whywouldyoucareaboutthat?”heasked.“Imean,afterbeingawayfromtheworldforsolong?”

Shearchedhereyebrows,asifsurprisedthathe’daskedasensiblequestion.“IsupposeIdon’tlikebeingtoldwhattodo—byGaeaoranyoneelse.AsmuchasIhatethegodssometimes,overthepastthreemillenniaI’vecometoseethatthey’rebetterthantheTitans.They’redefinitelybetterthanthegiants.Atleastthegodskeptintouch.Hermeshasalwaysbeenkindtome.Andyourfather,Hephaestus,hasoftenvisited.Heisagoodperson.”

Leowasn’tsurewhattomakeofherfarawaytone.Shealmostsoundedlikeshewasponderinghisworth,nothisdad’s.

Shereachedoutandclosedhismouth.Hehadn’trealizeditwashangingopen.

“Now,”Calypsosaid,“howcanIhelp?”

“Oh.”Hestareddownathisproject,butwhenhespoke,heblurtedoutanideathathadbeenformingeversinceCalypsomadehisnewclothes.“Youknowthatflameproofcloth?Youthinkyoucouldmakemealittlebagofthatfabric?”

Hedescribedthedimensions.Calypsowavedherhandimpatiently.“Thatwillonlytakeminutes.

Willithelponyourquest?”

“Yeah.Itmightsavealife.And,um,couldyouchipoffalittlepieceofcrystalfromyourcave?Idon’tneedmuch.”

Shefrowned.“That’sanoddrequest.”

“Humorme.”

“Allright.Consideritdone.I’llmakethefireproofpouchtonightattheloom,whenI’vecleanedup.ButwhatcanIdonow,whilemyhandsaredirty?”

Shehelduphercalloused,grimyfingers.Leocouldn’thelpthinkingtherewasnothinghotterthanagirlwhodidn’tmindgettingherhandsdirty.Butofcourse,thatwasjustageneralcomment.

Didn’tapplytoCalypso.Obviously.

“Well,”hesaid,“youcouldtwistsomemorebronzecoils.Butthat’skindofspecialized—”Shepushedinnexttohimonthebenchandbegantowork,herhandsbraidingthebronzewiringfasterthanhecouldhave.“Justlikeweaving,”shesaid.“Thisisn’tsohard.”

“Huh,”Leosaid.“Well,ifyouevergetoffthisislandandwantajob,letmeknow.You’renotatotalklutz.”

Shesmirked.“Ajob,eh?Makingthingsinyourforge?”

“Nah,wecouldstartourownshop,”Leosaid,surprisinghimself.Startingamachineshophadalwaysbeenoneofhisdreams,buthe’dnevertoldanyoneaboutit.“LeoandCalypso’sGarage:AutoRepairandMechanicalMonsters.”

“Freshfruitsandvegetables,”Calypsooffered.

“Ciderandstew,”Leoadded.“Wecouldevenprovideentertainment.YoucouldsingandIcould,like,randomlyburstintoflames.”

Calypsolaughed—aclear,happysoundthatmadeLeo’sheartgoka-bump.

“See,”hesaid,“I’mfunny.”

Shemanagedtokillhersmile.“Youarenotfunny.Now,getbacktowork,ornociderandstew.”

“Yes,ma’am,”hesaid.Theyworkedinsilence,sidebyside,fortherestoftheafternoon.

Twonightslater,theguidanceconsolewasfinished.

LeoandCalypsosatonthebeach,nearthespotwhereLeohaddestroyedthediningtable,andtheyateapicnicdinnertogether.Thefullmoonturnedthewavestosilver.Theircampfiresentorangesparksintothesky.Calypsoworeafreshwhiteshirtandherjeans,whichshe’dapparentlydecidedtolivein.

Behindtheminthedunes,thesupplieswerecarefullypackedandreadytogo.

“Allweneednowisaboat,”Calypsosaid.

Leonodded.Hetriednottolingeronthewordwe.Calypsohadmadeitclearshewasn’tgoing.

“Icanstartchoppingwoodintoboardstomorrow,”Leosaid.“Fewdays,we’llhaveenoughforasmallhull.”

“You’vemadeashipbefore,”Calypsoremembered.“YourArgoII.”Leonodded.Hethoughtaboutallthosemonthshe’dspentcreatingtheArgoII.Somehow,makingaboattosailfromOgygiaseemedlikeamoredauntingtask.

“Sohowlonguntilyousail?”Calypso’stonewaslight,butshedidn’tmeethiseyes.

“Uh,notsure.Anotherweek?”Forsomereason,sayingthatmadeLeofeellessagitated.Whenhehadgottenhere,hecouldn’twaittoleave.Now,hewasgladhehadafewmoredays.Weird.

Calypsoranherfingersacrossthecompletedcircuitboard.“Thistooksolongtomake.”

“Youcan’trushperfection.”

Asmiletuggedattheedgeofhermouth.“Yes,butwillitwork?”

“Gettingout,noproblem,”Leosaid.“ButtogetbackI’llneedFestusand—”

“What?”

Leoblinked.“Festus.Mybronzedragon.OnceIfigureouthowtorebuildhim,I’ll—”

“YoutoldmeaboutFestus,”Calypsosaid.“Butwhatdoyoumeangetback?”Leogrinnednervously.“Well…togetbackhere,duh.I’msureIsaidthat.”

“Youmostdefinitelydidnot.”

“I’mnotgonnaleaveyouhere!Afteryouhelpedmeandeverything?OfcourseI’mcomingback.

OnceIrebuildFestus,he’llbeabletohandleanimprovedguidancesystem.There’sthisastrolabethatI,uh…”Hestopped,decidingitwasbestnottomentionthatithadbeenbuiltbyoneofCalypso’soldflames.“…thatIfoundinBologna.Anyway,Ithinkwiththatcrystalyougaveme—”

“Youcan’tcomeback,”Calypsoinsisted.

Leo’sheartwentclunk.“BecauseI’mnotwelcome?”

“Becauseyoucan’t.It’simpossible.NomanfindsOgygiatwice.Thatistherule.”Leorolledhiseyes.“Yeah,well,youmight’venoticedI’mnotgoodatfollowingrules.I’mcomingbackherewithmydragon,andwe’llspringyou.Takeyouwhereveryouwanttogo.It’sonlyfair.”

“Fair…”Calypso’svoicewasbarelyaudible.

Inthefirelight,hereyeslookedsosad,Leocouldn’tstandit.Didshethinkhewaslyingtoherjusttomakeherfeelbetter?Heconsidereditagiventhathewouldcomebackandfreeherfromthisisland.Howcouldhenot?

“Youdidn’treallythinkIcouldstartLeoandCalypso’sAutoRepairwithoutCalypso,didyou?”heasked.“Ican’tmakeciderandstew,andIsurecan’tsing.”Shestaredatthesand.

“Well,anyway,”Leosaid,“tomorrowI’llstartonthelumber.Andinafewdays…”Helookedoutoverthewater.Somethingwasbobbingonthewaves.Leowatchedindisbeliefasalargewoodenraftfloatedinonthetideandslidtoastoponthebeach.

Leowastoodazedtomove,butCalypsosprangtoherfeet.

“Hurry!”Shesprintedacrossthebeach,grabbedsomesupplybags,andranthemtotheraft.“Idon’tknowhowlongitwillstay!”

“But…”Leostood.Hislegsfeltlikethey’dturnedtorock.HehadjustconvincedhimselfhehadanotherweekonOgygia.Nowhedidn’thavetimetofinishdinner.“That’sthemagicraft?”

“Duh!”Calypsoyelled.“Itmightworklikeit’ssupposedtoandtakeyouwhereyouwanttogo.

Butwecan’tbesure.Theisland’smagicisobviouslyunstable.Youmustrigupyourguidancedevicetonavigate.”

Shesnatcheduptheconsoleandrantowardtheraft,whichgotLeomoving.Hehelpedherfastenittotheraftandrunwirestothesmallrudderintheback.Theraftwasalreadyfittedwithamast,soLeoandCalypsohauledtheirsailaboardandstartedontherigging.

Theyworkedsidebysideinperfectharmony.EvenamongtheHephaestuscampers,Leohadneverworkedwithanyoneasintuitiveasthisimmortalgardenergirl.Innotime,theyhadthesailinplaceandallthesuppliesaboard.LeohitthebuttonsontheArchimedessphere,mutteredaprayertohisdad,Hephaestus,andtheCelestialbronzeconsolehummedtolife.

Theriggingtightened.Thesailturned.Theraftbeganscrapingagainstthesand,strainingtoreachthewaves.

“Go,”Calypsosaid.

Leoturned.Shewassoclosehecouldn’tstandit.Shesmelledlikecinnamonandwoodsmoke,andhethoughthe’dneversmellanythingthatgoodagain.

“Theraftfinallygothere,”hesaid.

Calypsosnorted.Hereyesmighthavebeenred,butitwashardtotellinthemoonlight.“Youjustnoticed?”

“Butifitonlyshowsupforguysyoulike—”

“Don’tpushyourluck,LeoValdez,”shesaid.“Istillhateyou.”

“Okay.”

“Andyouarenotcomingbackhere,”sheinsisted.“Sodon’tgivemeanyemptypromises.”

“Howaboutafullpromise?”hesaid.“BecauseI’mdefinitely—”Shegrabbedhisfaceandpulledhimintoakiss,whicheffectivelyshuthimup.

Forallhisjokingandflirting,Leohadneverkissedagirlbefore.Well,sisterlypecksonthecheekfromPiper,butthatdidn’tcount.Thiswasareal,full-contactkiss.IfLeohadhadgearsandwiresinhisbrain,theywould’veshort-circuited.

Calypsopushedhimaway.“Thatdidn’thappen.”

“Okay.”Hisvoicesoundedanoctavehigherthanusual.

“Getoutofhere.”

“Okay.”

Sheturned,wipinghereyesfuriously,andstormedupthebeach,thebreezetouslingherhair.

Leowantedtocalltoher,butthesailcaughtthefullforceofthewind,andtheraftclearedthebeach.Hestruggledtoaligntheguidanceconsole.BythetimeLeolookedback,theislandofOgygiawasadarklineinthedistance,theircampfirepulsinglikeatinyorangeheart.

Hislipsstilltingledfromthekiss.

Thatdidn’thappen,hetoldhimself.Ican’tbeinlovewithanimmortalgirl.Shedefinitelycan’tbeinlovewithme.Notpossible.

Ashisraftskimmedoverthewater,takinghimbacktothemortalworld,heunderstoodalinefromtheProphecybetter—anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath.

Heunderstoodhowdangerousoathscouldbe.ButLeodidn’tcare.

“I’mcomingbackforyou,Calypso,”hesaidtothenightwind.“IswearitontheRiverStyx.”

ANNABETHHADNEVERBEENSCAREDOFTHEDARK.

Butnormallythedarkwasn’tfortyfeettall.Itdidn’thaveblackwings,awhipmadeoutofstars,andashadowychariotpulledbyvampirehorses.

Nyxwasalmosttoomuchtotakein.Loomingoverthechasm,shewasachurningfigureofashandsmoke,asbigastheAthenaParthenosstatue,butverymuchalive.Herdresswasvoidblack,mixedwiththecolorsofaspacenebula,asifgalaxieswerebeingborninherbodice.Herfacewashardtoseeexceptforthepinpointsofhereyes,whichshonelikequasars.Whenherwingsbeat,wavesofdarknessrolledoverthecliffs,makingAnnabeth

feelheavyandsleepy,hereyesightdim.

Thegoddess’schariotwasmadeofthesamematerialasNicodiAngelo’ssword—Stygianiron—

andpulledbytwomassivehorses,allblackexceptfortheirpointedsilverfangs.Thebeasts’legsfloatedintheabyss,turningfromsolidtosmokeastheymoved.

ThehorsessnarledandbaredtheirfangsatAnnabeth.Thegoddesslashedherwhip—athinstreakofstarslikediamondbarbs—andthehorsesrearedback.

“No,Shade,”thegoddesssaid.“Down,Shadow.Theselittleprizesarenotforyou.”Percyeyedthehorsesastheynickered.HewasstillshroudedinDeathMist,sohelookedlikeanout-of-focuscorpse—whichbrokeAnnabeth’shearteverytimeshesawhim.Italsomustnothavebeenverygoodcamouflage,sinceNyxcouldobviouslyseethem.

Annabethcouldn’treadtheexpressiononPercy’sghoulishfaceverywell.Apparentlyhedidn’tlikewhateverthehorsesweresaying.

“Uh,soyouwon’tletthemeatus?”heaskedthegoddess.“Theyreallywanttoeatus.”Nyx’squasareyesburned.“Ofcoursenot.Iwouldnotletmyhorseseatyou,anymorethanIwouldletAkhlyskillyou.Suchfineprizes,Iwillkillmyself!”Annabethdidn’tfeelparticularlywittyorcourageous,butherinstinctstoldhertotaketheinitiative,orthiswouldbeaveryshortconversation.

“Oh,don’tkillyourself!”shecried.“We’renotthatscary.”Thegoddessloweredherwhip.“What?No,Ididn’tmean—”

“Well,I’dhopenot!”AnnabethlookedatPercyandforcedalaugh.“Wewouldn’twanttoscareher,wouldwe?”

“Ha,ha,”Percysaidweakly.“No,wewouldn’t.”

Thevampirehorseslookedconfused.Theyrearedandsnortedandknockedtheirdarkheadstogether.Nyxpulledbackonthereins.

“DoyouknowwhoIam?”shedemanded.

“Well,you’reNight,Isuppose,”saidAnnabeth.“Imean,Icantellbecauseyou’redarkandeverything,thoughthebrochuredidn’tsaymuchaboutyou.”Nyx’seyeswinkedoutforamoment.“Whatbrochure?”

Annabethpattedherpockets.“Wehadone,didn’twe?”

Percylickedhislips.“Uh-huh.”Hewasstillwatchingthehorses,hishandtightonhisswordhilt,buthewassmartenoughtofollowAnnabeth’slead.Nowshejusthadtohopeshewasn’tmakingthingsworse…thoughhonestly,shedidn’tseehowthingscouldbeworse.

“Anyway,”shesaid,“Iguessthebrochuredidn’tsaymuch,becauseyouweren’tspotlightedonthetour.WegottoseetheRiverPhlegethon,theCocytus,thearai,thepoisongladeofAkhlys,evensomerandomTitansandgiants,butNyx…hmm,no,youweren’treallyfeatured.”

“Featured?Spotlighted?”

“Yeah,”Percysaid,warminguptotheidea.“WecamedownherefortheTartarustour—like,exoticdestinations,youknow?TheUnderworldisoverdone.MountOlympusisatouristtrap—”

“Gods,totally!”Annabethagreed.“SowebookedtheTartarusexcursion,butnooneevenmentionedwe’drunintoNyx.Huh.Oh,well.Guesstheydidn’tthinkyouwereimportant.”

“Notimportant!”Nyxcrackedherwhip.Herhorsesbuckedandsnappedtheirsilveryfangs.

Wavesofdarknessrolledoutofthechasm,turningAnnabeth’sinsidestojelly,butshecouldn’tshowherfear.

ShepusheddownPercy’sswordarm,forcinghimtolowerhisweapon.Thiswasagoddessbeyondanythingtheyhadeverfaced.NyxwasolderthananyOlympianorTitanorgiant,oldereventhanGaea.Shecouldn’tbedefeatedbytwodemigods—atleastnottwodemigodsusingforce.

Annabethmadeherselflookatthegoddess’smassivedarkface.

“Well,howmanyotherdemigodshavecometoseeyouonthetour?”sheaskedinnocently.

Nyx’shandwentslackonthereins.“None.Notone.Thisisunacceptable!”Annabethshrugged.“Maybeit’sbecauseyouhaven’treallydoneanythingtogetinthenews.Imean,IcanunderstandTartarusbeingimportant!Thiswholeplaceisnamedafterhim.Or,ifwecouldmeetDay—”

“Oh,yeah,”Percychimedin.“Day?Shewouldbeimpressive.I’dtotallywanttomeether.

Maybegetherautograph.”

“Day!”Nyxgrippedtherailofherblackchariot.Thewholevehicleshuddered.“YoumeanHemera?Sheismydaughter!NightismuchmorepowerfulthanDay!”

“Eh,”saidAnnabeth.“Ilikedthearai,orevenAkhlysbetter.”

“Theyaremychildrenaswell!”

Percystifledayawn.“Gotalotofchildren,huh?”

“Iamthemotherofallterrors!”Nyxcried.“TheFatesthemselves!Hecate!OldAge!Pain!

Sleep!Death!Andallofthecurses!BeholdhownewsworthyIam!”

NYXLASHEDHERWHIPAGAIN.Thedarknesscongealedaroundher.Oneitherside,anarmyofshadowsappeared—moredark-wingedarai,whichAnnabethwasnotthrilledtosee;awitheredmanwhomusthavebeenGeras,thegodofoldage;andayoungerwomaninablacktoga,hereyesgleamingandhersmilelikeaserialkiller’s—nodoubtEris,thegoddessofstrife.Morekeptappearing:dozensofdemonsandminorgods,eachonethespawnofNight.

Annabethwantedtorun.Shewasfacingabroodofhorrorsthatcouldsnapanyone’ssanity.Butifsheran,shewoulddie.

Nexttoher,Percy’sbreathingturnedshallow.Eventhroughhismistyghouldisguise,Annabethcouldtellhewasonthevergeofpanic.Shehadtostandhergroundforbothofthem.

IamadaughterofAthena,shethought.Icontrolmyownmind.

Sheimaginedamentalframearoundwhatshewasseeing.Shetoldherselfitwasjustamovie—ascarymovie,sure,butitcouldnothurther.Shewasincontrol.

“Yeah,notbad,”sheadmitted.“Iguesswecouldgetonepictureforthescrapbook,butIdon’tknow.Youguysareso…dark.EvenifIusedaflash,I’mnotsureitwouldcomeout.”

“Y-yeah,”Percymanaged.“Youguysaren’tphotogenic.”

“You—miserable—tourists!”Nyxhissed.“Howdareyounottremblebeforeme!Howdareyounotwhimperandbegformyautographandapictureforyourscrapbook!Youwantnewsworthy?MysonHypnosonceputZeustosleep!WhenZeuspursuedhimacrosstheearth,bentonvengeance,Hypnoshidinmypalaceforsafety,andZeusdidnotfollow.EventhekingofOlympusfearsme!”

“Uh-huh.”AnnabethturnedtoPercy.“Well,it’sgettinglate.Weshouldprobablygetlunchatoneofthoserestaurantsthetourguiderecommended.ThenwecanfindtheDoorsofDeath.”

“Aha!”Nyxcriedintriumph.Herbroodofshadowsstirredandechoed:“Aha!Aha!”

“YouwishtoseetheDoorsofDeath?”Nyxasked.“TheylieattheveryheartofTartarus.

Mortalssuchasyoucouldneverreachthem,exceptthroughthehallsofmypalace—theMansionofNight!”

Shegesturedbehindher.Floatingintheabyss,maybethreehundredfeetbelow,wasadoorwayofblackmarble,leadingintosomesortoflargeroom.

Annabeth’sheartpoundedsostronglyshefeltitinhertoes.Thatwasthewayforward—butitwassofardown,animpossiblejump.Iftheymissed,theywouldfallintoChaosandbescatteredintonothingness—afinaldeathwithnodo-over.Eveniftheycouldmakethejump,thegoddessofnightandhermostfearsomechildrenstoodintheirway.

Withajolt,Annabethrealizedwhatneededtohappen.Likeeverythingshe’deverdone,itwasalongshot.Inaway,thatcalmedherdown.Acrazyideainthefaceofdeath?

Okay,herbodyseemedtosay,relaxing.Thisisfamiliarterritory.

Shemanagedaboredsigh.“Isupposewecoulddoonepicture,butagroupshotwon’twork.Nyx,howaboutoneofyouwithyourfavoritechild?Whichoneisthat?”Thebroodrustled.DozensofhorribleglowingeyesturnedtowardNyx.

Thegoddessshifteduncomfortably,asifherchariotwereheatingupunderherfeet.Hershadowhorseshuffedandpawedatthevoid.

“Myfavoritechild?”sheasked.“Allmychildrenareterrifying!”Percysnorted.“Seriously?I’vemettheFates.I’vemetThanatos.Theyweren’tsoscary.You’vegottohavesomebodyinthiscrowdwho’sworsethanthat.”

“Thedarkest,”Annabethsaid.“Themostlikeyou.”

“Iamthedarkest,”hissedEris.“Warsandstrife!Ihavecausedallmannerofdeath!”

“Iamdarkerstill!”snarledGeras.“Idimtheeyesandaddlethebrain.Everymortalfearsoldage!”

“Yeah,yeah,”Annabethsaid,tryingtoignoreherchatteringteeth.“I’mnotseeingenoughdark.Imean,you’rethechildrenofNight!Showmedark!”

Thehordeofaraiwailed,flappingtheirleatherywingsandstirringupcloudsofblackness.Gerasspreadhiswitheredhandsanddimmedtheentireabyss.Erisbreathedashadowysprayofbuckshotacrossthevoid.

“Iamthedarkest!”hissedoneofthedemons.

“No,I!”

“No!Beholdmydarkness!”

Ifathousandgiantoctopuseshadsquirtedinkatthesametime,atthebottomofthedeepest,mostsunlessoceantrench,itcouldnothavebeenblacker.Annabethmightaswellhavebeenblind.

ShegrippedPercy’shandandsteeledhernerves.

“Wait!”Nyxcalled,suddenlypanicked.“Ican’tseeanything.”

“Yes!”shoutedoneofherchildrenproudly.“Ididthat!”

“No,Idid!”

“Fool,itwasme!”

Dozensofvoicesarguedinthedarkness.

Thehorseswhinniedinalarm.

“Stopit!”Nyxyelled.“Whosefootisthat?”

“Erisishittingme!”criedsomeone.“Mother,tellhertostophittingme!”

“Ididnot!”yelledEris.“Ouch!”

Thesoundsofscufflinggotlouder.Ifpossible,thedarknessbecameevendeeper.Annabeth’seyesdilatedsomuch,theyfeltliketheywerebeingpulledoutoftheirsockets.

ShesqueezedPercy’shand.“Ready?”

“Forwhat?”Afterapause,hegruntedunhappily.“Poseidon’sunderpants,youcan’tbeserious.”

“Somebodygivemelight!”Nyxscreamed.“Gah!Ican’tbelieveIjustsaidthat!”

“It’satrick!”Erisyelled.“Thedemigodsareescaping!”

“I’vegotthem,”screamedanarai.

“No,that’smyneck!”Gerasgagged.

“Jump!”AnnabethtoldPercy.

Theyleapedintothedarkness,aimingforthedoorwayfar,farbelow.

AFTERTHEIRFALLINTOTARTARUS,jumpingthreehundredfeettotheMansion

ofNightshouldhavefeltquick.

Instead,Annabeth’sheartseemedtoslowdown.Betweenthebeatsshehadampletimetowriteherownobituary.

AnnabethChase,diedage17.

BA-BOOM.

(Assumingherbirthday,July12,hadpassedwhileshewasinTartarus;buthonestly,shehadnoidea.)

BA-BOOM.

DiedofmassiveinjurieswhileleapinglikeanidiotintotheabyssofChaosandsplatteringontheentryhallfloorofNyx’smansion.

BA-BOOM.

Survivedbyherfather,stepmother,andtwostepbrotherswhobarelyknewher.

BA-BOOM.

Inlieuofflowers,pleasesenddonationstoCampHalf-Blood,assumingGaeahasn’talreadydestroyedit.

Herfeethitsolidfloor.Painshotupherlegs,butshestumbledforwardandbrokeintoarun,haulingPercyafterher.

Abovetheminthedark,Nyxandherchildrenscuffledandyelled,“I’vegotthem!Myfoot!Stopit!”

Annabethkeptrunning.Shecouldn’tseeanyway,sosheclosedhereyes.Sheusedherothersenses—listeningfortheechoofopenspaces,feelingforcross-breezesagainstherface,sniffingforanyscentofdanger—smoke,orpoison,orthestenchofdemons.

Itwasn’tthefirsttimeshe’dplungedthroughdarkness.SheimaginedshewasbackinthetunnelsunderRome,searchingouttheAthenaParthenos.Inretrospect,herjourneytoArachne’scavernseemedlikeatriptoDisneyland.

ThesquabblingsoundsofNyx’schildrengotfartheraway.Thatwasgood.Percywasstillrunningatherside,holdingherhand.Alsogood.

Inthedistanceaheadofthem,Annabethbegantohearathrobbingsound,likeherownheartbeatechoingback,amplifiedsopowerfully,thefloorvibratedunderfoot.Thesoundfilledherwithdread,soshefigureditmustbetherightwaytogo.Sherantowardit.

Asthebeatgotlouder,shesmelledsmokeandheardtheflickeringoftorchesoneitherside.Sheguessedtherewouldbelight,butacrawlingsensationacrossherneckwarnedheritwouldbeamistaketoopenhereyes.

“Don’tlook,”shetoldPercy.

“Wasn’tplanningonit,”hesaid.“Youcanfeelthat,right?We’restillintheMansionofNight.Idonotwanttoseeit.”

Smartboy,Annabeththought.SheusedtoteasePercyforbeingdumb,butintruthhis

instinctswereusuallyrightontarget.

WhateverhorrorslayintheMansionofNight,theyweren’tmeantformortaleyes.SeeingthemwouldbeworsethanstaringatthefaceofMedusa.Bettertorunindarkness.

Thethrobbinggotlouderstill,sendingvibrationsstraightupAnnabeth’sspine.Itfeltlikesomeonewasknockingonthebottomoftheworld,demandingtobeletin.Shesensedthewallsopeninguponeithersideofthem.Theairsmelledfresher—oratleastnotquiteassulfurous.Therewasanothersound,too,closerthanthedeeppulsing…thesoundofflowingwater.

Annabeth’sheartraced.Sheknewtheexitwasclose.IftheycouldmakeitoutoftheMansionofNight,maybetheycouldleavethedarkbroodofdemonsbehind.

Shebegantorunfaster,whichwouldhavemeantherdeathifPercyhadn’tstoppedher.

“ANNABETH!”PERCYPULLEDHERBACKjustasherfoothittheedgeofadrop-off.Shealmostpitchedforwardintowho-knew-what,butPercygrabbedherandwrappedherinhisarms.

“It’sokay,”hepromised.

Shepressedherfaceintohisshirtandkepthereyesclosedtight.Shewastrembling,butnotjustfromfear.Percy’sembracewassowarmandcomfortingshewantedtostaythereforever,safeandprotected…butthatwasn’treality.Shecouldn’taffordtorelax.Shecouldn’tleanonPercyanymorethanshehadto.Heneededher,too.

“Thanks…”Shegentlydisentangledherselffromhisarms.“Canyoutellwhat’sinfrontofus?”

“Water,”hesaid.“I’mstillnotlooking.Idon’tthinkit’ssafeyet.”

“Agreed.”

“Icansenseariver…ormaybeit’samoat.It’sblockingourpath,flowinglefttoright

throughachannelcutintherock.Theoppositesideisabouttwentyfeetaway.”Annabethmentallyscoldedherself.She’dheardtheflowingwater,butshehadneverconsideredshemightberunningheadlongintoit.

“Isthereabridge,or—?”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Percysaid.“Andthere’ssomethingwrongwiththewater.Listen.”Annabethconcentrated.Withintheroaringcurrent,thousandsofvoicescriedout—shriekinginagony,pleadingformercy.

Help!theygroaned.Itwasanaccident!

Thepain!theirvoiceswailed.Makeitstop!

Annabethdidn’tneedhereyestovisualizetheriver—ablackbrinycurrentfilledwithtorturedsoulsbeingsweptdeeperanddeeperintoTartarus.

“TheRiverAcheron,”sheguessed.“ThefifthriveroftheUnderworld.”

“IlikedthePhlegethonbetterthanthis,”Percymuttered.

“It’stheRiverofPain.Theultimatepunishmentforthesoulsofthedamned—murderers,especially.”

Murderers!theriverwailed.Yes,likeyou!

Joinus,anothervoicewhispered.Youarenobetterthanweare.

Annabeth’sheadwasfloodedwithimagesofallthemonstersshe’dkilledovertheyears.

Thatwasn’tmurder,sheprotested.Iwasdefendingmyself!

Theriverchangedcoursethroughhermind—showingherZoëNightshade,whohadbeenslainonMountTamalpaisbecauseshe’dcometorescueAnnabethfromtheTitans.

ShesawNico’ssister,BiancadiAngelo,dyinginthecollapseofthemetalgiantTalos,becauseshealsohadtriedtosaveAnnabeth.

MichaelYewandSilenaBeauregard…whohaddiedintheBattleofManhattan.

Youcouldhavepreventedit,therivertoldAnnabeth.Youshouldhaveseenabetterway.

Mostpainfulofall:LukeCastellan.AnnabethrememberedLuke’sbloodonherdaggerafterhe’dsacrificedhimselftostopKronosfromdestroyingOlympus.

Hisbloodisonyourhands!theriverwailed.Thereshouldhavebeenanotherway!

Annabethhadwrestledwiththesamethoughtmanytimes.She’dtriedtoconvinceherselfLuke’sdeathwasn’therfault.Lukehadchosenhisfate.Still…shedidn’tknowifhissoulhadfoundpeaceintheUnderworld,orifhe’dbeenreborn,orifhe’dbeenwashedintoTartarusbecauseofhiscrimes.Hemightbeoneofthetorturedvoicesflowingpastrightnow.

Youmurderedhim!therivercried.Jumpinandsharehispunishment!

Percygrippedherarm.“Don’tlisten.”

“But—”

“Iknow.”Hisvoicesoundedasbrittleasice.“They’retellingmethesamestuff.Ithink…IthinkthismoatmustbetheborderofNight’sterritory.Ifwegetacross,weshouldbeokay.We’llhavetojump.”

“Yousaiditwastwentyfeet!”

“Yeah.You’llhavetotrustme.Putyourarmsaroundmyneckandhangon.”

“Howcanyoupossibly—”

“There!”criedavoicebehindthem.“Killtheungratefultourists!”ThechildrenofNyxhadfoundthem.AnnabethwrappedherarmsaroundPercy’sneck.“Go!”Withhereyesclosed,shecouldonlyguesshowhemanagedit.Maybeheusedtheforceoftheriversomehow.Maybehewasjustscaredoutofhismindandchargedwithadrenaline.Percyleapedwithmorestrengththanshewouldhavethoughtpossible.Theysailedthroughtheairastheriverchurnedandwailedbelowthem,splashingAnnabeth’sbareankleswithstingingbrine.

Then—CLUMP.Theywereonsolidgroundagain.

“Youcanopenyoureyes,”Percysaid,breathinghard.“Butyouwon’tlikewhatyousee.”Annabethblinked.AfterthedarknessofNyx,eventhedimredglowofTartarusseemedblinding.

BeforethemstretchedavalleybigenoughtofittheSanFranciscoBay.Theboomingnoisecamefromtheentirelandscape,asifthunderwereechoingfrombeneaththeground.Underpoisonousclouds,therollingterrainglistenedpurplewithdarkredandbluescarlines.

“Itlookslike…”Annabethfoughtdownherrevulsion.“Likeagiantheart.”

“TheheartofTartarus,”Percymurmured.

Thecenterofthevalleywascoveredwithafineblackfuzzofpepperydots.Theyweresofaraway,ittookAnnabethamomenttorealizeshewaslookingatanarmy—thousands,maybetensofthousandsofmonsters,gatheredaroundacentralpinpointofdarkness.Itwastoofartoseeanydetails,butAnnabethhadnodoubtwhatthepinpointwas.Evenfromtheedgeofthevalley,Annabethcouldfeelitspowertuggingathersoul.

“TheDoorsofDeath.”

“Yeah.”Percy’svoicewashoarse.Hestillhadthepale,wastedcomplexionofacorpse…whichmeanthelookedaboutasgoodasAnnabethfelt.

Sherealizedshe’dforgottenallabouttheirpursuers.“WhathappenedtoNyx…?”Sheturned.Somehowthey’dlandedseveralhundredyardsfromthebanksofAcheron,whichflowedthroughachannelcutintoblackvolcanichills.Beyondthatwasnothingbutdarkness.

Nosignofanyonecomingafterthem.ApparentlyeventheminionsofNightdidn’tliketocrosstheAcheron.

ShewasabouttoaskPercyhowhehadjumpedsofarwhensheheardtheskitteringofarockslideinthehillstotheirleft.Shedrewherdrakon-bonesword.PercyraisedRiptide.

Apatchofglowingwhitehairappearedovertheridge,thenafamiliargrinningfacewithpuresilvereyes.

“Bob?”Annabethwassohappysheactuallyjumped.“Ohmygods!”

“Friends!”TheTitanlumberedtowardthem.Thebristlesofhisbroomhadbeenburnedoff.Hisjanitor’suniformwasslashedwithnewclawmarks,buthelookeddelighted.Onhisshoulder,SmallBobthekittenpurredalmostasloudlyasthepulsingheartofTartarus.

“Ifoundyou!”Bobgatheredthembothinarib-crushinghug.“Youlooklikesmokingdeadpeople.Thatisgood!”

“Urf,”Percysaid.“Howdidyougethere?ThroughtheMansionofNight?”

“No,no.”Bobshookhisheadadamantly.“Thatplaceistooscary.Anotherway—onlygoodforTitansandsuch.”

“Letmeguess,”Annabethsaid.“Youwentsideways.”

Bobscratchedhischin,evidentlyatalossforwords.“Hmm.No.More…diagonal.”Annabethlaughed.HeretheywereattheheartofTartarus,facinganimpossiblearmy—shewouldtakeanycomfortshecouldget.ShewasridiculouslygladtohaveBobtheTitanwiththemagain.

Shekissedhisimmortalnose,whichmadehimblink.

“Westaytogethernow?”heasked.

“Yes,”Annabethagreed.“TimetoseeifthisDeathMistworks.”

“Andifitdoesn’t…”Percystoppedhimself.

Therewasnopointinwonderingaboutthat.Theywereabouttomarchintothemiddleofanenemyarmy.Iftheywerespotted,theyweredead.

Despitethat,Annabethmanagedasmile.Theirgoalwasinsight.TheyhadaTitanwithabroomandaveryloudkittenontheirside.Thathadtocountforsomething.

“DoorsofDeath,”shesaid,“herewecome.”

JASONWASN’TSUREWHATTOHOPEFOR:stormorfire.

AshewaitedforhisdailyaudiencewiththelordoftheSouthWind,hetriedtodecidewhichofthegod’spersonalities,RomanorGreek,wasworse.Butafterfivedaysinthepalace,hewasonlycertainaboutonething:heandhiscrewwereunlikelytogetoutofherealive.

Heleanedagainstthebalconyrail.Theairwassohotanddry,itsuckedthemoisturerightoutofhislungs.Overthelastweek,hisskinhadgottendarker.Hishairhadturnedaswhiteascornsilk.

Wheneverheglancedinthemirror,hewasstartledbythewild,emptylookinhiseyes,asifhe’dgoneblindwanderinginthedesert.

Ahundredfeetbelow,thebayglitteredagainstacrescentofredsandbeach.TheyweresomewhereonthenortherncoastofAfrica.That’sasmuchasthewindspiritswouldtellhim.

Thepalaceitselfstretchedoutoneithersideofhim—ahoneycombofhallsandtunnels,balconies,colonnades,andcavernousroomscarvedintothesandstonecliffs,alldesignedforthewindtoblowthroughandmakeasmuchnoiseaspossible.Theconstantpipe-organsoundsremindedJasonofthefloatinglairofAeolus,backinColorado,exceptherethewindsseemedinnohurry.

Whichwaspartoftheproblem.

Ontheirbestdays,thesouthernventiwereslowandlazy.Ontheirworstdays,theyweregustyandangry.They’dinitiallywelcomedtheArgoII,sinceanyenemyofBoreaswasafriendoftheSouthWind,buttheyseemedtohaveforgottenthatthedemigodsweretheirguests.Theventihadquicklylostinterestinhelpingrepairtheship.Theirking’smoodgotworseeveryday.

Downatthedock,Jason’sfriendswereworkingontheArgoII.Themainsailhadbeenrepaired,theriggingreplaced.Nowtheyweremendingtheoars.WithoutLeo,theywere

unabletorepairthemorecomplicatedpartsoftheship,evenwiththehelpofBufordthetableandFestus(whowasnowpermanentlyactivatedthankstoPiper’scharmspeak—andnoneofthemunderstoodthat).Buttheykepttrying.

HazelandFrankstoodatthehelm,tinkeringwiththecontrols.PiperrelayedtheircommandstoCoachHedge,whowashangingoverthesideoftheship,bangingoutdentsintheoars.Hedgewaswellsuitedforbangingonthings.

Theydidn’tseemtobemakingmuchprogress,butconsideringwhatthey’dbeenthrough,itwasamiracletheshipwasinonepiece.

JasonshiveredwhenhethoughtaboutKhione’sattack.He’dbeenrenderedhelpless—frozensolidnotoncebuttwice,whileLeowasblastedintotheskyandPiperwasforcedtosavethemallsingle-handedly.

ThankthegodsforPiper.Sheconsideredherselfafailurefornothavingstoppedthewindbombfromexploding;butthetruthwas,she’dsavedtheentirecrewfrombecomingicesculpturesinQuebec.

She’dalsomanagedtodirecttheexplosionoftheicysphere,soeventhoughtheshiphadbeenpushedhalfwayacrosstheMediterranean,ithadsustainedrelativelyminordamage.

Downatthedock,Hedgeyelled,“Tryitnow!”

HazelandFrankpulledsomeofthelevers.Theportoarswentcrazy,choppingupanddownanddoingthewave.CoachHedgetriedtododge,butonesmackedhimintherearandlaunchedhimintotheair.Hecamedownscreamingandsplashedintothebay.

Jasonsighed.Atthisrate,they’dneverbeabletosail,evenifthesouthernventiallowedthemto.

Somewhereinthenorth,ReynawasflyingtowardEpirus,assumingshe’dgottenhisnoteatDiocletian’sPalace.Leowaslostandintrouble.PercyandAnnabeth…well,best-casescenariotheywerestillalive,makingtheirwaytotheDoorsofDeath.Jasoncouldn’tletthemdown.

Arustlingsoundmadehimturn.NicodiAngelostoodintheshadowofthenearestcolumn.He’dshedhisjacket.NowhejustworehisblackT-shirtandblackjeans.HisswordandthescepterofDiocletianhungoneithersideofhisbelt.

Daysinthehotsunhadn’ttannedhisskin.Ifanything,helookedpaler.Hisdarkhairfelloverhiseyes.Hisfacewasstillgaunt,buthewasdefinitelyinbettershapethanwhenthey’dleftCroatia.Hehadregainedenoughweightnottolookstarved.Hisarmsweresurprisinglytautwithmuscles,asifhe’dspentthepastweekswordfighting.ForallJasonknew,he’dbeenslippingofftopracticeraisingspiritswithDiocletian’sscepter,thensparringwiththem.AftertheirexpeditioninSplit,nothingwouldsurprisehim.

“Anywordfromtheking?”Nicoasked.

Jasonshookhishead.“Everyday,hecallsformelaterandlater.”

“Weneedtoleave,”Nicosaid.“Soon.”

Jasonhadbeenhavingthesamefeeling,buthearingNicosayitmadehimevenedgier.“Yousensesomething?”

“PercyisclosetotheDoors,”Nicosaid.“He’llneedusifhe’sgoingtomakeitthroughalive.”Jasonnoticedthathedidn’tmentionAnnabeth.Hedecidednottobringthatup.

“Allright,”Jasonsaid.“Butifwecan’trepairtheship—”

“IpromisedI’dleadyoutotheHouseofHades,”Nicosaid.“Onewayoranother,Iwill.”

“Youcan’tshadow-travelwithallofus.AnditwilltakeallofustoreachtheDoorsofDeath.”TheorbattheendofDiocletian’sscepterglowedpurple.Overthepastweek,itseemedtohavealigneditselftoNicodiAngelo’smoods.Jasonwasn’tsurethatwasagoodthing.

“Thenyou’vegottoconvincethekingoftheSouthWindtohelp.”Nico’svoiceseethedwithanger.“Ididn’tcomeallthisway,suffersomanyhumiliations…”Jasonhadtomakeaconsciouseffortnottoreachforhissword.WheneverNicogotangry,allofJason’sinstinctsscreamed,Danger!

“Look,Nico,”hesaid,“I’mhereifyouwanttotalkabout,youknow,whathappenedinCroatia.Igethowdifficult—”

“Youdon’tgetanything.”

“Nobody’sgoingtojudgeyou.”

Nico’smouthtwistedinasneer.“Really?Thatwouldbeafirst.I’mthesonofHades,Jason.Imightaswellbecoveredinbloodorsewage,thewaypeopletreatme.Idon’tbelonganywhere.I’mnotevenfromthiscentury.Buteventhat’snotenoughtosetmeapart.I’vegottobe—tobe—”

“Dude!It’snotlikeyou’vegotachoice.It’sjustwhoyouare.”

“JustwhoIam…”Thebalconytrembled.Patternsshiftedinthestonefloor,likebonescomingtothesurface.“Easyforyoutosay.You’reeverybody’sgoldenboy,thesonofJupiter.TheonlypersonwhoeveracceptedmewasBianca,andshedied!Ididn’tchooseanyofthis.Myfather,myfeelings…”

Jasontriedtothinkofsomethingtosay.HewantedtobeNico’sfriend.Heknewthatwastheonlywaytohelp.ButNicowasn’tmakingiteasy.

Heraisedhishandsinsubmission.“Yeah,okay.But,Nico,youdochoosehowtoliveyourlife.

Youwanttotrustsomebody?MaybetakeariskthatI’mreallyyourfriendandI’llacceptyou.It’sbetterthanhiding.”

Thefloorcrackedbetweenthem.Thecrevicehissed.TheairaroundNicoshimmeredwithspectrallight.

“Hiding?”Nico’svoicewasdeadlyquiet.

Jason’sfingersitchedtodrawhissword.He’dmetplentyofscarydemigods,buthewasstartingtorealizethatNicodiAngelo—aspaleandgauntashelooked—mightbemorethanhecouldhandle.

Nevertheless,heheldNico’sgaze.“Yes,hiding.You’verunawayfrombothcamps.You’resoafraidyou’llgetrejectedthatyouwon’teventry.Maybeit’stimeyoucomeout

oftheshadows.”Justwhenthetensionbecameunbearable,Nicodroppedhiseyes.Thefissureclosedinthebalconyfloor.Theghostlylightfaded.

“I’mgoingtohonormypromise,”Nicosaid,notmuchlouderthanawhisper.“I’lltakeyoutoEpirus.I’llhelpyouclosetheDoorsofDeath.Thenthat’sit.I’mleaving—forever.”Behindthem,thedoorsofthethroneroomblastedopenwithagustofscorchingair.

Adisembodiedvoicesaid:LordAusterwillseeyounow.

Asmuchashedreadedthismeeting,Jasonfeltrelieved.Atthemoment,arguingwithacrazywindgodseemedsaferthanbefriendinganangrysonofHades.HeturnedtotellNicogood-bye,butNicohaddisappeared—meltingbackintothedarkness.

SOITWASASTORMDAY.Auster,theRomanversionoftheSouthWind,washoldingcourt.

Thetwopreviousdays,JasonhaddealtwithNotus.Whilethegod’sGreekversionwasfieryandquicktoanger,atleasthewasquick.Auster…well,notsomuch.

Whiteandredmarblecolumnslinedthethroneroom.TheroughsandstonefloorsmokedunderJason’sshoes.Steamhungintheair,likethebathhousebackatCampJupiter,exceptbathhousesusuallydidn’thavethunderstormscracklingacrosstheceiling,lightingtheroomindisorientingflashes.

Southernventiswirledthroughthehallincloudsofreddustandsuperheatedair.Jasonwascarefultostayawayfromthem.Onhisfirstdayhere,he’daccidentallybrushedhishandthroughone.

He’dgottensomanyblisters,hisfingerslookedliketentacles.

AttheendoftheroomwasthestrangestthroneJasonhadeverseen—madeofequalpartsfireandwater.Thedaiswasabonfire.Flamesandsmokecurleduptoformaseat.Thebackofthechairwasachurningstormcloud.Thearmrestssizzledwheremoisturemet

fire.Itdidn’tlookverycomfortable,butthegodAusterloungedonitlikehewasreadyforaneasyafternoonofwatchingfootball.

Standingup,hewouldhavebeenabouttenfeettall.Acrownofsteamwreathedhisshaggywhitehair.Hisbeardwasmadeofclouds,constantlypoppingwithlightningandrainingdownonthegod’schest,soakinghissand-coloredtoga.Jasonwonderedifyoucouldshaveathundercloudbeard.Hethoughtitmightbeannoyingtorainonyourselfallthetime,butAusterdidn’tseemtocare.HeremindedJasonofasoggySantaClaus,butmorelazythanjolly.

“So…”Thegod’svoicerumbledlikeanoncomingfront.“ThesonofJupiterreturns.”AustermadeitsoundlikeJasonwaslate.Jasonwastemptedtoremindthestupidwindgodthathehadspenthoursoutsideeverydaywaitingtobecalled,buthejustbowed.

“Mylord,”hesaid.“Haveyoureceivedanynewsofmyfriend?”

“Friend?”

“LeoValdez.”Jasontriedtostaypatient.“Theonewhowastakenbythewinds.”

“Oh…yes.Orrather,no.Wehavehadnoword.Hewasnottakenbymywinds.NodoubtthiswastheworkofBoreasorhisspawn.”

“Uh,yes.Weknewthat.”

“ThatistheonlyreasonItookyouin,ofcourse.”Auster’seyebrowsroseintohiswreathofsteam.“Boreasmustbeopposed!Thenorthwindsmustbedrivenback!”

“Yes,mylord.ButtoopposeBoreas,wereallyneedtogetourshipoutoftheharbor.”

“Shipintheharbor!”Thegodleanedbackandchuckled,rainpouringoutofhisbeard.“Youknowthelasttimemortalshipscameintomyharbor?AkingofLibya…Psyolloswashisname.Heblamedmeforthescorchingwindsthatburnedhiscrops.Canyoubelieveit?”Jasongrittedhisteeth.He’dlearnedthatAustercouldn’tberushed.Inhisrainyform,hewassluggishandwarmandrandom.

“Anddidyouburnthosecrops,mylord?”

“Ofcourse!”Austersmiledgood-naturedly.“ButwhatdidPsyollosexpect,plantingcropsattheedgeoftheSahara?Thefoollaunchedhisentirefleetagainstme.Heintendedtodestroymystrongholdsothesouthwindcouldneverblowagain.Idestroyedhisfleet,ofcourse.”

“Ofcourse.”

Austernarrowedhiseyes.“Youaren’twithPsyollos,areyou?”

“No,LordAuster.I’mJasonGrace,sonof—”

“Jupiter!Yes,ofcourse.IlikesonsofJupiter.Butwhyareyoustillinmyharbor?”Jasonsuppressedasigh.“Wedon’thaveyourpermissiontoleave,mylord.Also,ourshipisdamaged.Weneedourmechanic,LeoValdez,torepairtheengine,unlessyouknowofanotherway.”

“Hmm.”Austerhelduphisfingersandletadustdevilswirlbetweenthemlikeabaton.“Youknow,peopleaccusemeofbeingfickle.SomedaysIamthescorchingwind,the

destroyerofcrops,thesiroccofromAfrica!OtherdaysIamgentle,heraldingthewarmsummerrainsandcoolingfogsofthesouthernMediterranean.Andintheoff-season,IhavealovelyplaceinCancun!Atanyrate,inancienttimes,mortalsbothfearedmeandlovedme.Foragod,unpredictabilitycanbeastrength.”

“Thenyouaretrulystrong,”Jasonsaid.

“Thankyou!Yes!Butthesameisnottrueofdemigods.”Austerleanedforward,closeenoughsothatJasoncouldsmellrain-soakedfieldsandhotsandybeaches.“Youremindmeofmyownchildren,JasonGrace.Youhaveblownfromplacetoplace.Youareundecided.Youchangedaytoday.Ifyoucouldturnthewindsock,whichwaywoulditblow?”

SweattrickledbetweenJason’sshoulderblades.“Excuseme?”

“Yousayyouneedanavigator.Youneedmypermission.Isayyouneedneither.Itistimetochooseadirection.Awindthatblowsaimlesslyisofnousetoanyone.”

“Idon’t…Idon’tunderstand.”

Evenashesaidit,hedidunderstand.Nicohadtalkedaboutnotbelonginganywhere.AtleastNicowasfreeofattachments.Hecouldgowhereverhechose.

Formonths,Jasonhadbeenwrestlingwiththequestionofwherehebelonged.He’dalwayschafedagainstthetraditionsofCampJupiter,thepowerplays,theinfighting.ButReynawasagoodperson.Sheneededhishelp.Ifheturnedhisbackonher…someonelikeOctaviancouldtakeoverandruineverythingJasondidloveaboutNewRome.Couldhebesoselfishastoleave?Theveryideacrushedhimwithguilt.

Butinhisheart,hewantedtobeatCampHalf-Blood.Themonthshe’dspenttherewithPiperandLeohadfeltmoresatisfying,morerightthanallhisyearsatCampJupiter.Besides,atCampHalf-Blood,therewasatleastachancehemightmeethisfathersomeday.ThegodshardlyeverstoppedbyCampJupitertosayhello.

Jasontookashakybreath.“Yes.IknowthedirectionIwanttotake.”

“Good!And?”

“Uh,westillneedawaytofixtheship.Isthere—?”

Austerraisedanindexfinger.“Stillexpectingguidancefromthewindlords?AsonofJupitershouldknowbetter.”

Jasonhesitated.“We’releaving,LordAuster.Today.”

Thewindgodgrinnedandspreadhishands.“Atlast,youannounceyourpurpose!Thenyouhavemypermissiontogo,thoughyoudonotneedit.Andhowwillyousailwithoutyourengineer,withoutyourenginesfixed?”

Jasonfeltthesouthwindszippingaroundhim,whinnyinginchallengelikeheadstrongmustangs,testinghiswill.

Allweekhehadbeenwaiting,hopingAusterwoulddecidetohelp.FormonthshehadworriedabouthisobligationstoCampJupiter,hopinghispathwouldbecomeclear.Now,herealized,hesimplyhadtotakewhathewanted.Hehadtocontrolthewinds,notthe

otherwayaround.

“You’regoingtohelpus,”Jasonsaid.“Yourventicantaketheformofhorses.You’llgiveusateamtopulltheArgoII.They’llleadustowhereverLeois.”

“Wonderful!”Austerbeamed,hisbeardflashingwithelectricity.“Now…canyoumakegoodonthoseboldwords?Canyoucontrolwhatyouaskfor,orwillyoubetornapart?”Thegodclappedhishands.Windsswirledaroundhisthroneandtooktheformofhorses.Theseweren’tdarkandcoldlikeJason’sfriendTempest.TheSouthWindhorsesweremadeoffire,sand,andhotthunderstorm.Fourofthemracedpast,theirheatsingeingthehairoffJason’sarms.Theygallopedaroundthemarblecolumns,spittingflames,neighingwithasoundlikesandblasters.Themoretheyran,thewildertheybecame.TheystartedtoeyeJason.

Austerstrokedhisrainybeard.“Doyouknowwhytheventicanappearashorses,myboy?Everysooften,wewindgodstraveltheearthinequineform.Onoccasion,we’vebeenknowntosirethefastestofallhorses.”

“Thanks,”Jasonmuttered,thoughhisteethwerechatteringwithfear.“Toomuchinformation.”OneoftheventichargedatJason.Heduckedaside,hisclothessmokingfromtheclosecall.

“Sometimes,”Austercontinuedcheerfully,“mortalsrecognizeourdivineblood.Theywillsay,Thathorserunslikethewind.Andforgoodreason.Likethefasteststallions,theventiareourchildren!”

ThewindhorsesbegantocircleJason.

“LikemyfriendTempest,”heventured.

“Oh,well…”Austerscowled.“IfearthatoneisachildofBoreas.Howyoutamedhim,Iwillneverknow.Thesearemyownoffspring,afineteamofsouthernwinds.Controlthem,JasonGrace,andtheywillpullyourshipfromtheharbor.”

Controlthem,Jasonthought.Yeah,right.

Theyranbackandforth,workingupafrenzy.Liketheirmaster,theSouthWind,theywereconflicted—halfhot,drysirocco,halfstormythunderhead.

Ineedspeed,Jasonthought.Ineedpurpose.

HeenvisionedNotus,theGreekversionoftheSouthWind—blisteringhot,butveryfast.

Inthatmoment,hechoseGreek.HethrewinhislotwithCampHalf-Blood—andthehorseschanged.Thestormcloudsinsideburnedaway,leavingnothingbutreddustandshimmeringheat,likemiragesontheSahara.

“Welldone,”saidthegod.

OnthethronenowsatNotus—abronze-skinnedoldmaninafieryGreekchiton,hisheadcrownedwithawreathofwithered,smokingbarley.

“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”thegodprompted.

Jasonturnedtowardthefierywindsteeds.Suddenlyhewasn’tafraidofthem.

Hethrustouthishand.Aswirlofdustshottowardthenearesthorse.Alasso—aropeofwind,moretightlywoundthananytornado—wrappedaroundthehorse’sneck.Thewindformedahalterandbroughtthebeasttoastop.

Jasonsummonedanotherwindrope.Helashedasecondhorse,bindingittohiswill.Inlessthanaminute,hehadtetheredallfourventi.Hereinedthemin,stillwhinnyingandbucking,buttheycouldn’tbreakJason’sropes.Itfeltlikeflyingfourkitesinastrongwind—hard,yes,butnotimpossible.

“Verygood,JasonGrace,”Notussaid.“YouareasonofJupiter,yetyouhavechosenyourownpath—asallthegreatestdemigodshavedonebeforeyou.Youcannotcontrolyourparentage,butyoucanchooseyourlegacy.Now,go.LashyourteamtotheprowanddirectthemtowardMalta.”

“Malta?”Jasontriedtofocus,buttheheatfromthehorseswasmakinghimlight-headed.HeknewnothingaboutMalta,exceptforsomevaguestoryaboutaMaltesefalcon.Weremaltsinventedthere?

“OnceyouarriveinthecityofValletta,”Notussaid,“youwillnolongerneedthesehorses.”

“Youmean…we’llfindLeothere?”

Thegodshimmered,slowlyfadingintowavesofheat.“Yourdestinygrowsclearer,JasonGrace.

Whenthechoicecomesagain—stormorfire—rememberme.Anddonotdespair.”Thedoorsofthethroneroomburstopen.Thehorses,smellingfreedom,boltedfortheexit.

ATSIXTEEN,MOSTKIDSWOULDSTRESSaboutparallelparkingtests,gettingadriver’slicense,andaffordingacar.

Jasonstressedaboutcontrollingateamoffieryhorseswithwindropes.

Aftermakingsurehisfriendswereaboardandsafelybelowdeck,helashedtheventito

theprowoftheArgoII(whichFestuswasnothappyabout),straddledthefigurehead,andyelled,“Giddyup!”Theventitoreacrossthewaves.Theyweren’tquiteasfastasHazel’shorse,Arion,buttheyhadalotmoreheat.TheykickeduparoostertailofsteamthatmadeitalmostimpossibleforJasontoseewheretheyweregoing.Theshipshotoutofthebay.InnotimeAfricawasahazylineonthehorizonbehindthem.

MaintainingthewindropestookallofJason’sconcentration.Thehorsesstrainedtobreakfree.

Onlyhiswillpowerkeptthemincheck.

Malta,heordered.StraighttoMalta.

Bythetimelandfinallyappearedinthedistance—ahillyislandcarpetedwithlowstonebuildings—Jasonwassoakedinsweat.Hisarmsfeltrubbery,likehe’dbeenholdingabarbellstraightoutinfrontofhim.

Hehopedthey’dreachedtherightplace,becausehecouldn’tkeepthehorsestogetheranylonger.

Hereleasedthewindreins.Theventiscatteredintoparticlesofsandandsteam.

Exhausted,Jasonclimbeddownfromtheprow.HeleanedagainstFestus’sneck.Thedragonturnedandgavehimachinhug.

“Thanks,man,”Jasonsaid.“Roughday,huh?”

Behindhim,thedeckboardscreaked.

“Jason?”Pipercalled.“Oh,gods,yourarms…”

Hehadn’tnoticed,buthisskinwasdottedwithblisters.

Piperunwrappedasquareofambrosia.“Eatthis.”

Hechewed.Hismouthwasfilledwiththetasteoffreshbrownies—hisfavoritetreatfromthebakeriesinNewRome.Theblistersfadedonhisarms.Hisstrengthreturned,butthebrownieambrosiatastedmorebitterthanusual,asifitsomehowknewthatJasonwasturninghisbackonCampJupiter.Thiswasnolongerthetasteofhome.

“Thanks,Pipes,”hemurmured.“HowlongwasI—?”

“Aboutsixhours.”

Wow,Jasonthought.Nowonderhefeltsoreandhungry.“Theothers?”

“Allfine.Tiredofbeingcoopedup.ShouldItellthemit’ssafetocomeabovedeck?”Jasonlickedhisdrylips.Despitetheambrosia,hefeltshaky.Hedidn’twanttheotherstoseehimlikethis.

“Givemeasecond,”hesaid.“…catchmybreath.”

Piperleanednexttohim.Inhergreentanktop,herbeigeshorts,andherhikingboots,shelookedlikeshewasreadytoclimbamountain—andthenfightanarmyatthetop.Herdaggerwasstrappedtoherbelt.Hercornucopiawasslungoveroneshoulder.She’dtakentowearingthejaggedbronzeswordshe’drecoveredfromZethestheBoread,whichwasonlyslightlylessintimidatingthananassaultrifle.

DuringtheirtimeatAuster’spalace,JasonhadwatchedPiperandHazelspendhoursswordfighting—somethingPiperhadneverbeeninterestedinbefore.SinceherencounterwithKhione,Piperseemedmorewired,tensedupinsidelikeaprimedcatapult,asifsheweredeterminednevertobecaughtoffguardagain.

Jasonunderstoodthefeeling,butheworriedshewasbeingtoohardonherself.Nobodycouldbereadyforanythingallthetime.Heshouldknow.He’dspentthelastfightasafreeze-driedthrowrug.

Hemusthavebeenstaring,becauseshegavehimaknowingsmirk.“Hey,I’mfine.We’refine.”Sheperchedonhertiptoesandkissedhim,whichfeltasgoodastheambrosia.HereyeswerefleckedwithsomanycolorsJasoncould’vestaredintothemallday,studyingthechangingpatterns,thewaypeoplewatchedthenorthernlights.

“I’mluckytohaveyou,”hesaid.

“Yeah,youare.”Shepushedhischestgently.“Now,howdowegetthisshiptothedocks?”Jasonfrownedacrossthewater.Theywerestillhalfamilefromtheisland.Hehadnoideawhethertheycouldgettheenginesworking,orthesails.…

Fortunately,Festushadbeenlistening.Hefacedfrontandblewaplumeoffire.Theship’sengineclatteredandhummed.Itsoundedlikeamassivebikewithabustedchain—buttheylurchedforward.

Slowly,theArgoIIheadedtowardtheshore.

“Gooddragon.”PiperpattedFestus’sneck.

Thedragon’srubyeyesglintedasifhewaspleasedwithhimself.

“Heseemsdifferentsinceyouwokehim,”Jasonsaid.“More…alive.”

“Thewayheshouldbe.”Pipersmiled.“Iguessonceinawhileweallneedawake-upcallfromsomebodywholovesus.”

Standingnexttoher,Jasonfeltsogood,hecouldalmostimaginetheirfuturetogetheratCampHalf-Blood,oncethewarwasover—assumingtheylived,assumingtherewasstillacamplefttoreturnto.

Whenthechoicecomesagain,Notushadsaid,stormorfire—rememberme.Anddonotdespair.

TheclosertheygottoGreece,themoredreadsettledinJason’schest.HewasstartingtothinkPiperwasrightaboutthestormorfirelineintheprophecy—oneofthem,JasonorLeo,wouldnotcomebackfromthisvoyagealive.

WhichwaswhytheyhadtofindLeo.AsmuchasJasonlovedhislife,hecouldn’tlethisfrienddieforhissake.Hecouldneverlivewiththeguilt.

Ofcoursehehopedhewaswrong.Hehopedtheybothcameoutofthisquestokay.Butifnot,Jasonhadtobeprepared.HewouldprotecthisfriendsandstopGaea—whateverittook.

Donotdespair.

Yeah.Easyforanimmortalwindgodtosay.

Astheislandgotcloser,Jasonsawdocksbristlingwithsails.Fromtherockyshorelinerosefortress-likeseawalls—fiftyorsixtyfeettall.Abovethatsprawledamedieval-lookingcityofchurchspires,domes,andtightlywedgedbuildings,allmadeofthesamegoldenstone.FromwhereJasonstood,itlookedasifthecitycoveredeveryinchoftheisland.

Hescannedtheboatsintheharbor.Ahundredyardsahead,tiedtotheendofthelongestdock,wasamakeshiftraftwithasimplemastandasquarecanvassail.Ontheback,therudderwaswiredtosomesortofmachine.Evenfromthisdistance,JasoncouldseetheglintofCelestialbronze.

Jasongrinned.Onlyonedemigodwouldmakeaboatlikethat,andhe’dmooreditasfaroutintheharboraspossible,wheretheArgoIIcouldn’tfailtospotit.

“Gettheothers,”JasontoldPiper.“Leoishere.”

THEYFOUNDLEOATTHETOPofthecityfortifications.Hewassittingatanopen-aircafé,overlookingthesea,drinkingacupofcoffeeanddressedin…wow.Timewarp.Leo’soutfitwasidenticaltotheonehe’dwornthedaytheyfirstarrivedatCampHalf-Blood—jeans,awhiteshirt,andanoldarmyjacket.Exceptthatjackethadburnedupmonthsago.

Pipernearlyknockedhimoutofhischairwithahug.“Leo!Gods,wherehaveyoubeen?”

“Valdez!”CoachHedgegrinned.Thenheseemedtorememberhehadareputationtoprotectandheforcedascowl.“Youeverdisappearlikethatagain,youlittlepunk,I’llknockyouintonextmonth!”

FrankpattedLeoonthebacksoharditmadehimwince.EvenNicoshookhishand.

HazelkissedLeoonthecheek.“Wethoughtyouweredead!”Leomusteredafaintsmile.“Hey,guys.Nah,nah,I’mgood.”Jasoncouldtellhewasn’tgood.Leowouldn’tmeettheireyes.Hishandswereperfectlystillonthetable.Leo’shandswereneverstill.Allthenervousenergyhaddrainedrightoutofhim,replacedbyakindofwistfulsadness.

Jasonwonderedwhyhisexpressionseemedfamiliar.ThenherealizedNicodiAngelohadlookedthesamewayafterfacingCupidintheruinsofSalona.

Leowasheartsick.

Astheothersgrabbedchairsfromthenearbytables,Jasonleanedinandsqueezedhisfriend’sshoulder.

“Hey,man,”hesaid,“whathappened?”

Leo’seyessweptaroundthegroup.Themessagewasclear:Nothere.Notinfrontofeveryone.

“Igotmarooned,”Leosaid.“Longstory.Howaboutyouguys?WhathappenedwithKhione?”CoachHedgesnorted.“Whathappened?Piperhappened!I’mtellingyou,thisgirlhasskills!”

“Coach…”Piperprotested.

Hedgebeganretellingthestory,butinhisversionPiperwasakungfuassassinandtherewerealotmoreBoreads.

Asthecoachtalked,JasonstudiedLeowithconcern.Thiscaféhadaperfectviewoftheharbor.

LeomusthaveseentheArgoIIsailin.Yethesatheredrinkingcoffee—whichhedidn’tevenlike—

waitingforthemtofindhim.Thatwasn’tlikeLeoatall.Theshipwasthemostimportantthinginhislife.Whenhesawitcomingtorescuehim,Leoshouldhaverundowntothedocks,whoopingatthetopofhislungs.

CoachHedgewasjustdescribinghowPiperhaddefeatedKhionewitharoundhousekickwhenPiperinterrupted.

“Coach!”shesaid.“Itdidn’thappenlikethatatall.Icouldn’thavedoneanythingwithoutFestus.”

Leoraisedhiseyebrows.“ButFestuswasdeactivated.”

“Um,aboutthat,”Pipersaid.“Isortofwokehimup.”

Piperexplainedherversionofevents—howshe’drebootedthemetaldragonwithcharmspeak.

Leotappedhisfingersonthetable,likesomeofhisoldenergywascomingback.

“Shouldn’tbepossible,”hemurmured.“Unlesstheupgradeslethimrespondtovoicecommands.

Butifhe’spermanentlyactivated,thatmeansthenavigationsystemandthecrystal…”

“Crystal?”Jasonasked.

Leoflinched.“Um,nothing.Anyway,whathappenedafterthewindbombwentoff?”Hazeltookupthestory.Awaitresscameoverandofferedthemmenus.Innotimetheywerechowingdownonsandwichesandsodas,enjoyingthesunnydayalmostlikeagroup

ofregularteenagers.

Frankgrabbedatouristbrochurestuckunderthenapkindispenser.Hebegantoreadit.PiperpattedLeo’sarm,likeshecouldn’tbelievehewasreallyhere.Nicostoodattheedgeofthegroup,eyeingthepassingpedestriansasiftheymightbeenemies.CoachHedgemunchedonthesaltandpeppershakers.

Despitethehappyreunion,everybodyseemedmoresubduedthanusual—liketheywerepickinguponLeo’smood.JasonhadneverreallyconsideredhowimportantLeo’ssenseofhumorwastothegroup.Evenwhenthingsweresuperserious,theycouldalwaysdependonLeotolightenthingsup.

Now,itfeltlikethewholeteamhaddroppedanchor.

“SothenJasonharnessedtheventi,”Hazelfinished.“Andhereweare.”Leowhistled.“Hot-airhorses?Dang,Jason.Sobasically,youheldabunchofgastogetherallthewaytoMalta,andthenyouletitloose.”

Jasonfrowned.“Youknow,itdoesn’tsoundsoheroicwhenyouputitthatway.”

“Yeah,well.I’manexpertonhotair.I’mstillwondering,whyMalta?Ijustkindofendeduphereontheraft,butwasthatarandomthing,or—”

“Maybebecauseofthis.”Franktappedhisbrochure.“SayshereMaltawaswhereCalypsolived.”ApintofblooddrainedfromLeo’sface.“W-whatnow?”

Frankshrugged.“Accordingtothis,heroriginalhomewasanislandcalledGozojustnorthofhere.Calypso’saGreekmyththingie,right?”

“Ah,aGreekmyththingie!”CoachHedgerubbedhishandstogether.“Maybewegettofighther!

Dowegettofighther?’CauseI’mready.”

“No,”Leomurmured.“No,wedon’thavetofighther,Coach.”Piperfrowned.“Leo,what’swrong?Youlook—”

“Nothing’swrong!”Leoshottohisfeet.“Hey,weshouldgetgoing.We’vegotworktodo!”

“But…wheredidyougo?”Hazelasked.“Wheredidyougetthoseclothes?How—”

“Jeez,ladies!”Leosaid.“Iappreciatetheconcern,butIdon’tneedtwoextramoms!”Pipersmileduncertainly.“Okay,but—”

“Shipstofix!”Leosaid.“Festustocheck!Earthgoddessestopunchintheface!Whatarewewaitingfor?Leo’sback!”

Hespreadhisarmsandgrinned.

Hewasmakingabraveattempt,butJasoncouldseethesadnesslingeringinhiseyes.Somethinghadhappenedtohim…somethingtodowithCalypso.

Jasontriedtorememberthestoryabouther.Shewasasorceressofsomesort,maybelikeMedeaorCirce.ButifLeohadescapedfromanevilsorceress’slair,whydidheseemsosad?Jasonwouldhavetotalktohimlater,makesurehisbuddywasokay.FornowLeo

clearlydidn’twanttobeinterrogated.

Jasongotupandclappedhimontheshoulder.“Leo’sright.Weshouldgetgoing.”Everybodytookthecue.Theystartedwrappinguptheirfoodandfinishingtheirdrinks.

Suddenly,Hazelgasped.“Guys…”

Shepointedtothenortheasthorizon.Atfirst,Jasonsawnothingbutthesea.Thenastreakofdarknessshotintotheairlikeblacklightning—asifpurenighthadtornthroughthedaytime.

“Idon’tseeanything,”CoachHedgegrumbled.

“Meneither,”Pipersaid.

Jasonscannedhisfriends’faces.Mostofthemjustlookedconfused.Nicowastheonlyotheronewhoseemedtohavenoticedtheblacklightning.

“Thatcan’tbe…”Nicomuttered.“Greeceisstillhundredsofmilesaway.”Thedarknessflashedagain,momentarilyleachingthecolorfromthehorizon.

“Youthinkit’sEpirus?”Jason’swholeskeletontingled,thewayhefeltwhenhegothitbyathousandvolts.Hedidn’tknowwhyhecouldseethedarkflashes.Hewasn’tachildoftheUnderworld.Butitgavehimaverybadfeeling.

Niconodded.“TheHouseofHadesisopenforbusiness.”

Afewsecondslater,arumblingsoundwashedoverthemlikedistantartillery.

“It’sbegun,”Hazelsaid.

“Whathas?”Leoasked.

Whenthenextflashhappened,Hazel’sgoldeyesdarkenedlikefoilinfire.“Gaea’sfinalpush,”shesaid.“TheDoorsofDeathareworkingovertime.Herforcesareenteringthemortalworldenmasse.”

“We’llnevermakeit,”Nicosaid.“Bythetimewearrive,there’llbetoomanymonsterstofight.”Jasonsethisjaw.“We’lldefeatthem.Andwe’llmakeittherefast.We’vegotLeoback.He’llgiveusthespeedweneed.”

Heturnedtohisfriend.“Oristhatjusthotair?”

Leomanagedacrookedgrin.Hiseyesseemedtosay:Thanks.

“Timetofly,boysandgirls,”hesaid.“UncleLeo’sstillgotafewtricksuphissleeves!”

PERCYWASN’TDEADYET,buthewasalreadytiredofbeingacorpse.

AstheytrudgedtowardtheheartofTartarus,hekeptglancingdownathisbody,wonderinghowitcouldbelongtohim.Hisarmslookedlikebleachedleatherpulledoversticks.Hisskeletallegsseemedtodissolveintosmokewitheverystep.He’dlearnedtomovenormallywithintheDeathMist,moreorless,butthemagicalshroudstillmadehimfeellikehewaswrappedinacoatofhelium.

HeworriedthattheDeathMistmightclingtohimforever,eveniftheysomehowmanagedtosurviveTartarus.Hedidn’twanttospendtherestofhislifelookinglikeanextrafromTheWalkingDead.

Percytriedtofocusonsomethingelse,buttherewasnosafedirectiontolook.

Underhisfeet,thegroundglistenedanauseatingpurple,pulsingwithwebsofveins.Inthedimredlightofthebloodclouds,DeathMistAnnabethlookedlikeafreshlyrisenzombie.

Aheadofthemwasthemostdepressingviewofall.

Spreadtothehorizonwasanarmyofmonsters—flocksofwingedarai,tribesoflumberingCyclopes,clustersoffloatingevilspirits.Thousandsofbaddies,maybetensofthousands,allmillingrestlessly,pressingagainstoneanother,growlingandfightingforspace—likethelockerareaofanovercrowdedschoolbetweenclasses,ifallthestudentswere’roid-ragingmutantswhosmelledreallybad.

Bobledthemtowardtheedgeofthearmy.Hemadenoefforttohide,notthatitwouldhavedoneanygood.Beingtenfeettallandglowingsilver,Bobdidn’tdostealthverywell.

Aboutthirtyyardsfromthenearestmonsters,BobturnedtofacePercy.

“Stayquietandstaybehindme,”headvised.“Theywillnotnoticeyou.”

“Wehope,”Percymuttered.

OntheTitan’sshoulder,SmallBobwokeupfromanap.Hepurredseismicallyandarchedhisback,turningskeletalthenbacktocalico.Atleasthedidn’tseemnervous.

Annabethexaminedherownzombiehands.“Bob,ifwe’reinvisible…howcanyouseeus?Imean,you’retechnically,youknow…”

“Yes,”Bobsaid.“Butwearefriends.”

“Nyxandherchildrencouldseeus,”Annabethsaid.

Bobshrugged.“ThatwasinNyx’srealm.Thatisdifferent.”

“Uh…right.”Annabethdidn’tsoundreassured,buttheywereherenow.Theydidn’thaveanychoicebuttotry.

Percystaredattheswarmofviciousmonsters.“Well,atleastwewon’thavetoworryaboutbumpingintoanyotherfriendsinthiscrowd.”

Bobgrinned.“Yes,thatisgoodnews!Now,let’sgo.Deathisclose.”

“TheDoorsofDeathareclose,”Annabethcorrected.“Let’swatchthephrasing.”Theyplungedintothecrowd.Percytrembledsobadly,hewasafraidtheDeathMistwouldshakerightoffhim.He’dseenlargegroupsofmonstersbefore.He’dfoughtanarmyofthemduringtheBattleofManhattan.Butthiswasdifferent.

Wheneverhe’dfoughtmonstersinthemortalworld,Percyatleastknewhewasdefendinghishome.Thatgavehimcourage,nomatterhowbadtheoddswere.Here,Percywastheinvader.Hedidn’tbelonginthismultitudeofmonstersanymorethantheMinotaurbelongedinPennStationatrushhour.

Afewfeetaway,agroupofempousaitoreintothecarcassofagryphonwhileothergryphonsflewaroundthem,squawkinginoutrage.Asix-armedEarthbornandaLaistrygoniangiantpummeledeachotherwithrocks,thoughPercywasn’tsureiftheywerefightingorjustmessingaround.Adarkwispofsmoke—Percyguesseditmustbeaneidolon—seepedintoaCyclops,madethemonsterhithimselfintheface,thendriftedofftopossessanothervictim.

Annabethwhispered,“Percy,look.”

Astone’sthrowaway,aguyinacowboyoutfitwascrackingawhipatsomefire-breathinghorses.ThewranglerworeaStetsonhatonhisgreasyhair,anextra-largesetofjeans,andapairofblackleatherboots.Fromtheside,hemighthavepassedforhuman—untilheturned,andPercysawthathisupperbodywassplitintothreedifferentchests,eachonedressedinadifferent-colorWesternshirt.

ItwasdefinitelyGeryon,whohadtriedtokillPercytwoyearsagoinTexas.Apparentlytheevilrancherwasanxioustobreakinanewherd.TheideaofthatguyridingoutoftheDoorsofDeathmadePercy’ssideshurtalloveragain.HisribsthrobbedwherethearaihadunleashedGeryon’sdyingcursebackintheforest.Hewantedtomarchuptothethree-bodiedrancher,smackhimintheface,andyell,Thanksalot,Tex!

Sadly,hecouldn’t.

Howmanyotheroldenemieswereinthiscrowd?Percybegantorealizethateverybattlehe’deverwonhadonlybeenatemporaryvictory.Nomatterhowstrongorluckyhewas,

nomatterhowmanymonstershedestroyed,Percywouldeventuallyfail.Hewasonlyonemortal.Hewouldgettooold,tooweak,ortooslow.Hewoulddie.Andthesemonsters…theylastedforever.Theyjustkeptcomingback.Maybeitwouldtakethemmonthsoryearstore-form,maybeevencenturies.Buttheywouldbereborn.

SeeingthemassembledinTartarus,PercyfeltashopelessasthespiritsintheRiverCocytus.Sowhatifhewasahero?Sowhatifhedidsomethingbrave?Evilwasalwayshere,regenerating,bubblingunderthesurface.Percywasnomorethanaminorannoyancetotheseimmortalbeings.

Theyjusthadtooutwaithim.Someday,Percy’ssonsordaughtersmighthavetofacethemalloveragain.

Sonsanddaughters.

Thethoughtjarredhim.Asquicklyashopelessnesshadovertakenhim,itdisappeared.HeglancedatAnnabeth.Shestilllookedlikeamistycorpse,butheimaginedhertrueappearance—hergrayeyesfullofdetermination,herblondhairpulledbackinabandana,herfacewearyandstreakedwithgrime,butasbeautifulasever.

Okay,maybemonsterskeptcomingbackforever.Butsodiddemigods.Generationaftergeneration,CampHalf-Bloodhadendured.AndCampJupiter.Evenseparately,thetwocampshadsurvived.Now,iftheGreeksandRomanscouldcometogether,theywouldbeevenstronger.

Therewasstillhope.HeandAnnabethhadcomethisfar.TheDoorsofDeathwerealmostwithinreach.

Sonsanddaughters.Aridiculousthought.Anawesomethought.RightthereinthemiddleofTartarus,Percygrinned.

“What’swrong?”Annabethwhispered.

WithhiszombieDeathMistdisguise,Percyprobablylookedlikehewasgrimacinginpain.

“Nothing,”hesaid.“Iwasjust—”

Somewhereinfrontofthem,adeepvoicebellowed:“IAPETUS!”

ATITANSTRODETOWARDTHEM,casuallykickinglessermonstersoutofhisway.HewasroughlythesameheightasBob,withelaborateStygianironarmor,asinglediamondblazinginthecenterofhisbreastplate.Hiseyeswereblue-white,likecoresamplesfromaglacier,andjustascold.Hishairwasthesamecolor,cutmilitarystyle.Abattlehelmetshapedlikeabear’sheadwastuckedunderhisarm.

Fromhisbelthungaswordthesizeofasurfboard.

Despitehisbattlescars,theTitan’sfacewashandsomeandstrangelyfamiliar.Percywasprettysurehe’dneverseentheguybefore,buthiseyesandhissmileremindedPercyofsomeone.…

TheTitanstoppedinfrontofBob.Heclappedhimontheshoulder.“Iapetus!Don’ttellmeyoudon’trecognizeyourownbrother!”

“No!”Bobagreednervously.“Iwon’ttellyouthat.”

TheotherTitanthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“IheardyouwerethrownintotheLethe.

Must’vebeenterrible!Weallknewyouwouldhealeventually.It’sKoios!Koios!”

“Ofcourse,”Bobsaid.“Koios,Titanof…”

“TheNorth!”Koiossaid.

“Iknow!”Bobshouted.

Theylaughedtogetherandtookturnshittingeachotherinthearm.

Apparentlymiffedbyallthejostling,SmallBobcrawledontoBob’sheadandbeganmakinganestintheTitan’ssilverhair.

“PooroldIapetus,”saidKoios.“Theymusthavelaidyoulowindeed.Lookatyou!Abroom?Aservant’suniform?Acatinyourhair?Truly,Hadesmustpayfortheseinsults.Whowasthatdemigodwhotookyourmemory?Bah!Wemustriphimtopieces,youandI,eh?”

“Ha-ha.”Bobswallowed.“Yes,indeed.Riphimtopieces.”

Percy’sfingersclosedaroundhispen.Hedidn’tthinkmuchofBob’sbrother,evenwithouttherip-him-to-piecesthreat.ComparedtoBob’ssimplewayofspeaking,KoiossoundedlikehewasrecitingShakespeare.ThatalonewasenoughtomakePercyirritated.

HewasreadytouncapRiptideifhehadto,butsofarKoiosdidn’tseemtonoticehim.AndBobhadn’tbetrayedthemyet,thoughhe’dhadplentyofopportunities.

“Ah,it’sgoodtoseeyou.…”Koiosdrummedhisfingersonhisbear’s-headhelmet.“Yourememberwhatfunwehadintheolddays?”

“Ofcourse!”Bobchirped.“Whenwe,uh…”

“Holdingdownourfather,Ouranos,”Koiossaid.

“Yes!WelovedwrestlingwithDad.…”

“Werestrainedhim.”

“That’swhatImeant!”

“WhileKronoscuthimtopieceswithhisscythe.”

“Yes,ha-ha.”Boblookedmildlyill.“Whatfun.”

“YougrabbedFather’srightfoot,asIrecall,”Koiossaid.“AndOuranoskickedyouinthefaceashestruggled.Howweusedtoteaseyouaboutthat!”

“Sillyme,”Bobagreed.

“Sadly,ourbrotherKronoswasdissolvedbythoseimpudentdemigods.”Koiosheavedasigh.

“Bitsandpiecesofhisessenceremain,butnothingyoucouldputtogetheragain.IsupposesomeinjuriesevenTartaruscannotheal.”

“Alas!”

“Buttherestofushaveanotherchancetoshine,eh?”Heleanedforwardconspiratorially.“Thesegiantsmaythinktheywillrule.LetthembeourshocktroopsanddestroytheOlympians—allwellandgood.ButoncetheEarthMotherisawake,shewillrememberthatwearehereldestchildren.Markmywords.TheTitanswillyetrulethecosmos.”

“Hmm,”Bobsaid.“Thegiantsmaynotlikethat.”

“Spitonwhattheylike,”Koiossaid.“They’vealreadypassedthroughtheDoorsofDeath,anyway,backtothemortalworld.Polyboteswasthelastone,nothalfanhourago,stillgrumblingaboutmissinghisprey.ApparentlysomedemigodshewasaftergotswallowedbyNyx.Neverseethemagain,Iwager!”

AnnabethgrippedPercy’swrist.ThroughtheDeathMist,hecouldn’treadherexpressionverywell,buthesawthealarminhereyes.

IfthegiantshadalreadypassedthroughtheDoors,thenatleasttheywouldn’tbehuntingthroughTartarusforPercyandAnnabeth.Unfortunately,thatalsomeanttheirfriendsinthemortalworldwereinevengreaterdanger.Alloftheearlierfightswiththegiantshad

beeninvain.Theirenemieswouldberebornasstrongasever.

“Well!”Koiosdrewhismassivesword.ThebladeradiatedacolddeeperthantheHubbardGlacier.“Imustbeoff.Letoshouldhaveregeneratedbynow.Iwillconvincehertofight.”

“Ofcourse,”Bobmurmured.“Leto.”

Koioslaughed.“You’veforgottenmydaughter,aswell?Isupposeit’sbeentoolongsinceyou’veseenher.Thepeacefuloneslikeheralwaystakethelongesttore-form.Thistime,though,I’msureLetowillfightforvengeance.ThewayZeustreatedher,aftersheborehimthosefinetwins?

Outrageous!”

Percyalmostgruntedoutloud.

Thetwins.

HerememberedthenameLeto:themotherofApolloandArtemis.ThisguyKoioslookedvaguelyfamiliarbecausehehadArtemis’scoldeyesandApollo’ssmile.TheTitanwastheirgrandfather,Leto’sfather.TheideagavePercyamigraine.

“Well!I’llseeyouinthemortalworld!”Koioschest-bumpedBob,almostknockingthecatoffhishead.“Oh,andourtwootherbrothersareguardingthissideoftheDoors,soyou’llseethemsoonenough!”

“Iwill?”

“Countonit!”Koioslumberedoff,almostknockingoverPercyandAnnabethastheyscrambledoutofhisway.

Beforethecrowdofmonsterscouldfilltheemptyspace,PercymotionedforBobtoleanin.

“Youokay,bigguy?”Percywhispered.

Bobfrowned.“Idonotknow.Inallthis”—hegesturedaroundthem—“whatisthemeaningofokay?”

Fairpoint,Percythought.

AnnabethpeeredtowardtheDoorsofDeath,thoughthecrowdofmonstersblockedthemfromview.“DidIhearcorrectly?TwomoreTitansguardingourexit?That’snotgood.”PercylookedatBob.TheTitan’sdistantexpressionworriedhim.

“DoyourememberKoios?”heaskedgently.“Allthatstuffhewastalkingabout?”Bobgrippedhisbroom.“Whenhetoldit,Iremembered.Hehandedmemypastlike…likeaspear.ButIdonotknowifIshouldtakeit.Isitstillmine,ifIdonotwantit?”

“No,”Annabethsaidfirmly.“Bob,you’redifferentnow.You’rebetter.”ThekittenjumpedoffBob’shead.HecircledtheTitan’sfeet,bumpinghisheadagainsttheTitan’spantscuffs.Bobdidn’tseemtonotice.

PercywishedhecouldbeascertainasAnnabeth.HewishedhecouldtellBobwithabsoluteconfidencethatheshouldforgetabouthispast.

ButPercyunderstoodBob’sconfusion.Herememberedthedayhe’dopenedhiseyesattheWolfHouseinCalifornia,hismemorywipedcleanbyHera.IfsomebodyhadbeenwaitingforPercywhenhefirstwokeup,ifthey’dconvincedPercythathisnamewasBob,andhewasafriendoftheTitansandthegiants…wouldPercyhavebelievedit?Wouldhehavefeltbetrayedoncehefoundouthistrueidentity?

Thisisdifferent,hetoldhimself.We’rethegoodguys.

Butwerethey?PercyhadleftBobinHades’spalace,atthemercyofanewmasterwhohatedhim.Percydidn’tfeellikehehadmuchrighttotellBobwhattodonow—eveniftheirlivesdependedonit.

“Ithinkyoucanchoose,Bob,”Percyventured.“TakethepartsofIapetus’spastthatyouwanttokeep.Leavetherest.Yourfutureiswhatmatters.”

“Future…”Bobmused.“Thatisamortalconcept.Iamnotmeanttochange,PercyFriend.”Hegazedaroundhimatthehordeofmonsters.“Wearethesame…forever.”

“Ifyouwerethesame,”Percysaid,“AnnabethandIwouldbedeadalready.Maybeweweren’tmeanttobefriends,butweare.You’vebeenthebestfriendwecouldaskfor.”Bob’ssilvereyeslookeddarkerthanusual.Heheldouthishand,andSmallBobthekittenjumpedintoit.TheTitanrosetohisfullheight.“Letusgo,then,friends.Notmuchfarther.”StompingonTartarus’sheartwasn’tnearlyasmuchfunasitsounded.

Thepurplishgroundwasslipperyandconstantlypulsing.Itlookedflatfromadistance,butupcloseitwasmadeoffoldsandridgesthatgothardertonavigatethefartherthey

walked.GnarledlumpsofredarteriesandblueveinsgavePercysomefootholdswhenhehadtoclimb,butthegoingwasslow.

Andofcourse,themonsterswereeverywhere.Packsofhellhoundsprowledtheplains,bayingandsnarlingandattackinganymonsterthatdroppeditsguard.Araiwheeledoverheadonleatherywings,makingghastlydarksilhouettesinthepoisonclouds.

Percystumbled.Hishandtouchedaredartery,andatinglingsensationwentuphisarm.“There’swaterinhere,”hesaid.“Actualwater.”

Bobgrunted.“Oneofthefiverivers.Hisblood.”

“Hisblood?”Annabethsteppedawayfromthenearestclumpofveins.“IknewtheUnderworldriversallemptiedintoTartarus,but—”

“Yes,”Bobagreed.“Theyallflowthroughhisheart.”

Percytracedhishandacrossawebofcapillaries.WasthewateroftheStyxflowingbeneathhisfingers,ormaybetheLethe?Ifoneofthoseveinspoppedwhenhesteppedonit…Percyshuddered.

Herealizedhewastakingastrollacrossthemostdangerouscirculatorysystemintheuniverse.

“Weshouldhurry,”Annabethsaid.“Ifwecan’t…”

Hervoicetrailedoff.

Aheadofthem,jaggedstreaksofdarknesstorethroughtheair—likelightning,exceptpureblack.

“TheDoors,”Bobsaid.“Mustbealargegroupgoingthrough.”Percy’smouthtastedlikegorgon’sblood.EvenifhisfriendsfromtheArgoIImanagedtofindtheothersideoftheDoorsofDeath,howcouldtheypossiblyfightthewavesofmonstersthatwerecomingthrough,especiallyifallthegiantswerealreadywaitingforthem?

“DoallthemonstersgothroughtheHouseofHades?”heasked.“Howbigisthatplace?”Bobshrugged.“Perhapstheyaresentelsewherewhentheystepthrough.TheHouseofHadesisintheearth,yes?ThatisGaea’srealm.Shecouldsendherminionswherevershewishes.”Percy’sspiritssank.MonsterscomingthroughtheDoorsofDeathtothreatenhisfriendsatEpirus—thatwasbadenough.Nowheimaginedthegroundonthemortalsideasonebigsubwaysystem,depositinggiantsandothernastiesanywhereGaeawantedthemtogo—CampHalf-Blood,CampJupiter,orinthepathoftheArgoIIbeforeitcouldevenreachEpirus.

“IfGaeahasthatmuchpower,”Annabethasked,“couldn’tshecontrolwhereweendup?”Percyreallyhatedthatquestion.SometimeshewishedAnnabethweren’tsosmart.

Bobscratchedhischin.“Youarenotmonsters.Itmaybedifferentforyou.”Great,Percythought.

Hedidn’trelishtheideaofGaeawaitingforthemontheotherside,readytoteleportthemintothemiddleofamountain;butatleasttheDoorswereachancetogetoutofTartarus.Itwasn’tliketheyhadabetteroption.

Bobhelpedthemoverthetopofanotherridge.SuddenlytheDoorsofDeathwereinplainview—

afreestandingrectangleofdarknessatthetopofthenextheart-musclehill,aboutaquartermileaway,surroundedbyahordeofmonsterssothickPercycould’vewalkedontheirheadsallthewayacross.

TheDoorswerestilltoofarawaytomakeoutmuchdetail,buttheTitansflankingeithersidewerefamiliarenough.Theoneontheleftworeshininggoldenarmorthatshimmeredwithheat.

“Hyperion,”Percymuttered.“Thatguyjustwon’tstaydead.”Theoneontherightworedark-bluearmor,withram’shornscurlingfromthesidesofhishelmet.

Percyhadonlyseenhimindreamsbefore,butitwasdefinitelyKrios,theTitanthatJasonhadkilledinthebattleforMountTam.

“Bob’sotherbrothers,”Annabethsaid.TheDeathMistshimmeredaroundher,temporarilyturningherfaceintoagrinningskull.“Bob,ifyouhavetofightthem,canyou?”Bobheftedhisbroom,likehewasreadyforamessycleaningjob.“Wemusthurry,”hesaid,whichPercynoticedwasn’treallyananswer.“Followme.”

SOFAR,THEIRDEATHMISTcamouflageplanseemedtobeworking.So,naturally,Percyexpectedamassivelast-minutefail.

FiftyfeetfromtheDoorsofDeath,heandAnnabethfroze.

“Oh,gods,”Annabethmurmured.“They’rethesame.”Percyknewwhatshemeant.FramedinStygianiron,themagicalportalwasasetofelevatordoors—twopanelsofsilverandblacketchedwithartdecodesigns.Exceptforthefactthatthecolorswereinverted,theylookedexactlyliketheelevatorsintheEmpireStateBuilding,theentrancetoOlympus.

Seeingthem,Percyfeltsohomesick,hecouldn’tbreathe.Hedidn’tjustmissMount

Olympus.

Hemissedeverythinghe’dleftbehind:NewYorkCity,CampHalf-Blood,hismomandstepdad.Hiseyesstung.Hedidn’ttrusthimselftotalk.

TheDoorsofDeathseemedlikeapersonalinsult,designedtoremindhimofeverythinghecouldn’thave.

Ashegotoverhisinitialshock,henoticedotherdetails:thefrostspreadingfromthebaseoftheDoors,thepurplishglowintheairaroundthem,andthechainsthatheldthemfast.

Cordsofblackironrandowneithersideoftheframe,likerigginglinesonasuspensionbridge.

Theyweretetheredtohooksembeddedinthefleshyground.ThetwoTitans,KriosandHyperion,stoodguardattheanchorpoints.

AsPercywatched,theentireframeshuddered.Blacklightningflashedintothesky.Thechainsshook,andtheTitansplantedtheirfeetonthehookstokeepthemsecure.TheDoorsslidopen,revealingthegildedinteriorofanelevatorcar.

Percytensed,readytochargeforward,butBobplantedahandonhisshoulder.“Wait,”hecautioned.

Hyperionyelledtothesurroundingcrowd:“GroupA-22!Hurryup,yousluggards!”AdozenCyclopesrushedforward,wavinglittleredticketsandshoutingexcitedly.Theyshouldn’thavebeenabletofitinsidethosehuman-sizeddoors,butastheCyclopesgotclose,theirbodiesdistortedandshrank,theDoorsofDeathsuckingtheminside.

TheTitanKriosjabbedhisthumbagainsttheupbuttonontheelevator’srightside.TheDoorsslidclosed.

Theframeshudderedagain.Darklightningfaded.

“Youmustunderstandhowitworks,”Bobmuttered.Headdressedthekitteninhispalm,maybesotheothermonsterswouldn’twonderwhohewastalkingto.“EachtimetheDoorsopen,theytrytoteleporttoanewlocation.Thanatosmadethemthisway,soonlyhecouldfindthem.Butnowtheyarechained.TheDoorscannotrelocate.”

“Thenwecutthechains,”Annabethwhispered.

PercylookedattheblazingformofHyperion.Thelasttimehe’dfoughttheTitan,ithadtakeneveryounceofhisstrength.EventhenPercyhadalmostdied.NowthereweretwoTitans,withseveralthousandmonstersforbackup.

“Ourcamouflage,”hesaid.“Willitdisappearifwedosomethingaggressive,likecuttingthechains?”

“Idonotknow,”Bobtoldhiskitten.

“Mrow,”saidSmallBob.

“Bob,you’llhavetodistractthem,”Annabethsaid.“PercyandIwillsneakaroundthetwoTitansandcutthechainsfrombehind.”

“Yes,fine,”Bobsaid.“Butthatisonlyoneproblem.OnceyouareinsidetheDoors,

someonemuststayoutsidetopushthebuttonanddefendit.”

Percytriedtoswallow.“Uh…defendthebutton?”

Bobnodded,scratchinghiskittenunderthechin.“SomeonemustkeeppressingtheUPbuttonfortwelveminutes,orthejourneywillnotfinish.”

PercyglancedattheDoors.Sureenough,KriosstillhadhisthumbjammedontheUPbutton.

Twelveminutes…Somehow,theywouldhavetogettheTitansawayfromthosedoors.ThenBob,Percy,orAnnabethwouldhavetokeepthatbuttonpushedfortwelvelongminutes,inthemiddleofanarmyofmonstersintheheartofTartarus,whiletheothertworodetothemortalworld.Itwasimpossible.

“Whytwelveminutes?”Percyasked.

“Idonotknow,”Bobsaid.“WhytwelveOlympians,ortwelveTitans?”

“Fairenough,”Percysaid,thoughhehadabittertasteinhismouth.

“Whatdoyoumeanthejourneywon’tfinish?”Annabethasked.“Whathappenstothepassengers?”

Bobdidn’tanswer.Judgingfromhispainedexpression,Percydecidedhedidn’twanttobeinthatelevatorifthecarstalledbetweenTartarusandthemortalworld.

“Ifwedopushthebuttonfortwelveminutes,”Percysaid,“andthechainsarecut—”

“TheDoorsshouldreset,”Bobsaid.“Thatiswhattheyaresupposedtodo.TheywilldisappearfromTartarus.Theywillappearsomewhereelse,whereGaeacannotusethem.”

“Thanatoscanreclaimthem,”Annabethsaid.“Deathgoesbacktonormal,andthemonsterslosetheirshortcuttothemortalworld.”

Percyexhaled.“Easy-peasy.Exceptfor…well,everything.”

SmallBobpurred.

“Iwillpushthebutton,”Bobvolunteered.

AmixoffeelingschurnedinPercy’sgut—grief,sadness,gratitude,andguiltthickeningintoemotionalcement.“Bob,wecan’taskyoutodothat.YouwanttogothroughtheDoorstoo.Youwanttoseetheskyagain,andthestars,and—”

“Iwouldlikethat,”Bobagreed.“Butsomeonemustpushthebutton.Andoncethechainsarecut…mybrethrenwillfighttostopyourpassage.TheywillnotwanttheDoorstodisappear.”Percygazedattheendlesshordeofmonsters.EvenifheletBobmakethissacrifice,howcouldoneTitandefendhimselfagainstsomanyfortwelveminutes,allwhilekeepinghisfingeronabutton?

ThecementsettledinPercy’sstomach.Hehadalwayssuspectedhowthiswouldend.Hewouldhavetostaybehind.WhileBobfendedoffthearmy,PercywouldholdtheelevatorbuttonandmakesureAnnabethgottosafety.

Somehow,hehadtoconvincehertogowithouthim.AslongasshewassafeandtheDoorsdisappeared,hecoulddieknowinghe’ddonesomethingright.

“Percy…?”Annabethstaredathim,asuspiciousedgetohervoice.

Shewastoosmart.Ifhemethereyes,shewouldseeexactlywhathewasthinking.

“Firstthingsfirst,”hesaid.“Let’scutthosechains.”

“IAPETUS!”HYPERIONBELLOWED.“Well,well.Ithoughtyouwerehidingunderacleaningbucketsomewhere.”

Boblumberedforward,scowling.“Iwasnothiding.”

PercycrepttowardtherightsideoftheDoors.Annabethsneakedtowardtheleft.TheTitansgavenosignofnoticingthem,butPercytooknochances.HekeptRiptideinpenform.Hecrouchedlow,steppingasquietlyaspossible.ThelessermonsterskeptarespectfuldistancefromtheTitans,sotherewasenoughemptyspacetomaneuveraroundtheDoors;butPercywaskeenlyawareofthesnarlingmobathisback.

AnnabethhaddecidedtotakethesideHyperionwasguarding,onthetheorythatHyperionwasmorelikelytosensePercy.Afterall,Percywasthelastonetohavekilledhiminthemortalworld.

ThatwasfinewithPercy.AfterbeinginTartarusforsolong,hecouldbarelylookatHyperion’sburninggoldenarmorwithoutgettingspotsinhiseyes.

OnPercy’ssideoftheDoors,Kriosstooddarkandsilent,hisram’s-headedhelmetcoveringhisface.Hekeptonefootplantedonthechain’sanchorandhisthumbontheUPbutton.

Bobfacedhisbrethren.Heplantedhisspearandtriedtolookasfierceaspossiblewithakittenonhisshoulder.“HyperionandKrios.Irememberyouboth.”

“Doyou,Iapetus?”ThegoldenTitanlaughed,glancingatKriostosharethejoke.“Well,that’sgoodtoknow!IheardPercyJacksonturnedyouintoabrainwashedscullerymaid.Whatdidherenameyou…Betty?”

“Bob,”snarledBob.

“Well,it’sabouttimeyoushowedup,Bob.KriosandIhavebeenstuckhereforweeks—”

“Hours,”Krioscorrected,hisvoiceadeeprumbleinsidehishelmet.

“Whatever!”Hyperionsaid.“It’sboringwork,guardingthesedoors,shufflingmonstersthroughatGaea’sorders.Krios,what’sournextgroup,anyway?”

“DoubleRed,”saidKrios.

Hyperionsighed.Theflamesglowedhotteracrosshisshoulders.“DoubleRed.WhydowegofromA-22toDoubleRed?Whatkindofsystemisthat?”HeglaredatBob.“Thisisnojobforme—

theLordofLight!TitanoftheEast!MasterofDawn!WhyamIforcedtowaitinthedarknesswhilethegiantsgointobattleandgetalltheglory?Now,KriosIcanunderstand—”

“Igetalltheworstassignments,”Kriosmuttered,histhumbstillonthebutton.

“Butme?”Hyperionsaid.“Ridiculous!Thisshouldbeyourjob,Iapetus.Here,takemyplaceforawhile.”

BobstaredattheDoors,buthisgazewasdistant—lostinthepast.“Thefourofushelddownourfather,Ouranos,”heremembered.“Koios,andme,andthetwoofyou.Kronospromisedusmasteryofthefourcornersoftheearthforhelpingwiththemurder.”

“Indeed,”Hyperionsaid.“AndIwashappytodoit!Iwould’vewieldedthescythemyselfifI’dhadthechance!Butyou,Bob…youwerealwaysconflictedaboutthatkilling,weren’tyou?ThesoftTitanoftheWest,softasthesunset!WhyourparentsnamedyouthePiercer,Iwillneverknow.MoreliketheWhimper.”

Percyreachedtheanchorhook.HeuncappedhispenandRiptidegrewtofulllength.Kriosdidn’treact.HisattentionwasfirmlyfixedonBob,whohadjustleveledthepointofhisspearatHyperion’schest.

“Icanstillpierce,”Bobsaid,hisvoicelowandeven.“Youbragtoomuch,Hyperion.Youarebrightandfiery,butPercyJacksondefeatedyouanyway.IhearyoubecameanicetreeinCentralPark.”

Hyperion’seyessmoldered.“Careful,brother.”

“Atleastajanitor’sworkishonest,”Bobsaid.“Icleanupafterothers.IleavethepalacebetterthanIfoundit.Butyou…youdonotcarewhatmessesyoumake.YoufollowedKronosblindly.NowyoutakeordersfromGaea.”

“Sheisourmother!”Hyperionbellowed.

“ShedidnotwakeforourwaronOlympus,”Bobrecalled.“Shefavorshersecondbrood,thegiants.”

Kriosgrunted.“That’strueenough.Thechildrenofthepit.”

“Bothofyouholdyourtongues!”Hyperion’svoicewastingedwithfear.“Youneverknowwhenheislistening.”

Theelevatordinged.AllthreeTitansjumped.

Haditbeentwelveminutes?Percyhadlosttrackoftime.Kriostookhisfingeroffthebuttonandcalledout,“DoubleRed!WhereisDoubleRed?”

Hordesofmonstersstirredandjostledoneanother,butnoneofthemcameforward.

Kriosheavedasigh.“Itoldthemtohangontotheirtickets.DoubleRed!You’llloseyourplaceinthequeue!”

Annabethwasinposition,rightbehindHyperion.Sheraisedherdrakon-boneswordoverthebaseofthechains.InthefierylightoftheTitan’sarmor,herDeathMistdisguisemadeherlooklikeaburningghoul.

Sheheldupthreefingers,readytocountdown.Theyhadtocutthechainsbeforethenextgrouptriedtotaketheelevator,buttheyalsohadtomakesuretheTitanswereasdistractedaspossible.

Hyperionmutteredacurse.“Justwonderful.Thiswillcompletelymessupourschedule.”HesneeredatBob.“Makeyourchoice,brother.Fightusorhelpus.Idon’thavetimeforyourlectures.”BobglancedatAnnabethandPercy.Percythoughthemightstartafight,butinsteadheraisedthepointofhisspear.“Verywell.Iwilltakeguardduty.Whichofyouwantsabreakfirst?”

“Me,ofcourse,”Hyperionsaid.

“Me!”Kriossnapped.“I’vebeenholdingthatbuttonsolongmythumbisgoingtofalloff.”

“I’vebeenstandingherelonger,”Hyperiongrumbled.“YoutwoguardtheDoorswhileIgouptothemortalworld.IhavesomeGreekheroestowreakvengeanceupon!”

“Oh,no!”Krioscomplained.“ThatRomanboyisonhiswaytoEpirus—theonewhokilledmeonMountOthrys.Gotlucky,hedid.Nowit’smyturn.”

“Bah!”Hyperiondrewhissword.“I’llgutyoufirst,Ram-head!”Kriosraisedhisownblade.“Youcantry,butIwon’tbestuckinthisstinkingpitanylonger!”AnnabethcaughtPercy’seyes.Shemouthed:One,two—

Beforehecouldstrikethechains,ahigh-pitchedwhinepiercedhisears,likethesoundofanincomingrocket.Percyjusthadtimetothink:Uh-oh.Thenanexplosionrockedthehillside.AwaveofheatknockedPercybackward.DarkshrapnelrippedthroughKriosandHyperion,shreddingthemaseasilyaswoodinachipper.

STINKINGPIT.Ahollowvoicerolledacrosstheplains,shakingthewarmfleshyground.

Bobstaggeredtohisfeet.Somehowtheexplosionhadn’ttouchedhim.Heswepthisspearinfrontofhim,tryingtolocatethesourceofthevoice.SmallBobthekittencrawledintohiscoveralls.

AnnabethhadlandedabouttwentyfeetfromtheDoors.Whenshestood,Percywassorelievedshewasaliveittookhimamomenttorealizeshelookedlikeherself.TheDeathMisthadevaporated.

Helookedathisownhands.Hisdisguisewasgonetoo.

TITANS,saidthevoicedisdainfully.LESSERBEINGS.IMPERFECTANDWEAK.

InfrontoftheDoorsofDeath,theairdarkenedandsolidified.Thebeingwhoappearedwassomassive,radiatingsuchpuremalevolence,thatPercywantedtocrawlawayandhide.

Instead,heforcedhiseyestotracethegod’sform,startingwithhisblackironboots,eachoneaslargeasacoffin.Hislegswerecoveredindarkgreaves;hisfleshallthickpurplemuscle,liketheground.Hisarmoredskirtwasmadefromthousandsofblackened,twistedbones,woventogetherlikechainlinksandclaspedinplacebyabeltofinterlockingmonstrousarms.

Onthesurfaceofthewarrior’sbreastplate,murkyfacesappearedandsubmerged—giants,Cyclopes,gorgons,anddrakons—allpressingagainstthearmorasiftryingtogetout.

Thewarrior’sarmswerebare—muscular,purple,andglistening—hishandsaslargeascranescoops.

Worstofallwashishead:ahelmetoftwistedrockandmetalwithnoparticularshape—justjaggedspikesandpulsingpatchesofmagma.Hisentirefacewasawhirlpool—aninwardspiralofdarkness.AsPercywatched,thelastparticlesofTitanessencefromHyperionandKrioswerevacuumedintothewarrior’smaw.

SomehowPercyfoundhisvoice.“Tartarus.”

Thewarriormadeasoundlikeamountaincrackinginhalf:aroaroralaugh,Percycouldn’tbesure.

Thisformisonlyasmallmanifestationofmypower,saidthegod.Butitisenoughtodealwithyou.Idonotinterferelightly,littledemigod.Itisbeneathmetodealwithgnatssuchasyourself.

“Uh…”Percy’slegsthreatenedtocollapseunderhim.“Don’t…youknow…gotoanytrouble.”Youhaveprovensurprisinglyresilient,Tartarussaid.Youhavecometoofar.Icannolongerstandbyandwatchyourprogress.

Tartarusspreadhisarms.Throughoutthevalley,thousandsofmonsterswailedandroared,clashingtheirweaponsandbellowingintriumph.TheDoorsofDeathshudderedintheirchains.

Behonored,littledemigods,saidthegodofthepit.EventheOlympianswereneverworthyofmypersonalattention.ButyouwillbedestroyedbyTartarushimself!

FRANKWASHOPINGFORFIREWORKS.

Oratleastabigsignthatread:WELCOMEHOME!

Morethanthreethousandyearsago,hisGreekancestor—goodoldPericlymenustheshape-shifter—hadsailedeastwiththeArgonauts.Centurieslater,Periclymenus’sdescendantshadservedintheeasternRomanlegions.Then,throughaseriesofmisadventures,thefamilyhadendedupinChina,finallyemigratingtoCanadainthetwentiethcentury.NowFrankwasbackinGreece,whichmeantthattheZhangfamilyhadcompletelycircledtheglobe.

Thatseemedlikecauseforcelebration,buttheonlywelcomingcommitteewasaflockofwild,hungryharpieswhoattackedtheship.Frankfeltkindofbadasheshotthemdownwithhisbow.HekeptthinkingofElla,theirfreakishlysmartharpyfriendfromPortland.Buttheseharpiesweren’tElla.TheygladlywouldhavechewedFrank’sfaceoff.Soheblastedthemintocloudsofdustandfeathers.

TheGreeklandscapebelowwasjustasinhospitable.Thehillswerestrewnwithbouldersandstuntedcedars,allshimmeringinthehazyair.ThesunbeatdownasiftryingtohammerthecountrysideintoaCelestialbronzeshield.Evenfromahundredfeetup,Frankcouldhearthedroneofcicadasbuzzinginthetrees—asleepy,otherworldlysoundthatmadehiseyesheavy.Eventheduelingvoicesofthewargodsinsidehisheadseemedtohavedozedoff.TheyhadhardlybotheredFrankatallsincethecrewhadcrossedintoGreece.

Sweattrickleddownhisneck.Afterbeingfrozenbelowdeckbythatcrazysnowgoddess,Frankhadthoughthewouldneverfeelwarmagain;butnowthebackofhisshirtwassoaked.

“Hotandsteamy!”Leogrinnedatthehelm.“MakesmehomesickforHouston!Whatdoyousay,Hazel?Allweneednowaresomegiantmosquitoes,andit’llfeeljustliketheGulfCoast!”

“Thanksalot,Leo,”Hazelgrumbled.“We’llprobablygetattackedbyAncientGreekmosquitomonstersnow.”

Frankstudiedthetwoofthem,quietlymarvelinghowthetensionbetweenthemhaddisappeared.

WhateverhadhappenedtoLeoduringhisfivedaysofexile,ithadchangedhim.Hestilljokedaround,butFranksensedsomethingdifferentabouthim—likeashipwithanewkeel.Maybeyoucouldn’tseethekeel,butyoucouldtellitwastherebythewaytheshipcutthroughthewaves.

Leodidn’tseemsointentonteasingFrank.HechattedmoreeasilywithHazel—notstealingthosewistful,mooningglancesthathadalwaysmadeFrankuncomfortable.

HazelhaddiagnosedtheproblemprivatelytoFrank:“Hemetsomeone.”Frankwasincredulous.“How?Where?Howcouldyoupossiblyknow?”Hazelsmiled.“Ijustdo.”

AsifshewereachildofVenusratherthanPluto.Frankdidn’tgetit.

OfcoursehewasrelievedthatLeowasn’thittingonhisgirl,butFrankwasalsokindofworriedaboutLeo.Sure,they’dhadtheirdifferences;butafterallthey’dbeenthroughtogether,Frankdidn’twanttoseeLeogethisheartbroken.

“There!”Nico’svoiceshookFrankoutofhisthoughts.Asusual,diAngelowasperchedatoptheforemast.Hepointedtowardaglitteringgreenriversnakingthroughthehillsakilometeraway.

“Maneuverusthatway.We’reclosetothetemple.Veryclose.”Asiftoprovehispoint,blacklightningrippedthroughthesky,leavingdarkspotsbeforeFrank’seyesandmakingthehairsonhisarmsstandup.

Jasonstrappedonhisswordbelt.“Everyone,armyourself.Leo,getusclose,butdon’tland—nomorecontactwiththegroundthannecessary.Piper,Hazel,getthemooringropes.”

“Onit!”Pipersaid.

HazelgaveFrankapeckonthecheekandrantohelp.

“Frank,”Jasoncalled,“getbelowandfindCoachHedge.”

“Yep!”

HeclimbeddownstairsandheadedforHedge’scabin.Ashenearedthedoor,hesloweddown.Hedidn’twanttosurprisethesatyrwithanyloudnoises.CoachHedgehadahabitofjumpingintothegangwaywithhisbaseballbatifhethoughtattackerswereonboard.Frankhadalmostgottenhisheadtakenoffacoupleoftimesonhiswaytothebathroom.

Heraisedhishandtoknock.Thenherealizedthedoorwascrackedopen.HeheardCoachHedgetalkinginside.

“Comeon,babe!”thesatyrsaid.“Youknowit’snotlikethat!”Frankfroze.Hedidn’tmeantoeavesdrop,buthewasn’tsurewhattodo.Hazelhadmentionedbeingworriedaboutthecoach.She’dinsistedsomethingwasbotheringhim,butFrankhadn’tthoughtmuchofituntilnow.

He’dneverheardthecoachtalksogently.UsuallytheonlysoundsFrankheardfromthecoach’scabinweresportingeventsontheTV,orthecoachyelling,“Yeah!Get’em!”ashewatchedhisfavoritemartialartsmovies.Frankwasprettysurethecoachwouldn’tbecallingChuckNorrisbabe.

Anothervoicespoke—female,butbarelyaudible,likeitwascomingfromalongwayaway.

“Iwill,”CoachHedgepromised.“But,uh,we’regoingintobattle”—heclearedhisthroat—“anditmaygetugly.Youjuststaysafe.I’llgetback.Honest.”Frankcouldn’tstanditanymore.Heknockedloudly.“Hey,Coach?”Thetalkingstopped.

Frankcountedtosix.Thedoorflewopen.

CoachHedgestoodtherescowling,hiseyesbloodshot,likehe’dbeenwatchingtoomuchTV.Heworehisusualbaseballcapandgymshorts,withaleathercuirassoverhisshirtandawhistlehangingfromhisneck,maybeincasehewantedtocallafoulagainstthemonsterarmies.

“Zhang.Whatdoyouwant?”

“Uh,we’regettingreadyforbattle.Weneedyouabovedeck.”Thecoach’sgoateequivered.“Yeah.’Courseyoudo.”Hesoundedstrangelyunexcitedabouttheprospectofafight.

“Ididn’tmeanto—Imean,Iheardyoutalking,”Frankstammered.“WereyousendinganIris-message?”

HedgelookedlikehemightsmackFrankintheface,oratleastblowthewhistlereallyloud.

Thenhisshouldersslumped.Heheavedasighandturnedinside,leavingFrankstandingawkwardlyinthedoorway.

Thecoachploppeddownonhisberth.Hiscuppedhischininhishandandstaredglumlyaroundhiscabin.Theplacelookedlikeacollegedormroomafterahurricane—thefloorstrewnwithlaundry(maybeforwearing,maybeforsnacks;itwashardtotellwithsatyrs),DVDsanddirtydishesscatteredaroundtheTVonthedresser.Everytimetheshiptilted,amismatchedherdofsportsequipmentrolledacrossthefloor—footballs,basketballs,baseballs,andforsomereason,asinglebilliardball.Tuftsofgoathairfloatedthroughtheairandcollectedunderthefurnitureinclumps.

Dustgoats?Goatbunnies?

Onthecoach’snightstandsatabowlofwater,astackofgoldendrachmas,aflashlight,andaglassprismformakingrainbows.ThecoachhadobviouslycomepreparedtomakealotofIris-messages.

FrankrememberedwhatPiperhadtoldhimaboutthecoach’scloudnymphgirlfriendwhoworkedforPiper’sdad.Whatwasthegirlfriend’sname…Melinda?Millicent?No,Mellie.

“Uh,isyourgirlfriendMellieallright?”Frankventured.

“Noneofyourbusiness!”thecoachsnapped.

“Okay.”

Hedgerolledhiseyes.“Fine!Ifyoumustknow—yes,IwastalkingtoMellie.Butshe’snotmygirlfriendanymore.”

“Oh…”Frank’sheartsank.“Youbrokeup?”

“No,youdolt!Wegotmarried!She’smywife!”

Frankwould’vebeenlessstunnedifthecoachhadsmackedhim.“Coach,that’s—that’sgreat!

When—how—?”

“Noneofyourbusiness!”heyelledagain.

“Um…allright.”

“EndofMay,”thecoachsaid.“JustbeforetheArgoIIsailed.Wedidn’twanttomakeabigdealoutofit.”

Frankfeltliketheshipwastiltingagain,butitmusthavebeenjusthim.Theherdofwildsportsequipmentstayedputagainstthefarwall.

Allthistimethecoachhadbeenmarried?Inspiteofbeinganewlywed,he’dagreedtocomeonthisquest.NowonderHedgemadesomanycallsbackhome.Nowonderhewassocrankyandbelligerent.

Still…Franksensedtherewasmoregoingon.Thecoach’stoneduringtheIris-messagemadeitsoundliketheywerediscussingaproblem.

“Ididn’tmeantoeavesdrop,”Franksaid.“But…issheokay?”

“Itwasaprivateconversation!”

“Yeah.You’reright.”

“Fine!I’lltellyou.”Hedgepluckedsomefuroffhisthighandletitfloatthroughtheair.“Shetookabreakfromherjobinll.A.,wenttoCampHalf-Bloodforthesummer,becausewefigured—”Hisvoicecracked.“Wefigureditwouldbesafer.Nowshe’sstuckthere,withtheRomansabouttoattack.She’s…she’sprettyscared.”

Frankbecameveryawareofthecenturionbadgeonhisshirt,theSPQRtattooonhisforearm.

“Sorry,”hemurmured.“Butifshe’sacloudspirit,couldn’tshejust…youknow,floataway?”Thecoachcurledhisfingersaroundthegripofhisbaseballbat.“Normally,yeah.Butsee…she’sinadelicatecondition.Itwouldn’tbesafe.”

“Adelicate…”Frank’seyeswidened.“She’sgoingtohaveababy?You’regoingtobeadad?”

“Shoutitalittlelouder,”Hedgegrumbled.“Idon’tthinktheyheardyouinCroatia.”Frankcouldn’thelpgrinning.“But,Coach,that’sawesome!Alittlebabysatyr?Ormaybeanymph?You’llbeafantasticdad.”

Frankwasn’tsurewhyhefeltthatway,consideringthecoach’sloveofbaseballbatsand

roundhousekicks,buthewassure.

CoachHedgescowledevendeeper.“Thewar’scoming,Zhang.Nowhereissafe.IshouldbethereforMellie.IfIgottadiesomewhere—”

“Hey,nobody’sgoingtodie,”Franksaid.

Hedgemethiseyes.Frankcouldtellthecoachdidn’tbelieveit.

“AlwayshadasoftspotforchildrenofAres,”Hedgemuttered.“OrMars—whichever.Maybethat’swhyI’mnotpulverizingyouforaskingsomanyquestions.”

“ButIwasn’t—”

“Fine,I’lltellyou!”Hedgesighedagain.“BackwhenIwasonmyfirstassignmentasaseeker,IwaswayoutinArizona.BroughtinthiskidnamedClarisse.”

“Clarisse?”

“Siblingofyours,”Hedgesaid.“Areskid.Violent.Rude.Lotsofpotential.Anyway,whileIwasout,Ihadthisdreamaboutmymom.She—shewasacloudnymphlikeMellie.Idreamedshewasintroubleandneededmyhelprightaway.ButIsaidtomyself,Nah,it’sjustadream.Whowouldhurtasweetoldcloudnymph?Besides,Igottagetthishalf-bloodtosafety.SoIfinishedmymission,broughtClarissetoCampHalf-Blood.Afterward,Iwentlookingformymom.Iwastoolate.”Frankwatchedthetuftofgoathairsettleontopofabasketball.“Whathappenedtoher?”Hedgeshrugged.“Noidea.Neversawheragain.MaybeifI’dbeenthereforher,ifI’dgotbacksooner…”

Frankwantedtosaysomethingcomforting,buthewasn’tsurewhat.HehadlosthismominthewarinAfghanistan,andheknewhowemptythewordsI’msorrycouldsound.

“Youweredoingyourjob,”Frankoffered.“Yousavedademigod’slife.”Hedgegrunted.“Nowmywifeandmyunbornkidareindanger,halfwayacrosstheworld,andIcan’tdoanythingtohelp.”

“Youaredoingsomething,”Franksaid.“We’reoverheretostopthegiantsfromwakingGaea.

That’sthebestwaywecankeepourfriendssafe.”

“Yeah.Yeah,Isuppose.”

FrankwishedhecoulddomoretoliftHedge’sspirits,butthistalkwasmakinghimworryabouteveryonehe’dleftbehind.HewonderedwhowasdefendingCampJupiternowthatthelegionhadmarchedeast,especiallywithallthemonstersGaeawasunleashingfromtheDoorsofDeath.HeworriedabouthisfriendsintheFifthCohort,andhowtheymustbefeelingasOctavianorderedthemtomarchonCampHalf-Blood.Frankwantedtobebackthere,ifonlytostuffateddybeardownthethroatofthatslimeballaugur.

Theshiplistedforward.Theherdofsportsequipmentrolledunderthecoach’sberth.

“We’redescending,”saidHedge.“We’dbettergetabove.”

“Yeah,”Franksaid,hisvoicehoarse.

“You’reanosyRoman,Zhang.”

“But—”

“Comeon,”Hedgesaid.“Andnotawordaboutthistotheothers,youblabbermouth.”Astheothersmadefasttheaerialmoorings,LeograbbedFrankandHazelbythearms.Hedraggedthemtotheaftballista.“Okay,here’stheplan.”

Hazelnarrowedhereyes.“Ihateyourplans.”

“Ineedthatpieceofmagicfirewood,”Leosaid.“Snappy!”Franknearlychokedonhisowntongue.Hazelbackedaway,instinctivelycoveringhercoatpocket.“Leo,youcan’t—”

“Ifoundasolution.”LeoturnedtoFrank.“It’syourcall,bigguy,butIcanprotectyou.”Frankthoughtabouthowmanytimeshe’dseenLeo’sfingersburstintoflame.Onefalsemove,andLeocouldincineratethepieceoftinderthatcontrolledFrank’slife.

Butforsomereason,Frankwasn’tterrified.SincefacingdownthecowmonstersinVenice,Frankhadbarelythoughtabouthisfragilelifeline.Yes,thesmallestbitoffiremightkillhim.Buthe’dalsosurvivedsomeimpossiblethingsandmadehisdadproud.Frankhaddecidedthatwhateverhisfatewas,hewouldn’tworryaboutit.Hewouldjustdothebesthecouldtohelphisfriends.

Besides,Leosoundedserious.Hiseyeswerestillfullofthatweirdmelancholy,likehewasintwoplacesatonce;butnothingabouthisexpressionindicatedanykindofjoke.

“Goahead,Hazel,”Franksaid.

“But…”Hazeltookadeepbreath.“Okay.”ShetookoutthepieceoffirewoodandhandedittoLeo.

InLeo’shands,itwasn’tmuchbiggerthanascrewdriver.ThetinderwasstillcharredononesidefromwhereFrankhadusedittoburnthroughtheicychainsthathadimprisonedthegodThanatosinAlaska.

Fromapocketofhistoolbelt,Leoproducedapieceofwhitecloth.“Behold!”Frankscowled.“Ahandkerchief?”

“Asurrenderflag?”Hazelguessed.

“No,unbelievers!”Leosaid.“Thisisapouchwovenfromseriouslycoolfabric—agiftfromafriendofmine.”

Leoslippedthefirewoodintothepouchandpulleditclosedwithatieofbronzethread.

“Thedrawstringwasmyidea,”Leosaidproudly.“Ittooksomework,lacingthatintothefabric,butthepouchwon’topenunlessyouwantitto.Thefabricbreathesjustlikeregularcloth,sothefirewoodisn’tanymoresealedupthanitwouldbeinHazel’scoatpocket.”

“Uh…”Hazelsaid.“Howisthatanimprovement,then?”

“HoldthissoIdon’tgiveyouaheartattack.”LeotossedthepouchtoFrank,whoalmostfumbledit.

Leosummonedawhite-hotballoffireintohisrighthand.Heheldhisleftforearmovertheflames,grinningastheylickedthesleeveofhisjacket.

“See?”hesaid.“Itdoesn’tburn!”

Frankdidn’tliketoarguewithaguywhowasholdingaballoffire,buthesaid,“Uh…you’reimmunetoflames.”

Leorolledhiseyes.“Yeah,butIhavetoconcentrateifIdon’twantmyclothestoburn.AndI’mnotconcentrating,see?Thisistotallyfireproofcloth.Whichmeansyourfirewoodwon’tburninthatpouch.”

Hazellookedunconvinced.“Howcanyoubesure?”

“Sheesh,toughaudience.”Leoshutoffthefire.“Guessthere’sonlyonewaytopersuadeyou.”HeheldouthishandtoFrank.

“Uh,no,no.”Frankbackedoff.Suddenlyallthosebravethoughtsaboutacceptinghisfateseemedfaraway.“That’sokay,Leo.Thanks,butI—Ican’t—”

“Man,yougottatrustme.”

Frank’sheartraced.DidhetrustLeo?Well,sure…withanengine.Withapracticaljoke.Butwithhislife?

HerememberedthedaytheyhadgottenstuckintheundergroundworkshopinRome.Gaeahadpromisedtheywoulddieinthatroom.LeohadpromisedhewouldgetHazelandFrankoutofthetrap.

Andhe’ddoneit.

NowLeospokewiththesamekindofconfidence.

“Okay.”FrankhandedLeothepouch.“Trynottokillme.”

Leo’shandblazed.Thepouchdidn’tblackenorburn.

Frankwaitedforsomethingtogohorriblywrong.Hecountedtotwenty,buthewasstillalive.Hefeltasifablockoficeweremeltingjustbehindhissternum—afrozenchunkoffearhe’dgottensousedtohedidn’teventhinkaboutituntilitwasgone.

Leoextinguishedhisfire.HewriggledhiseyebrowsatFrank.“Who’syourbestbuddy?”

“Don’tanswerthat,”Hazelsaid.“But,Leo,thatwasamazing.”

“Itwas,wasn’tit?”Leoagreed.“Sowhowantstotakethisnewlyultra-safepieceoffirewood?”

“I’llkeepit,”Franksaid.

Hazelpursedherlips.Shelookeddown,maybesoFrankwouldn’tseethehurtinhereyes.She’dprotectedthatfirewoodforhimthroughalotofhardbattles.Itwasasignoftrustbetweenthem,asymboloftheirrelationship.

“Hazel,it’snotaboutyou,”Franksaid,asgentlyashecould.“Ican’texplain,butI—IhaveafeelingI’mgoingtoneedtostepupwhenwe’reintheHouseofHades.Ineedtocarrymyownburden.”

Hazel’sgoldeneyeswerefullofconcern.“Iunderstand.Ijust…Iworry.”LeotossedFrankthepouch.Franktieditaroundhisbelt.Hefeltstrangecarryinghisfatalweakness

soopenly,aftermonthsofkeepingithidden.

“And,Leo,”hesaid,“thanks.”

ItseemedinadequateforthegiftLeohadgivenhim,butLeogrinned.“Whataregeniusfriendsfor?”

“Hey,guys!”Pipercalledfromthebow.“Bettergetoverhere.Youneedtoseethis.”They’dfoundthesourceofthedarklightning.

TheArgoIIhovereddirectlyovertheriver.Afewhundredmetersawayatthetopofthenearesthillstoodaclusterofruins.Theydidn’tlooklikemuch—justsomecrumblingwallsencirclingthelimestoneshellsofafewbuildings—butfromsomewherewithintheruins,tendrilsofblackethercurledintothesky,likeasmokysquidpeekingfromitscave.AsFrankwatched,aboltofdarkenergyrippedthroughtheair,rockingtheshipandsendingacoldshockwaveacrossthelandscape.

“TheNecromanteion,”Nicosaid.“TheHouseofHades.”

Franksteadiedhimselfattherail.Hesupposeditwastoolatetosuggestturningback.Hewasstartingtofeelnostalgicaboutthemonstershe’dfoughtinRome.Heck,chasingpoisoncowsthroughVenicehadbeenmoreappealingthanthisplace.

Piperhuggedherarms.“Ifeelvulnerablefloatingupherelikethis.Couldn’twesetdownintheriver?”

“Iwouldn’t,”Hazelsaid.“That’stheRiverAcheron.”

Jasonsquintedinthesunlight.“IthoughttheAcheronwasintheUnderworld.”

“Itis,”Hazelsaid.“Butitsheadwatersareinthemortalworld.Thatriverbelowus?Eventuallyitflowsunderground,straightintotherealmofPluto—er,Hades.Landingademigodshiponthosewaters—”

“Yeah,let’sstayuphere,”Leodecided.“Idon’twantanyzombiewateronmyhull.”Halfakilometerdownstream,somefishingboatswereputteringalong.Frankguessedtheydidn’tknoworcareaboutthehistoryofthisriver.Mustbenice,beingaregularmortal.

NexttoFrank,NicodiAngeloraisedthescepterofDiocletian.Itsorbglowedwithpurplelight,asifinsympathywiththedarkstorm.Romanrelicornot,thesceptertroubledFrank.Ifitreallyhadthepowertosummonalegionofthedead…well,Frankwasn’tsurethatwassuchagreatidea.

JasonhadoncetoldhimthatthechildrenofMarshadasimilarability.Supposedly,Frankcouldcallonghostlysoldiersfromthelosingsideofanywartoservehim.He’dneverhadmuchluckwiththatpower,probablybecauseitfreakedhimouttoomuch.Hewasworriedhemightbecomeoneofthoseghostsiftheylostthiswar—eternallydoomedtopayforhisfailures,assumingtherewasanyonelefttosummonhim.

“So,uh,Nico…”Frankgesturedatthescepter.“Haveyoulearnedtousethatthing?”

“We’llfindout.”Nicostaredatthetendrilsofdarknessundulatingfromtheruins.“Idon’tintendtotryuntilIhaveto.TheDoorsofDeatharealreadyworkingovertimebringinginGaea’smonsters.

Anymoreactivityraisingthedead,andtheDoorsmightshatterpermanently,leavingaripinthemortalworldthatcan’tbeclosed.”

CoachHedgegrunted.“Ihateripsintheworld.Let’sgobustsomemonsterheads.”Franklookedatthesatyr’sgrimexpression.Suddenlyhehadanidea.“Coach,youshouldstayonboard,coveruswiththeballistae.”

Hedgefrowned.“Staybehind?Me?I’myourbestsoldier!”

“Wemightneedairsupport,”Franksaid.“LikewedidinRome.Yousavedourbraccae.”Hedidn’tadd:Plus,I’dlikeyoutogetbacktoyourwifeandbabyalive.

Hedgeapparentlygotthemessage.Hisscowlrelaxed.Reliefshowedinhiseyes.

“Well…”hegrumbled,“Isupposesomebody’sgottosaveyourbraccae.”Jasonclappedthecoachontheshoulder.ThenhegaveFrankanappreciativenod.“Sothat’ssettled.Everybodyelse—let’sgettotheruins.TimetocrashGaea’sparty.”

DESPITETHEMIDDAYHEATandtheragingstormofdeathenergy,agroupoftouristswasclimbingovertheruins.Fortunatelythereweren’tmany,andtheydidn’tgivethedemigodsasecondlook.

AfterthecrowdsinRome,Frankhadstoppedworryingtoomuchaboutgettingnoticed.IftheycouldflytheirwarshipintotheRomanColosseumwithballistaeblazingandnotevencauseatrafficslowdown,hefiguredtheycouldgetawaywithanything.

Nicoledtheway.Atthetopofthehill,theyclimbedoveranoldretainingwallanddownintoanexcavatedtrench.Finallytheyarrivedatastonedoorwayleadingstraightintothesideofthehill.Thedeathstormseemedtooriginaterightabovetheirheads.Lookingupattheswirlingtentaclesofdarkness,Frankfeltlikehewastrappedatthebottomofaflushingtoiletbowl.Thatreallydidn’tcalmhisnerves.

Nicofacedthegroup.“Fromhere,itgetstough.”

“Sweet,”Leosaid.“’CausesofarI’vetotallybeenpullingmypunches.”Nicoglaredat

him.“We’llseehowlongyoukeepyoursenseofhumor.Remember,thisiswherepilgrimscametocommunewithdeadancestors.Underground,youmayseethingsthatarehardtolookat,orhearvoicestryingtoleadyouastrayinthetunnels.Frank,doyouhavethebarleycakes?”

“What?”Frankhadbeenthinkingabouthisgrandmotherandhismom,wonderingiftheymightappeartohim.Forthefirsttimeindays,thevoicesofAresandMarshadstartedtoargueagaininthebackofFrank’smind,debatingtheirfavoriteformsofviolentdeath.

“I’vegotthecakes,”Hazelsaid.Shepulledoutthemagicalbarleycrackersthey’dmadefromthegrainTriptolemushadgiventheminVenice.

“Eatup,”Nicoadvised.

Frankchewedhiscrackerofdeathandtriednottogag.Itremindedhimofacookiemadewithsawdustinsteadofsugar.

“Yum,”Pipersaid.EventhedaughterofAphroditecouldn’tavoidmakingaface.

“Okay.”Nicochokeddownthelastofhisbarley.“Thatshouldprotectusfromthepoison.”

“Poison?”Leoasked.“DidImissthepoison?’CauseIlovepoison.”

“Soonenough,”Nicopromised.“Juststickclosetogether,andmaybewecanavoidgettinglostorgoinginsane.”

Onthathappynote,Nicoledthemunderground.

Thetunnelspiraledgentlydownward,theceilingsupportedbywhitestonearchesthatremindedFrankofawhale’sribcage.

Astheywalked,Hazelranherhandsalongthemasonry.“Thiswasn’tpartofatemple,”shewhispered.“Thiswas…thebasementforamanorhouse,builtinlaterGreektimes.”FrankfounditeeriehowHazelcouldtellsomuchaboutanundergroundplacejustbybeingthere.He’dneverknownhertobemistaken.

“Amanorhouse?”heasked.“Pleasedon’ttellmewe’reinthewrongplace.”

“TheHouseofHadesisbelowus,”Nicoassuredhim.“ButHazel’sright,theseupperlevelsaremuchnewer.Whenthearchaeologistsfirstexcavatedthissite,theythoughtthey’dfoundtheNecromanteion.Thentheyrealizedtheruinsweretoorecent,sotheydecideditwasthewrongspot.

Theywererightthefirsttime.Theyjustdidn’tdigdeepenough.”Theyturnedacornerandstopped.Infrontofthem,thetunnelendedinahugeblockofstone.

“Acave-in?”Jasonasked.

“Atest,”Nicosaid.“Hazel,wouldyoudothehonors?”

Hazelsteppedforward.Sheplacedherhandontherock,andtheentirebouldercrumbledtodust.

Thetunnelshuddered.Cracksspreadacrosstheceiling.Foraterrifyingmoment,Frankimaginedthey’dallbecrushedundertonsofearth—adisappointingwaytodie,afterall

they’dbeenthrough.

Thentherumblingstopped.Thedustsettled.

Asetofstairscurveddeeperintotheearth,thebarreledceilingheldupbymorerepeatingarches,closertogetherandcarvedfrompolishedblackstone.ThedescendingarchesmadeFrankfeeldizzy,asifhewerelookingintoanendlesslyreflectingmirror.Paintedonthewallswerecrudepicturesofblackcattlemarchingdownward.

“Ireallydon’tlikecows,”Pipermuttered.

“Agreed,”Franksaid.

“ThosearethecattleofHades,”Nicosaid.“It’sjustasymbolof—”

“Look.”Frankpointed.

Onthefirststepofthestairwell,agoldenchalicegleamed.Frankwasprettysureithadn’tbeenthereamomentbefore.Thecupwasfullofdark-greenliquid.

“Hooray,”Leosaidhalfheartedly.“Isupposethat’sourpoison.”Nicopickedupthechalice.“We’restandingattheanciententranceoftheNecromanteion.

Odysseuscamehere,anddozensofotherheroes,seekingadvicefromthedead.”

“Didthedeadadvisethemtoleaveimmediately?”Leoasked.

“Iwouldbefinewiththat,”Piperadmitted.

Nicodrankfromthechalice,thenofferedittoJason.“Youaskedmeabouttrust,andtakingarisk?Well,hereyougo,sonofJupiter.Howmuchdoyoutrustme?”Frankwasn’tsurewhatNicowastalkingabout,butJasondidn’thesitate.Hetookthecupanddrank.

Theypasseditaround,eachtakingasipofpoison.Ashewaitedhisturn,Franktriedtokeephislegsfromshakingandhisgutfromchurning.Hewonderedwhathisgrandmotherwouldsayifshecouldseehim.

Stupid,FaiZhang!shewouldprobablyscold.Ifallyourfriendsweredrinkingpoison,wouldyoudoittoo?

Frankwentlast.Thetasteofthegreenliquidremindedhimofspoiledapplejuice.Hedrainedthechalice.Itturnedtosmokeinhishands.

Niconodded,apparentlysatisfied.“Congratulations.Assumingthepoisondoesn’tkillus,weshouldbeabletofindourwaythroughtheNecromanteion’sfirstlevel.”

“Justthefirstlevel?”Piperasked.

NicoturnedtoHazelandgesturedatthestairs.“Afteryou,sister.”Innotime,Frankfeltcompletelylost.Thestairssplitinthreedifferentdirections.AssoonasHazelchoseapath,thestairssplitagain.Theywoundtheirwaythroughinterconnectingtunnelsandrough-hewnburialchambersthatalllookedthesame—thewallscarvedwithdustynichesthatmightoncehaveheldbodies.Thearchesoverthedoorswerepaintedwithblackcows,whitepoplartrees,andowls.

“IthoughttheowllwasMinerva’ssymbol,”Jasonmurmured.

“ThescreechowllisoneofHades’ssacredanimals,”Nicosaid.“Itscryisabadomen.”

“Thisway.”Hazelpointedtoadoorwaythatlookedthesameasalltheothers.“It’stheonlyonethatwon’tcollapseonus.”

“Goodchoice,then,”Leosaid.

Frankbegantofeellikehewasleavingtheworldoftheliving.Hisskintingled,andhewonderedifitwasasideeffectofthepoison.Thepouchwithhisfirewoodseemedheavieronhisbelt.Intheeerieglowoftheirmagicweapons,hisfriendslookedlikeflickeringghosts.

Coldairbrushedagainsthisface.Inhismind,AresandMarshadgonesilent,butFrankthoughtheheardothervoiceswhisperinginthesidecorridors,beckoninghimtoveeroffcourse,tocomecloserandlistentothemspeak.

Finallytheyreachedanarchwaycarvedintheshapeofhumanskulls—ormaybetheywerehumanskullsembeddedintherock.InthepurplelightofDiocletian’sscepter,theholloweyesocketsseemedtoblink.

FrankalmosthittheceilingwhenHazelputahandonhisarm.

“Thisistheentrancetothesecondlevel,”shesaid.“I’dbettertakealook.”Frankhadn’tevenrealizedthathe’dmovedinfrontofthedoorway.

“Uh,yeah…”Hemadewayforher.

Hazeltracedherfingersacrossthecarvedskulls.“Notrapsonthedoorway,but…somethingisstrangehere.Myundergroundsenseis—isfuzzy,likesomeoneisworkingagainstme,hidingwhat’saheadofus.”

“ThesorceressthatHecatewarnedyouabout?”Jasonguessed.“TheoneLeosawinhisdream?

Whatwashername?”

Hazelchewedherlip.“Itwouldbesafernottosayhername.Butstayalert.OnethingI’msureof:Fromthispointon,thedeadarestrongerthantheliving.”Frankwasn’tsurehowsheknewthat,buthebelievedher.Thevoicesinthedarknessseemedtowhisperlouder.Hecaughtglimpsesofmovementintheshadows.Fromthewayhisfriends’eyesdartedaround,heguessedtheywereseeingthingstoo.

“Wherearethemonsters?”hewonderedaloud.“IthoughtGaeahadanarmyguardingtheDoors.”

“Don’tknow,”Jasonsaid.Hispaleskinlookedasgreenasthepoisonfromthechalice.“AtthispointI’dalmostpreferastraight-upfight.”

“Carefulwhatyouwishfor,man.”Leosummonedaballoffiretohishand,andforonceFrankwasgladtoseetheflames.“Personally,I’mhopingnobody’shome.Wewalkin,findPercyandAnnabeth,destroytheDoorsofDeath,andwalkout.Maybestopatthegiftshop.”

“Yeah,”Franksaid.“That’llhappen.”

Thetunnelshook.Rubbleraineddownfromtheceiling.

HazelgrabbedFrank’shand.“Thatwasclose,”shemuttered.“Thesepassagewayswon’ttakemuchmore.”

“TheDoorsofDeathjustopenedagain,”Nicosaid.

“It’shappeninglikeeveryfifteenminutes,”Pipernoted.

“Everytwelve,”Nicocorrected,thoughhedidn’texplainhowheknew.“We’dbetterhurry.PercyandAnnabethareclose.They’reindanger.Icansenseit.”Astheytraveleddeeper,thecorridorswidened.Theceilingsrosetosixmetershigh,decoratedwithelaboratepaintingsofowlsinthebranchesofwhitepoplars.TheextraspaceshouldhavemadeFrankfeelbetter,butallhecouldthinkaboutwasthetacticalsituation.Thetunnelswerebigenoughtoaccommodatelargemonsters,evengiants.Therewereblindcornerseverywhere,perfectforambushes.Theirgroupcouldbeflankedorsurroundedeasily.Theywouldhavenogoodoptionsforretreat.

AllofFrank’sinstinctstoldhimtogetoutofthesetunnels.Ifnomonsterswerevisible,thatjustmeanttheywerehiding,waitingtospringatrap.EventhoughFrankknewthat,therewasn’tmuchhecoulddoaboutit.TheyhadtofindtheDoorsofDeath.

Leoheldhisfireclosetothewalls.FranksawAncientGreekgraffitiscratchedintothestone.Hecouldn’treadAncientGreek,butheguessedtheywereprayersorsupplicationstothedead,writtenbypilgrimsthousandsofyearsago.Thetunnelfloorwaslitteredwithceramicshardsandsilvercoins.

“Offerings?”Piperguessed.

“Yes,”Nicosaid.“Ifyouwantedyourancestorstoappear,youhadtomakeanoffering.”

“Let’snotmakeanoffering,”Jasonsuggested.

Nobodyargued.

“Thetunnelfromhereisunstable,”Hazelwarned.“Thefloormight…well,justfollowme.StepexactlywhereIstep.”

Shemadeherwayforward.Frankwalkedrightbehindher—notbecausehefeltparticularlybrave,butbecausehewantedtobecloseifHazelneededhishelp.Thevoicesofthewargodswerearguingagaininhisears.Hecouldsensedanger—veryclosenow.

FaiZhang.

Hestoppedcold.Thatvoice…itwasn’tAresorMars.Itseemedtocomefromrightnexttohim,likesomeonewhisperinginhisear.

“Frank?”Jasonwhisperedbehindhim.“Hazel,holdupasecond.Frank,what’swrong?”

“Nothing,”Frankmurmured.“Ijust—”

Pylos,thevoicesaid.IawaityouinPylos.

Frankfeltlikethepoisonwasbubblingbackuphisthroat.He’dbeenscaredplentyoftimesbefore.He’devenfacedthegodofDeath.

Butthisvoiceterrifiedhiminadifferentway.Itresonatedrightdowntohisbones,asifitkneweverythingabouthim—hiscurse,hishistory,hisfuture.

Hisgrandmotherhadalwaysbeenbigonhonoringtheancestors.ItwasaChinesething.Youhadtoappeaseghosts.Youhadtotakethemseriously.

Frankalwaysthoughthisgrandmother’ssuperstitionsweresilly.Nowhechangedhismind.Hehadnodoubt…thevoicethatspoketohimwasoneofhisancestors.

“Frank,don’tmove.”Hazelsoundedalarmed.

Helookeddownandrealizedhe’dbeenabouttostepoutofline.

Tosurvive,youmustlead,thevoicesaid.Atthebreak,youmusttakecharge.

“Leadwhere?”heaskedaloud.

Thenthevoicewasgone.Frankcouldfeelitsabsence,asifthehumidityhadsuddenlydropped.

“Uh,bigguy?”Leosaid.“Couldyounotfreakoutonus?Pleaseandthankyou.”Frank’sfriendswerealllookingathimwithconcern.

“I’mokay,”hemanaged.“Just…avoice.”

Niconodded.“Ididwarnyou.It’llonlygetworse.Weshould—”Hazelheldupherhandforsilence.“Waithere,everybody.”Frankdidn’tlikeit,butsheforgedaheadalone.Hecountedtotwenty-threebeforeshecameback,herfacedrawnandpensive.

“Scaryroomahead,”shewarned.“Don’tpanic.”

“Thosetwothingsdon’tgotogether,”Leomurmured.ButtheyfollowedHazelintothecavern.

Theplacewaslikeacircularcathedral,withaceilingsohighitwaslostinthegloom.Dozensofothertunnelsledoffindifferentdirections,eachechoingwithghostlyvoices.ThethingthatmadeFranknervouswasthefloor.Itwasagruesomemosaicofbonesandgems—humanfemurs,hipbones,andribstwistedandfusedtogetherintoasmoothsurface,dottedwithdiamondsandrubies.Thebonesformedpatterns,likeskeletalcontortioniststumblingtogether,curlingtoprotectthepreciousstones

—adanceofdeathandriches.

“Touchnothing,”Hazelsaid.

“Wasn’tplanningonit,”Leomuttered.

Jasonscannedtheexits.“Whichwaynow?”

Foronce,Nicolookeduncertain.“Thisshouldbetheroomwherethepriestsinvokedthemostpowerfulspirits.Oneofthesepassagesleadsdeeperintothetemple,tothethirdlevelandthealtarofHadeshimself.Butwhich—?”

“Thatone.”Frankpointed.Inadoorwayattheoppositeendoftheroom,aghostlyRomanlegionnairebeckonedtothem.Hisfacewasmistyandindistinct,butFrankgotthefeelingtheghostwaslookingdirectlyathim.

Hazelfrowned.“Whythatone?”

“Youdon’tseetheghost?”Frankasked.

“Ghost?”Nicoasked.

Okay…ifFrankwasseeingaghostthattheUnderworldkidscouldn’tsee,somethingwasdefinitelywrong.Hefeltlikethefloorwasvibratingunderneathhim.Thenherealizeditwasvibrating.

“Weneedtogettothatexit,”hesaid.“Now!”

Hazelalmosthadtotacklehimtorestrainhim.“Wait,Frank!Thisfloorisnotstable,andunderneath…well,I’mnotsurewhat’sunderneath.Ineedtoscoutasafepath.”

“Hurry,then,”heurged.

HedrewhisbowandherdedHazelalongasfastashedared.Leoscrambledbehindhimtoprovidelight.Theothersguardedtherear.Frankcouldtellhewasscaringhisfriends,buthecouldn’thelpit.Heknewinhisguttheyhadonlysecondsbefore…

Infrontofthem,thelegionnaireghostvaporized.Thecavernreverberatedwithmonstrousroars

—dozens,maybehundredsofenemiescomingfromeverydirection.FrankrecognizedthethroatybellowoftheEarthborn,thescreechofgryphons,thegutturalwarcriesofCyclopes—allsoundsherememberedfromtheBattleofNewRome,amplifiedunderground,echoinginhisheadevenlouderthanthewargod’svoices.

“Hazel,don’tstop!”Nicoordered.HepulledthescepterofDiocletianfromhisbelt.PiperandJasondrewtheirswordsasthemonstersspilledintothecavern.

Avanguardofsix-armedEarthbornthrewavolleyofstonesthatshatteredthebone-and-jewelfloorlikeice.Afissurespreadacrossthecenteroftheroom,comingstraighttowardLeoandHazel.

Notimeforcaution.Franktackledhisfriends,andthethreeofthemskiddedacrossthecavern,landingattheedgeoftheghost’stunnelasrocksandspearsflewoverhead.

“Go!”Frankyelled.“Go,go!”

HazelandLeoscrambledintothetunnel,whichseemedtobetheonlyonefreeofmonsters.

Frankwasn’tsurethatwasagoodsign.

Twometersin,Leoturned.“Theothers!”

Theentirecavernshuddered.Franklookedbackandhiscouragecrumbledtodust.Dividingthecavernwasanewfifteen-meter-widechasm,spannedonlybytworicketystretchesofboneflooring.

Thebulkofthemonsterarmywasontheoppositeside,howlinginfrustrationandthrowingwhatevertheycouldfind,includingeachother.Someattemptedtocrossthebridges,whichcreakedandcrackledundertheirweight.

Jason,Piper,andNicostoodonthenearsideofthechasm,whichwasgood,buttheyweresurroundedbyaringofCyclopesandhellhounds.Moremonsterskeptpouringinfromthesidecorridors,whilegryphonswheeledoverhead,undeterredbythecrumblingfloor.

Thethreedemigodswouldnevermakeittothetunnel.EvenifJasontriedtoflythem,they’dbeshotoutoftheair.

Frankrememberedthevoiceofhisancestor:Atthebreak,youmusttakecharge.

“Wehavetohelpthem,”Hazelsaid.

Frank’smindraced,doingbattlecalculations.Hesawexactlywhatwouldhappen—whereandwhenhisfriendswouldbeoverwhelmed,howallsixofthemwoulddiehereinthiscavern…unlessFrankchangedtheequation.

“Nico!”heyelled.“Thescepter.”

NicoraisedDiocletian’sscepter,andthecavernairshimmeredpurple.Ghostsclimbedfromthefissureandseepedfromthewalls—anentireRomanlegioninfullbattlegear.Theybegantakingonphysicalform,likewalkingcorpses,buttheyseemedconfused.JasonyelledinLatin,orderingthemtoformranksandattack.Theundeadjustshuffledamongthemonsters,causingmomentaryconfusion,butthatwouldn’tlast.

FrankturnedtoHazelandLeo.“Youtwokeepgoing.”

Hazel’seyeswidened.“What?No!”

“Youhaveto.”ItwasthehardestthingFrankhadeverdone,butheknewitwastheonlychoice.

“FindtheDoors.SaveAnnabethandPercy.”

“But—”LeoglancedoverFrank’sshoulder.“Hitthedeck!”

Frankdoveforcoverasavolleyofrocksslammedoverhead.Whenhemanagedtogetup,coughingandcoveredindust,theentrancetothetunnelwasgone.Anentiresectionofwallhadcollapsed,leavingaslopeofsmokingrubble.

“Hazel…”Frank’svoicebroke.HehadtohopesheandLeowerealiveontheotherside.Hecouldn’taffordtothinkotherwise.

Angerswelledinhischest.Heturnedandchargedtowardthemonsterarmy.

FRANKWASNOEXPERTONGHOSTS,butthedeadlegionnairesmusthaveallbeendemigods,becausetheyweretotallyADHD.

Theyclawedtheirwayoutofthepit,thenmilledaboutaimlessly,chest-bumpingeachotherfornoapparentreason,pushingoneanotherbackintothechasm,shootingarrowsintotheairasiftryingtokillflies,andoccasionally,outofsheerluck,throwingajavelin,asword,oranallyinthedirectionoftheenemy.

Meanwhile,thearmyofmonstersgotthickerandangrier.Earthbornthrewvolleysofstonesthatplowedintothezombielegionnaires,crushingthemlikepaper.Femaledemonswithmismatchedlegsandfieryhair(Frankguessedtheywereempousai)gnashedtheirfangsandshoutedordersattheothermonsters.AdozenCyclopesadvancedonthecrumblingbridges,whileseal-shapedhumanoids—

telkhines,likeFrankhadseeninAtlanta—lobbedvialsofGreekfireacrossthechasm.Therewereevensomewildcentaursinthemix,shootingflamingarrowsandtramplingtheirsmalleralliesunderhoof.Infact,mostoftheenemyseemedtobearmedwithsomekindoffieryweapon.Despitehisnewfireproofpouch,Frankfoundthatextremelyuncool.

HepushedthroughthecrowdofdeadRomans,shootingdownmonstersuntilhisarrowswerespent,slowlymakinghiswaytowardhisfriends.

Alittlelate,herealized—duh—heshouldturnintosomethingbigandpowerful,likeabearoradragon.Assoonasthethoughtoccurred,painflaredinhisarm.Hestumbled,lookeddown,andwasastonishedtofindanarrowshaftprotrudingfromhisleftbiceps.Hissleevewassoakedwithblood.

Thesightmadehimdizzy.Mostlyitmadehimangry.Hetriedtoturnintoadragon,withnoluck.

Thepainmadeittoohardtofocus.Maybehecouldn’tchangeshapewhilewounded.

Great,hethought.NowIfindout.

Hedroppedhisbowandpickedupaswordfromafallen…well,heactuallywasn’tsurewhatitwas—somesortofreptilianladywarriorwithsnaketrunksinsteadoflegs.Heslashedhiswayforward,tryingtoignorethepainandtheblooddrippingdownhisarm.

Aboutfivemetersahead,Nicowasswinginghisblackswordwithonehand,holdingthescepterofDiocletianaloftwiththeother.Hekeptshoutingordersatthelegionnaires,buttheypaidhimnoattention.

Ofcoursenot,Frankthought.He’sGreek.

JasonandPiperstoodatNico’sback.Jasonsummonedgustsofwindtoblastasidejavelinsandarrows.HedeflectedavialofGreekfirerightupthethroatofagryphon,whichburstintoflamesandspiraledintothepit.Piperputhernewswordtogooduse,whilesprayingfoodfromthecornucopiainherotherhand—usinghams,chickens,apples,andorangesasinterceptormissiles.Theairabovethechasmturnedintoafireworksshowofflamingprojectiles,explodingrocks,andfreshproduce.

Still,Frank’sfriendscouldn’tholdoutforever.Jason’sfacewasalreadybeadedwithsweat.HekeptshoutinginLatin:“Formranks!”Butthedeadlegionnaireswouldn’tlistentohim,either.Someofthezombieswerehelpfuljustbystandingintheway,blockingmonstersandtakingfire.Iftheykeptgettingmoweddown,though,therewouldn’tbeenoughofthemlefttoorganize.

“Makeway!”Frankshouted.Tohissurprise,thedeadlegionnairespartedforhim.Theclosestonesturnedandstaredathimwithblankeyes,asifwaitingforfurtherorders.

“Oh,great…”Frankmumbled.

InVenice,Marshadwarnedhimthathistruetestofleadershipwascoming.Frank’sghostlyancestorhadurgedhimtotakecharge.ButifthesedeadRomanswouldn’tlistentoJason,whyshouldtheylistentohim?BecausehewasachildofMars,ormaybebecause…

Thetruthhithim.Jasonwasn’tquiteRomananymore.HistimeatCampHalf-Bloodhadchangedhim.Reynahadrecognizedthat.Apparently,sodidtheundeadlegionnaires.IfJasonnolongergaveofftherightsortofvibe,ortheauraofaRomanleader…

FrankmadeittohisfriendsasawaveofCyclopescrashedintothem.HeliftedhisswordtoparryaCyclops’sclub,thenstabbedthemonsterintheleg,sendinghimbackwardintothepit.Anotheronecharged.Frankmanagedtoimpalehim,butbloodlosswasmakinghimweak.Hisvisionblurred.Hisearsrang.

HewasdimlyawareofJasononhisleftflank,deflectingtheincomingmissileswithwind;Piperonhisright,yellingcharmspeakcommands—encouragingthemonsterstoattackeachotherortakearefreshingjumpintothechasm.

“It’llbefun!”shepromised.

Afewlistened,butacrossthepit,theempousaiwerecounteringherorders.Apparentlytheyhadcharmspeaktoo.ThemonsterscrowdedsothicklyaroundFrankthathecouldbarelyusehissword.

Thestenchoftheirbreathandbodyodorwasalmostenoughtoknockhimout,even

withoutthearrowthrobbinginhisarm.

WhatwasFranksupposedtodo?He’dhadaplan,buthisthoughtsweregettingfuzzy.

“Stupidghosts!”Nicoshouted.

“Theywon’tlisten!”Jasonagreed.

Thatwasit.Frankhadtomaketheghostslisten.

Hesummonedallhisstrengthandyelled,“Cohorts—lockshields!”Thezombiesaroundhimstirred.TheylinedupinfrontofFrank,puttingtheirshieldstogetherinaraggeddefensiveformation.Buttheyweremovingtooslowly,likesleepwalkers,andonlyafewhadrespondedtohisvoice.

“Frank,howdidyoudothat?”Jasonyelled.

Frank’sheadswamwithpain.Heforcedhimselfnottopassout.“I’mtherankingRomanofficer,”hesaid.“They—uh,theydon’trecognizeyou.Sorry.”Jasongrimaced,buthedidn’tlookparticularlysurprised.“Howcanwehelp?”Frankwishedhehadananswer.Agryphonsoaredoverhead,almostdecapitatinghimwithitstalons.NicosmackeditwiththescepterofDiocletian,andthemonsterveeredintoawall.

“Orbemformate!”Frankordered.

Abouttwodozenzombiesobeyed,strugglingtoformadefensiveringaroundFrankandhisfriends.Itwasenoughtogivethedemigodsalittlerespite,butthereweretoomanyenemiespressingforward.Mostoftheghostlylegionnaireswerestillwanderingaroundinadaze.

“Myrank,”Frankrealized.

“Allthesemonstersarerank!”Piperyelled,stabbingawildcentaur.

“No,”Franksaid.“I’monlyacenturion.”

JasoncursedinLatin.“Hemeanshecan’tcontrolawholelegion.He’snotofhighenoughrank.”Nicoswunghisblackswordatanothergryphon.“Well,then,promotehim!”Frank’smindwassluggish.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatNicowassaying.Promotehim?How?

Jasonshoutedinhisbestdrill-sergeantvoice:“FrankZhang!I,JasonGrace,praetoroftheTwelfthLegionFulminata,giveyoumyfinalorder:Iresignmypostandgiveyouemergencyfieldpromotiontopraetor,withthefullpowersofthatrank.Takecommandofthislegion!”FrankfeltasifadoorhadopenedsomewhereintheHouseofHades,lettinginablastoffreshairthatsweptthroughthetunnels.Thearrowinhisarmsuddenlydidn’tmatter.Histhoughtscleared.Hiseyesightsharpened.ThevoicesofMarsandAresspokeinhismind,strongandunified:Breakthem!

Frankhardlyrecognizedhisownvoicewhenheyelled:“Legion,agmenformate!”Instantly,everydeadlegionnaireinthecaverndrewhisswordandraisedhisshield.TheyscrambledtowardFrank’sposition,pushingandhackingmonstersoutoftheirwayuntiltheystoodshouldertoshoulderwiththecomrades,arrangingthemselvesinasquareformation.Stones,javelins,andfireraineddown,butnowFrankhadadisciplineddefensivelineshelteringthembehindawallofbronzeandleather.

“Archers!”Frankyelled.“Eiaculareflammas!”

Hedidn’tholdoutmuchhopethecommandwouldwork.Thezombies’bowscouldn’tbeingoodshape.Buttohissurprise,severaldozenghostlyskirmishersnockedarrowsinunison.Theirarrowheadscaughtfirespontaneouslyandaflamingwaveofdeatharcedoverthelegion’sline,straightintotheenemy.Cyclopesfell.Centaursstumbled.Atelkhineshriekedandranincircleswithaburningarrowimpaledinhisforehead.

Frankheardalaughbehindhim.Heglancedbackandcouldn’tbelievewhathesaw.NicodiAngelowasactuallysmiling.

“That’smorelikeit,”Nicosaid.“Let’sturnthistide!”

“Cuneumformate!”Frankyelled.“Advancewithpila!”Thezombielinethickenedinthecenter,formingawedgedesignedtobreakthroughtheenemyhost.Theyloweredtheirspearsinabristlingrowandpushedforward.

Earthbornwailedandthrewboulders.Cyclopessmashedtheirfistsandclubsagainstthelockedshields,butthezombielegionnaireswerenolongerpapertargets.Theyhadinhumanstrength,hardlywaveringunderthefiercestattacks.Soonthefloorwascoveredwithmonsterdust.Thelineofjavelinschewedthroughtheenemylikeasetofgiantteeth,fellingogresandsnakewomenandhellhounds.

Frank’sarchersshotgryphonsoutoftheairandcausedchaosinthemainbodyofthemonsterarmyacrossthechasm.

Frank’sforcesbegantotakecontroloftheirsideofthecavern.Oneofthestonebridgescollapsed,butmoremonsterskeptpouringovertheotherone.Frankwouldhavetostopthat.

“Jason,”hecalled,“canyouflyafewlegionnairesacrossthepit?Theenemy’sleftflankisweak

—see?Takeit!”

Jasonsmiled.“Withpleasure.”

ThreedeadRomansroseintotheairandflewacrossthechasm.Thenthreemorejoinedthem.

FinallyJasonflewhimselfacrossandhissquadbegancuttingthroughsomeverysurprised-lookingtelkhines,spreadingfearthroughtheenemy’sranks.

“Nico,”Franksaid,“keeptryingtoraisethedead.Weneedmorenumbers.”

“Onit.”NicoliftedthescepterofDiocletian,whichglowedevendarkerpurple.MoreghostlyRomansseepedfromthewallstojointhefight.

Acrossthechasm,empousaishoutedcommandsinalanguageFrankdidn’tknow,butthegistwasobvious.Theyweretryingtoshoreuptheiralliesandkeepthemchargingacrossthebridge.

“Piper!”Frankyelled.“Counterthoseempousai!Weneedsomechaos.”

“Thoughtyou’dneverask.”Shestartedcatcallingatthefemaledemons:“Yourmakeupissmeared!Yourfriendcalledyouugly!Thatoneismakingafacebehindyourback!”Soon

thevampireladiesweretoobusyfightingoneanothertoshoutanycommands.

Thelegionnairesmovedforward,keepingupthepressure.TheyhadtotakethebridgebeforeJasongotoverwhelmed.

“Timetoleadfromthefront,”Frankdecided.Heraisedhisborrowedswordandcalledforacharge.

FRANKDIDN’TNOTICETHATHEWASGLOWING.LaterJasontoldhimthattheblessingofMarshadshroudedhiminredlight,likeithadinVenice.Javelinscouldn’ttouchhim.Rockssomehowgotdeflected.Evenwithanarrowstickingoutofhisleftbiceps,Frankhadneverfeltsofullofenergy.

ThefirstCyclopshemetwentdownsoquicklyitwasalmostajoke.Frankslicedhiminhalffromshouldertowaist.Thebigguyexplodedintodust.ThenextCyclopsbackedupnervously,soFrankcuthislegsoutfromunderhimandsenthimintothepit.

Theremainingmonstersontheirsideofthechasmtriedtoretreat,butthelegioncutthemdown.

“Tetsudoformation!”Frankshouted.“Singlefile,advance!”Frankwasthefirstoneacrossthebridge.Thedeadfollowed,theirshieldslockedoneithersideandovertheirheads,deflectingallattacks.Asthelastofthezombiescrossed,thestonebridgecrumbledintothedarkness,butbythenitdidn’tmatter.

Nicokeptsummoningmorelegionnairestojointhefight.Overthehistoryoftheempire,thousandsofRomanshadservedanddiedinGreece.Nowtheywereback,answeringthecallofDiocletian’sscepter.

Frankwadedforward,destroyingeverythinginhispath.

“Iwillburnyou!”atelkhinesqueaked,desperatelywavingavialofGreekfire.“Ihavefire!”Franktookhimdown.Asthevialdroppedtowardtheground,Frankkickeditoverthecliffbeforeitcouldexplode.

AnempousarakedherclawsacrossFrank’schest,butFrankfeltnothing.Heslicedthedemonintodustandkeptmoving.Painwasunimportant.Failurewasunthinkable.

Hewasaleaderofthelegionnow,doingwhathewasborntodo—fightingtheenemiesofRome,upholdingitslegacy,protectingthelivesofhisfriendsandcomrades.HewasPraetorFrankZhang.

Hisforcesswepttheenemyaway,breakingtheireveryattempttoregroup.JasonandPiperfoughtathisside,yellingdefiantly.NicowadedthroughthelastgroupofEarthborn,slashingthemintomoundsofwetclaywithhisblackStygiansword.

BeforeFrankknewit,thebattlewasover.Piperchoppedthroughthelastempousa,whovaporizedwithananguishedwail.

“Frank,”Jasonsaid,“you’reonfire.”

Helookeddown.Afewdropsofoillmusthavesplatteredonhispants,becausetheywerestartingtosmolder.Frankbattedatthemuntiltheystoppedsmoking,buthewasn’tparticularlyworried.

ThankstoLeo,henolongerhadtofearfire.

Nicoclearedhisthroat.“Uh…youalsohaveanarrowstickingthroughyourarm.”

“Iknow.”Franksnappedoffthepointofthearrowandpulledouttheshaftbythetail.Hefeltonlyawarm,tuggingsensation.“I’llbefine.”

Pipermadehimeatapieceofambrosia.Asshebandagedhiswound,shesaid,“Frank,youwereamazing.Completelyterrifying,butamazing.”

Frankhadtroubleprocessingherwords.Terrifyingcouldn’tapplytohim.HewasjustFrank.

Hisadrenalinedrainedaway.Helookedaroundhim,wonderingwherealltheenemieshadgone.

TheonlymonstersleftwerehisownundeadRomans,standinginastuporwiththeirweaponslowered.

Nicohelduphisscepter,itsorbdarkanddormant.“Thedeadwon’tstaymuchlonger,nowthatthebattleisover.”

Frankfacedhistroops.“Legion!”

Thezombiesoldierssnappedtoattention.

“Youfoughtwell,”Franktoldthem.“Nowyoumayrest.Dismissed.”Theycrumbledintopilesofbones,armor,shields,andweapons.Theneventhosedisintegrated.

Frankfeltasifhemightcrumbletoo.Despitetheambrosia,hiswoundedarmbegantothrob.Hiseyeswereheavywithexhaustion.TheblessingofMarsfaded,leavinghimdepleted.Buthisworkwasn’tdoneyet.

“HazelandLeo,”hesaid.“Weneedtofindthem.”

Hisfriendspeeredacrossthechasm.Attheotherendofthecavern,thetunnelHazelandLeohadenteredwasburiedundertonsofrubble.

“Wecan’tgothatway,”Nicosaid.“Maybe…”

Suddenlyhestaggered.Hewouldhavefallen,ifJasonhadn’tcaughthim.

“Nico!”Pipersaid.“Whatisit?”

“TheDoors,”Nicosaid.“Something’shappening.PercyandAnnabeth…weneedtogonow.”

“Buthow?”Jasonsaid.“Thattunnelisgone.”

Frankclenchedhisjaw.Hehadn’tcomethisfartostandaroundhelplesslywhilehisfriendswereintrouble.“Itwon’tbefun,”hesaid,“butthere’sanotherway.”

GETTINGKILLEDBYTARTARUSdidn’tseemlikemuchofanhonor.

AsAnnabethstaredupathisdarkwhirlpoolface,shedecidedshe’dratherdieinsomelessmemorableway—maybefallingdownthestairs,orgoingpeacefullyinhersleepatageeighty,afteranicequietlifewithPercy.Yes,thatsoundedgood.

Itwasn’tthefirsttimeAnnabethhadfacedanenemyshecouldn’tdefeatbyforce.Normally,thiswould’vebeenhercuetostallfortimewithsomecleverAthena-likechitchat.

Excepthervoicewouldn’twork.Shecouldn’tevenclosehermouth.Forallsheknew,shewasdroolingasbadlyasPercydidwhenheslept.

Shewasdimlyawareofthearmyofmonstersswirlingaroundher,butaftertheirinitialroaroftriumph,thehordehadfallensilent.AnnabethandPercyshouldhavebeenrippedtopiecesbynow.

Instead,themonsterskepttheirdistance,waitingforTartarustoact.

Thegodofthepitflexedhisfingers,examininghisownpolishedblacktalons.Hehadnoexpression,buthestraightenedhisshouldersasifhewerepleased.

Itisgoodtohaveform,heintoned.Withthesehands,Icaneviscerateyou.

Hisvoicesoundedlikeabackwardrecording—asifthewordswerebeingsuckedintothevortexofhisfaceratherthanprojected.Infact,everythingseemedtobedrawntowardthefaceofthisgod—

thedimlight,thepoisonousclouds,theessenceofthemonsters,evenAnnabeth’sownfragilelifeforce.Shelookedaroundandrealizedthateveryobjectonthisvastplainhadgrownavaporouscomet’stail—allpointingtowardTartarus.

Annabethknewsheshouldsaysomething,butherinstinctstoldhertohide,toavoiddoinganythingthatwoulddrawthegod’sattention.

Besides,whatcouldshesay?Youwon’tgetawaywiththis!

Thatwasn’ttrue.SheandPercyhadonlysurvivedthislongbecauseTartaruswassavoringhisnewform.Hewantedthepleasureofphysicallyrippingthemtopieces.IfTartaruswished,Annabethhadnodoubthecoulddevourherexistencewithasinglethought,aseasilyashe’dvaporizedHyperionandKrios.Wouldtherebeanyrebirthfromthat?Annabethdidn’twanttofindout.

Nexttoher,Percydidsomethingshe’dneverseenhimdo.Hedroppedhissword.Itjustfelloutofhishandandhitthegroundwithathud.DeathMistnolongershroudedhisface,buthestillhadthecomplexionofacorpse.

Tartarushissedagain—possiblylaughing.

Yourfearsmellswonderful,saidthegod.Iseetheappealofhavingaphysicalbodywithsomanysenses.PerhapsmybelovedGaeaisright,wishingtowakefromherslumber.

HestretchedouthismassivepurplehandandmighthavepluckedupPercylikeaweed,butBobinterrupted.

“Begone!”TheTitanleveledhisspearatthegod.“Youhavenorighttomeddle!”Meddle?Tartarusturned.Iamthelordofallcreaturesofthedarkness,punyIapetus.IcandoasIplease.

Hisblackcyclonefacespunfaster.Thehowlingsoundwassohorrible,Annabethfelltoherkneesandclutchedherears.Bobstumbled,thewispycomettailofhislifeforcegrowinglongerasitwassuckedtowardthefaceofthegod.

Bobroaredindefiance.HechargedandthrusthisspearatTartarus’schest.Beforeitcouldconnect,TartarusswattedBobasidelikehewasapeskyinsect.TheTitanwentsprawling.

Whydoyounotdisintegrate?Tartarusmused.Youarenothing.YouareevenweakerthanKriosandHyperion.

“IamBob,”saidBob.

Tartarushissed.Whatisthat?WhatisBob?

“IchoosetobemorethanIapetus,”saidtheTitan.“Youdonotcontrolme.Iamnotlikemybrothers.”

Thecollarofhiscoverallsbulged.SmallBobleapedout.Thekittenlandedonthegroundinfrontofhismaster,thenarchedhisbackandhissedatthelordoftheabyss.

AsAnnabethwatched,SmallBobbegantogrow,hisformflickeringuntilthelittlekittenhadbecomeafull-sized,translucentskeletalsaber-toothedtiger.

“Also,”Bobannounced,“Ihaveagoodcat.”

No-Longer-SmallBobsprangatTartarus,sinkinghisclawsintoTartarus’sthigh.Thetigerscrambleduphisleg,straightunderthegod’schain-linkskirt.Tartarusstompedandhowled,apparentlynolongerenamoredwithhavingaphysicalform.Meanwhile,Bobthrusthisspearintothegod’sside,rightbelowhisbreastplate.

Tartarusroared.HeswattedatBob,buttheTitanbackedoutofreach.Bobthrustouthisfingers.

Hisspearyankeditselffreeofthegod’sfleshandflewbacktoBob’shand,whichmadeAnnabethgulpinamazement.She’dneverimaginedabroomcouldhavesomanyusefulfeatures.SmallBobdroppedoutofTartarus’sskirt.Herantohismaster’sside,hissaber-toothedfangsdrippingwithgoldenichor.

Youwilldiefirst,Iapetus,Tartarusdecided.Afterward,Iwilladdyoursoultomyarmor,whereitwillslowlydissolve,overandover,ineternalagony.

Tartaruspoundedhisfistagainsthisbreastplate.Milkyfacesswirledinthemetal,silentlyscreamingtogetout.

BobturnedtowardPercyandAnnabeth.TheTitangrinned,whichprobablywouldnothavebeenAnnabeth’sreactiontoathreatofeternalagony.

“TaketheDoors,”Bobsaid.“IwilldealwithTartarus.”

Tartarusthrewbackhisheadandbellowed—creatingavacuumsostrongthatthenearestflyingdemonswerepulledintohisvortexfaceandshredded.

Dealwithme?thegodmocked.YouareonlyaTitan,alesserchildofGaea!Iwillmakeyousufferforyourarrogance.Andasforyourtinymortalfriends…

Tartarusswepthishandtowardthemonsterarmy,beckoningthemforward.DESTROYTHEM!

DESTROYTHEM.

Annabethhadheardthosewordsoftenenoughthattheyshockedheroutofherparalysis.Sheraisedherswordandyelled,“Percy!”

HesnatchedupRiptide.

AnnabethdoveforthechainsholdingtheDoorsofDeath.Herdrakon-bonebladecutthroughtheleft-sidemooringsinasingleswipe.Meanwhile,Percydrovebackthefirstwaveofmonsters.Hestabbedanaraiandyelped,“Gah!Stupidcurses!”Thenhescytheddownahalfdozentelkhines.

Annabethlungedbehindhimandslicedthroughthechainsontheotherside.

TheDoorsshuddered,thenopenedwithapleasantDing!

Bobandhissaber-toothedsidekickcontinuedtoweavearoundTartarus’slegs,attacking,anddodgingtostayoutofhisclutches.Theydidn’tseemtobedoingmuchdamage,butTartaruslurchedaround,obviouslynotusedtofightinginahumanoidbody.Heswipedandmissed,swipedandmissed.

MoremonsterssurgedtowardtheDoors.AspearflewpastAnnabeth’shead.Sheturnedandstabbedanempousathroughthegut,thendovefortheDoorsastheystartedtoclose.

Shekeptthemopenwithherfootasshefought.Atleastwithherbacktotheelevatorcar,shedidn’thavetoworryaboutattacksfrombehind.

“Percy,getoverhere!”sheyelled.

Hejoinedherinthedoorway,hisfacedrippingwithsweat,andbloodfromseveralcuts.

“Youokay?”sheasked.

Henodded.“Gotsomekindofpaincursefromthatarai.”Hehackedagryphonoutoftheair.

“Hurts,butitwon’tkillme.Getintheelevator.I’llholdthebutton.”

“Yeah,right!”Shesmackedacarnivoroushorseinthesnoutwiththebuttofherswordandsentthemonsterstampedingthroughthecrowd.“Youpromised,SeaweedBrain.Wewouldnotgetseparated!Everagain!”

“You’reimpossible!”

“Loveyoutoo!”

AnentirephalanxofCyclopeschargedforward,knockingsmallermonstersoutoftheway.

Annabethfiguredshewasabouttodie.“IthadtobeCyclopes,”shegrumbled.

Percygaveabattlecry.AttheCyclopes’feet,aredveininthegroundburstopen,sprayingthemonsterswithliquidfirefromthePhlegethon.Thefirewatermighthavehealedmortals,butitdidn’tdotheCyclopesanyfavors.Theycombustedinatidalwaveofheat.Theburstveinsealeditself,butnothingremainedofthemonstersexceptarowofscorchmarks.

“Annabeth,youhavetogo!”Percysaid.“Wecan’tbothstay!”

“No!”shecried.“Duck!”

Hedidn’taskwhy.Hecrouched,andAnnabethvaultedoverhim,bringinghersworddownontheheadofaheavilytattooedogre.

SheandPercystoodshouldertoshoulderinthedoorway,waitingforthenextwave.Theexplodingveinhadgiventhemonsterspause,butitwouldn’tbelongbeforetheyremembered:Hey,wait,there’sseventy-fivegazillionofus,andonlytwoofthem.

“Well,then,”Percysaid,“youhaveabetteridea?”

Annabethwishedshedid.

TheDoorsofDeathstoodrightbehindthem—theirexitfromthisnightmarishworld.Buttheycouldn’tusetheDoorswithoutsomeonemanningthecontrolsfortwelvelongminutes.IftheysteppedinsideandlettheDoorsclosewithoutsomeoneholdingthebutton,Annabethdidn’tthinktheresultswouldbehealthy.AndiftheysteppedawayfromtheDoorsforanyreason,sheimaginedtheelevatorwouldcloseanddisappearwithoutthem.

Thesituationwassopatheticallysad,itwasalmostfunny.

Thecrowdofmonstersinchedforward,snarlingandgatheringtheircourage.

Meanwhile,Bob’sattacksweregettingslower.Tartaruswaslearningtocontrolhisnewbody.

Saber-toothedSmallBoblungedatthegod,butTartarussmackedthecatsideways.Bobcharged,bellowingwithrage,butTartarusgrabbedhisspearandyankeditoutofhishands.HekickedBobdownhill,knockingoverarowoftelkhineslikeseamammalbowlingpins.

YIELD!Tartarusthundered.

“Iwillnot,”Bobsaid.“Youarenotmymaster.”

Dieindefiance,then,saidthegodofthepit.YouTitansarenothingtome.Mychildrenthegiantswerealwaysbetter,stronger,andmorevicious.Theywillmaketheupperworldasdarkasmyrealm!

Tartarussnappedthespearinhalf.Bobwailedinagony.Saber-toothedSmallBobleapedtohisaid,snarlingatTartarusandbaringhisfangs.TheTitanstruggledtorise,butAnnabethknewitwasover.Eventhemonstersturnedtowatch,asifsensingthattheirmasterTartaruswasabouttotakethespotlight.ThedeathofaTitanwasworthseeing.

PercygrippedAnnabeth’shand.“Stayhere.I’vegottohelphim.”

“Percy,youcan’t,”shecroaked.“Tartaruscan’tbefought.Notbyus.”Sheknewshewasright.Tartaruswasinaclassbyhimself.HewasmorepowerfulthanthegodsorTitans.Demigodswerenothingtohim.IfPercychargedtohelpBob,hewouldgetsquashedlikeanant.

ButAnnabethalsoknewthatPercywouldn’tlisten.Hecouldn’tleaveBobtodiealone.Thatjustwasn’thim—andthatwasoneofthemanyreasonsshelovedhim,evenifhewasanOlympian-sizedpaininthepodex.

“We’llgotogether,”Annabethdecided,knowingthiswouldbetheirfinalbattle.IftheysteppedawayfromtheDoors,theywouldneverleaveTartarus.Atleasttheywoulddiefightingsidebyside.

Shewasabouttosay:Now.

Arippleofalarmpassedthroughthearmy.Inthedistance,Annabethheardshrieks,screams,andapersistentboom,boom,boomthatwastoofasttobetheheartbeatintheground—morelikesomethinglargeandheavy,runningatfullspeed.AnEarthbornspunintotheairasifhe’dbeentossed.Aplumeofbright-greengasbillowedacrossthetopofthemonstroushordelikethesprayfromapoisonriothose.Everythinginitspathdissolved.

Acrosstheswathofsizzling,newlyemptyground,Annabethsawthecauseofthecommotion.

Shestartedtogrin.

TheMaeoniandrakonspreaditsfrilledcollarandhissed,itspoisonbreathfillingthebattlefieldwiththesmellofpineandginger.Itshifteditshundred-foot-longbody,flickingitsdappledgreentailandwipingoutabattalionofogres.

Ridingonitsbackwasared-skinnedgiantwithflowersinhisrust-coloredbraids,ajerkinofgreenleather,andadrakon-riblanceinhishand.

“Damasen!”Annabethcried.

Thegiantinclinedhishead.“AnnabethChase,Itookyouradvice.Ichosemyselfanewfate.”

WHATISTHIS?THEGODOFTHEPITHISSED.Whyhaveyoucome,mydisgracedson?

DamasenglancedatAnnabeth,aclearmessageinhiseyes:Go.Now.

HeturnedtowardTartarus.TheMaeoniandrakonstampeditsfeetandsnarled.

“Father,youwishedforamoreworthyopponent?”Damasenaskedcalmly.“Iamoneofthegiantsyouaresoproudof.Youwishedmetobemorewarlike?PerhapsIwillstartbydestroyingyou!”

Damasenleveledhislanceandcharged.

Themonstrousarmyswarmedhim,buttheMaeoniandrakonflattenedeverythinginitspath,sweepingitstailandsprayingpoisonwhileDamasenjabbedatTartarus,forcingthegodtoretreatlikeacorneredlion.

Bobstumbledawayfromthebattle,hissaber-toothedcatathisside.Percygavethemasmuchcoverashecould—causingbloodvesselsinthegroundtoburstoneaftertheother.SomemonsterswerevaporizedinStyxwater.OthersgotaCocytusshowerandcollapsed,weepinghopelessly.OthersweredousedwithliquidLetheandstaredblanklyaroundthem,nolongersurewheretheywereorevenwhotheywere.

BoblimpedtotheDoors.Goldenichorflowedfromthewoundsonhisarmsandchest.Hisjanitor’soutfithungintatters.Hisposturewastwistedandhunched,asifTartarus’sbreakingthespearhadbrokensomethinginsidehim.Despiteallthat,hewasgrinning,hissilvereyesbrightwithsatisfaction.

“Go,”heordered.“Iwillholdthebutton.”

Percygawkedathim.“Bob,you’reinnocondition—”

“Percy.”Annabeth’svoicethreatenedtobreak.ShehatedherselfforlettingBobdothis,butsheknewitwastheonlyway.“Wehaveto.”

“Wecan’tjustleavethem!”

“Youmust,friend.”BobclappedPercyonthearm,nearlyknockinghimover.“Icanstillpressabutton.AndIhaveagoodcattoguardme.”

SmallBobthesaber-toothedtigergrowledinagreement.

“Besides,”Bobsaid,“itisyourdestinytoreturntotheworld.PutanendtothismadnessofGaea.”

AscreamingCyclops,sizzlingfrompoisonspray,sailedovertheirheads.

Fiftyyardsaway,theMaeoniandrakontrampledthroughmonsters,itsfeetmakingsickeningsquishsquishnoisesasifstompinggrapes.Onitsback,Damasenyelledinsultsandjabbedatthegodofthepit,tauntingTartarusfartherawayfromtheDoors.

Tartaruslumberedafterhim,hisironbootsmakingcratersintheground.

Youcannotkillme!hebellowed.Iamthepititself.Youmightaswelltrytokilltheearth.GaeaandI—weareeternal.Weownyou,fleshandspirit!

Hebroughtdownhismassivefist,butDamasensidestepped,impalinghisjavelininthesideofTartarus’sneck.

Tartarusgrowled,apparentlymoreannoyedthanhurt.Heturnedhisswirlingvacuumfacetowardthegiant,butDamasengotoutofthewayintime.Adozenmonstersweresuckedintothevortexanddisintegrated.

“Bob,don’t!”Percysaid,hiseyespleading.“He’lldestroyyoupermanently.Nocomingback.Noregeneration.”

Bobshrugged.“Whoknowswhatwillbe?Youmustgonow.Tartarusisrightaboutonething.

Wecannotdefeathim.Wecanonlybuyyoutime.”

TheDoorstriedtocloseonAnnabeth’sfoot.

“Twelveminutes,”saidtheTitan.“Icangiveyouthat.”

“Percy…holdtheDoors.”AnnabethjumpedandthrewherarmsaroundtheTitan’sneck.Shekissedhischeek,hereyessofulloftears,shecouldn’tseestraight.Bob’sstubblyfacesmelledofcleaningsupplies—freshlemonyfurniturepolishandMurphyOillwoodsoap.

“Monstersareeternal,”shetoldhim,tryingtokeepherselffromsobbing.“WewillrememberyouandDamasenasheroes,asthebestTitanandthebestgiant.We’lltellourchildren.We’llkeepthestoryalive.Someday,youwillregenerate.”

Bobruffledherhair.Smilelinescrinkledaroundhiseyes.“Thatisgood.Untilthen,myfriends,tellthesunandthestarshelloforme.Andbestrong.ThismaynotbethelastsacrificeyoumustmaketostopGaea.”

Hepushedherawaygently.“Nomoretime.Go.”

AnnabethgrabbedPercy’sarm.Shedraggedhimintotheelevatorcar.ShehadonelastglimpseoftheMaeoniandrakonshakinganogrelikeasockpuppet,DamasenjabbingatTartarus’slegs.

ThegodofthepitpointedattheDoorsofDeathandyelled:Monsters,stopthem!

SmallBobthesaber-toothedcrouchedandsnarled,readyforaction.

BobwinkedatAnnabeth.“HoldtheDoorsclosedonyourside,”hesaid.“Theywillresistyourpassage.Holdthem—”

Thepanelsslidshut.

“PERCY,HELPME!”ANNABETHYELPED.

Sheshovedherentirebodyagainsttheleftdoor,pressingittowardthecenter.Percydidthesameontheright.Therewerenohandles,oranythingelsetoholdonto.Astheelevatorcarascended,theDoorsshookandtriedtoopen,threateningtospillthemintowhateverwasbetweenlifeanddeath.

Annabeth’sshouldersached.Theelevator’seasy-listeningmusicdidn’thelp.Ifallmonstershadtohearthatsongaboutlikingpiñacoladasandgettingcaughtintherain,nowondertheywereinthemoodforcarnagewhentheyreachedthemortalworld.

“WeleftBobandDamasen,”Percycroaked.“They’lldieforus,andwejust—”

“Iknow,”shemurmured.“GodsofOlympus,Percy,Iknow.”

AnnabethwasalmostgladforthejobofkeepingtheDoorsclosed.Theterrorracingthroughherheartatleastkeptherfromdissolvingintomisery.AbandoningDamasenandBobhadbeenthehardestthingshe’deverdone.

ForyearsatCampHalf-Blood,shehadchafedasothercamperswentonquestswhileshestayedbehind.She’dwatchedasothersgainedglory…orfailedanddidn’tcomeback.Sinceshewassevenyearsold,shehadthought:Whydon’tIgettoprovemyskills?Whycan’tIleadaquest?

NowsherealizedthatthehardesttestforachildofAthenawasn’tleadingaquestorfacingdeathincombat.Itwasmakingthestrategicdecisiontostepback,toletsomeone

elsetakethebruntofthedanger—especiallywhenthatpersonwasyourfriend.Shehadtofacethefactthatshecouldn’tprotecteveryonesheloved.Shecouldn’tsolveeveryproblem.

Shehatedit,butshedidn’thavetimeforself-pity.Sheblinkedawayhertears.

“Percy,theDoors,”shewarned.

Thepanelshadstartedtoslideapart,lettinginawhiffof…ozone?Sulfur?

Percypushedonhissidefuriouslyandthecrackclosed.Hiseyesblazedwithanger.Shehopedhewasn’tmadather,butifhewas,shecouldn’tblamehim.

Ifitkeepshimgoing,shethought,thenlethimbeangry.

“IwillkillGaea,”hemuttered.“Iwilltearherapartwithmybarehands.”Annabethnodded,butshewasthinkingaboutTartarus’sboast.Hecouldnotbekilled.NeithercouldGaea.Againstsuchpower,evenTitansandgiantswerehopelesslyoutmatched.Demigodsstoodnochance.

ShealsorememberedBob’swarning:ThismaynotbethelastsacrificeyoumustmaketostopGaea.

Shefeltthattruthdeepinherbones.

“Twelveminutes,”shemurmured.“Justtwelveminutes.”

SheprayedtoAthenathatBobcouldholdtheUPbuttonthatlong.Sheprayedforstrengthandwisdom.Shewonderedwhattheywouldfindoncetheyreachedthetopofthiselevatorride.

Iftheirfriendsweren’tthere,controllingtheotherside…

“Wecandothis,”Percysaid.“Wehaveto.”

“Yeah,”Annabethsaid.“Yeah,wedo.”

TheyheldtheDoorsshutastheelevatorshudderedandthemusicplayed,whilesomewherebelowthem,aTitanandagiantsacrificedtheirlivesfortheirescape.

HAZELWASN’TPROUDOFCRYING.

Afterthetunnelcollapsed,sheweptandscreamedlikeatwo-year-oldthrowingatantrum.Shecouldn’tmovethedebristhatseparatedherandLeofromtheothers.Iftheearthshiftedanymore,theentirecomplexmightcollapseontheirheads.Still,shepoundedherfistsagainstthestonesandyelledcursesthatwould’veearnedheramouth-washingwithlyesoapbackatSt.AgnesAcademy.

Leostaredather,wide-eyedandspeechless.

Shewasn’tbeingfairtohim.

Thelasttimethetwoofthemhadbeentogether,she’dzappedhimintoherpastandshownhimSammy,hisgreat-grandfather—Hazel’sfirstboyfriend.She’dburdenedhimwithemotionalbaggagehedidn’tneed,andlefthimsodazedtheyhadalmostgottenkilledbyagiantshrimpmonster.

Nowheretheywere,aloneagain,whiletheirfriendsmightbedyingatthehandsofamonsterarmy,andshewasthrowingafit.

“Sorry.”Shewipedherface.

“Hey,youknow…”Leoshrugged.“I’veattackedafewrocksinmyday.”Sheswallowedwithdifficulty.“Frankis…he’s—”

“Listen,”Leosaid.“FrankZhanghasmoves.He’sprobablygonnaturnintoakangarooanddosomemarsupialjujitsuontheiruglyfaces.”

Hehelpedhertoherfeet.Despitethepanicsimmeringinsideher,sheknewLeowasright.Frankandtheothersweren’thelpless.Theywouldfindawaytosurvive.ThebestthingsheandLeocoulddowascarryon.

ShestudiedLeo.Hishairhadgrownoutlongerandshaggier,andhisfacewasleaner,sohelookedlesslikeanimpandmorelikeoneofthosewillowyelvesinthefairytales.Thebiggestdifferencewashiseyes.Theyconstantlydrifted,asifLeowastryingtospot

somethingoverthehorizon.

“Leo,I’msorry,”shesaid.

Heraisedaneyebrow.“Okay.Forwhat?”

“For…”Shegesturedaroundherhelplessly.“Everything.ForthinkingyouwereSammy,forleadingyouon.Imean,Ididn’tmeanto,butifIdid—”

“Hey.”Hesqueezedherhand,thoughHazelsensednothingromanticinthegesture.“Machinesaredesignedtowork.”

“Uh,what?”

“Ifiguretheuniverseisbasicallylikeamachine.Idon’tknowwhomadeit,ifitwastheFates,orthegods,orcapital-GGod,orwhatever.Butitchugsalongthewayit’ssupposedtomostofthetime.

Sure,littlepiecesbreakandstuffgoeshaywireonceinawhile,butmostly…thingshappenforareason.Likeyouandmemeeting.”

“LeoValdez,”Hazelmarveled,“you’reaphilosopher.”

“Nah,”hesaid.“I’mjustamechanic.ButIfiguremybisabueloSammyknewwhatwaswhat.Heletyougo,Hazel.Myjobistotellyouthatit’sokay.YouandFrank—you’regoodtogether.We’reallgoingtogetthroughthis.Ihopeyouguysgetachancetobehappy.Besides,Zhangcouldn’ttiehisshoeswithoutyourhelp.”

“That’smean,”Hazelchided,butshefeltlikesomethingwasuntanglinginsideher—aknotoftensionshe’dbeencarryingforweeks.

Leoreallyhadchanged.Hazelwasstartingtothinkshe’dfoundagoodfriend.

“Whathappenedtoyouwhenyouwereonyourown?”sheasked.“Whodidyoumeet?”Leo’seyetwitched.“Longstory.I’lltellyousometime,butI’mstillwaitingtoseehowitshakesout.”

“Theuniverseisamachine,”Hazelsaid,“soit’llbefine.”

“Hopefully.”

“Aslongasit’snotoneofyourmachines,”Hazeladded.“Becauseyourmachinesneverdowhatthey’resupposedto.”

“Yeah,ha-ha.”Leosummonedfireintohishand.“Now,whichway,MissUnderground?”Hazelscannedthepathinfrontofthem.Aboutthirtyfeetdown,thetunnelsplitintofoursmallerarteries,eachoneidentical,buttheoneontheleftradiatedcold.

“Thatway,”shedecided.“Itfeelsthemostdangerous.”

“I’msold,”saidLeo.

Theybegantheirdescent.

Assoonastheyreachedthefirstarchway,thepolecatGalefoundthem.

ShescurriedupHazel’ssideandcurledaroundherneck,chitteringcrosslyasiftosay:Wherehaveyoubeen?You’relate.

“Notthefartingweaselagain,”Leocomplained.“Ifthatthingletslooseinclosequarterslikethis,withmyfireandall,we’regonnaexplode.”

GalebarkedapolecatinsultatLeo.

Hazelhushedthemboth.Shecouldsensethetunnelahead,slopinggentlydownforaboutthreehundredfeet,thenopeningintoalargechamber.Inthatchamberwasapresence…cold,heavy,andpowerful.Hazelhadn’tfeltanythinglikeitsincethecaveinAlaskawhereGaeahadforcedhertoresurrectPorphyrionthegiantking.HazelhadthwartedGaea’splansthattime,butshe’dhadtopulldownthecavern,sacrificingherlifeandhermother’s.Shewasn’tanxioustohaveasimilarexperience.

“Leo,beready,”shewhispered.“We’regettingclose.”

“Closetowhat?”

Awoman’svoiceechoeddownthecorridor:“Closetome.”AwaveofnauseahitHazelsohardherkneesbuckled.Thewholeworldshifted.Hersenseofdirection,usuallyflawlessunderground,becamecompletelyunmoored.

SheandLeodidn’tseemtomove,butsuddenlytheywerethreehundredfeetdownthecorridor,attheentranceofthechamber.

“Welcome,”saidthewoman’svoice.“I’velookedforwardtothis.”Hazel’seyessweptthecavern.Shecouldn’tseethespeaker.

TheroomremindedherofthePantheoninRome,exceptthisplacehadbeendecoratedinHadesModern.

Theobsidianwallswerecarvedwithscenesofdeath:plaguevictims,corpsesonthebattlefield,torturechamberswithskeletonshanginginironcages—allofitembellishedwithpreciousgemsthatsomehowmadethescenesevenmoreghastly.

AsinthePantheon,thedomedroofwasawafflepatternofrecessedsquarepanels,buthereeachpanelwasastela—agravemarkerwithAncientGreekinscriptions.Hazelwonderedifactualbodieswereburiedbehindthem.Withherundergroundsensesoutofwhack,shecouldn’tbesure.

Shesawnootherexits.Attheapexoftheceiling,wherethePantheon’sskylightwould’vebeen,acircleofpureblackstonegleamed,asiftoreinforcethesensethattherewasnowayoutofthisplace

—noskyabove,onlydarkness.

Hazel’seyesdriftedtothecenteroftheroom.

“Yep,”Leomuttered.“Thosearedoors,allright.”

Fiftyfeetawaywasasetoffreestandingelevatordoors,theirpanelsetchedinsilverandiron.

Rowsofchainsrandowneitherside,boltingtheframetolargehooksinthefloor.

Theareaaroundthedoorswaslitteredwithblackrubble.Withatighteningsenseofanger,HazelrealizedthatanancientaltartoHadeshadoncestoodthere.IthadbeendestroyedtomakeroomfortheDoorsofDeath.

“Whereareyou?”sheshouted.

“Don’tyouseeus?”tauntedthewoman’svoice.“IthoughtHecatechoseyouforyourskill.”AnotherboutofqueasinesschurnedthroughHazel’sgut.Onhershoulder,Galebarkedandpassedgas,whichdidn’thelp.

DarkspotsfloatedinHazel’seyes.Shetriedtoblinkthemaway,buttheyonlyturneddarker.Thespotsconsolidatedintoatwenty-foot-tallshadowyfigureloomingnexttotheDoors.

ThegiantClytiuswasshroudedintheblacksmoke,justasshe’dseeninhervisionatthecrossroads,butnowHazelcoulddimlymakeouthisform—dragon-likelegswithash-coloredscales;amassivehumanoidupperbodyencasedinStygianarmor;long,braidedhairthatseemedtobemadefromsmoke.HiscomplexionwasasdarkasDeath’s(Hazelshouldknow,sinceshehadmetDeathpersonally).Hiseyesglintedcoldasdiamonds.Hecarriednoweapon,butthatdidn’tmakehimanylessterrifying.

Leowhistled.“Youknow,Clytius…forsuchabigdude,you’vegotabeautifulvoice.”

“Idiot,”hissedthewoman.

HalfwaybetweenHazelandthegiant,theairshimmered.Thesorceressappeared.

Sheworeanelegantsleevelessdressofwovengold,herdarkhairpiledintoacone,encircledwithdiamondsandemeralds.Aroundherneckhungapendantlikeaminiaturemaze,onacordsetwithrubiesthatmadeHazelthinkofcrystallizedblooddrops.

Thewomanwasbeautifulinatimeless,regalway—likeastatueyoumightadmirebutcouldneverlove.Hereyessparkledwithmalice.

“Pasiphaë,”Hazelsaid.

Thewomaninclinedherhead.“MydearHazelLevesque.”

Leocoughed.“Youtwoknoweachother?LikeUnderworldchums,or—”

“Silence,fool.”Pasiphaë’svoicewassoft,butfullofvenom.“Ihavenousefordemigodboys—

alwayssofullofthemselves,sobrashanddestructive.”

“Hey,lady,”Leoprotested.“Idon’tdestroythingsmuch.I’masonofHephaestus.”

“Atinkerer,”snappedPasiphaë.“Evenworse.IknewDaedalus.Hisinventionsbroughtmenothingbuttrouble.”

Leoblinked.“Daedalus…like,theDaedalus?Well,then,youshouldknowallaboutustinkerers.

We’remoreintofixing,building,occasionallystickingwadsofoilclothinthemouthsofrudeladies

—”

“Leo.”Hazelputherarmacrosshischest.Shehadafeelingthesorceresswasabouttoturnhimintosomethingunpleasantifhedidn’tshutup.“Letmetakethis,okay?”

“Listentoyourfriend,”Pasiphaësaid.“Beagoodboyandletthewomentalk.”Pasiphaëpacedinfrontofthem,examiningHazel,hereyessofullofhateitmadeHazel’sskintingle.Thesorceress’spowerradiatedfromherlikeheatfromafurnace.Herexpressionwasunsettlingandvaguelyfamiliar.…

Somehow,though,thegiantClytiusunnervedHazelmore.

Hestoodinthebackground,silentandmotionlessexceptforthedarksmokepouringfromhisbody,poolingaroundhisfeet.HewasthecoldpresenceHazelhadfeltearlier—likeavastdepositofobsidian,soheavythatHazelcouldn’tpossiblymoveit,powerfulandindestructibleandcompletelydevoidofemotion.

“Your—yourfrienddoesn’tsaymuch,”Hazelnoted.

Pasiphaëlookedbackatthegiantandsniffedwithdisdain.“Prayhestayssilent,mydear.Gaeahasgivenmethepleasureofdealingwithyou;butClytiusismy,ah,insurance.Justbetweenyouandme,assistersorceresses,Ithinkhe’salsoheretokeepmypowersincheck,incaseIforgetmynewmistress’sorders.Gaeaiscarefulthatway.”

Hazelwastemptedtoprotestthatshewasn’tasorceress.Shedidn’twanttoknowhowPasiphaëplannedto“deal”withthem,orhowthegiantkepthermagicincheck.Butshestraightenedherbackandtriedtolookconfident.

“Whateveryou’replanning,”Hazelsaid,“itwon’twork.We’vecutthrougheverymonsterGaea’sputinourpath.Ifyou’resmart,you’llgetoutofourway.”Galethepolecatgnashedherteethinapproval,butPasiphaëdidn’tseemimpressed.

“Youdon’tlooklikemuch,”thesorceressmused.“Butthenyoudemigodsneverdo.Myhusband,Minos,kingofCrete?HewasasonofZeus.Youwouldneverhaveknownitbylookingathim.Hewasalmostasscrawnyasthatone.”SheflickedahandtowardLeo.

“Wow,”mutteredLeo.“Minosmust’vedonesomethingreallyhorribletodeserveyou.”Pasiphaë’snostrilsflared.“Oh…youhavenoidea.HewastooproudtomakethepropersacrificestoPoseidon,sothegodspunishedmeforhisarrogance.”

“TheMinotaur,”Hazelsuddenlyremembered.

ThestorywassorevoltingandgrotesqueHazelhadalwaysshutherearswhentheytolditatCampJupiter.Pasiphaëhadbeencursedtofallinlovewithherhusband’sprizebull.She’dgivenbirthtotheMinotaur—halfman,halfbull.

Now,asPasiphaëglareddaggersather,Hazelrealizedwhyherexpressionwassofamiliar.

ThesorceresshadthesamebitternessandhatredinhereyesthatHazel’smothersometimeshad.

Inherworstmoments,MarieLevesquewouldlookatHazelasifHazelwereamonstrouschild,acursefromthegods,thesourceofallMarie’sproblems.That’swhytheMinotaurstorybotheredHazel—notjusttherepellentideaofPasiphaëandthebull,buttheideathatachild,anychild,couldbeconsideredamonster,apunishmenttoitsparents,tobelockedawayandhated.ToHazel,theMinotaurhadalwaysseemedlikeavictiminthestory.

“Yes,”Pasiphaësaidatlast.“Mydisgracewasunbearable.Aftermysonwasbornand

lockedintheLabyrinth,Minosrefusedtohaveanythingtodowithme.HesaidIhadruinedhisreputation!AnddoyouknowwhathappenedtoMinos,HazelLevesque?Forhiscrimesandhispride?Hewasrewarded.HewasmadeajudgeofthedeadintheUnderworld,asifhehadanyrighttojudgeothers!

Hadesgavehimthatposition.Yourfather.”

“Pluto,actually.”

Pasiphaësneered.“Irrelevant.Soyousee,IhatedemigodsasmuchasIhatethegods.Anyofyourbrethrenwhosurvivethewar,Gaeahaspromisedtome,sothatImaywatchthemdieslowlyinmynewdomain.IonlywishIhadmoretimetotortureyoutwoproperly.Alas—”Inthecenteroftheroom,theDoorsofDeathmadeapleasantchimingsound.ThegreenUP

buttonontherightsideoftheframebegantoglow.Thechainsshook.

“There,yousee?”Pasiphaëshruggedapologetically.“TheDoorsareinuse.Twelveminutes,andtheywillopen.”

Hazel’sguttrembledalmostasmuchasthechains.“Moregiants?”

“Thankfully,no,”saidthesorceress.“Theyareallaccountedfor—backinthemortalworldandinplaceforthefinalassault.”Pasiphaëgaveheracoldsmile.“No,IwouldimaginetheDoorsarebeingusedbysomeoneelse…someoneunauthorized.”

Leoinchedforward.Smokerosefromhisfists.“PercyandAnnabeth.”Hazelcouldn’tspeak.Shewasn’tsurewhetherthelumpinherthroatwasfromjoyorfrustration.

IftheirfriendshadmadeittotheDoors,iftheywerereallygoingtoshowuphereintwelveminutes…

“Oh,nottoworry.”Pasiphaëwavedherhanddismissively.“Clytiuswillhandlethem.Yousee,whenthechimesoundsagain,someoneonoursideneedstopushtheUPbuttonortheDoorswillfailtoopenandwhoeverisinside—poof.Gone.OrperhapsClytiuswillletthemoutanddealwiththeminperson.Thatdependsonyoutwo.”

Hazel’smouthtastedliketin.Shedidn’twanttoask,butshehadto.“Howexactlydoesitdependonus?”

“Well,obviously,weneedonlyonesetofdemigodsalive,”Pasiphaësaid.“TheluckytwowillbetakentoAthensandsacrificedtoGaeaattheFeastofHope.”

“Obviously,”Leomuttered.

“Sowillitbeyoutwo,oryourfriendsintheelevator?”Thesorceressspreadherhands.“Let’sseewhoisstillaliveintwelve…actually,elevenminutes,now.”Thecaverndissolvedintodarkness.

HAZEL’SINTERNALCOMPASSSPUNWILDLY.

Sherememberedwhenshewasverysmall,inNewOrleansinthelate1930s,hermotherhadtakenhertothedentisttogetabadtoothpulled.ItwasthefirstandonlytimeHazelhadeverreceivedether.Thedentistpromiseditwouldmakehersleepyandrelaxed,butHazelfeltlikeshewasfloatingawayfromherownbody,panickyandoutofcontrol.Whentheetherworeoff,she’dbeensickforthreedays.

Thisfeltlikeamassivedoseofether.

Partofherknewshewasstillinthecavern.Pasiphaëstoodonlyafewfeetinfrontofthem.

ClytiuswaitedsilentlyattheDoorsofDeath.

ButlayersofMistenfoldedHazel,twistinghersenseofreality.Shetookonestepforwardandbumpedintoawallthatshouldn’thavebeenthere.

Leopressedhishandsagainstthestone.“Whattheheck?Wherearewe?”Acorridorstretchedouttotheirleftandright.Torchesgutteredinironsconces.Theairsmelledofmildew,asinanoldtomb.OnHazel’sshoulder,Galebarkedangrily,diggingherclawsintoHazel’scollarbone.

“Yes,Iknow,”Hazelmutteredtotheweasel.“It’sanillusion.”Leopoundedonthewall.“Prettysolidillusion.”

Pasiphaëlaughed.Hervoicesoundedwateryandfaraway.“Isitanillusion,HazelLevesque,orsomethingmore?Don’tyouseewhatIhavecreated?”

Hazelfeltsooff-balanceshecouldbarelystand,muchlessthinkstraight.Shetriedtoextendhersenses,toseethroughtheMistandfindthecavernagain,butallshefeltweretunnelssplittingoffinadozendirections,goingeverywhereexceptforward.

Randomthoughtsglintedinhermind,likegoldnuggetscomingtothesurface:Daedalus.TheMinotaurlockedaway.Dieslowlyinmynewdomain.

“TheLabyrinth,”Hazelsaid.“She’sremakingtheLabyrinth.”

“Whatnow?”Leohadbeentappingthewallwithaball-peenhammer,butheturnedandfrownedather.“IthoughttheLabyrinthcollapsedduringthatbattleatCampHalf-Blood—like,itwasconnectedtoDaedalus’slifeforceorsomething,andthenhedied.”Pasiphaë’svoicecluckeddisapprovingly.“Ah,butIamstillalive.YoucreditDaedaluswithallthemaze’ssecrets?IbreathedmagicallifeintohisLabyrinth.Daedaluswasnothingcomparedtome

—theimmortalsorceress,daughterofHelios,sisterofCirce!NowtheLabyrinthwillbemydomain.”

“It’sanillusion,”Hazelinsisted.“Wejusthavetobreakthroughit.”Evenasshesaidit,thewallsseemedtogrowmoresolid,thesmellofmildewmoreintense.

“Toolate,toolate,”Pasiphaëcrooned.“Themazeisalreadyawake.Itwillspreadundertheskinoftheearthoncemorewhileyourmortalworldisleveled.Youdemigods…youheroes…willwanderitscorridors,dyingslowlyofthirstandfearandmisery.Orperhaps,ifIamfeelingmerciful,youwilldiequickly,ingreatpain!”

HolesopenedinthefloorbeneathHazel’sfeet.ShegrabbedLeoandpushedhimasideasarowofspikesshotupward,impalingtheceiling.

“Run!”sheyelled.

Pasiphaë’slaughterechoeddownthecorridor.“Whereareyougoing,youngsorceress?Runningfromanillusion?”

Hazeldidn’tanswer.Shewastoobusytryingtostayalive.Behindthem,rowafterrowofspikesshottowardtheceilingwithapersistentthunk,thunk,thunk.

ShepulledLeodownasidecorridor,leapedoveratripwire,thenstumbledtoahaltinfrontofapittwentyfeetacross.

“Howdeepisthat?”Leogaspedforbreath.Hispantslegwasrippedwhereoneofthespikeshadgrazedhim.

Hazel’ssensestoldherthatthepitwasatleastfiftyfeetstraightdown,withapoolofpoisonatthebottom.Couldshetrusthersenses?WhetherornotPasiphaëhadcreatedanewLabyrinth,Hazelbelievedtheywerestillinthesamecavern,beingmadetorunaimlesslybackandforthwhilePasiphaëandClytiuswatchedinamusement.Illusionornot:unlessHazelcouldfigureouthowtogetoutofthismaze,thetrapswouldkillthem.

“Eightminutesnow,”saidthevoiceofPasiphaë.“I’dlovetoseeyousurvive,truly.ThatwouldproveyouworthysacrificestoGaeainAthens.Butthen,ofcourse,wewouldn’tneedyourfriendsintheelevator.”

Hazel’sheartpounded.Shefacedthewalltoherleft.Despitewhathersensestoldher,thatshouldbethedirectionoftheDoors.Pasiphaëshouldberightinfrontofher.

Hazelwantedtoburstthroughthewallandthrottlethesorceress.Ineightminutes,sheandLeoneededtobeattheDoorsofDeathtolettheirfriendsout.

ButPasiphaëwasanimmortalsorceresswiththousandsofyearsofexperienceinweavingspells.

Hazelcouldn’tdefeatherthroughsheerwillpower.She’dmanagedtofoolthebanditScironbyshowinghimwhatheexpectedtosee.HazelneededtofigureoutwhatPasiphaëwantedmost.

“Sevenminutesnow,”Pasiphaëlamented.“Ifonlywehadmoretime!SomanyindignitiesI’dlikeyoutosuffer.”

Thatwasit,Hazelrealized.Shehadtorunthegauntlet.Shehadtomakethemazemoredangerous,morespectacular—makePasiphaëfocusonthetrapsratherthanthedirectiontheLabyrinthwasleading.

“Leo,we’regoingtojump,”Hazelsaid.

“But—”

“It’snotasfarasitlooks.Go!”Shegrabbedhishandandtheylaunchedthemselvesacrossthepit.Whentheylanded,Hazellookedbackandsawnopitatall—justathree-inchcrackinthefloor.

“Comeon!”sheurged.

TheyranasthevoiceofPasiphaëdronedon.“Oh,dear,no.You’llneversurvivethatway.Sixminutes.”

Theceilingabovethemcrackedapart.Galetheweaselsqueakedinalarm,butHazelimaginedanewtunnelleadingofftotheleft—atunnelevenmoredangerous,goingthewrongdirection.TheMistsoftenedunderherwill.Thetunnelappeared,andtheydashedtooneside.

Pasiphaësighedwithdisappointment.“Youreallyaren’tverygoodatthis,mydear.”ButHazelfeltasparkofhope.She’dcreatedatunnel.She’ddrivenasmallwedgeintothemagicfabricoftheLabyrinth.

Thefloorcollapsedunderthem.Hazeljumpedtooneside,draggingLeowithher.Sheimaginedanothertunnel,veeringbackthewaythey’dcome,butfullofpoisonousgas.Themazeobliged.

“Leo,holdyourbreath,”shewarned.

Theyplungedthroughthetoxicfog.Hazel’seyesfeltliketheywerebeingrinsedinpepperjuice,butshekeptrunning.

“Fiveminutes,”Pasiphaësaid.“Alas!IfonlyIcouldwatchyousufferlonger.”Theyburstintoacorridorwithfreshair.Leocoughed.“Ifonlyshewouldshutup.”Theyduckedunderabronzegarrotewire.HazelimaginedthetunnelcurvingbacktowardPasiphaë,eversoslightly.TheMistbenttoherwill.

Thewallsofthetunnelbegantocloseinoneitherside.Hazeldidn’ttrytostopthem.Shemadethemclosefaster,shakingthefloorandcrackingtheceiling.SheandLeoranfortheirlives,followingthecurveasitbroughtthemclosertowhatshehopedwasthecenteroftheroom.

“Apity,”saidPasiphaë.“IwishIcouldkillyouandyourfriendsintheelevator,butGaeahasinsistedthattwoofyoumustbekeptaliveuntiltheFeastofHope,whenyourbloodwillbeputtogooduse!Ah,well.IwillhavetofindothervictimsformyLabyrinth.You

twohavebeensecond-ratefailures.”

HazelandLeostumbledtoastop.Infrontofthemstretchedachasmsowide,Hazelcouldn’tseetheotherside.Fromsomewherebelowinthedarknesscamethesoundofhissing—thousandsandthousandsofsnakes.

Hazelwastemptedtoretreat,butthetunnelwasclosingbehindthem,leavingthemstrandedonatinyledge.GaletheweaselpacedacrossHazel’sshouldersandfartedwithanxiety.

“Okay,okay,”Leomuttered.“Thewallsaremovingparts.Theygottabemechanical.Givemeasecond.”

“No,Leo,”Hazelsaid.“There’snowayback.”

“But—”

“Holdmyhand,”shesaid.“Onthree.”

“But—”

“Three!”

“What?”

Hazelleapedintothepit,pullingLeowithher.Shetriedtoignorehisscreamingandtheflatulentweaselclingingtoherneck.ShebentallherwillintoredirectingthemagicoftheLabyrinth.

Pasiphaëlaughedwithdelight,knowingthatanymomenttheywouldbecrushedorbittentodeathinapitofsnakes.

Instead,Hazelimaginedachuteinthedarkness,justtotheirleft.Shetwistedinmidairandfelltowardit.SheandLeohitthechutehardandslidintothecavern,landingrightontopofPasiphaë.

“Ack!”Thesorceress’sheadsmackedagainstthefloorasLeosatdownhardonherchest.

Foramoment,thethreeofthemandtheweaselwereapileofsprawlingbodiesandflailinglimbs.Hazeltriedtodrawhersword,butPasiphaëmanagedtoextricateherselffirst.Thesorceressbackedaway,herhairdobentsidewayslikeacollapsedcake.HerdresswassmearedwithgreasestainsfromLeo’stoolbelt.

“Youmiserablewretches!”shehowled.

Themazewasgone.Afewfeetaway,Clytiusstoodwithhisbacktothem,watchingtheDoorsofDeath.ByHazel’scalculation,theyhadaboutthirtysecondsuntiltheirfriendsarrived.HazelfeltexhaustedfromherrunthroughthemazewhilecontrollingtheMist,butsheneededtopulloffonemoretrick.

ShehadsuccessfullymadePasiphaëseewhatshemostdesired.NowHazelhadtomakethesorceressseewhatshemostfeared.

“Youmustreallyhatedemigods,”Hazelsaid,tryingtomimicPasiphaë’scruelsmile.“Wealwaysgetthebestofyou,don’twe,Pasiphaë?”

“Nonsense!”screamedPasiphaë.“Iwilltearyouapart!Iwill—”

“We’realwayspullingtherugoutfromunderyourfeet,”Hazelsympathized.“Yourhusbandbetrayedyou.TheseuskilledtheMinotaurandstoleyourdaughterAriadne.Nowtwosecond-ratefailureshaveturnedyourownmazeagainstyou.Butyouknewitwouldcometothis,didn’tyou?Youalwaysfallintheend.”

“Iamimmortal!”Pasiphaëwailed.Shetookastepback,fingeringhernecklace.“Youcannotstandagainstme!”

“Youcan’tstandatall,”Hazelcountered.“Look.”

Shepointedatthefeetofthesorceress.AtrapdooropenedunderneathPasiphaë.Shefell,screaming,intoabottomlesspitthatdidn’treallyexist.

Thefloorsolidified.Thesorceresswasgone.

LeostaredatHazelinamazement.“Howdidyou—”

Justthentheelevatordinged.RatherthanpushingtheUPbutton,Clytiussteppedbackfromthecontrols,keepingtheirfriendstrappedinside.

“Leo!”Hazelyelled.

Theywerethirtyfeetaway—muchtoofartoreachtheelevator—butLeopulledoutascrewdriverandchuckeditlikeathrowingknife.Animpossibleshot.ThescrewdriverspunstraightpastClytiusandslammedintotheUPbutton.

TheDoorsofDeathopenedwithahiss.Blacksmokebillowedout,andtwobodiesspilledface-firstontothefloor—PercyandAnnabeth,limpascorpses.

Hazelsobbed.“Oh,gods…”

SheandLeostartedforward,butClytiusraisedhishandinanunmistakablegesture—stop.HeliftedhismassivereptilianfootoverPercy’shead.

Thegiant’ssmokyshroudpouredoverthefloor,coveringAnnabethandPercyinapoolofdarkfog.

“Clytius,you’velost,”Hazelsnarled.“Letthemgo,oryou’llenduplikePasiphaë.”Thegianttiltedhishead.Hisdiamondeyesgleamed.Athisfeet,Annabethlurchedlikeshe’dhitapowerline.Sherolledonherback,blacksmokecoilingfromhermouth.

“IamnotPasiphaë.”Annabethspokeinavoicethatwasn’thers—thewordsasdeepasabassguitar.“Youhavewonnothing.”

“Stopthat!”Evenfromthirtyfeetaway,HazelcouldsenseAnnabeth’slifeforcewaning,herpulsebecomingthready.WhateverClytiuswasdoing,pullingwordsfromhermouth—itwaskillingher.

ClytiusnudgedPercy’sheadwithhisfoot.Percy’sfacelolledtooneside.

“Notquitedead.”Thegiant’swordsboomedfromPercy’smouth.“Aterribleshocktothemortalbody,Iwouldimagine,comingbackfromTartarus.They’llbeoutforawhile.”HeturnedhisattentionbacktoAnnabeth.Moresmokepouredfrombetweenherlips.“I’lltiethemupandtakethemtoPorphyrioninAthens.Justthesacrificeweneed.Unfortunately,thatmeansIhavenofurtheruseforyoutwo.”

“Oh,yeah?”Leogrowled.“Well,maybeyougotthesmoke,buddy,butI’vegotthefire.”Hishandsblazed.Heshotwhite-hotcolumnsofflameatthegiant,butClytius’ssmokyauraabsorbedthemonimpact.Tendrilsofblackhazetraveledbackupthelinesoffire,snuffingoutthelightandheatandcoveringLeoindarkness.

Leofelltohisknees,clutchingathisthroat.

“No!”Hazelrantowardhim,butGalechatteredurgentlyonhershoulder—aclearwarning.

“Iwouldnot.”Clytius’svoicereverberatedfromLeo’smouth.“Youdonotunderstand,HazelLevesque.Idevourmagic.Idestroythevoiceandthesoul.Youcannotopposeme.”Blackfogspreadfartheracrosstheroom,coveringAnnabethandPercy,billowingtowardHazel.

BloodroaredinHazel’sears.Shehadtoact—buthow?IfthatblacksmokecouldincapacitateLeosoquickly,whatchancedidshehave?

“F-fire,”shestammeredinasmallvoice.“You’resupposedtobeweakagainstit.”Thegiantchuckled,usingAnnabeth’svocalcordsthistime.“Youwerecountingonthat,eh?ItistrueIdonotlikefire.ButLeoValdez’sflamesarenotstrongenoughtotroubleme.”SomewherebehindHazel,asoft,lyricalvoicesaid,“Whataboutmyflames,oldfriend?”GalesqueakedexcitedlyandjumpedfromHazel’sshoulder,scamperingtotheentranceofthecavernwhereablondwomanstoodinablackdress,theMistswirlingaroundher.

Thegiantstumbledbackward,bumpingintotheDoorsofDeath.

“You,”hesaidfromPercy’smouth.

“Me,”Hecateagreed.Shespreadherarms.Blazingtorchesappearedinherhands.“IthasbeenmillenniasinceIfoughtatthesideofademigod,butHazelLevesquehasprovenherselfworthy.Whatdoyousay,Clytius?Shallweplaywithfire?”

IFTHEGIANTHADRUNAWAYSCREAMING,Hazelwould’vebeengrateful.Then

theyallcouldhavetakentherestofthedayoff.

Clytiusdisappointedher.

Whenhesawthegoddess’storchesblazing,thegiantseemedtorecoverhiswits.Hestompedhisfoot,shakingthefloorandalmoststeppingonAnnabeth’sarm.DarksmokebillowedaroundhimuntilAnnabethandPercyweretotallyhidden.Hazelcouldseenothingbutthegiant’sgleamingeyes.

“Boldwords.”ClytiusspokefromLeo’smouth.“Youforget,goddess.Whenwelastmet,youhadthehelpofHerculesandDionysus—themostpowerfulheroesintheworld,bothofthemdestinedtobecomegods.Nowyoubring…these?”

Leo’sunconsciousbodycontortedinpain.

“Stopit!”Hazelyelled.

Shedidn’tplanwhathappenednext.Shesimplyknewshehadtoprotectherfriends.Sheimaginedthembehindher,thesamewayshe’dimaginednewtunnelsappearinginPasiphaë’sLabyrinth.Leodissolved.HereappearedatHazel’sfeet,alongwithPercyandAnnabeth.TheMistwhirledaroundher,spillingoverthestonesandenvelopingherfriends.WherethewhiteMistmetthedarksmokeofClytius,itsteamedandsizzled,likelavarollingintothesea.

Leoopenedhiseyesandgasped.“Wh-what…?”

AnnabethandPercyremainedmotionless,butHazelcouldsensetheirheartbeatsgettingstronger,theirbreathcomingmoreevenly.

OnHecate’sshoulder,Galethepolecatbarkedwithadmiration.

Thegoddesssteppedforward,herdarkeyesglitteringinthetorchlight.“You’reright,Clytius.

HazelLevesqueisnotHerculesorDionysus,butIthinkyouwillfindherjustasformidable.”Throughthesmokyshroud,Hazelsawthegiantopenhismouth.Nowordscameout.Clytiussneeredinfrustration.

Leotriedtositup.“What’sgoingon?WhatcanI—”

“WatchPercyandAnnabeth.”Hazeldrewherspatha.“Staybehindme.StayintheMist.”

“But—”

ThelookHazelgavehimmusthavebeenmoreseverethansherealized.

Leogulped.“Yeah,gotit.WhiteMistgood.Blacksmokebad.”Hazeladvanced.Thegiantspreadhisarms.Thedomedceilingshook,andthegiant’svoiceechoedthroughtheroom,magnifiedahundredtimes.

Formidable?thegiantdemanded.Itsoundedasifhewerespeakingthroughachorusofthedead,usingalltheunfortunatesoulswho’dbeenburiedbehindthedome’sstelae.Becausethegirlhaslearnedyourmagictricks,Hecate?BecauseyouallowtheseweaklingstohideinyourMist?

Aswordappearedinthegiant’shand—aStygianironblademuchlikeNico’s,exceptfive

timesthesize.IdonotunderstandwhyGaeawouldfindanyofthesedemigodsworthyofsacrifice.Iwillcrushthemlikeemptynutshells.

Hazel’sfearturnedtorage.Shescreamed.Thewallsofthechambermadeacracklingsoundlikeiceinwarmwater,anddozensofgemsstreakedtowardthegiant,punchingthroughhisarmorlikebuckshot.

Clytiusstaggeredbackward.Hisdisembodiedvoicebellowedwithpain.Hisironbreastplatewaspepperedwithholes.

Goldenichortrickledfromawoundonhisrightarm.Hisshroudofdarknessthinned.Hazelcouldseethemurderousexpressiononhisface.

You,Clytiusgrowled.Youworthless—

“Worthless?”Hecateaskedquietly.“I’dsayHazelLevesqueknowsafewtricksevenIcouldnotteachher.”

Hazelstoodinfrontofherfriends,determinedtoprotectthem,butherenergywasfading.Herswordwasalreadyheavyinherhand,andshehadn’tevenswungityet.ShewishedArionwerehere.

Shecouldusethehorse’sspeedandstrength.Unfortunately,herequinefriendwouldnotbeabletohelpherthistime.Hewasacreatureofthewide-openspaces,nottheunderground.

Thegiantdughisfingersintothewoundonhisbiceps.Hepulledoutadiamondandflickeditaside.Thewoundclosed.

So,daughterofPluto,Clytiusrumbled,doyoureallybelieveHecatehasyourinterestsatheart?

Circewasafavoriteofhers.AndMedea.AndPasiphaë.Howdidtheyendup,eh?

Behindher,HazelheardAnnabethstirring,groaninginpain.Percymutteredsomethingthatsoundedlike,“Bob-bob-bob?”

Clytiussteppedforward,holdinghisswordcasuallyathissideasiftheywerecomradesratherthanenemies.Hecatewillnottellyouthetruth.Shesendsacolyteslikeyoutodoherbiddingandtakealltherisk.Ifbysomemiracleyouincapacitateme,onlythenwillshebeabletosetmeonfire.Thenshewillclaimthegloryofthekill.YouheardhowBacchusdealtwiththeAlodaitwinsintheColosseum.Hecateisworse.SheisaTitanwhobetrayedtheTitans.Thenshebetrayedthegods.Doyoureallythinkshewillkeepfaithwithyou?

Hecate’sfacewasunreadable.

“Icannotanswerhisaccusations,Hazel,”saidthegoddess.“Thisisyourcrossroads.Youmustchoose.”

Yes,crossroads.Thegiant’slaughterechoed.Hiswoundsseemedtohavehealedcompletely.

Hecateoffersyouobscurity,choices,vaguepromisesofmagic.Iamtheanti-Hecate.Iwillgiveyoutruth.Iwilleliminatechoicesandmagic.IwillstripawaytheMist,onceandfor

all,andshowyoutheworldinallitstruehorror.

Leostruggledtohisfeet,coughinglikeanasthmatic.“I’mlovingthisguy,”hewheezed.

“Seriously,weshouldkeephimaroundforinspirationalseminars.”Hishandsignitedlikeblowtorches.“OrIcouldjustlighthimup.”

“Leo,no,”Hazelsaid.“Myfather’stemple.Mycall.”

“Yeah,okay.But—”

“Hazel…”Annabethwheezed.

Hazelwassoelatedtohearherfriend’svoicethatshealmostturned,butsheknewsheshouldn’ttakehereyesoffClytius.

“Thechains…”Annabethmanaged.

Hazelinhaledsharply.She’dbeenafool!TheDoorsofDeathwerestillopen,shudderingagainstthechainsthatheldtheminplace.Hazelhadtocutthemfreesotheywoulddisappear—andfinallybebeyondGaea’sreach.

Theonlyproblem:abigsmokygiantstoodinherway.

Youcan’tseriouslybelieveyouhavethestrength,Clytiuschided.Whatwillyoudo,HazelLevesque—peltmewithmorerubies?Showermewithsapphires?

Hazelgavehimananswer.Sheraisedherspathaandcharged.

Apparently,Clytiushadn’texpectedhertobequitesosuicidal.Hewasslowraisinghissword.

Bythetimeheslashed,HazelhadduckedbetweenhislegsandjabbedherImperialgoldbladeintohisgluteusmaximus.Notveryladylike.ThenunsatSt.Agneswouldneverhaveapproved.Butitworked.

Clytiusroaredandarchedhisback,waddlingawayfromher.MiststillswirledaroundHazel,hissingasitmetthegiant’sblacksmoke.

HazelrealizedthatHecatewasassistingher—lendingherthestrengthtokeepupadefensiveshroud.Hazelalsoknewthattheinstantherownconcentrationwaveredandthatdarknesstouchedher,shewouldcollapse.Ifthathappened,shewasn’tsureHecatewouldbeable—orwilling—tostopthegiantfromcrushingherandherfriends.

HazelsprintedtowardtheDoorsofDeath.Herbladeshatteredthechainsontheleftsideliketheyweremadeofice.Shelungedtotheright,butClytiusyelled,NO!

Bysheerluck,shewasn’tcutinhalf.Theflatofthegiant’sbladecaughtherinthechestandsentherflying.Sheslammedintothewallandfeltbonescrack.

Acrosstheroom,Leoscreamedhername.

Throughherblurryvision,shesawaflashoffire.Hecatestoodnearby,herformshimmeringasifshewereabouttodissolve.Hertorchesseemedtobeflickeringout,butthatmighthavejustbeenthatHazelwasstartingtoloseconsciousness.

Shecouldn’tgiveupnow.Sheforcedherselftostand.Hersidefeltlikeitwasembedded

withrazorblades.Herswordlayonthegroundaboutfivefeetaway.Shestaggeredtowardit.

“Clytius!”sheshouted.

Shemeantittosoundlikeabravechallenge,butitcameoutasmoreofacroak.

Atleastitgothisattention.ThegiantturnedfromLeoandtheothers.Whenhesawherlimpingforward,helaughed.

Agoodtry,HazelLevesque,Clytiusadmitted.YoudidbetterthanIanticipated.Butmagicalonecannotdefeatme,andyoudonothavesufficientstrength.Hecatehasfailedyou,asshefailsallofherfollowersintheend.

TheMistaroundherwasthinning.Attheotherendoftheroom,Leotriedtoforce-feedPercysomeambrosia,thoughPercywasstillprettymuchoutofit.Annabethwasawakebutstruggling,barelyabletoliftherhead.

Hecatestoodwithhertorches,watchingandwaiting—whichinfuriatedHazelsomuch,shefoundonelastburstofenergy.

Shethrewhersword—notatthegiant,butattheDoorsofDeath.Thechainsontherightsideshattered.Hazelcollapsedinagony,hersideburning,astheDoorsshudderedanddisappearedinaflashofpurplelight.

Clytiusroaredsoloudlythatahalfdozenstelaefellfromtheceilingandshattered.

“Thatwasformybrother,Nico,”Hazelgasped.“Andfordestroyingmyfather’saltar.”Youhaveforfeitedyourrighttoaquickdeath,thegiantsnarled.Iwillsuffocateyouindarkness,slowly,painfully.Hecatecannothelpyou.NOONEcanhelpyou!

Thegoddessraisedhertorches.“Iwouldnotbesocertain,Clytius.Hazel’sfriendssimplyneededalittletimetoreachher—timeyouhavegiventhemwithyourboastingandbragging.”Clytiussnorted.Whatfriends?Theseweaklings?Theyarenochallenge.

InfrontofHazel,theairrippled.TheMistthickened,creatingadoorway,andfourpeoplesteppedthrough.

Hazelweptwithrelief.Frank’sarmwasbleedingandbandaged,buthewasalive.NexttohimstoodNico,Piper,andJason—allwiththeirswordsdrawn.

“Sorrywe’relate,”Jasonsaid.“Isthistheguywhoneedskilling?”

HAZELALMOSTFELTSORRYFORCLYTIUS.

Theyattackedhimfromeverydirection—Leoshootingfireathislegs,FrankandPiperjabbingathischest,Jasonflyingintotheairandkickinghimintheface.HazelwasproudtoseehowwellPiperrememberedhersword-fightinglessons.

Eachtimethegiant’ssmokyveilstartedcreepingaroundoneofthem,Nicowasthere,slashingthroughit,drinkinginthedarknesswithhisStygianblade.

PercyandAnnabethwereontheirfeet,lookingweakanddazed,buttheirswordsweredrawn.

WhendidAnnabethgetasword?Andwhatwasitmadeof—ivory?Theylookedliketheywantedtohelp,buttherewasnoneed.Thegiantwassurrounded.

Clytiussnarled,turningbackandforthasifhecouldn’tdecidewhichofthemtokillfirst.Wait!

Holdstill!No!Ouch!

Thedarknessaroundhimdispelledcompletely,leavingnothingtoprotecthimexcepthisbatteredarmor.Ichoroozedfromadozenwounds.Thedamagehealedalmostasfastasitwasinflicted,butHazelcouldtellthegiantwastiring.

OnelasttimeJasonflewathim,kickinghiminthechest,andthegiant’sbreastplateshattered.

Clytiusstaggeredbackward.Hissworddroppedtothefloor.Hefelltohisknees,andthedemigodsencircledhim.

OnlythendidHecatestepforward,hertorchesraised.Mistcurledaroundthegiant,hissingandbubblingasittouchedhisskin.

“Andsoitends,”Hecatesaid.

Itdoesnotend.Clytius’svoiceechoedfromsomewhereabove,muffledandslurred.My

brethrenhaverisen.GaeawaitsonlyforthebloodofOlympus.Ittookallofyoutogethertodefeatme.WhatwillyoudowhentheEarthMotheropenshereyes?

Hecateturnedhertorchesupsidedown.ShethrustthemlikedaggersatClytius’shead.Thegiant’shairwentupfasterthandrytinder,spreadingdownhisheadandacrosshisbodyuntiltheheatofthebonfiremadeHazelwince.Clytiusfellwithoutasound,face-firstintherubbleofHades’saltar.

Hisbodycrumbledtoashes.

Foramoment,noonespoke.Hazelheardaragged,painfulnoiseandrealizeditwasherownbreathing.Hersidefeltlikeithadbeenkickedinwithabatteringram.

ThegoddessHecatefacedher.“Youshouldgonow,HazelLevesque.Leadyourfriendsoutofthisplace.”

Hazelgrittedherteeth,tryingtoholdinheranger.“Justlikethat?No‘thankyou’?No‘goodwork’?”

Thegoddesstiltedherhead.Galetheweaselchittered—maybeagood-bye,maybeawarning—

anddisappearedinthefoldsofhermistress’sskirts.

“Youlookinthewrongplaceforgratitude,”Hecatesaid.“Asfor‘goodwork,’thatremainstobeseen.SpeedyourwaytoAthens.Clytiuswasnotwrong.Thegiantshaverisen—allofthem,strongerthanever.Gaeaisontheveryedgeofwaking.TheFeastofHopewillbepoorlynamedunlessyouarrivetostopher.”

Thechamberrumbled.Anotherstelacrashedtothefloorandshattered.

“TheHouseofHadesisunstable,”Hecatesaid.“Leavenow.Weshallmeetagain.”Thegoddessdissolved.TheMistevaporated.

“She’sfriendly,”Percygrumbled.

TheothersturnedtowardhimandAnnabeth,asifjustrealizingtheywerethere.

“Dude.”JasongavePercyabearhug.

“BackfromTartarus!”Leowhooped.“That’smypeeps!”

PiperthrewherarmsaroundAnnabethandcried.

FrankrantoHazel.Hegentlyfoldedhisarmsaroundher.“You’rehurt,”hesaid.

“Ribsprobablybroken,”sheadmitted.“ButFrank—whathappenedtoyourarm?”Hemanagedasmile.“Longstory.We’realive.That’swhatmatters.”ShewassogiddywithreliefittookheramomenttonoticeNico,standingbyhimself,hisexpressionfullofpainandconflict.

“Hey,”shecalledtohim,beckoningwithhergoodarm.

Hehesitated,thencameoverandkissedherforehead.“I’mgladyou’reokay,”hesaid.“Theghostswereright.OnlyoneofusmadeittotheDoorsofDeath.You…youwouldhavemadeDadproud.”

Shesmiled,cuppingherhandgentlytohisface.“Wecouldn’thavedefeatedClytiuswithoutyou.”

ShebrushedherthumbunderNico’seyeandwonderedifhehadbeencrying.Shewantedsobadlytounderstandwhatwasgoingonwithhim—whathadhappenedtohimoverthelastfewweeks.

Afterallthey’djustbeenthrough,Hazelwasmoregratefulthanevertohaveabrother.

Beforeshecouldsaythat,theceilingshuddered.Cracksappearedintheremainingtiles.Columnsofdustspilleddown.

“We’vegottogetoutofhere,”Jasonsaid.“Uh,Frank…?”

Frankshookhishead.“IthinkonefavorfromthedeadisallIcanmanagetoday.”

“Wait,what?”Hazelasked.

Piperraisedhereyebrows.“YourunbelievableboyfriendcalledinafavorasachildofMars.Hesummonedthespiritsofsomedeadwarriors,madethemleadusherethrough…um,well,I’mnotsure,actually.Thepassagesofthedead?AllIknowisthatitwasvery,verydark.”Totheirleft,asectionofthewallsplit.Tworubyeyesfromacarvedstoneskeletonpoppedoutandrolledacrossthefloor.

“We’llhavetoshadow-travel,”Hazelsaid.

Nicowinced.“Hazel,Icanbarelymanagethatwithonlymyself.Withsevenmorepeople—”

“I’llhelpyou.”Shetriedtosoundconfident.She’dnevershadow-traveledbefore,hadnoideaifshecould;butafterworkingwiththeMist,alteringtheLabyrinth—shehadtobelieveitwaspossible.

Anentiresectionoftilespeeledloosefromtheceiling.

“Everyone,grabhands!”Nicoyelled.

Theymadeahastycircle.HazelenvisionedtheGreekcountrysideabovethem.Thecaverncollapsed,andshefeltherselfdissolvingintoshadow.

TheyappearedonthehillsideoverlookingtheRiverAcheron.Thesunwasjustrising,makingthewaterglitterandthecloudsgloworange.Thecoolmorningairsmelledofhoneysuckle.

HazelwasholdinghandswithFrankonherleft,Nicoonherright.Theywereallaliveandmostlywhole.Thesunlightinthetreeswasthemostbeautifulthingshe’deverseen.Shewantedtoliveinthatmoment—freeofmonstersandgodsandevilspirits.

Thenherfriendsbegantostir.

NicorealizedthathewasholdingPercy’shandandquicklyletgo.

Leostaggeredbackward.“Youknow…IthinkI’llsitdown.”

Hecollapsed.Theothersjoinedhim.TheArgoIIstillfloatedovertheriverafewhundredyardsaway.HazelknewthattheyshouldsignalCoachHedgeandtellhimtheywerealive.Hadtheybeeninthetempleallnight?Orseveralnights?Butatthemoment,thegroup

wastootiredtodoanythingexceptsitandrelaxandmarvelatthefactthattheywereokay.

Theybegantoexchangestories.

Frankexplainedwhathadhappenedwiththeghostlylegionandthearmyofmonsters—howNicohadusedthescepterofDiocletian,andhowbravelyJasonandPiperhadfought.

“Frankisbeingmodest,”Jasonsaid.“Hecontrolledtheentirelegion.Youshould’veseenhim.

Oh,bytheway…”JasonglancedatPercy.“Iresignedmyoffice,gaveFrankafieldpromotiontopraetor.Unlessyouwanttocontestthatruling.”

Percygrinned.“Noargumenthere.”

“Praetor?”HazelstaredatFrank.

Heshruggeduncomfortably.“Well…yeah.Iknowitseemsweird.”Shetriedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,thenwincedassherememberedherbustedribs.Shesettledforkissinghim.“Itseemsperfect.”

LeoclappedFrankontheshoulder.“Waytogo,Zhang.NowyoucanorderOctaviantofallonhissword.”

“Tempting,”Frankagreed.HeturnedapprehensivelytoPercy.“But,youguys…Tartarushastobetherealstory.Whathappeneddownthere?Howdidyou…?”PercylacedhisfingersthroughAnnabeth’s.

HazelhappenedtoglanceatNicoandsawpaininhiseyes.Shewasn’tsure,butmaybehewasthinkinghowluckyPercyandAnnabethweretohaveeachother.NicohadgonethroughTartarusalone.

“We’lltellyouthestory,”Percypromised.“Butnotyet,okay?I’mnotreadytorememberthatplace.”

“No,”Annabethagreed.“Rightnow…”Shegazedtowardtheriverandfaltered.“Uh,Ithinkourrideiscoming.”

Hazelturned.TheArgoIIveeredtoport,itsaerialoarsinmotion,itssailscatchingthewind.

Festus’sheadglintedinthesunlight.Evenfromadistance,Hazelcouldhearhimcreakingandclankinginjubilation.

“That’smyboy!”Leoyelled.

Astheshipgotcloser,HazelsawCoachHedgestandingattheprow.

“Abouttime!”thecoachyelleddown.Hewasdoinghisbesttoscowl,buthiseyesgleamedasifmaybe,justmaybe,hewashappytoseethem.“Whattookyousolong,cupcakes?Youkeptyourvisitorwaiting!”

“Visitor?”Hazelmurmured.

AttherailnexttoCoachHedge,adark-hairedgirlappearedwearingapurplecloak,herfacesocoveredwithsootandbloodyscratchesthatHazelalmostdidn’trecognizeher.

Reynahadarrived.

PERCYSTAREDATTHEATHENAPARTHENOS,waitingforittostrikehimdown.

Leo’snewmechanicalhoistsystemhadloweredthestatueontothehillsidewithsurprisingease.

Nowtheforty-foot-tallgoddessgazedserenelyovertheRiverAcheron,hergolddresslikemoltenmetalinthesun.

“Incredible,”Reynaadmitted.

Shewasstillred-eyedfromcrying.Soonaftershe’dlandedontheArgoII,herpegasusScipiohadcollapsed,overwhelmedbypoisonedclawmarksfromagryphonattackthenightbefore.Reynahadputthehorseoutofhismiserywithhergoldenknife,turningthepegasusintodustthatscatteredinthesweet-smellingGreekair.Maybenotabadendforaflyinghorse,butReynahadlostaloyalfriend.Percyfiguredthatshe’dgivenuptoomuchinherlifealready.

ThepraetorcircledtheAthenaParthenoswarily.“Itlooksnewlymade.”

“Yeah,”Leosaid.“Webrushedoffthecobwebs,usedalittleWindex.Itwasn’thard.”TheArgoIIhoveredjustoverhead.WithFestuskeepingwatchforthreatsontheradar,theentirecrewhaddecidedtoeatlunchonthehillsidewhiletheydiscussedwhattodo.Afterthelastfewweeks,Percyfiguredthey’dearnedagoodmealtogether—reallyanythingthatwasn’tfirewaterordrakonmeatsoup.

“Hey,Reyna,”Annabethcalled.“Havesomefood.Joinus.”

Thepraetorglancedover,herdarkeyebrowsfurrowed,asifjoinusdidn’tquitecompute.PercyhadneverseenReynawithoutherarmorbefore.Itwasonboardtheship,beingrepairedbyBufordtheWonderTable.SheworeapairofjeansandapurpleCampJupiterT-shirtandlookedalmostlikeanormalteenager—exceptfortheknifeatherbeltandthatguardedexpression,likeshewasreadyforanattackfromanydirection.

“Allright,”shesaidfinally.

Theyscootedovertomakeroomforherinthecircle.Shesatcross-leggednexttoAnnabeth,pickedupacheesesandwich,andnibbledattheedge.

“So,”Reynasaid.“FrankZhang…praetor.”

Frankshifted,wipingcrumbsfromhischin.“Well,yeah.Fieldpromotion.”

“Toleadadifferentlegion,”Reynanoted.“Alegionofghosts.”HazelputherarmprotectivelythroughFrank’s.Afteranhourinsickbay,theybothlookedalotbetter;butPercycouldtelltheyweren’tsurewhattothinkabouttheiroldbossfromCampJupiterdroppinginforlunch.

“Reyna,”Jasonsaid,“youshould’veseenhim.”

“Hewasamazing,”Piperagreed.

“Frankisaleader,”Hazelinsisted.“Hemakesagreatpraetor.”Reyna’seyesstayedonFrank,likeshewastryingtoguesshisweight.“Ibelieveyou,”shesaid.

“Iapprove.”

Frankblinked.“Youdo?”

Reynasmileddryly.“AsonofMars,theherowhohelpedtobringbacktheeagleofthelegion…Icanworkwithademigodlikethat.I’mjustwonderinghowtoconvincetheTwelfthFulminata.”Frankscowled.“Yeah.I’vebeenwonderingthesamething.”Percystillcouldn’tgetoverhowmuchFrankhadchanged.A“growthspurt”wasputtingitmildly.Hewasatleastthreeinchestaller,lesspudgy,andmorebulky,likealinebacker.Hisfacelookedsturdier,hisjawlinemorerugged.ItwasasifFrankhadturnedintoabullandthenbacktohuman,buthe’dkeptsomeofthebullishness.

“Thelegionwilllistentoyou,Reyna,”Franksaid.“Youmadeitherealone,acrosstheancientlands.”

Reynachewedhersandwichasifitwerecardboard.“Indoingso,Ibrokethelawsofthelegion.”

“CaesarbrokethelawwhenhecrossedtheRubicon,”Franksaid.“Greatleadershavetothinkoutsidetheboxsometimes.”

Sheshookherhead.“I’mnotCaesar.AfterfindingJason’snoteinDiocletian’sPalace,trackingyoudownwaseasy.IonlydidwhatIthoughtwasnecessary.”Percycouldn’thelpsmiling.“Reyna,you’retoomodest.FlyinghalfwayacrosstheworldbyyourselftoanswerAnnabeth’splea,becauseyouknewitwasourbestchanceforpeace?That’sprettyfreakingheroic.”

Reynashrugged.“SaysthedemigodwhofellintoTartarusandfoundhiswayback.”

“Hehadhelp,”Annabethsaid.

“Oh,obviously,”Reynasaid.“Withoutyou,IdoubtPercycouldfindhiswayoutofapaperbag.”

“True,”Annabethagreed.

“Hey!”Percycomplained.

Theothersstartedlaughing,butPercydidn’tmind.Itfeltgoodtoseethemsmile.Heck,justbeinginthemortalworldfeltgood,breathingun-poisonousair,enjoyingactualsunshineonhisback.

SuddenlyhethoughtofBob.Tellthesunandstarshelloforme.

Percy’ssmilemelted.BobandDamasenhadsacrificedtheirlivessothatPercyandAnnabethcouldsitherenow,enjoyingthesunlightandlaughingwiththeirfriends.

Itwasn’tfair.

Leopulledatinyscrewdriverfromhistoolbelt.Hestabbedachocolate-coveredstrawberryandpassedittoCoachHedge.Thenhepulledoutanotherscrewdriverandspearedasecondstrawberryforhimself.

“So,thetwenty-million-pesoquestion,”Leosaid.“Wegotthisslightlyusedforty-foot-tallstatueofAthena.Whatdowedowithit?”

ReynasquintedattheAthenaParthenos.“Asfineasitlooksonthishill,Ididn’tcomeallthiswaytoadmireit.AccordingtoAnnabeth,itmustbereturnedtoCampHalf-BloodbyaRomanleader.

DoIunderstandcorrectly?”

Annabethnodded.“Ihadadreamdownin…youknow,Tartarus.IwasonHalf-BloodHill,andAthena’svoicesaid,Imuststandhere.TheRomanmustbringme.”Percystudiedthestatueuneasily.He’dneverhadthebestrelationshipwithAnnabeth’smom.HekeptexpectingBigMamaStatuetocomealiveandchewhimoutforgettingherdaughterintosomuchtrouble—ormaybejuststeponhimwithoutaword.

“Itmakessense,”Nicosaid.

Percyflinched.ItalmostsoundedlikeNicohadreadhismindandwasagreeingthatAthenashouldsteponhim.

ThesonofHadessatattheotherendofthecircle,eatingnothingbuthalfapomegranate,thefruitoftheUnderworld.PercywonderedifthatwasNico’sideaofajoke.

“Thestatueisapowerfulsymbol,”Nicosaid.“ARomanreturningittotheGreeks…thatcouldhealthehistoricrift,maybeevenhealthegodsoftheirsplitpersonalities.”CoachHedgeswallowedhisstrawberryalongwithhalfthescrewdriver.“Now,holdon.Ilikepeaceasmuchasthenextsatyr—”

“Youhatepeace,”Leosaid.

“Thepointis,Valdez,we’reonly—what,afewdaysfromAthens?Wegotanarmyofgiantswaitingforusthere.Wewenttoallthetroubleofsavingthisstatue—”

“Iwenttomostofthetrouble,”Annabethremindedhim.

“—becausethatprophecycalleditthegiants’bane,”thecoachcontinued.“Sowhyaren’twetakingittoAthenswithus?It’sobviouslyoursecretweapon.”HeeyedtheAthenaParthenos.“Itlookslikeaballisticmissiletome.MaybeifValdezstrappedsomeenginestoit—”Piperclearedherthroat.“Uh,greatidea,Coach,butalotofushavehaddreams

andvisionsofGaearisingatCampHalf-Blood…”

SheunsheathedherdaggerKatoptrisandsetitonherplate.Atthemoment,thebladeshowednothingexceptsky,butlookingatitstillmadePercyuncomfortable.

“Sincewegotbacktotheship,”Pipersaid,“I’vebeenseeingsomebadstuffintheknife.TheRomanlegionisalmostwithinstrikingdistanceofCampHalf-Blood.They’regatheringreinforcements:spirits,eagles,wolves.”

“Octavian,”Reynagrowled.“Itoldhimtowait.”

“Whenwetakeovercommand,”Franksuggested,“ourfirstorderofbusinessshouldbetoloadOctavianintothenearestcatapultandfirehimasfarawayaspossible.”

“Agreed,”Reynasaid.“Butfornow—”

“He’sintentonwar,”Annabethputin.“He’llhaveit,unlesswestophim.”Piperturnedthebladeofherknife.“Unfortunately,that’snottheworstofit.Isawimagesofapossiblefuture—thecampinflames,RomanandGreekdemigodslyingdead.AndGaea…”Hervoicefailedher.

PercyrememberedthegodTartarusinphysicalform,loomingoverhim.He’dneverfeltsuchhelplessnessandterror.Hestillburnedwithshame,rememberinghowhisswordhadslippedoutofhishand.

Youmightaswelltrytokilltheearth,Tartarushadsaid.

IfGaeawasthatpowerful,andshehadanarmyofgiantsatherside,Percydidn’tseehowsevendemigodscouldstopher,especiallywhenmostofthegodswereincapacitated.TheyhadtostopthegiantsbeforeGaeawoke,oritwasgameover.

IftheAthenaParthenoswasasecretweapon,takingittoAthenswasprettytempting.Heck,Percykindoflikedthecoach’sideaofusingitasamissileandsendingGaeaupinagodlynuclearmushroomcloud.

Unfortunately,hisguttoldhimthatAnnabethwasright.ThestatuebelongedbackonLongIsland,whereitmightbeabletostopthewarbetweenthetwocamps.

“SoReynatakesthestatue,”Percysaid.“AndwecontinueontoAthens.”Leoshrugged.“Coolwithme.But,uh,afewpeskylogisticalproblems.Wegotwhat—twoweeksuntilthatRomanfeastdaywhenGaeaissupposedtorise?”

“TheFeastofSpes,”Jasonsaid.“That’sonthefirstofAugust.Todayis—”

“Julyeighteenth,”Frankoffered.“So,yeah,fromtomorrow,exactlyfourteendays.”Hazelwinced.“IttookuseighteendaystogetfromRometohere—atripthatshould’veonlytakentwoorthreedays,max.”

“So,givenourusualluck,”Leosaid,“maybewehaveenoughtimetogettheArgoIItoAthens,findthegiants,andstopthemfromwakingGaea.Maybe.ButhowisReynasupposedtogetthismassivestatuebacktoCampHalf-BloodbeforetheGreeksandRomansputeachotherthroughtheblender?Shedoesn’tevenhaveherpegasusanymore.Uh,sorry—”

“Fine,”Reynasnapped.Shemightbetreatingthemlikealliesratherthanenemies,but

PercycouldtellReynastillhadanot-so-softspotforLeo,probablybecausehe’dblownuphalftheForuminNewRome.

Shetookadeepbreath.“Unfortunately,Leoiscorrect.Idon’tseehowIcantransportsomethingsolarge.Iwasassuming—well,Iwashopingyouallwouldhaveananswer.”

“TheLabyrinth,”Hazelsaid.“I—Imean,ifPasiphaëreallyhasreopenedit,andIthinkshehas…”ShelookedatPercyapprehensively.“Well,yousaidtheLabyrinthcouldtakeyouanywhere.

Somaybe—”

“No.”PercyandAnnabethspokeinunison.

“Nottoshootyoudown,Hazel,”Percysaid.“It’sjust…”

Hestruggledtofindtherightwords.HowcouldhedescribetheLabyrinthtosomeonewho’dneverexploredit?Daedalushadcreatedittobealiving,growingmaze.Overthecenturiesithadspreadliketherootsofatreeundertheentiresurfaceoftheworld.Sure,itcouldtakeyouanywhere.

Distanceinsidewasmeaningless.YoucouldenterthemazeinNewYork,walktenfeet,andexitthemazeinLosAngeles—butonlyifyoufoundareliablewaytonavigate.OtherwisetheLabyrinthwouldtrickyouandtrytokillyouateveryturn.WhenthetunnelnetworkcollapsedafterDaedalusdied,Percyhadbeenrelieved.Theideathatthemazewasregeneratingitself,honeycombingitswayundertheearthagainandprovidingaspaciousnewhomeformonsters…thatdidn’tmakehimhappy.

Hehadenoughproblemsalready.

“Foronething,”hesaid,“thepassagesintheLabyrintharewaytoosmallfortheAthenaParthenos.There’snochanceyoucouldtakeitdownthere—”

“Andevenifthemazeisreopening,”Annabethcontinued,“wedon’tknowwhatitmightbelikenow.Itwasdangerousenoughbefore,underDaedalus’scontrol,andhewasn’tevil.IfPasiphaëhasremadetheLabyrinththewayshewanted…”Sheshookherhead.“Hazel,maybeyourundergroundsensescouldguideReynathrough,butnooneelsewouldstandachance.Andweneedyouhere.

Besides,ifyougotlostdownthere—”

“You’reright,”Hazelsaidglumly.“Nevermind.”

Reynacasthereyesaroundthegroup.“Otherideas?”

“Icouldgo,”Frankoffered,notsoundingveryhappyaboutit.“IfI’mapraetor,Ishouldgo.

Maybewecouldrigsomesortofsled,or—”

“No,FrankZhang.”Reynagavehimawearysmile.“Ihopewewillworksidebysideinthefuture,butfornowyourplaceiswiththecrewofthisship.Youareoneofthesevenoftheprophecy.”

“I’mnot,”Nicosaid.

Everybodystoppedeating.PercystaredacrossthecircleatNico,tryingtodecideifhewasjoking.

Hazelsetdownherfork.“Nico—”

“I’llgowithReyna,”hesaid.“Icantransportthestatuewithshadow-travel.”

“Uh…”Percyraisedhishand.“Imean,Iknowyoujustgotalleightofustothesurface,andthatwasawesome.Butayearagoyousaidtransportingjustyourselfwasdangerousandunpredictable.AcoupleoftimesyouendedupinChina.Transportingaforty-footstatueandtwopeoplehalfwayacrosstheworld—”

“I’vechangedsinceIcamebackfromTartarus.”Nico’seyesglitteredwithanger—moreintenselythanPercyunderstood.Hewonderedifhe’ddonesomethingtooffendtheguy.

“Nico,”Jasonintervened,“we’renotquestioningyourpower.Wejustwanttomakesureyoudon’tkillyourselftrying.”

“Icandoit,”heinsisted.“I’llmakeshortjumps—afewhundredmileseachtime.It’strue,aftereachjumpIwon’tbeinanyshapetofendoffmonsters.I’llneedReynatodefendmeandthestatue.”Reynahadanexcellentpokerface.Shestudiedthegroup,scanningtheirfaces,butbetrayingnoneofherownthoughts.“Anyobjections?”

Noonespoke.

“Verywell,”shesaid,withthefinalityofajudge.Ifshehadagavel,Percysuspectedshewouldhavebangedit.“Iseenobetteroption.Buttherewillbemanymonsterattacks.Iwouldfeelbettertakingathirdperson.That’stheoptimalnumberforaquest.”

“CoachHedge,”Frankblurted.

Percystaredathim,notsurehe’dheardcorrectly.“Uh,what,Frank?”

“Thecoachisthebestchoice,”Franksaid.“Theonlychoice.He’sagoodfighter.He’sacertifiedprotector.He’llgetthejobdone.”

“Afaun,”Reynasaid.

“Satyr!”barkedthecoach.“And,yeah,I’llgo.Besides,whenyougettoCampHalf-Blood,you’llneedsomebodywithconnectionsanddiplomaticskillstokeeptheGreeksfromattackingyou.Justletmegomakeacall—er,Imean,getmybaseballbat.”

HegotupandshotFrankanunspokenmessagethatPercycouldn’tquiteread.Despitethefactthathe’djustbeenvolunteeredforalikelysuicidemission,thecoachlookedgrateful.Hejoggedofftowardtheship’sladder,tappinghishoovestogetherlikeanexcitedkid.

Nicorose.“Ishouldgo,too,andrestbeforethefirstpassage.We’llmeetatthestatueatsunset.”Oncehewasgone,Hazelfrowned.“He’sactingstrangely.I’mnotsurehe’sthinkingthisthrough.”

“He’llbeokay,”Jasonsaid.

“Ihopeyou’reright.”Shepassedherhandovertheground.Diamondsbrokethesurface—aglitteringmilkywayofstones.“We’reatanothercrossroads.TheAthenaParthenosgoeswest.TheArgoIIgoeseast.Ihopewechosecorrectly.”

Percywishedhecouldsaysomethingencouraging,buthefeltunsettled.Despiteallthey’dbeenthroughandallthebattlesthey’dwon,theystillseemednoclosertodefeatingGaea.Sure,they’dreleasedThanatos.They’dclosedtheDoorsofDeath.AtleastnowtheycouldkillmonstersandmakethemstayinTartarusforawhile.Butthegiantswereback—allthegiants.

“Onethingbothersme,”hesaid.“IftheFeastofSpesisintwoweeks,andGaeaneedsthebloodoftwodemigodstowake—whatdidClytiuscallit?ThebloodofOlympus?—thenaren’twedoingexactlywhatGaeawants,headingtoAthens?Ifwedon’tgo,andshecan’tsacrificeanyofus,doesn’tthatmeanshecan’twakeupfully?”

Annabethtookhishand.Hedrankinthesightofhernowthattheywerebackinthemortalworld,withouttheDeathMist,herblondhaircatchingthesunlight—evenifshewasstillthinandwan,likehim,andhergrayeyeswerestormywiththought.

“Percy,propheciescutbothways,”shesaid.“Ifwedon’tgo,wemayloseourbestandonlychancetostopher.Athensiswhereourbattlelies.Wecan’tavoidit.Besides,tryingtothwartpropheciesneverworks.Gaeacouldcaptureussomewhereelse,orspillthebloodofsomeotherdemigods.”

“Yeah,you’reright,”Percysaid.“Idon’tlikeit,butyou’reright.”ThemoodofthegroupbecameasgloomyasTartarusair,untilPiperbrokethetension.

“Well!”Shesheathedherbladeandpattedhercornucopia.“Goodpicnic.Whowantsdessert?”

ATSUNSET,PERCYFOUNDNICOtyingropesaroundthepedestaloftheAthenaParthenos.

“Thankyou,”Percysaid.

Nicofrowned.“Whatfor?”

“YoupromisedtoleadtheotherstotheHouseofHades,”Percysaid.“Youdidit.”Nico

tiedtheendsoftheropestogether,makingahalter.“YougotmeoutofthatbronzejarinRome.Savedmylifeyetagain.ItwastheleastIcoulddo.”Hisvoicewassteely,guarded.Percywishedhecouldfigureoutwhatmadethisguytick,buthe’dneverbeenableto.NicowasnolongerthegeekykidfromWestoverHallwiththeMythomagiccards.

Norwashetheangrylonerwho’dfollowedtheghostofMinosthroughtheLabyrinth.Butwhowashe?

“Also,”Percysaid,“youvisitedBob…”

HetoldNicoabouttheirtripthroughTartarus.Hefiguredifanyonecouldunderstand,Nicocould.“YouconvincedBobthatIcouldbetrusted,eventhoughInevervisitedhim.Inevergavehimasecondthought.Youprobablysavedourlivesbybeingnicetohim.”

“Yeah,well,”Nicosaid,“notgivingpeopleasecondthought…thatcanbedangerous.”

“Dude,I’mtryingtosaythankyou.”

Nicolaughedwithouthumor.“I’mtryingtosayyoudon’tneedto.NowIneedtofinishthis,ifyoucouldgivemesomespace?”

“Yeah.Yeah,okay.”PercysteppedbackwhileNicotookuptheslackonhisropes.HeslippedthemoverhisshouldersasiftheAthenaParthenoswereagiantbackpack.

Percycouldn’thelpfeelingalittlehurt,beingtoldtotakeahike.Thenagain,Nicohadbeenthroughalot.TheguyhadsurvivedinTartarusonhisown.Percyunderstoodfirsthandjusthowmuchstrengththatmusthavetaken.

Annabethwalkedupthehilltojointhem.ShetookPercy’shand,whichmadehimfeelbetter.

“Goodluck,”shetoldNico.

“Yeah.”Hedidn’tmeethereyes.“Youtoo.”

Aminutelater,ReynaandCoachHedgearrivedinfullarmorwithpacksovertheirshoulders.

Reynalookedgrimandreadyforcombat.CoachHedgegrinnedlikehewasexpectingasurpriseparty.

ReynagaveAnnabethahug.“Wewillsucceed,”shepromised.

“Iknowyouwill,”Annabethsaid.

CoachHedgeshoulderedhisbaseballbat.“Yeah,don’tworry.I’mgoingtogettocampandseemybaby!Uh,ImeanI’mgoingtogetthisbabytocamp!”HepattedthelegoftheAthenaParthenos.

“Allright,”saidNico.“Grabtheropes,please.Herewego.”ReynaandHedgetookhold.Theairdarkened.TheAthenaParthenoscollapsedintoitsownshadowanddisappeared,alongwithitsthreeescorts.

TheArgoIIsailedafternightfall.

Theyveeredsouthwestuntiltheyreachedthecoast,thensplasheddownintheIonianSea.Percywasrelievedtofeelthewavesbeneathhimagain.

ItwouldhavebeenashortertriptoAthensoverland,butafterthecrew’sexperiencewithmountainspiritsinItaly,they’ddecidednottoflyoverGaea’sterritoryanymorethantheyhadto.

TheywouldsailaroundtheGreekmainland,followingtheroutesthatGreekheroeshadtakenintheancienttimes.

ThatwasfinewithPercy.Helovedbeingbackinhisfather’selement—withthefreshseaairinhislungsandthesaltysprayonhisarms.Hestoodatthestarboardrailandclosedhiseyes,sensingthecurrentsbeneaththem.ButimagesofTartaruskeptburninginhismind—theRiverPhlegethon,theblisteredgroundwheremonstersregenerated,thedarkforestwherearaicircledoverheadintheblood-mistclouds.Mostofall,hethoughtaboutahutintheswampwithawarmfireandracksofdryingherbsanddrakonjerky.Hewonderedifthathutwasemptynow.

Annabethpressednexttohimattherail,herwarmthreassuring.

“Iknow,”shemurmured,readinghisexpression.“Ican’tgetthatplaceoutofmyhead,either.”

“Damasen,”Percysaid.“AndBob…”

“Iknow.”Hervoicewasfragile.“Wehavetomaketheirsacrificeworthit.WehavetobeatGaea.”

Percystaredintothenightsky.HewishedtheywerelookingatitfromthebeachonLongIslandratherthanfromhalfwayaroundtheworld,sailingtowardalmostcertaindeath.

HewonderedwhereNico,Reyna,andHedgewerenow,andhowlongitwouldtakethemtomakeitback—assumingtheysurvived.HeimaginedtheRomansdrawingupbattlelinesrightnow,encirclingCampHalf-Blood.

FourteendaystoreachAthens.Thenonewayoranother,thewarwouldbedecided.

Overinthebow,LeowhistledhappilyashetinkeredwithFestus’smechanicalbrain,mutteringsomethingaboutacrystalandanastrolabe.Amidships,PiperandHazelpracticedtheirswordplay,goldandbronzebladesringinginthenight.JasonandFrankstoodatthehelm,talkinginlowtones—

maybetellingstoriesofthelegion,orsharingthoughtsonbeingpraetor.

“We’vegotagoodcrew,”Percysaid.“IfIhavetosailtomydeath—”

“You’renotdyingonme,SeaweedBrain,”Annabethsaid.“Remember?Neverseparatedagain.

Andafterwegethome…”

“What?”Percyasked.

Shekissedhim.“Askmeagain,oncewedefeatGaea.”

Hesmiled,happytohavesomethingtolookforwardto.“Whateveryousay.”Astheysailedfartherfromthecoast,theskydarkenedandmorestarscameout.

Percystudiedtheconstellations—theonesAnnabethhadtaughthimsomanyyearsago.

“Bobsayshello,”hetoldthestars.

TheArgoIIsailedintothenight.

Glossary

Achelousapotamus,orrivergod

AegisThaliaGrace’sterror-inducingshield

Aeolusgodofallwinds

AkhlysGreekgoddessofmisery;goddessofpoisons;controlleroftheDeathMist;daughterofChaosandNight

AlcyoneustheeldestofthegiantsborntoGaea,destinedtofightPlutoAlodaitwingiantswhoattemptedtostormMountOlympusbypilingthreeGreekmountainsontopofeachother.Arestriedtostopthem,buthewasdefeatedandimprisonedinabronzeurn,untilHermesrescuedhim.Artemislaterbroughtaboutthegiants’destructionwhensheracedbetweenthemintheformofadeer.Theybothtookaimwiththeirspears,butmissedandinsteadstruckeachother.

AphroditetheGreekgoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoHephaestus,butshelovedAres,thegodofwar.Romanform:Venus

AquiloRomangodoftheNorthWind.Greekform:BoreasArachneaweaverwhoclaimedtohaveskillssuperiortoAthena’s.Thisangeredthegoddess,whodestroyedArachne’stapestryandloom.Arachnehungherself,andAthenabroughtherbacktolifeasaspider.

araifemalespiritsofcurses;wrinkledhagswithbatlikewings,brasstalons,andglowingredeyes;daughtersofNyx(Night)

ArchimedesaGreekmathematician,physicist,engineer,inventor,andastronomerwholivedbetween287–212BCEandisregardedasoneoftheleadingscientistsinclassicalantiquity;hediscoveredhowtodeterminethevolumeofasphere

ArestheGreekgodofwar;thesonofZeusandHera,andhalfbrothertoAthena.Romanform:Mars

argentumsilver;thenameofoneofReyna’stwometallicgreyhoundsthatcandetectlies

ArgoIIthefantasticalshipbuiltbyLeo,whichcanbothsailandflyandhasFestusthebronzedragonasitsfigurehead.TheshipwasnamedaftertheArgo,thevesselusedbyabandofGreekheroeswhoaccompaniedJasononhisquesttofindtheGoldenFleece.

ArgonautsinGreekmythology,abandofheroeswhosailedwithJasonontheArgo,insearchoftheGoldenFleece

AriadneadaughterofMinoswhohelpedTheseusescapefromtheLabyrinthArionanincrediblyfastmagicalhorsethatrunswildandfree,butoccasionallyanswersHazel’ssummons;hisfavoritesnackisgoldnuggets

astrolabeaninstrumentusedtonavigatebasedonthepositionofplanetsandstarsAthenatheGreekgoddessofwisdom.Romanform:MinervaAthenaParthenosagiantstatueofAthena,themostfamousGreekstatueofalltimeauguryasignofsomething

coming,anomen;thepracticeofdiviningthefuture

aurumgold;thenameofoneofReyna’stwometallicgreyhoundsthatcandetectliesAusterRomangodoftheSouthWind.Greekform:NotusBacchustheRomangodofwineandrevelry.Greekform:Dionysusballista(ballistae,pl.)aRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchedalargeprojectileatadistanttarget(seealsoscorpionballista)

barracksthelivingquartersofRomansoldiers

BellonaaRomangoddessofwar

BoreadsCalaisandZethes,sonsofBoreas,godoftheNorthWindBoreasgodoftheNorthWind.Romanform:Aquilo

braccaeLatinfortrousers

BunkerNineahiddenworkshopLeodiscoveredatCampHalf-Blood,filledwithtoolsandweapons.

ItisatleasttwohundredyearsoldandwasusedduringtheDemigodCivilWar.

CadmusademigodwhomAresturnedintoasnakewhenCadmuskilledhisdragonsonCalypsothegoddessnymphofthemythicalislandofOgygia;adaughteroftheTitanAtlas.ShedetainedtheheroOdysseusformanyyears.

CampHalf-BloodthetraininggroundforGreekdemigods,locatedonLongIsland,NewYorkCampJupiterthetraininggroundforRomandemigods,locatedbetweentheOaklandHillsandtheBerkeleyHills,inCalifornia

catapultamilitarymachineusedtohurlobjects

Celestialbronzeararemetaldeadlytomonsters

centauraraceofcreaturesthatishalfhuman,halfhorsecenturionanofficeroftheRomanarmy

CerestheRomangoddessofagriculture.Greekform:DemetercharmspeakablessingbestowedbyAphroditeonherchildrenthatenablesthemtopersuadeotherswiththeirvoice

chitonaGreekgarment;asleevelesspieceoflinenorwoolsecuredattheshouldersbybroochesandatthewaistbyabelt

CirceaGreekgoddessofmagic

ClytiusagiantcreatedbyGaeatoabsorbanddefeatallofHecate’smagicCocytustheRiverofLamentationinTartarus,madeofpuremiserycohortoneoftendivisionsinaRomanlegion;agroupofsoldiersColosseumanellipticalamphitheaterinthecenterofRome,Italy.Capableofseatingfiftythousandspectators,theColosseumwasusedforgladiatorialcontestsandpublicspectacles,suchasmockseabattles,animalhunts,executions,reenactmentsoffamousbattles,anddramas.

cornucopiaalargehorn-shapedcontaineroverflowingwithediblesorwealthinsomeform.ThecornucopiawascreatedwhenHeracles(Roman:Hercules)wrestledwiththerivergodAchelousandwrenchedoffoneofhishorns.

CupidRomangodoflove.Greekform:Eros

Cyclopsamemberofaprimordialraceofgiants(Cyclopes,pl.),eachwithasingleeyeinthemiddleofhisorherforehead

DaedalusinGreekmythology,askilledcraftsmanwhocreatedtheLabyrinthonCreteinwhichtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)waskept

DamasengiantsonofTartarusandGaea;createdtoopposeAres;condemnedtoTartarusforslayingadrakonthatwasravagingtheland

DemetertheGreekgoddessofagriculture;adaughteroftheTitansRheaandKronos.Romanform:Ceres

denarius(denarii,pl.)themostcommoncoinintheRomancurrencysystemDiocletianthelastgreatpaganemperor,andthefirsttoretirepeacefully;ademigod(sonofJupiter).

Accordingtolegend,hissceptercouldraiseaghostarmy.

DiomedesaprincipalGreekherointheTrojanWar

DionysustheGreekgodofwineandrevelry;asonofZeus.Romanform:BacchusDoorsofDeaththedoorwaytotheHouseofHades,locatedinTartarus.TheDoorshavetwosides—

oneinthemortalworldandoneintheUnderworld.

drachmathesilvercoinofAncientGreece

drakonagiganticyellowandgreenserpent-likemonster,withfrillsarounditsneck,reptilianeyes,andhugetalons;itspitspoison

dryadstreenymphs

EarthbornGegeneesinGreek;monstersthatwearonlyaloinclothandhavesixarms

eidolonspossessingspirits

ElysiumthesectionoftheUnderworldwherethosewhoareblessedbythegodsaresenttorestineternalpeaceafterdeath

empousaavampirewithfangs,claws,abronzeleftleg,adonkeyrightleg,hairmadeoffire,andskinaswhiteasbone.Empousai[pl.]havetheabilitytomanipulatetheMist,changeshape,andcharmspeakinordertoattracttheirmortalvictims.

EpirusaregionpresentlyinnorthwesternGreeceandsouthernAlbaniaErisgoddessofstrife

ErosGreekgodoflove.Romanform:Cupid

faunaRomanforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Greekform:satyrFavoniusRomangodoftheWestWind.Greekform:ZephyrosFieldsofAsphodelthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewholivedneitheragoodnorabadlifearesentafterdeath

FieldsofPunishmentthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewhowereevilduringtheirlivesaresentafterdeathtofaceeternalpunishmentfortheircrimesFuriesRomangoddessesofvengeance;usuallycharacterizedasthreesisters—Alecto,Tisiphone,and

Megaera;thechildrenofGaiaandUranus.TheyresideintheUnderworld,tormentingevildoersandsinners.Greekform:theErinyes

GaeatheGreekearthgoddess;motherofTitans,giants,Cyclopes,andothermonsters.Romanform:Terra

Gerasgodofoldage

GeryonamonsterwiththreebodiesthatwasslainbyHeracles/Hercules

gladiusashortsword

GraecusthewordRomansusedforGreek

greavesshinarmor

Greekfireanincendiaryweaponusedinnavalbattlesbecauseitcancontinueburninginwater

gris-grisInthisNewOrleansVoodoopracticenamedaftertheFrenchwordforgray(gris),specialherbsandotheringredientsarecombinedandputintoasmallredflannelbagthatiswornorstoredtorestorethebalancebetweentheblackandwhiteaspectsofaperson’slife.

gryphonacreaturewiththeforequarters(includingtalons)andwingsofaneagleandthehindquartersofalion

HadestheGreekgodofdeathandriches.Romanform:PlutoHannibalaCarthaginiancommanderwholivedbetween247and183/182BCEandisgenerallyconsideredtobeoneofthegreatestmilitarystrategistsinhistory.Oneofhismostfamousachievementswasmarchinganarmy,whichincludedwarelephants,fromIberiaoverthePyreneesandtheAlpsintonorthernItaly.

harpyawingedfemalecreaturethatsnatchesthingsHecategoddessofmagicandcrossroads;controlstheMist;daughterofTitansPersesandAsteriaHemeragoddessofday;daughterofNight

HephaestustheGreekgodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofZeusandHera,andmarriedtoAphrodite.Romanform:Vulcan

HeratheGreekgoddessofmarriage;Zeus’swifeandsister.Romanform:JunoHeraclesthesonofZeusandAlcmene;thestrongestofallmortals.Romanform:HerculesHerculesthesonofJupiterandAlcmene,whowasbornwithgreatstrength.Greekform:HeraclesHermesGreekgodoftravelers;guidetospiritsofthedead;godofcommunication.Romanform:Mercury

HesiodaGreekpoetwhospeculatedthatitwouldtakeninedaystofalltothebottomofTartarusHoratiusaRomangeneralwhosingle-handedlyheldoffahordeofinvaders,sacrificinghimselfonabridgetokeepthebarbariansfromcrossingtheTiberRiver.BygivinghisfellowRomanstimetofinishtheirdefenses,hesavedtheRepublic.

HouseofHadesaplaceintheUnderworldwhereHades,theGreekgodofdeath,andhiswife,Persephone,ruleoverthesoulsofthedeparted;anoldtempleinEpirusinGreeceHyperiononeofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordoftheeastHypnosGreekgodofsleep.Romanform:Somnus

hypogeumtheareaunderacoliseumthathousedsetpiecesandmachineryusedforspecialeffectsIapetusoneofthetwelveTitans;lordofthewest;hisnamemeansthePiercer.WhenPercyfoughthiminHades’srealm,IapetusfellintotheRiverLetheandlosthismemory;PercyrenamedhimBob.

ichorthegoldenfluidthatisthebloodofgodsandimmortalsImperialgoldararemetaldeadlytomonsters,consecratedatthePantheon;itsexistencewasacloselyguardedsecretoftheemperors

JanusRomangodofdoorways,beginnings,andtransitions;depictedashavingtwofaces,becausehelookstothefutureandtothepast

JunotheRomangoddessofwomen,marriage,andfertility;sisterandwifeofJupiter;motherofMars.Greekform:Hera

JupitertheRomankingofthegods;alsocalledJupiterOptimusMaximus(thebestandthegreatest).Greekform:Zeus

Kampêamonsterwiththeupperbodyofasnake-hairedwomanandthelowerbodyofadrakon;appointedbytheTitanKronostoguardtheCyclopesofTartarus.ZeusslewherandfreedthegiantsfromtheirprisontoaidhiminhiswaragainsttheTitans.

katoblepsacowmonsterwhosenamemeans“down-looker”(katoblepones,pl.).TheywereaccidentallyimportedtoVenicefromAfrica.Theyeatpoisonousrootsthatgrowbythecanalsandhaveapoisonousgazeandpoisonousbreath.

KatoptrisPiper’sdagger

Kerkopesapairofchimpanzee-likedwarfswhostealshinythingsandcreatechaosKhionetheGreekgoddessofsnow;daughterofBoreasKoiosoneofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordofthenorthKriosoneofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordofthesouthKronostheyoungestofthetwelveTitans;thesonofOuranosandGaea;thefatherofZeus.Hekilledhisfatherathismother’sbidding.Titanlordoffate,harvest,justice,andtime.Romanform:Saturn

LabyrinthanundergroundmazeoriginallybuiltontheislandofCretebythecraftsmanDaedalustoholdtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)

LaistrygoniangiantamonstrouscannibalfromthefarnorthLarahousegod,ancestralspirit(Lares,pl.)legionnaireRomansoldier

lemuresRomantermforangryghosts

LetodaughteroftheTitanKoios;motherofArtemisandApollowithZeus;goddessofmotherhoodLotusHotelacasinoinLasVegaswherePercy,Annabeth,andGroverlostvaluabletimeduringtheirquestaftereatingenchantedlotusblossoms

MansionofNightNyx’spalace

manticoreacreaturewithahumanhead,alion’sbody,andascorpion’stailMarstheRomangodofwar;alsocalledMarsUltor.Patronoftheempire;divinefatherofRomulusandRemus.Greekform:Ares

MedeaafollowerofHecateandoneofthegreatsorceressesoftheancientworldMercuryRomanmessengerofthegods;godoftrade,profit,andcommerce.Greekform:

HermesMinervatheRomangoddessofwisdom.Greekform:AthenaMinoskingofCrete;sonofZeus;everyyearhemadeKingAeguspicksevenboysandsevengirlstobesenttotheLabyrinth,wheretheywouldbeeatenbytheMinotaur.AfterhisdeathhebecameajudgeintheUnderworld.

MinotauramonsterwiththeheadofabullonthebodyofamanMistamagicforcethatdisguisesthingsfrommortalsMountTamalpaisthesiteintheBayArea(NorthernCalifornia)wheretheTitansbuiltapalacenaiadswaternymphs

NecromanteiontheOracleofDeath,orHouseofHadesinGreek;amultileveledtemplewherepeoplewenttoconsultwiththedead

NeptunetheRomangodofthesea.Greekform:PoseidonNewRomeacommunitynearCampJupiterwheredemigodscanlivetogetherinpeace,withoutinterferencefrommortalsormonsters

NotusGreekgodoftheSouthWind.Romanform:Auster

numinamontanumRomanmountaingod(montana,pl).Greekform:ouraenymphafemalenaturedeitywhoanimatesnature

nymphaeumashrinetonymphs

Nyxgoddessofnight;oneoftheancient,firstbornelementalgodsOdysseuslegendaryGreekkingofIthacaandtheheroofHomer’sepicpoemTheOdyssey.Romanform:Ulysses

Ogygiatheislandhome—andprison—ofthenymphCalypso

ouraeGreekformountaingod.Romanform:numinamontanumOuranosfatheroftheTitans

PasiphaëthewifeofMinos,cursedtofallinlovewithhisprizebullandgivebirthtotheMinotaur(partman,partbull);mistressofmagicalherbalarts

PegasusinGreekmythology,awingeddivinehorse;siredbyPoseidon,inhisroleashorse-god,andfoaledbytheGorgonMedusa;thebrotherofChrysaor

PericlymenusanArgonaut,thesonoftwodemigods,andthegrandsonofPoseidon,whograntedhimtheabilitytochangeintovariousanimals

peristyleentrancetoanemperor’sprivateresidencePersephonetheGreekqueenoftheUnderworld;wifeofHades;daughterofZeusandDemeter.

Romanform:Proserpine

phalanxacompactbodyofheavilyarmedtroops

PhlegethontheRiverofFirethatflowsfromHades’srealmdownintoTartarus;itkeepsthewickedalivesotheycanendurethetormentsoftheFieldsofPunishment

pilum(pila,pl.)ajavelinusedbytheRomanarmyPlutotheRomangodofdeathandriches.Greekform:HadesPolybotesthegiantsonofGaea,theEarthMother

Polyphemusthegiganticone-eyedsonofPoseidonandThoosa;oneoftheCyclopesPorphyrionthekingofthegiantsinGreekandRomanmythologyPoseidontheGreek

godofthesea;sonoftheTitansKronosandRhea,andbrotherofZeusandHades.Romanform:Neptune

praetoranelectedRomanmagistrateandcommanderofthearmyProserpineRomanqueenoftheUnderworld.Greekform:PersephonePsycheayoungmortalwomanwhofellinlovewithErosandwasforcedbyhismother,Aphrodite,toearnherwaybacktohim

quoitsagameinwhichplayerstosshoopsatastakeRiptidethenameofPercyJackson’ssword;AnaklusmosinGreekRiverAcheronthefifthriveroftheUnderworld;theriverofpain;theultimatepunishmentforthesoulsofthedamned

RiverLetheoneofseveralriversintheUnderworld;drinkingfromitwillmakesomeoneforgethisidentity

RomulusandRemusthetwinsonsofMarsandthepriestessRheaSilvia.TheywerethrownintotheRiverTiberbytheirhumanfather,Amulius,andwererescuedandraisedbyashe-wolf.Uponreachingadulthood,theyfoundedRome.

SaturntheRomangodofagriculture;thesonofUranusandGaea,andthefatherofJupiter.Greekform:Kronos

satyraGreekforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Romanequivalent:faunScipioReyna’spegasus

Scironaninfamousrobberwhoambushedpassersbyandforcedthemtowashhisfeetasatoll.Whentheyknelt,hekickedhisvictimsintothesea,wheretheywereeatenbyagiantturtle.

scorpionballistaaRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchesalargeprojectileatadistanttarget

SenatusPopulusqueRomanus(SPQR)meaning“TheSenateandPeopleofRome,”itreferstothegovernmentoftheRomanRepublicandisusedasanofficialemblemofRomeshadow-travelaformoftransportationthatallowscreaturesoftheUnderworldandchildrenofHadestotraveltoanydesiredplaceonearthorintheUnderworld,althoughitmakestheuserextremelyfatigued

SibyllineBooksacollectionofpropheciesinrhymewritteninGreek.TarquiniusSuperbus,akingofRome,boughtthemfromaprophetessnamedSibylandconsultedthemintimesofgreatdanger.

spathaaheavyswordusedbyRomancavalry

Spesgoddessofhope;theFeastofSpes,theDayofHope,fallsonAugust1

stela(stelae,pl.)aninscribedstoneusedasamonumentStygianironamagicalmetal,forgedintheRiverStyx,capableofabsorbingtheveryessenceofmonstersandinjuringmortals,gods,Titans,andgiants.IthasasignificanteffectonghostsandcreaturesfromtheUnderworld.

TantalusInGreekmythology,thiskingwassuchagoodfriendofthegodsthathewasallowedtodineattheirtable—untilhespilledtheirsecretsonearth.HewassenttotheUnderworld,wherehiscursewastobestuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittree,but

nevertobeabletodrinkoreat.

TartarushusbandofGaea;spiritoftheabyss;fatherofthegiantstelkhineaseademonwithflippersinsteadofhands,andadog’sheadTempestJason’sfriend;astormspiritintheformofahorseTerminustheRomangodofboundariesandlandmarks

TerratheRomangoddessoftheEarth.Greekform:GaeaThanatostheGreekgodofdeath;servantofHades.Romanform:LetusTheseusakingofAthenswhowasknownformanyexploits,includingkillingtheMinotaurThreeFatesInGreekmythology,evenbeforethereweregods,thereweretheFates:Clotho,whospinsthethreadoflife;Lachesis,themeasurer,whodetermineshowlongalifewillbe;andAtropos,whocutsthethreadoflifewithhershears.

TiberRiverthethird-longestriverinItaly.Romewasfoundedonitsbanks.InAncientRome,executedcriminalswerethrownintotheriver.

TiberiuswasemperorofRomefrom14–37CE.HewasoneofRome’sgreatestgenerals,buthecametoberememberedasareclusiveandsomberrulerwhoneverreallywantedtobeemperor.

TitansaraceofpowerfulGreekdeities,descendantsofGaeaandUranus,whoruledduringtheGoldenAgeandwereoverthrownbyaraceofyoungergods,theOlympiansTriptolemusgodoffarming;heaidedDemeterwhenshewassearchingforherdaughter,Persephone,whowaskidnappedbyHades

triremeanAncientGreekorRomanwarship,havingthreetiersofoarsoneachsideTrojanHorseatalefromtheTrojanWaraboutahugewoodenhorsethattheGreeksbuiltandleftnearTroywithaselectforceofmeninside.AftertheTrojanspulledthehorseintotheircityasavictorytrophy,theGreeksemergedatnight,lettherestoftheirarmyintoTroy,anddestroyedit,decisivelyendingthewar.

TrojanWarInGreekmythology,theTrojanWarwaswagedagainstthecityofTroybytheAchaeans(Greeks)afterParisofTroytookHelenfromherhusband,Menelaus,kingofSparta.

ventiairspirits

VenustheRomangoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoVulcan,butshelovedMars,thegodofwar.Greekform:Aphrodite

VulcantheRomangodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofJupiterandJuno,andmarriedtoVenus.Greekform:Hephaestus

WolfHousewherePercyJacksonwastrainedasaRomandemigodbyLupaZephyrosGreekgodoftheWestWind.Romanform:FavoniusZeusGreekgodoftheskyandkingofthegods.Romanform:Jupiter

ComingFall2014

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookFive

THEBLOODOFOLYMPUS

Don’tmissRickRiordan’shitseries,TheKaneChronicles!Keepreadingfora

previewofbookoneintheseries,TheRedPyramid.

Weonlyhaveafewhours,solistencarefully.

Ifyou’rehearingthisstory,you’realreadyindanger.SadieandImightbeyouronlychance.

Gototheschool.Findthelocker.Iwon’ttellyouwhichschoolorwhichlocker,becauseifyou’retherightperson,you’llfindit.Thecombinationis13/32/33.Bythetimeyoufinishlistening,you’llknowwhatthosenumbersmean.Justrememberthestorywe’reabouttotellyouisn’tcompleteyet.

Howitendswilldependonyou.

Themostimportantthing:whenyouopenthepackageandfindwhat’sinside,don’tkeepitlongerthanaweek.Sure,it’llbetempting.Imean,itwillgrantyoualmostunlimitedpower.Butifyoupossessittoolong,itwillconsumeyou.Learnitssecretsquicklyandpassiton.Hideitforthenextperson,thewaySadieandIdidforyou.Thenbepreparedforyourlifetogetveryinteresting.

Okay,Sadieistellingmetostopstallingandgetonwiththestory.Fine.IguessitstartedinLondon,thenightourdadblewuptheBritishMuseum.

MynameisCarterKane.I’mfourteenandmyhomeisasuitcase.

YouthinkI’mkidding?SinceIwaseightyearsold,mydadandIhavetraveledtheworld.Iwasborninll.A.butmydad’sanarchaeologist,sohisworktakeshimallover.MostlywegotoEgypt,sincethat’shisspecialty.Gointoabookstore,findabookaboutEgypt,there’saprettygoodchanceitwaswrittenbyDr.JuliusKane.YouwanttoknowhowEgyptianspulledthebrainsoutofmummies,orbuiltthepyramids,orcursedKingTut’stomb?Mydadisyourman.Ofcourse,thereareotherreasonsmydadmovedaroundsomuch,butIdidn’tknowhissecretbackthen.

Ididn’tgotoschool.Mydadhomeschooledme,ifyoucancallit“home”schoolingwhenyoudon’thaveahome.Hesortoftaughtmewhateverhethoughtwasimportant,soI

learnedalotaboutEgyptandbasketballstatsandmydad’sfavoritemusicians.Ireadalot,too—prettymuchanythingIcouldgetmyhandson,fromdad’shistorybookstofantasynovels—becauseIspentalotoftimesittingaroundinhotelsandairportsanddigsitesinforeigncountrieswhereIdidn’tknowanybody.

Mydadwasalwaystellingmetoputthebookdownandplaysomeball.Youevertrytostartagameofpick-upbasketballinAswan,Egypt?It’snoteasy.

Anyway,mydadtrainedmeearlytokeepallmypossessionsinasinglesuitcasethatfitsinanairplane’soverheadcompartment.Mydadpackedthesameway,excepthewasallowedanextraworkbagforhisarchaeologytools.Rulenumberone:Iwasnotallowedtolookinhisworkbag.That’saruleIneverbrokeuntilthedayoftheexplosion.

IthappenedonChristmasEve.WewereinLondonforvisitationdaywithmysister,Sadie.

See,Dad’sonlyallowedtwodaysayearwithher—oneinthewinter,oneinthesummer—

becauseourgrandparentshatehim.Afterourmomdied,herparents(ourgrandparents)hadthisbigcourtbattlewithDad.Aftersixlawyers,twofistfights,andanearfatalattackwithaspatula(don’task),theywontherighttokeepSadiewiththeminEngland.Shewasonlysix,twoyearsyoungerthanme,andtheycouldn’tkeepusboth—atleastthatwastheirexcusefornottakingme.SoSadiewasraisedasaBritishschoolkid,andItraveledaroundwithmydad.WeonlysawSadietwiceayear,whichwasfinewithme.

[Shutup,Sadie.Yes—I’mgettingtothatpart.]

Soanyway,mydadandIhadjustflownintoHeathrowafteracoupleofdelays.Itwasadrizzly,coldafternoon.Thewholetaxirideintothecity,mydadseemedkindofnervous.

Now,mydadisabigguy.Youwouldn’tthinkanythingcouldmakehimnervous.Hehasdarkbrownskinlikemine,piercingbrowneyes,abaldhead,andagoatee,sohelookslikeabuffevilscientist.Thatafternoonheworehiscashmerewintercoatandhisbestbrownsuit,theoneheusedforpubliclectures.Usuallyheexudessomuchconfidencethathedominatesanyroomhewalksinto,butsometimes—likethatafternoon—IsawanothersidetohimthatIdidn’treallyunderstand.Hekeptlookingoverhisshoulderlikewewerebeinghunted.

“Dad?”IsaidasweweregettingofftheA-40.“What’swrong?”

“Nosignofthem,”hemuttered.Thenhemust’verealizedhe’dspokenaloud,becausehelookedatmekindofstartled.“Nothing,Carter.Everything’sfine.”Whichbotheredmebecausemydad’saterribleliar.Ialwaysknewwhenhewashidingsomething,butIalsoknewnoamountofpesteringwouldgetthetruthoutofhim.Hewasprobablytryingtoprotectme,thoughfromwhatIdidn’tknow.SometimesIwonderedifhehadsomedarksecretinhispast,someoldenemyfollowinghim,maybe;buttheideaseemedridiculous.Dadwasjustanarchaeologist.

Theotherthingthattroubledme:Dadwasclutchinghisworkbag.Usuallywhenhedoesthat,itmeanswe’reindanger.LikethetimegunmenstormedourhotelinCairo.Iheardshotscomingfromthelobbyandrandownstairstocheckonmydad.BythetimeIgot

there,hewasjustcalmlyzippinguphisworkbagwhilethreeunconsciousgunmenhungbytheirfeetfromthechandelier,theirrobesfallingovertheirheadssoyoucouldseetheirboxershorts.Dadclaimednottohavewitnessedanything,andintheendthepoliceblamedafreakchandeliermalfunction.

Anothertime,wegotcaughtinariotinParis.Mydadfoundthenearestparkedcar,pushedmeintothebackseat,andtoldmetostaydown.Ipressedmyselfagainstthefloorboardsandkeptmyeyesshuttight.IcouldhearDadinthedriver’sseat,rummaginginhisbag,mumblingsomethingtohimselfwhilethemobyelledanddestroyedthingsoutside.Afewminuteslaterhetoldmeitwassafetogetup.Everyothercarontheblockhadbeenoverturnedandsetonfire.Ourcarhadbeenfreshlywashedandpolished,andseveraltwenty-euronoteshadbeentuckedunderthewindshieldwipers.

Anyway,I’dcometorespectthebag.Itwasourgoodluckcharm.Butwhenmydadkeptitclose,itmeantweweregoingtoneedgoodluck.

Wedrovethroughthecitycenter,headingeasttowardmygrandparents’flat.WepassedthegoldengatesofBuckinghamPalace,thebigstonecolumninTrafalgarSquare.Londonisaprettycoolplace,butafteryou’vetraveledforsolong,allcitiesstarttoblendtogether.OtherkidsImeetsometimessay,“Wow,you’resoluckyyougettotravelsomuch.”Butit’snotlikewespendourtimesightseeingorhavealotofmoneytotravelinstyle.We’vestayedinsomeprettyroughplaces,andwehardlyeverstayanywherelongerthanafewdays.Mostofthetimeitfeelslikewe’refugitivesratherthantourists.

Imean,youwouldn’tthinkmydad’sworkwasdangerous.Hedoeslecturesontopicslike“CanEgyptianMagicReallyKillYou?”and“FavoritePunishmentsintheEgyptianUnderworld”andotherstuffmostpeoplewouldn’tcareabout.ButlikeIsaid,there’sthatothersidetohim.He’salwaysverycautious,checkingeveryhotelroombeforeheletsmewalkintoit.He’lldartintoamuseumtoseesomeartifacts,takeafewnotes,andrushoutagainlikehe’safraidtobecaughtonsecuritycameras.

OnetimewhenIwasyounger,weracedacrosstheCharlesdeGaulleairporttocatchalast-minuteflight,andDaddidn’trelaxuntiltheplanewasofftheground,Iaskedhimpointblankwhathewasrunningfrom,andhelookedatmelikeI’djustpulledthepinoutofagrenade.ForasecondIwasscaredhemightactuallytellmethetruth.Thenhesaid,“Carter,it’snothing.”Asif“nothing”werethemostterriblethingintheworld.

Afterthat,Idecidedmaybeitwasbetternottoaskquestions.

Mygrandparents,theFausts,livedinahousingdevelopmentnearCanaryWharf,rightonthebanksoftheRiverThames.Thetaxiletusoffatthecurb,andmydadaskedthedrivertowait.

WewerehalfwayupthewalkwhenDadfroze.Heturnedandlookedbehindus.

“What?”Iasked.

ThenIsawthemaninthetrenchcoat.Hewasacrossthestreet,leaningagainstabigdeadtree.

Hewasbarrelshaped,withskinthecolorofroastedcoffee.Hiscoatandblackpinstripedsuitlookedexpensive.Hehadlongbraidedhairandworeablackfedorapulleddownlow

overhisdarkroundglasses.Heremindedmeofajazzmusician,thekindmydadwouldalwaysdragmetoseeinconcert.

EventhoughIcouldn’tseehiseyes,Igottheimpressionhewaswatchingus.Hemight’vebeenanoldfriendorcolleagueofDad’s.Nomatterwherewewent,Dadwasalwaysrunningintopeopleheknew.

Butitdidseemstrangethattheguywaswaitinghere,outsidemygrandparents’.Andhedidn’tlookhappy.

“Carter,”mydadsaid,“goonahead.”

“But—”

“Getyoursister.I’llmeetyoubackatthetaxi.”

Hecrossedthestreettowardthemaninthetrenchcoat,whichleftmewithtwochoices:followmydadandseewhatwasgoingon,ordowhatIwastold.

Idecidedontheslightlylessdangerouspath.Iwenttoretrievemysister.

BeforeIcouldevenknock,Sadieopenedthedoor.

“Lateasusual,”shesaid.

Shewasholdinghercat,Muffin,who’dbeena“goingaway”giftfromDadsixyearsbefore.

Muffinneverseemedtogetolderorbigger.Shehadfuzzyyellow-and-blackfurlikeaminiatureleopard,alertyelloweyes,andpointyearsthatweretootallforherhead.AsilverEgyptianpendantdangledfromhercollar.Shedidn’tlookanythinglikeamuffin,butSadiehadbeenlittlewhenshenamedher,soIguessyouhavetocuthersomeslack.

Sadiehadn’tchangedmucheithersincelastsummer.

[AsI’mrecordingthis,she’sstandingnexttome,glaring,soIguessI’dbetterbecarefulhowIdescribeher.]

Youwouldneverguessshe’smysister.Firstofall,she’dbeenlivinginEnglandsolong,shehasaBritishaccent.Second,shetakesafterourmom,whowaswhite,soSadie’sskinismuchlighterthanmine.Shehasstraightcaramel-coloredhair,notexactlyblondbutnotbrown,whichsheusuallydyeswithstreaksofbrightcolors.Thatdayithadredstreaksdowntheleftside.Hereyesareblue.I’mserious.Blueeyes,justlikeourmom’s.She’sonlytwelve,butshe’sexactlyastallasme,whichisreallyannoying.Shewaschewinggumasusual,dressedforherdayoutwithDadinbatteredjeans,aleatherjacket,andcombatboots,likeshewasgoingtoaconcertandwashopingtostomponsomepeople.Shehadheadphonesdanglingaroundherneckincaseweboredher.

[Okay,shedidn’thitme,soIguessIdidanokayjobofdescribingher.]

“Ourplanewaslate,”Itoldher.

Shepoppedabubble,rubbedMuffin’shead,andtossedthecatinside.“Gran,goingout!”Fromsomewhereinthehouse,GrandmaFaustmutteredsomethingIcouldn’tmakeout,probably

“Don’tletthemin!”

SadieclosedthedoorandregardedmeasifIwereadeadmousehercathadjustdraggedin.“So,hereyouareagain.”

“Yep.”

“Comeon,then.”Shesighed.“Let’sgetonwithit.”

That’sthewayshewas.No“Hi,howyoubeenthelastsixmonths?Sogladtoseeyou!”oranything.Butthatwasokaywithme.Whenyouonlyseeeachothertwiceayear,it’slikeyou’redistantcousinsratherthansiblings.Wehadabsolutelynothingincommonexceptourparents.

Wetrudgeddownthesteps.Iwasthinkinghowshesmelledlikeacombinationofoldpeople’shouseandbubblegumwhenshestoppedsoabruptly,Iranintoher.

“Who’sthat?”sheasked.

I’dalmostforgottenaboutthedudeinthetrenchcoat.Heandmydadwerestandingacrossthestreetnexttothebigtree,havingwhatlookedlikeaseriousargument.Dad’sbackwasturnedsoIcouldn’tseehisface,buthegesturedwithhishandslikehedoeswhenhe’sagitated.Theotherguyscowledandshookhishead.

“Dunno,”Isaid.“Hewastherewhenwepulledup.”

“Helooksfamiliar.”Sadiefrownedlikeshewastryingtoremember.“Comeon.”

“Dadwantsustowaitinthecab,”Isaid,eventhoughIknewitwasnouse.Sadiewasalreadyonthemove.

Insteadofgoingstraightacrossthestreet,shedashedupthesidewalkforhalfablock,duckingbehindcars,thencrossedtotheoppositesideandcrouchedunderalowstonewall.Shestartedsneakingtowardourdad.Ididn’thavemuchchoicebuttofollowherexample,butitmademefeelkindofstupid.

“SixyearsinEngland,”Imuttered,“andshethinksshe’sJamesBond.”Sadieswattedmewithoutlookingbackandkeptcreepingforward.

Acouplemorestepsandwewererightbehindthebigdeadtree.Icouldhearmydadontheotherside,saying,“—haveto,Amos.Youknowit’stherightthing.”

“No,”saidtheotherman,whomust’vebeenAmos.Hisvoicewasdeepandeven—veryinsistent.

HisaccentwasAmerican.“IfIdon’tstopyou,Julius,theywill.ThePerAnkhisshadowingyou.”Sadieturnedtomeandmouthedthewords“Perwhat?”Ishookmyhead,justasmystified.“Let’sgetoutofhere,”Iwhispered,becauseIfiguredwe’dbespottedanyminuteandgetinserioustrouble.Sadie,ofcourse,ignoredme.

“Theydon’tknowmyplan,”myfatherwassaying.“Bythetimetheyfigureitout—”

“Andthechildren?”Amosasked.Thehairsstooduponthebackofmyneck.“Whataboutthem?”

“I’vemadearrangementstoprotectthem,”mydadsaid.“Besides,ifIdon’tdothis,we’re

allindanger.Now,backoff.”

“Ican’t,Julius.”

“Thenit’saduelyouwant?”Dad’stoneturneddeadlyserious.“Younevercouldbeatme,Amos.”

Ihadn’tseenmydadgetviolentsincetheGreatSpatulaIncident,andIwasn’tanxioustoseearepeatofthat,butthetwomenseemedtobeedgingtowardafight.

BeforeIcouldreact,Sadiepoppedupandshouted,“Dad!”

Helookedsurprisedwhenshetackle-huggedhim,butnotnearlyassurprisedastheotherguy,Amos.Hebackedupsoquickly,hetrippedoverhisowntrenchcoat.

He’dtakenoffhisglasses.Icouldn’thelpthinkingthatSadiewasright.Hedidlookfamiliar—

likeaverydistantmemory.

“I—Imustbegoing,”hemuttered.Hestraightenedhisfedoraandlumbereddowntheroad.

Ourdadwatchedhimgo.HekeptonearmprotectivelyaroundSadieandonehandinsidetheworkbagslungoverhisshoulder.Finally,whenAmosdisappearedaroundthecorner,Dadrelaxed.HetookhishandoutofthebagandsmiledatSadie.“Hello,sweetheart.”Sadiepushedawayfromhimandcrossedherarms.“Oh,nowit’ssweetheart,isit?You’relate.

VisitationDay’snearlyover!Andwhatwasthatabout?Who’sAmos,andwhat’sthePerAnkh?”Dadstiffened.Heglancedatmelikehewaswonderinghowmuchwe’doverheard.

“It’snothing,”hesaid,tryingtosoundupbeat.“Ihaveawonderfuleveningplanned.Who’dlikeaprivatetouroftheBritishMuseum?”

SadieslumpedinthebackofthetaxibetweenDadandme.

“Ican’tbelieveit,”shegrumbled.“Oneeveningtogether,andyouwanttodoresearch.”Dadtriedforasmile.“Sweetheart,it’llbefun.ThecuratoroftheEgyptiancollectionpersonallyinvited—”

“Right,bigsurprise.”Sadieblewastrandofred-streakedhairoutofherface.“ChristmasEve,andwe’regoingtoseesomemoldyoldrelicsfromEgypt.Doyoueverthinkaboutanythingelse?”Daddidn’tgetmad.HenevergetsmadatSadie.Hejuststaredoutthewindowatthedarkeningskyandtherain.

“Yes,”hesaidquietly.“Ido.”

WheneverDadgotquietlikethatandstaredoffintonowhere,Iknewhewasthinkingaboutourmom.Thelastfewmonths,ithadbeenhappeningalot.I’dwalkintoourhotelroomandfindhimwithhiscellphoneinhishands,Mom’spicturesmilingupathimfromthescreen—herhairtuckedunderaheadscarf,herblueeyesstartlinglybrightagainstthedesertbackdrop.

Orwe’dbeatsomedigsite.I’dseeDadstaringatthehorizon,andI’dknowhewas

rememberinghowhe’dmether—twoyoungscientistsintheValleyoftheKings,onadigtodiscoveralosttomb.

DadwasanEgyptologist.MomwasananthropologistlookingforancientDNA.He’dtoldmethestoryathousandtimes.

OurtaxisnakeditswayalongthebanksoftheThames.JustpastWaterlooBridge,mydadtensed.

“Driver,”hesaid.“Stophereamoment.”

ThecabbiepulledoverontheVictoriaEmbankment.

“Whatisit,Dad?”Iasked.

Hegotoutofthecablikehehadn’theardme.WhenSadieandIjoinedhimonthesidewalk,hewasstaringupatCleopatra’sNeedle.

Incaseyou’veneverseenit:theNeedleisanobelisk,notaneedle,anditdoesn’thaveanythingtodowithCleopatra.IguesstheBritishjustthoughtthenamesoundedcoolwhentheybroughtittoLondon.It’saboutseventyfeettall,whichwould’vebeenreallyimpressivebackinAncientEgypt,butontheThames,withallthetallbuildingsaround,itlookssmallandsad.Youcoulddriverightbyitandnotevenrealizeyou’djustpassedsomethingthatwasathousandyearsolderthanthecityofLondon.

“God.”Sadiewalkedaroundinafrustratedcircle.“Dowehavetostopforeverymonument?”Mydadstaredatthetopoftheobelisk.“Ihadtoseeitagain,”hemurmured.“Whereithappened…”

Afreezingwindblewofftheriver.Iwantedtogetbackinthecab,butmydadwasreallystartingtoworryme.I’dneverseenhimsodistracted.

“What,Dad?”Iasked.“Whathappenedhere?”

“ThelastplaceIsawher.”

Sadiestoppedpacing.Shescowledatmeuncertainly,thenbackatDad.“Hangon.DoyoumeanMum?”

DadbrushedSadie’shairbehindherear,andshewassosurprised,shedidn’tevenpushhimaway.

Ifeltliketherainhadfrozenmesolid.Mom’sdeathhadalwaysbeenaforbiddensubject.Iknewshe’ddiedinanaccidentinLondon.Iknewmygrandparentsblamedmydad.Butnoonewouldevertellusthedetails.I’dgivenupaskingmydad,partlybecauseitmadehimsosad,partlybecauseheabsolutelyrefusedtotellmeanything.“Whenyou’reolder”wasallhewouldsay,whichwasthemostfrustratingresponseever.

“You’retellingusshediedhere,”Isaid.“AtCleopatra’sNeedle?Whathappened?”Heloweredhishead.

“Dad!”Sadieprotested.“Igopastthiseveryday,andyoumeantosay—allthistime—andIdidn’tevenknow?”

“Doyoustillhaveyourcat?”Dadaskedher,whichseemedlikeareallystupidquestion.

“OfcourseI’vestillgotthecat!”shesaid.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”

“Andyouramulet?”

Sadie’shandwenttoherneck.Whenwewerelittle,rightbeforeSadiewenttolivewithour

grandparents,DadhadgivenusbothEgyptianamulets.MinewasanEyeofHorus,whichwasapopularprotectionsymbolinAncientEgypt.

Infactmydadsaysthemodernpharmacist’ssymbol,Rx,isasimplifiedversionoftheEyeofHorus,becausemedicineissupposedtoprotectyou.

Anyway,Ialwaysworemyamuletundermyshirt,butIfiguredSadiewould’velosthersorthrownitaway.

Tomysurprise,shenodded.“’CourseIhaveit,Dad,butdon’tchangethesubject.Gran’salwaysgoingonabouthowyoucausedMum’sdeath.That’snottrue,isit?”Wewaited.Foronce,SadieandIwantedexactlythesamething—thetruth.

“Thenightyourmotherdied,”myfatherstarted,“hereattheNeedle—”Asuddenflashilluminatedtheembankment.Iturned,halfblind,andjustforamomentIglimpsedtwofigures:atallpalemanwithaforkedbeardandwearingcream-coloredrobes,andacoppery-skinnedgirlindarkbluerobesandaheadscarf—thekindofclothesI’dseenhundredsoftimesinEgypt.Theywerejuststandingtheresidebyside,nottwentyfeetaway,watchingus.Thenthelightfaded.Thefiguresmeltedintoafuzzyafterimage.Whenmyeyesreadjustedtothedarkness,theyweregone.

“Um…”Sadiesaidnervously.“Didyoujustseethat?”

“Getinthecab,”mydadsaid,pushingustowardthecurb.“We’reoutoftime.”Fromthatpointon,Dadclammedup.

“Thisisn’ttheplacetotalk,”hesaid,glancingbehindus.He’dpromisedthecabbieanextratenpoundsifhegotustothemuseuminunderfiveminutes,andthecabbiewasdoinghisbest.

“Dad,”Itried,“thosepeopleattheriver—”

“Andtheotherbloke,Amos,”Sadiesaid.“AretheyEgyptianpoliceorsomething?”

“Look,bothofyou,”Dadsaid,“I’mgoingtoneedyourhelptonight.Iknowit’shard,butyouhavetobepatient.I’llexplaineverything,Ipromise,afterwegettothemuseum.I’mgoingtomakeeverythingrightagain.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Sadieinsisted.“Makewhatright?”Dad’sexpressionwasmorethansad.Itwasalmostguilty.Withachill,IthoughtaboutwhatSadiehadsaid:aboutourgrandparentsblaminghimforMom’sdeath.Thatcouldn’tbewhathewastalkingabout,couldit?

ThecabbieswervedontoGreatRussellStreetandscreechedtoahaltinfrontofthemuseum’smaingates.

“Justfollowmylead,”Dadtoldus.“Whenwemeetthecurator,actnormal.”IwasthinkingthatSadieneveractednormal,butIdecidednottosaythat.

Weclimbedoutofthecab.IgotourluggagewhileDadpaidthedriverwithabigwadofcash.

Thenhedidsomethingstrange.Hethrewahandfulofsmallobjectsintothebackseat—theylookedlikestones,butitwastoodarkformetobesure.“Keepdriving,”hetoldthecabbie.“TakeustoChelsea.”

Thatmadenosensesincewewerealreadyoutofthecab,butthedriverspedoff.IglancedatDad,thenbackatthecab,andbeforeitturnedthecorneranddisappearedinthedark,Icaughtaweirdglimpseofthreepassengersinthebackseat:amanandtwokids.

Iblinked.Therewasnowaythecabcould’vepickedupanotherfaresofast.“Dad—”

“Londoncabsdon’tstayemptyverylong,”hesaidmatter-of-factly.“Comealong,kids.”Hemarchedoffthroughthewroughtirongates.Forasecond,SadieandIhesitated.

“Carter,whatisgoingon?”

Ishookmyhead.“I’mnotsureIwanttoknow.”

“Well,stayouthereinthecoldifyouwant,butI’mnotleavingwithoutanexplanation.”Sheturnedandmarchedafterourdad.

Lookingbackonit,Ishould’verun.Ishould’vedraggedSadieoutofthereandgottenasfarawayaspossible.InsteadIfollowedherthroughthegates.

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