I walked towards the Wolf House. It was empty like before. Lupa was a goddess so she'd obviously still remember me. I needed to talk to her one last time.

"You should have come earlier." I turned around quickly and sure enough, the Mother Wolf was there.

"And why is that?" I asked. Lupa chuckled.

"You could have met your brother. He left days ago. He's on a quest," Lupa said. My brow furrowed in confusion.

"Wait, I thought he's from Camp Half-Blood." Lupa's ears twitched. She growled. I took a step back.

"How did you know about that place?" she snarled. I gulped. I was trembling in fear. Lupa is normally a nice and kind Mama Wolf but she has a tendency to eat the people she's mad at. Yes, eat. Not bite or scratch or even maul. Eat.

"It was mentioned by a person I met a few years ago," I replied. Lupa narrowed her eyes.

"No wonder the gods decided to wipe your memory from everyone's minds." I scoffed.

"Why? Because I know that there are two camps? I'm not the only one, Lupa!"

"You're the bigger th-"

"Threat?" I interrupted. "The other guy can summon dead people. How am I the bigger threat?"

"Because you're the one Gaea wants." Lupa looked down at me. I stared right back.

"I'm pretty sure she wants all demigods. Why me?" I asked. That's a question I've been asking through most of my life. For different reasons, sure. But the question is essentially the same.

"Some say the world will end in fire. Others say in ice. You still remember the Prophecy of Seven." I nodded and waited expecting Lupa to say more. Instead, she kept staring at me. She probably wanted me to recite it.

"Seven Half-bloods shall answer the call. To storm or fire the world must fall. An oath to keep with a final breath, and foes, bear arms to the Doors of Death." I blinked. "I assume you want me to pay particular attention to the 'world falling', huh?"

"Yes. It mentions storm and fire. Gaea knows that she won't be able to get either of them on her side." Lupa gave me a meaningful stare. "So she wants someone who does not belong to either of them."

"So she wants the world to end in ice? And what do you mean by 'them'? Does the prophecy refer to people who can wield those elements?"

"Not necessarily. I can't tell you who 'them' is. I'm sorry, Selene, but I've said too much. Any more and I will be violating an oath I made on the River Styx."

I bit my tongue. As much as I wanted to push Lupa into telling me, I couldn't. I knew that violating an oath made on the River Styx had dire consequences.

"Is there anything else you can tell me? Anything to help me?" I pleaded. Lupa's eyes softened. She looked at away.

"I have nothing. Good luck, Selene," she simply said. I clenched my jaw.

"Thanks anyway, Lupa."

---

I remembered why I hated travelling on foot for extended periods of time. Besides the fact that my feet hurt, I hated travelling on foot because it's slow and not to mention, hot. If it were cold sure, that's fine. The cold didn't bother me. The heat, though, was a completely different matter.

I wiped the sweat that formed on my brow and huffed. My pristine blue shirt was drenched and it stuck to my back. I could lower the temperature but people are bound to notice. I sat down on a rock to catch my breath.

That's when I heard the clopping of hooves. I stood up again. As I did, a flock of birds flew from the tree right next to me. The clopping stopped for a moment then it slowly began to head towards my direction. I knelt and felt the ground. I frowned then brought out my bow. The vibrations confused me. I couldn't tell what the clopping was from. It's better to be safe than sorry. Isn't that what they always say?

The clopping drew nearer. My grip on my bow tightened.

After several tense seconds, a centaur burst through.

"Woah!" I took a step back. The centaur reared. I was about to let an arrow fly when the centaur raised two hands in a surrender-like gesture.

"I'm harmless! I promise!" he said. His voice was deep and gruff. It had a certain gentleness to it.

"Okay, okay! Sorry!" I kept my bow. Now that I wasn't planning to shoot the centaur, I got a good look at him. From waist down, he was a sooty black horse. From waist up, he was a middle-aged darkly tanned man with salt and pepper hair. He had bushy eyebrows and a scruffy beard. He was also wearing a gray waistcoat over a white polo shirt.

"My name is Asbolus," the centaur said. He stretched out his right hand. I hesitantly took it and gave it a firm shake.

"Selene Rivera, daughter of Neptune." Asbolus' eyebrows shot up.

"So the prophecy referred to you."

"Excuse me?"

I must have had a really weird look on my face because Asbolus chortled.

"Miss Rivera, I am an augur," he began. I grimaced. I had a bad experience with augurs.

"I read the flights of birds and interpret their meaning. Just now, a flock flew and I interpreted a prophecy. It was about you." He grew solemn. "You might want to sit down for this."

"Wait, I'm not sure if I even want to hear it," I tried to say. Asbolus shook his head.

"Miss Rivera, I know that not many good things happen when a hero hears a prophecy referring to him but in your case… Let's just say that you'll need it."
I said nothing. Asbolus took it as a sign that he should continue. He cleared his throat.

"The forgotten hero, fallen from grace
Shall leave her home without a trace
Despair she will by Juno's hand,
The bane of Diana she shall withstand.
A sacrifice, she will have to suffer
To save herself or another."

My mouth opened and closed like a fish. That prophecy was eerily accurate. I was declared a disgrace. I left Camp Jupiter and Juno's mere presence makes me feel so much despair. Please note the sarcasm.

The next three lines worried me, though. Bane of Diana? Sacrifice? Nope. None of those rang a bell.

I mean, yeah, I know that the Giants are rising and each of them has been called a bane of a certain god. I couldn't remember who the anti-Diana was. I never thought I needed it. Apparently, I did.

Asbolus looked at me with pity.

"Miss Rivera, I can't tell you what your prophecy means. I can't tell you what exactly is going to happen to you. Just know that you're not entirely forgotten," he said. I looked at him. I was about to ask him what he meant but I stopped myself. He won't be able to tell me. Instead, I nodded and looked down at the ground.

Asbolus galloped away. I was alone once again. I stood. My hands were covered in ice. That prophecy hit me a lot more than I thought it did.

I drew in a shaky breath. I really should get to Camp Half-Blood.

---

Finally, I thought as soon as Half-Blood Hill came into sight. True enough there was a pine tree with a shimmering gold fleece on a branch and a dragon curled around its base.

The sky was dark and I could see smoke curling from a campfire. A bunch of kids my age wearing orange shirts were gathered around it singing silly songs.

I cracked a smile.

This place was different from Camp Jupiter. Can't really say I like it more but I guess it's a home in its own way.

The dragon wasn't paying any attention to me. It probably sensed that I wasn't a threat.
I began walking down the hill but I noticed something that made my blood drain from my face. Or should I say, someone.

Air Head. Jason Grace.

---

He was right there. Just past this hill. I've been worried out of my mind. And after several months, I finally found him. So why can't I go to him?

I felt strength leave my legs and they gave way. I slumped forward, my hands breaking my fall. I forced myself to sit up, pulling my knees close to my chest and hugging my legs. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to just run down this hill and tackle him. Words aren't enough to express my worry.

I watched quietly from a distance thinking, remembering. He looks so happy. As if the burden of being a praetor was gone. Lifted from his shoulders.

---

I was sitting right next to the Little Tiber, my usual spot.

"Selene," came a voice. I turned to look and I saw Jason, his hands in his pockets.

"Hey, Jace. Shouldn't you be back in the forum, celebrating with everybody else? They're going to overwhelm Reyna." I asked. He's the newly elected praetor. Everyone expects him to be there. He shrugged, obviously not caring about what they thought. How typical.

"You weren't there," he replied as if that was a valid reason. I scratched the back of my head.
Why did I have to be the more rule-abiding between the two of us?

"Jason, my absence is not a good excuse," I told him.

"Reyna said it was weird not having you around. I agree." He sat down next to me. He had a worried look on his face. Well, it was a particular look, something he wore often when the Titan War began.

"You have that look again," I said, breaking the silence.

"What?"

"Like you're worried and unsure yourself. The Titan War's over, Jason. We won thanks to you!" I playfully pushed his shoulder. "Of course, Reyna and I helped a lot but sure you can take the credit." He managed a small smile but it fell shortly afterwards. He sighed heavily.

"I'm just… not sure about the praetorship." I raised an eyebrow. Here we go again…

"Jason, you led everyone to victory. We couldn't have done it without you. You deserve to be praetor."

"It's just that everyone expects so much of me because of who my father is. People look up to me and wait for my decisions. If I make the wrong one, I bring everyone down with me. There's just so much pressure."

"Don't let it get to you. People look up to you not just because your father's Jupiter but because you are a good person and a natural leader. Know that even though everyone considers you the 'Saving Grace', you'll always be Air Head to me."

Jason snorted and gave me a light shove.

"What a way to cheer someone up." He grinned. I remained serious.

"Jason, I'm here to tether you to the ground and prevent you from losing yourself. If you need anything, even if it's just to talk, I'm here for you. I'll always stand by you."

We fell into a comfortable silence.

"Thank you, Selene. I needed that. I would do the same for you."

---

Maybe Juno was right. Maybe I really don't matter to anyone. I loved Camp Jupiter. It was my home. I was loyal to my friends. I was a good Roman soldier. Look where that got me.

I was cast out as if every single terrible thing that befell the Camp was my fault. It's just like the prophecy said: The forgotten hero, fallen from grace.

Nobody can remember me. Not Reyna, or Jason.

Shall leave her home without a trace. Every single thing that proved my existence in the Camp was destroyed. It would be as if I never existed.

I'm just like a toy that a child once loved. But the child grew and no longer has a use for it. I stood by Jason. I had his back. He and Reyna were my partners on the field. But now, he was plopped in a different environment. He met a beautiful girl and has an annoying but faithful best friend. He doesn't need me anymore. He's moved on.

I looked back at Jason. He was singing along to those silly campfire songs, smiling at Piper.
He's not like his old self. He's more relaxed. That's great. He deserves a break for once.

---

"Jason." Jason side-stepped and stabbed inward.

"Jason." I tried again. He didn't seem to hear me. He just continued training.

"Jason. STOP." I stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. He paused mid swing and looked at me.

"You need to rest. You're exhausted." He nodded. I handed him a bottle of water. He finished it quickly. He began to hack at the dummies again but I raised my shield and blocked his next strike.

"I meant for the rest of the day, Jason!" I said, knocking his sword down. He was exhausted so it wasn't very hard. He glared at me. I inhaled sharply and took a step back. Jason never glared at me until now. He glared at others but never at me or Reyna. At least, not in that way.

"Selene, I can't! I need to train harder," he insisted. He tried to push me aside but I pushed him back and forced him to look at me.

"What happened to Vergil wasn't your fault," I said as calmly as I could. Jason needed me to be calm right now.

"It is! I couldn't beat those monsters fast enough to save him. I'm not good enough. Had I gotten there in time, he-" Jason choked on his words. He looked down. I was pretty sure it was because he didn't want me to see the tears forming on his eyes. If he looked down, the drops falling onto the ground would just look like sweat.

It was difficult, seeing him like this, nearly falling apart.

"Jason, look at me." He did. "It wasn't your fault, you understand? It wasn't. You can't save everyone. Stop beating yourself up over this. We're demigods. We get thrown into dangerous situations all the time. We understand the possible consequences. Yes, nobody wants to die but this is our life. Jason, you may be the son of Jupiter, but you're still human. You have your limits which is why you have everyone else to give you support. Your friends will always be here to cover your weaknesses. You're not alone."

He wiped his eyes. "Gods. What am I going to do without you?"

I laughed.

"You can do many things, Jason. Just don't forget to take a break once in a while. You'll die if you keep going at the rate you are." A bell rang, signalling the time for dinner.

"Come on, race you to the mess hall."

---

Something wet rolled down my cheek. I wiped it off.

Why were the Fates so cruel? Do I deserve this? Every breath I took hurt more than the last. Remembering everything I've ever done makes it worse. The memories seemed to be burned inside my head. My whole body felt numb except for the painful throbbing in my chest. My vision blurred and a torrent of tears began to flow. I tried to stop but I couldn't. For so many years, I trained myself to control my emotions. To stop the tears from flowing when I didn't want them to. But now, it's different. All the pain, anger and resentment I've been holding back just poured out.

I was reduced to a blubbering mess.

I looked back at them. Jason and Piper were holding hands walking away from the campfire. She makes him happy. That's good enough for me. I should be happy for him.

---

"So… what's with you and Reyna?" I bumped Jason's shoulder. He blushed then looked away.

"N-Nothing. We're good friends, that's all. You should know! You're close to both of us," he replied.

"Pft. Jace. You guys just came back from Battery Park. I admit, I'm not so great with this whole relationship thingy, but Reyna obviously likes you. And you, ugh. You probably like her back but you're so in denial," I said.

"No! I'm not denying anything! I-I-I-" Jason stuttered to a stop. I raised an eyebrow.
Boys, I thought.

"Look, Jason. I'm happy for you. I think that you and Reyna complement one another. You make a good team on the battle field, you'd also be great outside. Don't be scared to take the plunge."

Jason gave me an amused look.

"Did I ever mention how great you are at giving advice?" I rolled my eyes.

"Dude, I suck at it. I'm sometimes good at encouraging people but advice? Forget it, Air Head."
Jason grinned.

"Whatever, Kelp Face." He ruffled my hair. I scowled in disdain.

"Not the hair!" I yelled as I chased him away.

---

It's time to let go. I took one last look at Camp Half-Blood, Jason's new home. It's so different from Camp Jupiter. It didn't have much rules (I wonder how rowdy the kids got). It had less people.

I just hope that Piper treats him well. I hope she knows he likes his cheeseburgers with no pickles. I hope that she can make brownies as good as the ones in the bakeries of New Rome.
I can't be there for him anymore. Based on what I've seen, she's good for him despite the fact that she's a child of Aphrodite. Who knew that Jason Grace, the guy who used to make fun of the children of Venus with me would end up with the said goddess' Greek counterpart?

I started walking away from the Camp then hesitated.

Why? Just why is it so hard to let go? I'm resigned to my fate already! I accepted the fact that my best friend has a better life, a life I'm not part of. I accepted that I'm never going back to the place I once called home even though I found the missing praetor. Why is it so hard to walk away?

I closed my eyes and drew in a shaky breath. I could feel my hands trembling. I opened my eyes and began walking again. Then I broke into a run.

"Good-bye, Jason," I whispered into the air.

I kept running, as far as my legs could take me. My lungs began to burn but still, I kept going.

---

"Jason, can we please just talk?" He huffed angrily and ran a hand through his blonde hair.

"There's nothing to talk about," he said walking briskly away. I limped after him.

"Jason! What in Pluto's name is your problem?!" He whirled around anger burning in his eyes. Sparks began to fly off his body.

"You could have died, Selene! What you did was stupid and reckless!" he yelled.

"Stupid and reckless?" I yelled back at him. "Julius Caesar, Jason! I did what I had to so you and the rest of the Cohort could make it out safely!"

"You didn't have to! We were fine!" he insisted.

"Jason, think about it for a moment, please!" I grabbed his right wrist as he turned to walk away. I ignored the electricity that ran up my hand. Sure it hurt, but I couldn't care less at the moment.

"I did! I thought about it for one whole week! That's how long you were out cold! The last time this happened, Reyna nearly starved due to worry. She wouldn't eat. If it weren't for Gwen and me, she'd be in the same place, right now. Was it really necessary to cause that part of the Labyrinth to collapse?" he said, yanking his hand away.

"Well, I buried a good chunk of Saturn's army! I stopped them from reaching you! We would have been overrun! You should thank me instead getting all riled up over this!"

After I said that, Jason yelled and strong winds knocked me back hard. I landed on my sprained arm and I heard a sickening crack.

The winds died. Then pain hit me like a wave. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from screaming. Hot tears stung the back of my eyes. It took all my willpower to prevent them from falling.

"Selene, I-I'm sorry. I am so so sorry. I don't know why I did that." Jason's voice. It reminded me of glass that was about to break any second. I looked at him.

"All I have ever done," I said quietly. "Was make sure you were okay. My last thought before the Labyrinth collapsed on me was that you and Bobby and Gwen and everyone else made it out safely. Especially you. I'm not as respected as you are even though I'm a child of the Big Three but I do what I can to make sure the people I care about are out of danger."

I scoffed at myself.

"There's my fatal flaw all over again. Not caring about myself. Being too selfless, huh? It does wonders to me."

He knelt next to me and took my injured arm ever so gently.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"I heard you the first time."

"I mean it." He paused as if unsure of how to continue. "It's just that. Times like these, I get emotional and I lose control of my powers." He brought out a square of ambrosia and gave it to me. I took it and ate it, savoring the taste of red velvet cupcakes. My arm started to feel better.

He sighed before continuing.

"I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally." I stayed quiet. "Again, I'm sorry. I was just scared of losing you."

"You are not going to lose me, Jason. I'm sorry too, for worrying you the way I did."

He helped me up.

"You're my best friend, Selene. You and Reyna. I'll never turn my back on both of you. That's a promise."

---

Don't make promises you can't keep.

I don't know how long I've been running. All I know is that I'm exhausted both physically and emotionally. I couldn't see anymore. I was blinded by all the emotions that I felt. Or maybe it's because my eyes were closed without me knowing. Either way, I didn't care anymore.

My foot caught on a tree root. I didn't bother stopping my fall. My head was throbbing. I didn't even register the pain in my leg. My breathing felt labored.

This is how it ends, huh? Lying helpless. If Octavian saw me now, he'd laugh. He would call me a quitter.

He's right. I used to be the person who would keep on going for everyone else. The person who would try to make the burden of other people lighter. Now, I'm nothing. Nothing but a wandering demigod who doesn't belong anywhere.

Something wet and sticky trickled down my forehead. Then I blacked out.

Notes