Daughter of Neptune: The Forgotten Hero
Lupus in Domum Pavor
Panic at the Wolf House
Soon enough, we were at a safe distance from the pirate ship. I started to see land in the distance. I turned to look at the other rider. He seemed to be in his early twenties. His pitch black hair had a wavy bowl cut style. His eyes flicked to my direction and my breath hitched.
They were sea green just like Neptune's.
"Cheirmarrhus called you Bellerophon. Are you really…" I trailed off, unsure of how to continue.
"Yes, I am Bellerophon. Does that surprise you?" He had a rebellious glint in his eyes, typical of Neptune's Greek children.
"Quite frankly, yes. You're supposed to be dead." I winced. That came out harsher than I meant. "What I mean to say is that-" Bellerophon threw his head back and laughed.
"Relax! I know what you meant." His language was surprisingly modern for a guy who died several millennia ago. I didn't say that out loud.
"Wait so if you're Bellerophon, that means that your pegasus is the Pegasus," I said. Bellerophon shook his head.
"No. The first Pegasus refuses to answer my calls. This one," he gestured to the pure white one. "Is just one I found after I escaped. His name's Lucis."
Maelstrom nickered in irritation and inched away from Lucis who snorted and shook his head.
This other pegasus is snarky isn't he? Lucis said
"Hey! Don't talk to my pegasus like that!" I said. Bellerophon and Lucis looked surprised when I said that.
"You can understand horses?" Bellerophon asked. "But you're not a child of Poseidon! I mean your eyes. They're-"
"Lighter," I deadpanned, feeling a little annoyed with Bellerophon. Poseidon's son made a weird little gurgling sound as if he was embarrassed.
I waved my hand. "I get it all the time." Bellerophon's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry it's just that you don't look very Greek." He eyed the badges pinned on my chest.
"I know. I'm Roman," I said. My stoic face was back on.
"What the jujubes is that?" Bellerophon asked.
"Nevermind," I mumbled. An awkward silence fell over us. After a few minutes. We reached land. My senses told me that we were somewhere around Los Angeles.
I hopped off Maelstrom and strode towards Bellerophon.
"So how are you alive again?" I asked him. The black-haired boy got off Lucis who trotted towards Maelstrom. He ran a hand through his hair making it messier than it already was.
"It's a long story-"
"I've got all night," I said, narrowing my eyes. Yes, I didn't trust him. He may be a son of Poseidon but he was Greek. Camp Jupiter taught me that Greek children of Poseidon weren't very trustworthy.
Bellerophon swallowed. He shifted his weight. I could tell he was nervous.
"The boundaries between life and death are starting to fade. It started with the monsters.
Now, they just keep reforming even if you just killed them. The smaller the monster, the faster they reform. A dragon would probably take a few more hours but telekhines, gorgons, it would take them a few minutes." Bellerophon paused. "Souls started coming back too. Hades is having trouble keeping the dead in. There are some souls who have a sponsor, so to speak."
"A sponsor?" I asked. Bellerophon nodded.
"Yes. The sponsor provides for those particular souls when they leave the Underworld on the condition that they work for her."
"Let me guess. The sponsor's Gaea." Bellerophon glanced warily at the ground.
"We should probably try to avoid saying her name," he said. I shrugged nonchalantly.
"Whatever. Are you on Gaea's payroll?" I asked Bellerophon who shook his head so hard, it looked like it was going to fall.
"No! No, it's just that. I saw my former enemies escape. I thought that maybe I can redeem myself."
"For being arrogant and thinking that you were worthy enough to just fly up to Olympus?" I said, plainly. Bellerophon paled.
"You know about that?" he asked. His hand rested lightly on the bronze sword at his side. I eyed it warily.
"Everyone knows about it." I crossed my arms in front of my chest. Bellerophon looked down and gripped his sword tighter. I got ready to whip out my own but I definitely did not expect Bellerophon to slump onto the ground and start sniffling.
My mouth opened slightly. Bellerophon looked up at me. His eyes were red and teary.
"I made a mistake, I know. When I died, I didn't even have to pass the judges of the Underworld. I was sent to the Fields of Asphodel without question. Father never spoke to me after I fell. He was disappointed and ashamed. I thought that maybe, if I brought my former enemies back to the Underworld, he could forgive me. Maybe I could have a shot for Elysium." Bellerophon wiped his eyes. I tried to keep a straight face. I've always been awkward when it came to dealing with crying people.
I cleared my throat. "Okay, I'm sorry. Honestly, I think you did a pretty good job. I mean, you helped me get off Cheirmarrhus' ship, sort of, even though Lucis rammed into my face." I paused. What else is someone supposed to say? "I'm sure father's already proud of you. We all have our ups-and-downs."
Bellerophon sniffed. "You think so?"
"Yeah." Bellerophon stood up.
"Then I better finish what I started," he said. "Lucis!"
Lucis trotted back towards us. I looked at Maelstrom. My pegasus looked as if he was going to trample the other one.
About time, Lucis said. The winged-horse looked at me and rolled his horse eyes. I glared at him.
Bellerophon mounted Lucis. "Thank you. I hope you'll succeed in… whatever it is you're doing." Then he flew off into the night. Maelstrom nudged my hand. I rest my left hand on his mane.
What now, Chief?he asked. I reached into the pocket of my pants and brought out the tent Thalia gave me and flicked it to the ground.
"We rest first. Then we head for the Wolf House tomorrow," I replied, watching the tent unfold. Maelstrom yawned.
Sounds like a good plan.
"Have you eaten?" Maelstrom nodded.
I've had enough of donuts.That's new. I laughed.
"Sure you have," I said, ducking into my tent.
Is there such thing as an anti-dream sleeping cap? I sure want one. What was my dream about? It was set in the Wolf House, my next destination.
I dreamed that Thalia was frozen. She was being dragged by one of the Hunters' wolves.
"Thalia!" a voice called out. I turned and saw Jason rushing forward but he was pulled back by the Cherokee-girl and the Hispanic-Boy who were with him in one of my former dreams. Piper and Leo, was it?
"Who did this?" Jason yelled. His body crackled with electricity. "I'll kill you myself!"
I didn't understand why Jason was so worked up. As far as I know, he didn't know Thalia.
Sure they had the same godly parent (albeit, different aspects of him) but Thalia made it clear that she did not know about the existence of Camp Jupiter, much less Roman demigods.
I hesitated. I looked at Thalia's eyes, then at Jason's. They were the same shade (of course they would) but it was the shape of their eyes that made me realize something. Jupiter's eyes weren't shaped like that. They didn't look very alike but thinking about it now, there was something about the way Thalia held herself, the way she spoke before, it was eerily similar to Jason's. Then there's Thalia's only physical description of her little brother: 'Blonde head'.
Why didn't I notice before?!
From somewhere behind the monsters, a girl laughed. She was wearing a snowy dress and a silver crown on top of her hair.
"Bon soir, mes amis,"said the girl. "Alas, son of Hephaestus, you say you need time? I'm afraid time is one tool you do not have." Her voice sounded familiar. It took me a few moments but I realized this person was Khione. I felt anger boil within me. Remember when I mentioned that I didn't get along with Khione? Yep. I still haven't gotten over what she did in the Philippines. Hail began pouring down on a bunch of crops! It's a tropical country! That's not supposed to happen.
I noticed that Jason didn't have Ivlivs. Instead, he was holding a piece of wood. I realized, with dread, that his weapon was probably destroyed. A dagger of ice formed on Khione's hand.
"What've you done?" Jason demanded.
"Oh, so many things," the snow goddess purred. "Your sister's not dead, if that's what you mean. She and her Hunters will make fine toys for our wolves. I thought we'd defrost them one at a time and hunt them down for amusement. Let them be the prey for once."
The wolves snarled.
"Yes, my dears." Khione kept looking at Jason. "Your sister almost killed their king, you know. Lycaon's off in a cave somewhere, no doubt licking his wounds, but his minions have joined us to take revenge for their master. And soon Porphyrion will arise, and we shall rule the world." I felt like there was a knife in my heart. Thalia wasn't the one who shot Lycaon! I was! She didn't deserve to be frozen. I did! Then again, I can't freeze.
"Traitor!" a woman inside a cage shouted. "You meddlesome, D-list goddess! You aren't worthy to pour my wine, much less rule the world."
Khione sighed. "Tiresome as ever, Queen Hera. I've been wanting to shut you up for millennia."
Hera. Greek form of Juno. Right. Wow. She's actually imprisoned. I couldn't help but feel impressed.
Khione waved her hand, and ice encased the prison, sealing in the spaces between the earthen tendrils.
"That's better," the snow goddess said. "Now, demigods, about your death—"
"You're the one who tricked Hera into coming here," Jason said. "You gave Zeus the idea of closing Olympus."
The monsters were restless but Khione raised a hand. "Patience, my loves. If he wants to talk, what matter? The sun is setting, and time is on our side. Of course, Jason Grace. Like snow, my voice is quiet and gentle, and very cold. It's easy for me to whisper to the other gods, especially when I am only confirming their own deepest fears. I also whispered in Aeolus's ear that he should issue an order to kill demigods. It is a small service for Gaea, but I'm sure I will be well rewarded when her sons the giants come to power."
"You could've killed us in Quebec," Jason said. "Why let us live?"
Khione wrinkled her nose. "Messy business, killing you in my father's house, especially when he insists on meeting all visitors. I did try, you remember. It would've been lovely if he'd agreed to turn you to ice. But once he'd given you guarantee of safe passage, I couldn't openly disobey him. My father is an old fool. He lives in fear of Zeus and Aeolus, but he's still powerful. Soon enough, when my new masters have awakened, I will depose Boreas and take the throne of the North Wind, but not just yet. Besides, my father did have a point. Your quest was suicidal. I fully expected you to fail."
"And to help us with that," Leo said, "you knocked our dragon out of the sky over Detroit. Those frozen wires in his head—that wasyourfault. You're gonna pay for that."
"You're also the one who kept Enceladus informed about us," Piper added. "We've been plagued by snowstorms the whole trip."
"Yes, I feel so close to all of you now!" Khione said with glee. "Once you made it past Omaha, I decided to ask Lycaon to track you down so Jason could die here, at the Wolf House." Khione smiled at him. "You see, Jason, your blood spilled on this sacred ground will taint it for generations. Your demigod brethren will be outraged, especially when they find the bodies of these two from Camp Half-Blood. They'll believe the Greeks have conspired with giants. It will be … delicious."
Dread settled in my stomach. I already knew that Greek demigods existed but the rest of Camp Jupiter didn't. Octavian believed that they did and now, this will be the proof that he was right all along. He's going to be made praetor if they found out. The Greeks would take the blame for Jason's death. And the Romans... The Roman army is powerful. The Greeks won't stand a chance.
"You'll set demigods against demigods," Jason replied.
"It's so easy!" said Khione. "As I told you, I only encourage what you would do anyway."
"But why?" Piper spread her hands. "Khione, you'll tear the world apart. The giants will destroy everything. You don't want that. Call off your monsters."
Khione laughed. "Your persuasive powers are improving, girl. But I am a goddess. You can't charm-speak me. We wind gods are creatures of chaos! I'll overthrow Aeolus and let the storms run free. If we destroy the mortal world, all the better! They never honored me, even in Greek times. Humans and their talk of global warming. Pah! I'll cool them down quickly enough. When we retake the ancient places, I will cover the Acropolis in snow."
Great. Cherokee-girl can charmspeak. I had trouble with people who had that ability.
"The ancient places." Leo surmised. "That's what Enceladus meant about destroying the roots of the gods. He meant Greece."
"You could join me, son of Hephaestus," Khione said. "I know you find me beautiful. It would be enough for my plan if these other two were to die. Reject that ridiculous destiny the Fates have given you. Live and be my champion, instead. Your skills would be quite useful."
I wanted to laugh. Was Khione actually flirting? In her messed up way, she probably was.
"Yeah, join you. Right. Until you get bored of me and turn me into a Leosicle? Lady, nobody messes with my dragon and gets away with it. I can't believe I thought you were hot." Leo was laughing. I can't believe he just called the Goddess ofSnow, hot. I understood that Leo didn't mean literal hot but Khione, well, she's Khione. She always takes things the wrong way.
"Hot? You dare insult me? I am cold, Leo Valdez. Very, very cold."
She blasted snow at the demigods, but Hispanic-boy, Leo, held up his hand. Fire suddenly erupted in front of him. The snow melted. I winced. Khione's not going to fare well in this fight.
Leo grinned. "See, lady, that's what happens to snow in Texas. It—freaking—melts."
Khione hissed. "Enough of this. Hera is failing. Porphyrion is rising. Kill the demigods. Let them be our king's first meal!"
Jason hefted his icy wooden plank and the monsters charged.
Soon enough, we were at a safe distance from the pirate ship. I started to see land in the distance. I turned to look at the other rider. He seemed to be in his early twenties. His pitch black hair had a wavy bowl cut style. His eyes flicked to my direction and my breath hitched.
They were sea green just like Neptune's.
"Cheirmarrhus called you Bellerophon. Are you really…" I trailed off, unsure of how to continue.
"Yes, I am Bellerophon. Does that surprise you?" He had a rebellious glint in his eyes, typical of Neptune's Greek children.
"Quite frankly, yes. You're supposed to be dead." I winced. That came out harsher than I meant. "What I mean to say is that-" Bellerophon threw his head back and laughed.
"Relax! I know what you meant." His language was surprisingly modern for a guy who died several millennia ago. I didn't say that out loud.
"Wait so if you're Bellerophon, that means that your pegasus is the Pegasus," I said. Bellerophon shook his head.
"No. The first Pegasus refuses to answer my calls. This one," he gestured to the pure white one. "Is just one I found after I escaped. His name's Lucis."
Maelstrom nickered in irritation and inched away from Lucis who snorted and shook his head.
This other pegasus is snarky isn't he? Lucis said
"Hey! Don't talk to my pegasus like that!" I said. Bellerophon and Lucis looked surprised when I said that.
"You can understand horses?" Bellerophon asked. "But you're not a child of Poseidon! I mean your eyes. They're-"
"Lighter," I deadpanned, feeling a little annoyed with Bellerophon. Poseidon's son made a weird little gurgling sound as if he was embarrassed.
I waved my hand. "I get it all the time." Bellerophon's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry it's just that you don't look very Greek." He eyed the badges pinned on my chest.
"I know. I'm Roman," I said. My stoic face was back on.
"What the jujubes is that?" Bellerophon asked.
"Nevermind," I mumbled. An awkward silence fell over us. After a few minutes. We reached land. My senses told me that we were somewhere around Los Angeles.
I hopped off Maelstrom and strode towards Bellerophon.
"So how are you alive again?" I asked him. The black-haired boy got off Lucis who trotted towards Maelstrom. He ran a hand through his hair making it messier than it already was.
"It's a long story-"
"I've got all night," I said, narrowing my eyes. Yes, I didn't trust him. He may be a son of Poseidon but he was Greek. Camp Jupiter taught me that Greek children of Poseidon weren't very trustworthy.
Bellerophon swallowed. He shifted his weight. I could tell he was nervous.
"The boundaries between life and death are starting to fade. It started with the monsters.
Now, they just keep reforming even if you just killed them. The smaller the monster, the faster they reform. A dragon would probably take a few more hours but telekhines, gorgons, it would take them a few minutes." Bellerophon paused. "Souls started coming back too. Hades is having trouble keeping the dead in. There are some souls who have a sponsor, so to speak."
"A sponsor?" I asked. Bellerophon nodded.
"Yes. The sponsor provides for those particular souls when they leave the Underworld on the condition that they work for her."
"Let me guess. The sponsor's Gaea." Bellerophon glanced warily at the ground.
"We should probably try to avoid saying her name," he said. I shrugged nonchalantly.
"Whatever. Are you on Gaea's payroll?" I asked Bellerophon who shook his head so hard, it looked like it was going to fall.
"No! No, it's just that. I saw my former enemies escape. I thought that maybe I can redeem myself."
"For being arrogant and thinking that you were worthy enough to just fly up to Olympus?" I said, plainly. Bellerophon paled.
"You know about that?" he asked. His hand rested lightly on the bronze sword at his side. I eyed it warily.
"Everyone knows about it." I crossed my arms in front of my chest. Bellerophon looked down and gripped his sword tighter. I got ready to whip out my own but I definitely did not expect Bellerophon to slump onto the ground and start sniffling.
My mouth opened slightly. Bellerophon looked up at me. His eyes were red and teary.
"I made a mistake, I know. When I died, I didn't even have to pass the judges of the Underworld. I was sent to the Fields of Asphodel without question. Father never spoke to me after I fell. He was disappointed and ashamed. I thought that maybe, if I brought my former enemies back to the Underworld, he could forgive me. Maybe I could have a shot for Elysium." Bellerophon wiped his eyes. I tried to keep a straight face. I've always been awkward when it came to dealing with crying people.
I cleared my throat. "Okay, I'm sorry. Honestly, I think you did a pretty good job. I mean, you helped me get off Cheirmarrhus' ship, sort of, even though Lucis rammed into my face." I paused. What else is someone supposed to say? "I'm sure father's already proud of you. We all have our ups-and-downs."
Bellerophon sniffed. "You think so?"
"Yeah." Bellerophon stood up.
"Then I better finish what I started," he said. "Lucis!"
Lucis trotted back towards us. I looked at Maelstrom. My pegasus looked as if he was going to trample the other one.
About time, Lucis said. The winged-horse looked at me and rolled his horse eyes. I glared at him.
Bellerophon mounted Lucis. "Thank you. I hope you'll succeed in… whatever it is you're doing." Then he flew off into the night. Maelstrom nudged my hand. I rest my left hand on his mane.
What now, Chief?he asked. I reached into the pocket of my pants and brought out the tent Thalia gave me and flicked it to the ground.
"We rest first. Then we head for the Wolf House tomorrow," I replied, watching the tent unfold. Maelstrom yawned.
Sounds like a good plan.
"Have you eaten?" Maelstrom nodded.
I've had enough of donuts.That's new. I laughed.
"Sure you have," I said, ducking into my tent.
Is there such thing as an anti-dream sleeping cap? I sure want one. What was my dream about? It was set in the Wolf House, my next destination.
I dreamed that Thalia was frozen. She was being dragged by one of the Hunters' wolves.
"Thalia!" a voice called out. I turned and saw Jason rushing forward but he was pulled back by the Cherokee-girl and the Hispanic-Boy who were with him in one of my former dreams. Piper and Leo, was it?
"Who did this?" Jason yelled. His body crackled with electricity. "I'll kill you myself!"
I didn't understand why Jason was so worked up. As far as I know, he didn't know Thalia.
Sure they had the same godly parent (albeit, different aspects of him) but Thalia made it clear that she did not know about the existence of Camp Jupiter, much less Roman demigods.
I hesitated. I looked at Thalia's eyes, then at Jason's. They were the same shade (of course they would) but it was the shape of their eyes that made me realize something. Jupiter's eyes weren't shaped like that. They didn't look very alike but thinking about it now, there was something about the way Thalia held herself, the way she spoke before, it was eerily similar to Jason's. Then there's Thalia's only physical description of her little brother: 'Blonde head'.
Why didn't I notice before?!
From somewhere behind the monsters, a girl laughed. She was wearing a snowy dress and a silver crown on top of her hair.
"Bon soir, mes amis,"said the girl. "Alas, son of Hephaestus, you say you need time? I'm afraid time is one tool you do not have." Her voice sounded familiar. It took me a few moments but I realized this person was Khione. I felt anger boil within me. Remember when I mentioned that I didn't get along with Khione? Yep. I still haven't gotten over what she did in the Philippines. Hail began pouring down on a bunch of crops! It's a tropical country! That's not supposed to happen.
I noticed that Jason didn't have Ivlivs. Instead, he was holding a piece of wood. I realized, with dread, that his weapon was probably destroyed. A dagger of ice formed on Khione's hand.
"What've you done?" Jason demanded.
"Oh, so many things," the snow goddess purred. "Your sister's not dead, if that's what you mean. She and her Hunters will make fine toys for our wolves. I thought we'd defrost them one at a time and hunt them down for amusement. Let them be the prey for once."
The wolves snarled.
"Yes, my dears." Khione kept looking at Jason. "Your sister almost killed their king, you know. Lycaon's off in a cave somewhere, no doubt licking his wounds, but his minions have joined us to take revenge for their master. And soon Porphyrion will arise, and we shall rule the world." I felt like there was a knife in my heart. Thalia wasn't the one who shot Lycaon! I was! She didn't deserve to be frozen. I did! Then again, I can't freeze.
"Traitor!" a woman inside a cage shouted. "You meddlesome, D-list goddess! You aren't worthy to pour my wine, much less rule the world."
Khione sighed. "Tiresome as ever, Queen Hera. I've been wanting to shut you up for millennia."
Hera. Greek form of Juno. Right. Wow. She's actually imprisoned. I couldn't help but feel impressed.
Khione waved her hand, and ice encased the prison, sealing in the spaces between the earthen tendrils.
"That's better," the snow goddess said. "Now, demigods, about your death—"
"You're the one who tricked Hera into coming here," Jason said. "You gave Zeus the idea of closing Olympus."
The monsters were restless but Khione raised a hand. "Patience, my loves. If he wants to talk, what matter? The sun is setting, and time is on our side. Of course, Jason Grace. Like snow, my voice is quiet and gentle, and very cold. It's easy for me to whisper to the other gods, especially when I am only confirming their own deepest fears. I also whispered in Aeolus's ear that he should issue an order to kill demigods. It is a small service for Gaea, but I'm sure I will be well rewarded when her sons the giants come to power."
"You could've killed us in Quebec," Jason said. "Why let us live?"
Khione wrinkled her nose. "Messy business, killing you in my father's house, especially when he insists on meeting all visitors. I did try, you remember. It would've been lovely if he'd agreed to turn you to ice. But once he'd given you guarantee of safe passage, I couldn't openly disobey him. My father is an old fool. He lives in fear of Zeus and Aeolus, but he's still powerful. Soon enough, when my new masters have awakened, I will depose Boreas and take the throne of the North Wind, but not just yet. Besides, my father did have a point. Your quest was suicidal. I fully expected you to fail."
"And to help us with that," Leo said, "you knocked our dragon out of the sky over Detroit. Those frozen wires in his head—that wasyourfault. You're gonna pay for that."
"You're also the one who kept Enceladus informed about us," Piper added. "We've been plagued by snowstorms the whole trip."
"Yes, I feel so close to all of you now!" Khione said with glee. "Once you made it past Omaha, I decided to ask Lycaon to track you down so Jason could die here, at the Wolf House." Khione smiled at him. "You see, Jason, your blood spilled on this sacred ground will taint it for generations. Your demigod brethren will be outraged, especially when they find the bodies of these two from Camp Half-Blood. They'll believe the Greeks have conspired with giants. It will be … delicious."
Dread settled in my stomach. I already knew that Greek demigods existed but the rest of Camp Jupiter didn't. Octavian believed that they did and now, this will be the proof that he was right all along. He's going to be made praetor if they found out. The Greeks would take the blame for Jason's death. And the Romans... The Roman army is powerful. The Greeks won't stand a chance.
"You'll set demigods against demigods," Jason replied.
"It's so easy!" said Khione. "As I told you, I only encourage what you would do anyway."
"But why?" Piper spread her hands. "Khione, you'll tear the world apart. The giants will destroy everything. You don't want that. Call off your monsters."
Khione laughed. "Your persuasive powers are improving, girl. But I am a goddess. You can't charm-speak me. We wind gods are creatures of chaos! I'll overthrow Aeolus and let the storms run free. If we destroy the mortal world, all the better! They never honored me, even in Greek times. Humans and their talk of global warming. Pah! I'll cool them down quickly enough. When we retake the ancient places, I will cover the Acropolis in snow."
Great. Cherokee-girl can charmspeak. I had trouble with people who had that ability.
"The ancient places." Leo surmised. "That's what Enceladus meant about destroying the roots of the gods. He meant Greece."
"You could join me, son of Hephaestus," Khione said. "I know you find me beautiful. It would be enough for my plan if these other two were to die. Reject that ridiculous destiny the Fates have given you. Live and be my champion, instead. Your skills would be quite useful."
I wanted to laugh. Was Khione actually flirting? In her messed up way, she probably was.
"Yeah, join you. Right. Until you get bored of me and turn me into a Leosicle? Lady, nobody messes with my dragon and gets away with it. I can't believe I thought you were hot." Leo was laughing. I can't believe he just called the Goddess ofSnow, hot. I understood that Leo didn't mean literal hot but Khione, well, she's Khione. She always takes things the wrong way.
"Hot? You dare insult me? I am cold, Leo Valdez. Very, very cold."
She blasted snow at the demigods, but Hispanic-boy, Leo, held up his hand. Fire suddenly erupted in front of him. The snow melted. I winced. Khione's not going to fare well in this fight.
Leo grinned. "See, lady, that's what happens to snow in Texas. It—freaking—melts."
Khione hissed. "Enough of this. Hera is failing. Porphyrion is rising. Kill the demigods. Let them be our king's first meal!"
Jason hefted his icy wooden plank and the monsters charged.
THE ENDING GODS HALP
12/14/14