When you entered the dining room, you found Annabeth and Percy were the only ones at the table. Annabeth concentrated on a book as though she were studying for a final exam. Percy was trying to balance a spoon on his nose. Neither looked like they were having much success.

You sat down at the table, unsure if you were interrupting either of their tasks. After a few moments, Percy seemed to finally be able to balance the spoon on his nose.

Percy: Annabeth! Look, look, guys!

Annabeth didn't lift her head from the book. Instead, she lifted a hand and flicked the spork off his nose.

Percy pouted and then turned to you.

Percy: Are you allergic to food dye?

You: Uh, probably not.

Percy: Okay then, you'll be fine.

You thought you remembered someone else had been on the ship.

You: Isn't there someone missing here? I meavbn, other than Leo?

Annabeth lifted her eyes from the book.

Annabeth: Yes, Nico. It's no surprise he isn't here for breakfast.

Although her words seemed judgemental, her tone was not. She was simply stating facts.

Annabeth: He usually has trouble sleeping, so getting out of bed is a challenge for him.

You nodded, unsure how welcome you were to ask questions. You wondered what kept him up. Was he thinking about you and analyzing you, looking for a fault? Or was he just miserable? You weren't sure which one was worse.

Annabeth: What is that?

You: What's what?

Annabeth: The ring...was that there yesterday?

You: Uh...

You looked down at the ring on your finger. Hunter had given you that ring. You hated yourself for being so open with the ring. You should've kept it under the table.

You: Uh...

You tried to come up with some kind of explanation. Maybe you'd say you always had it, but someone would have noticed it yesterday. Especially since you were the center of attention yesterday.

When the door opened, you quickly whipped around to see what was Leo was bringing in for breakfast.

To your surprise, a singing chef was not entering.

Percy: Wow, dude. You must've slept well to get out of bed this early.

Annabeth: So glad you came. We were just asking (Y/N) something...what was it? Oh yes, the ring.

You: Sorry, I spaced out there for a second. Right.

You looked down at your ring a second time.

Annabeth: You know, (Y/N), you can tell us anything. Believe it or not, we have seen more than our fair share of crazy in our lives. We can't help you unless we understand everything.

You took a deep breath and went with the one excuse that had gotten you this far.

You: I have to be honest with you. I don't remember.

You: I'm trying to remember, but my memory is empty.

Annabeth: Can I see it?

You nodded and tried to take it off, but it wouldn't budge. The ring seemed too small to get past your knuckle. After a few seconds of struggling and bitting your inside lip, Annabeth stopped you.

Annabeth: It's fine, really. You don't have to take it off.

You: Thanks.

You dropped your hands onto the table.

You: I really tried to remove it, honest, but it's not budging.

Annabeth exchange glances with Nico and Percy. Percy gestured to the open textbook in front of her. She nodded.

Annabeth: Do you mind reading this page out loud for me? I'm more of an audible learner, so maybe if someone reads it out loud, I might be able to get understand it better.

Choice Time:

Chapter 77: Read the passage normally and help Annabeth out.

Chapter 81: Pretend to struggle reading to go along with Hunter's instructions.