Nico's POV

"You know," Percy spoke, sarcasm laced heavily in his voice, "It would be a lot easier to focus if you guys weren't planning my ultimate demise."

He rolled his eyes, not even sparing us a glance as he walked further into the darkness ahead. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips, a fast-fading cloud that held no substance or shape. Like squirming white shadows.

My footsteps quickened, hurrying after the only source of steady light. I knew we had to stay close to him, even if he was leading us into a trap, if we didn't then we'd be left blind, sitting ducks for monsters to pray on. Even as a son of Hades, being in complete darkness had its limitations.

Complete darkness... Why did the phrase seem so familiar?

And yet it was at that moment that I was torn away from my thoughts, the question abandoned in my mind as a loud hiss echoed down the damp cavern way.

"Identify yourselves," the gravelly voice said, becoming louder as it neared. Clunking sounds marched unevenly towards us.

Shooting a glance back at us, Percy stepped forwards. He straightened his back and broadened his shoulders, speaking with a powerful aura of confidence. "I have with me visitors seeking passage to the Doma."

"Numbers?"

"Five."

"Their species? Intent?"

"Demigods. All wishing for peaceful negotiations."

More hissing filled the passage, drowning out all other sounds. I knew we were outnumbered, though it was to be expected as we were actually inside a monster nest.

"Peace, Sandra." Percy named the monster, holding up his hands in a We Surrender manner, "At the very least, give it a shot. All you've got to do is take them to the council, then their fate is in their hands."

"And what of yours?"

"Mine?"

"You did not mention your own fate, only theirs."

"That's because it's not your business. You already know, anyway."

A smug smirk filled the face of the approaching monster. She had green-tinted skin and red cat-like eyes, giving her a devilish look. Her hair was a fiery inferno, matching the long, pointed fangs that decorated her mouth.

My first assumption was that she was an empousai, based on her mismatched shaggy donkey left leg and bronze right leg. But with her pale green complexion, it rose the question of a mixed-species identity.

But before I could question it further, Piper whispered to me, "Don't stare, it's rude."

I opened my mouth to retaliate but quickly found it closed again, seeing no logical retort to her comment.

"– That's great," Percy seemed to be mid-conversation with the so-named 'Sandra', meaning I'd missed a large amount of their conversation. "Let's go."

"Fine. But remember your place, Jackson. You wouldn't want any one to get the wrong idea, now, would you?" the monster spat venomously.

Percy shifted his staff's positioning, allowing more light to seep through into darkness. 'Sandra' flinched back ever so slightly as it lit the area brightly, and Percy began to speak, his voice hostile and cold. "My matters are none of you business, Gosbone, so keep out of it. You should know the rules by now, follow them."