PERCY DIDN'T think he could get shocked by anything after seeing Dr. Thorn turn into a manticore and suicide-jump off the side of a cliff with Annabeth piggy-back riding him. But, when this twelve-year-old girl told him she was Artemis, he said something very wise along the lines of, "Um . . . Okay."

Magnus's response was just as intelligent as his. He just stared at her and said: "I thought Artemis was like . . . The moon, or something."

That was pretty reasonable response compared to Grover's. He gasped, then fell to his knees and started stuttering. "Thank you, Lady Artemis! You're so . . . Gods, you're just . . . Wow!"

"Get yourself together, goat boy!" Thalia demanded. "We don't have time for this! Annabeth is gone!"

"Okay, hold up," Bianca Di Angelo said. "Time out."

Every head turned to her. She pointed her finger at every one of them, like she was trying to connect the dots. "Who in the world are you people?"

Artemis's expression calmed. "A better question to ask would be, my dear, who are you? Who are your parents?"

Bianca looked at her bother nervously, who was still staring at Artemis in disbelief.

"We don't have any parents," she said. "We're orphans. A bank trust pays for our school, but . . . "

She stopped. Magdalena figured she noticed that none of them believed her by the looks on their faces.

"What?" She said. "That's the truth."

"You are a half-blood," Zoë Nightshade said. She had old-fashioned accent, almost like she was reciting words from an ancient textbook. "A parent of thee's is mortal. The other is an Olympian."

"Uh . . . Like an Olympian athlete?"

"Dear gods," Magnus muttered, shaking his head.

"No," Zoë said, glaring at Magnus. "A god."

"Awesome!" Nico grinned.

"No!" Bianca's voice shook. "None of this is awesome!"

Nico pranced around the clearing like he needed to use the bathroom. "Does Zeus actually shoot lightning bolts with six hundred attack points? Does he get extra movement points for— "

"Nico, stop!" Bianca's hands rubbed against her face. "This isn't your stupid Mythomagic game! Gods aren't real. None of this is real!"

"Tell that to the manticore that just free-fell off the side of the cliff," Magnus said.

Magdalena punched him. "Shut up!"

Magdalena, as terrified as she was for Annabeth, couldn't help but feel sorry for the Di Angelo's. She knew how scary it was to learn that you're a demigod.

It seemed Thalia felt the same, because the rage in her eyes dimmed a bit. "I know how hard it is to believe, but the gods are real. They're immortal, and when they have children with mortals, like us, our lives . . . Well, they're very dangerous."

"Dangerous," Bianca said. "Like the girl who fell."

Thalia looked away. Lena clenched her jaw, and looked to Percy, who just looked at her with grief in his eyes. Even Artemis looked pained. Magnus looked angry. Nothing but angry.

"Do not weep for Annabeth," Artemis said. "She was a brave maiden. If she is able to be found, I will find her."

"Then why aren't you letting us go after her?" Percy asked.

"She is gone. Do you not sense it, Son of Poseidon? There is powerful magic at work. I don't understand how or why, but your friend has vanished."

Magdalena hated to admit it, but she knew Artemis was right. She could tell that something bigger was happening— and she knew that Annabeth was gone. Not dead, but she had disappeared.

"I have a question!" Nico raised his hand. "What about Dr. Thorn? That was so cool watching you shoot him with arrows! Is he dead?"

"Dr. Thorn was a manticore," Artemis said. "I can only hope he is destroyed for now, but monster's never truly die. They will re-form again and again, and they must be hunted every time they come back."

"Or they'll hunt us," Thalia said.

Bianca shuddered. "That explains . . . Nico, remember last year, when those guys tried to fight us in that alley in D.C?"

"That bus driver, too," Nico said. "With the ram horns. See, I told you it wasn't my imagination!"

"That's why Grover's been here with you," Percy said. "To protect you, if you did end up being demigods."

"You're a demigod, Grover?" Bianca asked, staring at him.

"Um, actually, I'm a satyr." He knocked his shoes off to reveal his goat hooves. Lena was sure Bianca was about to pass out right into the snow.

"Dude, put your shoes back on," Magnus said. "You're freaking the poor girl out."

"My hooves are clean!"

"Bianca," Percy said, "we came here to help you. You and Nico need to train if you want to survive. That manticore won't be the only monster you come across. You have to come to camp."

"Camp?" She questioned.

"Camp Half-Blood," Magnus explained. "Half-bloods go there to learn survival skills. You can stay there year-round if you want."

"Cool, let's go!" Nico said.

"Hold on," Bianca shook her head. "I don't— "

"That is not the only option," Zoë said.

"Yes, it is!" Thalia argued.

The two girls glared at one another. It was clear there was a bad history between them. Magdalena was aware of it, of course. She'd gone through the same thing, expect, she hadn't reacted in the same way that Thalia had.

"We have put too much on these children for now," Artemis declared. "Zoë, start to set up camp. We will remain here for a few hours to rest. Treat our wounded, and collect our guests' things from the school."

"At once, My Lady."

"Bianca, follow me. I would like to have a conversation with you."

"What about me?" Nico asked.

Artemis considered the little boy. "How about you show Grover how that card game of yours works? I'm sure he world gladly entertain you for the time being . . . As a favor to me?"

Grover nearly tripped over himself. "Of course, My Lady! Lead the way, Nico!"

They walked off toward the forest, chatting about attack points and armor upgrades and all sorts of other nerdy stuff. Artemis led a puzzled Bianca toward the cliff while the other Hunters started to set up camp.

Zoë gave Thalia one final glare, then went off to oversee the rest of the Hunters.

Once she left, Thalia stomped her foot in anger. "The nerve of them! They just think they're so . . . Argh!"

"I'm with you," Percy said. "I don't trust— "

"Oh, you're with me?" Thalia wheeled around on Percy with rage. "You were out of your mind back in the gym! Thinking you could one-on-one fight Dr. Thorn? You knew he was a monster!" Thalia looked at Magdalena furiously. "You both did! How could you, Lena? How could you be so stupid!"

"Don't blame this on Lena," Percy said angrily. "This wasn't her idea. The only reason she went with me was to protect me. This is not her fault."

"Then I blame you," Thalia said venomously. The look in her eyes reminded Percy of how her father's were when he was angry. "If we had just stayed together, we could've killed the manticore without getting the Hunters involved. Annabeth would still be here. Did you even think of that?"

Percy's jaw clenched. He had dozens of horrible things he wanted to say, and there was good chance he would've said them, too, but then he saw Annabeth's Yankees cap sitting in the snow beneath his feet. Every word he wanted to say fizzled away, leaving Percy feeling nothing but defeat.

Thalia didn't say anything else. She rubbed a tear from her face, and marched away, leaving Percy, Lena, and Magnus alone.

"I'll go talk to her," Magnus said, his voice thick with emotion. He looked at the sister, then at Percy. "You did what you thought was right, Percy. Don't blame yourself for what happened to Annabeth."

  His voice faltered when he said her name. It was like a constant reminder that she was gone whenever anyone uttered it.

Percy's eyes were watery. It was nice to hear that from Magnus, but it didn't help. Percy felt completely responsible for Annabeth's disappearance. And nothing would be able to fix that until he found her.

Percy nodded, his eyes fixed on the blue cap by his feet. "Yeah . . . Yeah, okay."

Magnus swallowed, and squeezed his sister's hand comfortingly. Then walked off towards where Thalia had gone off to, leaving only Magdalena and Percy left in the field.

Lena stood there, then slowly knelt to her floor and picked up the Yankees cap, brushing the snow off of it. Percy turned to her, and that's when he noticed that she was crying. It didn't surprise him, but it did throw him off a bit. He'd never seen her cry before. The closest he'd gotten to that was seeing her eyes rimmed red after telling him that Tyson had died from the CSS Andromeda exploding in the Sea of Monsters.

"We're going to find her," Percy said, trying to sound determined, but all his voice gave off was despair.

Magdalena sniffed, swallowing hardly. "She's gone because of us," she said, her voice trembling. "We should've never went after them alone."

Percy felt like someone was stabbing his heart with a knife over and over. "It's my fault," he said. "You were only trying to keep me safe. I should've— " his voice cracked. "I should've listened to you."

"I should've tried harder," Lena argued, now looking more angry than upset. "I should've made you listen to me. I hardly even— " she shook her head, wiping the tears from her face. "I hardly even made an effort to convince you."

Percy couldn't believe Lena was trying to convince herself that it was her fault. How could she even think that? He was the one who made her go. He was the one who was putting himself at risk, which forced her to follow him to keep him safe. Everything about this was his fault. How could she think otherwise?

"It's not your fault, Magdalena," Percy said hardly, lifting her chin up so that she was looking him in the eyes. From her tears, her blue eyes reminded him of Neptune. They were bright and illuminant in the night sky. "It was my plan, and it failed. And now, I'm going to get her back to make up for it. No matter what it takes. That responsibility falls on me, and me only. Okay?"

Magdalena didn't believe him, and he knew it. Her stubbornness was a double-edged sword. She never gave up on anything due to it, but she also could never change her mind once it was set. Magdalena blamed herself for this. And Percy's words weren't going to change that.

"Until we find her, that responsibility weighs on all of us," she said, pushing the Yankees cap into Percy's chest. Then, she turned away from him and walked towards the camp, and Percy was left by himself in the snow, holding the cap of a missing girl.

  IT ONLY took the Hunters a matter of minutes to set up their camping site. There were seven large silver tents all surrounding a center bonfire, a dozen white wolves prancing around the area. They patrolled the area like guard dogs, and the Hunters walked with them, completely unafraid as they fed them treats. Falcons were also perched up in the trees, assumedly on guard watch as well.

  Magdalena walked alongside Thalia among the wolves, the two of them silent as they went. They were closer than anybody seemed to realize. Many years ago, Magdalena and Magnus had been sent out on a recon mission by Chiron after he heard of a rumored daughter of Zeus on the run with another unknown demigod (who would be discovered as Luke Castellan). They had helped Grover to get the three demigods (now that they had found Annabeth) return to Camp Half-Blood, the group of demigods growing close along the way. But, they were separated when a monster attack occurred, leading the siblings of Astraeus to return to camp before them. That's why they weren't there when Thalia died. And that's why nobody seems to remember that Magnus and Magdalena were just as crushed as Annabeth, Luke, and Grover by her death that night.

  "I'm sorry, Thalia," Magdalena said quietly. "I'm sorry I went after the Di Angelos without you guys. It . . . " Her voice cracked. "It was a mistake."

  Thalia shook her head, kicking a small rock that was lodged in the snow. She looked more depressed than angry, now, like she was finally getting hit with the reality of what happened. "You were only trying to look out for Percy," she said defeatedly. "I understand why you did it. It just . . . It just hurts. Annabeth is gone because of our mistakes. She tried fighting the manticore off to protect us and— " her voice cut off with a crack. "And look where it got her."

  Magdalena had to clench her jaw to keep her tears at bay. "She's not dead," she tried to say with reassurance, but she only sounded doubtful. "She can't be."

  "I don't know," Thalia responded, sounding so crestfallen it was hard to listen to her. "For the first time in a long, long time . . . I don't know."

  Magdalena swallowed, and sighed, wrapping her arm through Thalia's. She rested her head on her shoulder, feeling the cold leather of her jacket press against her cheek. "We will find her," she said. "Knowing us, and everything we've been through, we will find a way to get her back."

  Lena's shoulder ached from where the poisonous dagger had impaled her, but it was starting to slowly heal. She'd had one of the Hunter's, Phoebe, patch her up shortly after walking away from Percy. They didn't speak much, but Lena preferred that. She wasn't really in the mood for conversation after the night she's had.

  Thalia took a shaky breath, and rested her head against Lena's. "I hope you're right, Maggie," she whispered. Lena's heart hurt a little when she said that nickname, knowing that it had only been used by Luke and Thalia when they were young, trying to get back to camp together. The only people who used it now were her, Luke, and the Stolls (who'd caught on to the nickname from their older brother using it so much).

  They stood there for a while, near the cliff edge, staring out into the misty abyss, where only the faint sound of waves crashing against the rocks below them could be heard.

  As they continued to stand there in silence, Magdalena suddenly felt something rub against her leg. Something furry.

  Lena looked down, confused, and saw a small puppy around the size of a corgi sitting between her legs, like it was trying to keep warm against the fabric of her jeans.

  Magdalena and Thalia both looked at each other, puzzled expression on both of their faces.

  Magdalena, with a befuddled look on her face, bent down and picked up the small animal, raising it in the air in front of her and Thalia. And that's when she realized it wasn't a puppy she was looking at. It was a pup. A baby wolf. It had dark fur, with little specks of white dotted over its nose and along its spine. Its paws were about half the size of Magdalena's hands, which was a tell-tale sign that this pup was going to be very big as it grew up.

  "I didn't think the Hunters had guard dogs this . . . small," Thalia said, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

  The tiny wolf cocked its head to the side, as if to say, Excuse me, I'm a very mean wolf!

  "It's cute," Magdalena said, smiling a little. She could see small fangs poking out from the sides of its mouth, and she knew they were only grow bigger and sharper as time went on. But, for right now, the little wolf looked like nothing worth any concern.

  "It is . . . Cute, I guess," Thalia said, trying to act like she wasn't concerned with the thing. But it was clear the daughter of Zeus found the pup adorable. Lena could see it in her eyes.

  "I think it may be the runt," Magdalena said, setting the back down onto the ground. "Its fur isn't pure white like the others. It's mostly brown."

  Thalia shrugged. "Maybe," she said lightly. "Doesn't matter, though. It'll still be just as big as the others."

  Magdalena nodded, watching the pup circled between her legs, whining and nipping at her heels. Despite how upset she'd been the past hour, she found a little light shine through her heart. She giggled, and the wolf pup barked out a small, high-pitched yelp, jumping in a circle.

  "Magdalena Caelestis."

  At the sound of her name, Lena turned around, seeing Zoë Nightshade standing beside Percy Jackson behind her.

  "Come with me," Zoë said, sparing a distasteful glance at Thalia, who simply glared at the girl. She had a shoulder in front of Lena, almost like it was an instinct to protect her from enemies. "Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee, along with Percy Jackson."

  Magdalena glanced at Percy warily, and he just shrugged. His shoulder was taped up, just as her's was, but he still looked drained from the events of their night. They all did, if she was being honest.

  Magdalena looked to Thalia, who had a murderous expression on her face, as if Zoë had been the one who single-handedly shipped Annabeth off to her death. Which, she sort of had, but that was a different story— one that Lena didn't feel like bringing up when both Thalia and Zoë were armed with dangerous weapons.

  "I'll be back," Lena told the girl, to which Thalia nodded, giving her an uncertain look. It was clear she didn't trust Zoë alone with her and Percy.

  Lena walked over toward the Hunter and Percy, and they began to walk away from Thalia and back towards the campsite. Small little pitter-patters trailed behind them, and that's when Lena realized that the wolf-pup was following her.

  "Run along," Magdalena said to the wolf. The little animal just stared up at her, cocking its head again, like it didn't understand. Which, it probably didn't.

  Percy looked down at the wolf, then at Lena, confusion written all over his face. "Since when have you had a pet wolf?"

  "Since never," Magdalena said, eyeing the baby wolf that kept its face close to her heels, trotting along behind her.

  Zoë frowned at the situation. "I see thy has met Melé," she said. "Melé means song of the sea in Hawaiian. One of our Hawaii-native Hunters named him. He is from our newest litter. A small beast, indeed. A runt."

  "I don't know why he keeps following me," Lena said in confusion. "I didn't even find him. He just . . . Came up to me."

  Zoë smirked. "It seems he fancies thee," she said, sparing a glance at the girl. "Perhaps that may sway your decision."

  "What decision?" Magdalena asked.

  Zoë didn't respond, and instead led the two demigods to the last tent, and ushered them inside. Bianca was already inside, seated next to Artemis.

It was warm inside the tent, with silk carpets and pillows scattered along the floor. A golden brazier of fire was in the center of the room, with animal pelts strung along the walls. There was a deer with shining silver fur sitting beside the goddess, with its head resting calmly in her lap. It was cozy and comfortable, and it made Lena want to take a nap.

Melé followed the three of them inside, sniffing the carpet and pawing the material. Artemis noticed the pup and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing else on the matter. Instead, she reached behind her and revealed a large animal bone, one that looked freshly plucked, which was a little unnerving. She handed Melé the bone, and the small wolf plopped himself on the ground, his small fangs starting to rip at it.

"Sit, Magdalena, Percy," Artemis offered.

The two of them sat across from her on the floor. The goddess observed them, her wise, old eyes making Lena feel like she was getting her mind dissected one thought at a time.
 
  "Are you shocked by my age?" She asked.

  "Uh . . . A bit," Percy said.

  "I can appear however I please. I could be a grown woman, or perhaps a blazing fire. But, this is the form I prefer. I am the average age of my Hunters, along with the young maidens that I patron, before they lead themselves astray."

  "Astray?" Percy asked.

  "Grow up. Become smitten with boys. Grow silly, insecure, absentminded. They forget themselves."

  "Oh."

  Zoë was on Artemis's right side. Her glare said everything Percy needed to know on how she felt about him. It was like she blamed him for everything Artemis had just said. Like he'd invented the thought of being a dude.

  "Please forgive my Hunters if they haven't welcomed you warmly," Artemis said. "It is rare that we have boys residing in our camp. They are almost always forbidden from contact with the Hunters. The last boy to see our camp . . . " she turned to Zoë. "I forgot which one. Enlighten me?"

  "The boy we found in Colorado," Zoë supplied. "You made him into a jackalope."

  "Ah, right," Artemis nodded in satisfaction. "I do enjoy making jackalopes. Nevertheless, Percy, Magdalena, I have asked you both here to help inform me more on this manticore. Bianca has told me some of the . . . Well, disturbing things the beast spoke. But, there's a good chance she didn't fully understand. I would like to hear them from you two."

  And so they told her everything.

  Once they were finished, Artemis put a graceful hand on her bow. "I had a fear that this was the truth."

  Zoe sat up straight. "The scent, my lady?"

  "Yes."

  "What scent?" Lena asked. Melé had discarded the bone now, since there was nothing left except scraps to feast upon, and rested his small head on Lena's knee, snoring quietly. Magdalena absently scratched behind his ears.

  "There are things sitting that I have not seen in millennia," Artemis said gravely. "Prey so ancient I nearly forgot of them."

  She looked at the two demigods intently. "We sensed the manticore's presence here, and that is why we came to your aid. But, that beast is not what I seem. Tell me again, what did Dr. Thorn say?"

  "He said, 'I've always hated middle school dances.'"

  Magdalena sighed. "Before that, Percy."

  "Oh. He told us that someone named the General would enlighten us on their plan."

  Zoë went pale. She looked to Artemis, beginning to say something, but the goddess stopped her.

"Continue," Artemis urged.

  "Then, Thorn was starting to tell us about the Great Stir Pot— "

  "Stirring," Magdalena corrected.

  "Yeah, that. He said, 'And soon we shall have the most important monster of all— the one responsible for the fall of Olympus.'"

The goddess sat so still she looked frozen in time.

"He could've been lying," Percy offered.

Artemis shook her head. "He was not. I have been delayed on seeing the signs. I must track down this beast."

Zoë looked like she was trying to hide her fear, but she nodded. "We shall leave at once, my lady."

"No, Zoë. This I must do alone."

"But, Artemis— "

"This is too dangerous of a task, even for the Hunters. You are fully aware of where I must begin my hunt. You cannot follow me."

"As . . . As you command, Artemis."

"I shall hunt down this creature," Artemis vowed. "And I will return it to Olympus by the winter solstice. It will be the only evidence I need to show the Council of the Gods how much danger we are truly in."

"You know what the monster is?" Percy asked.

Artemis held her bow tight. "I can only pray that I am wrong."

"Can goddesses pray?" Percy asked. Lena smiled lightly at his obliviousness. It was almost endearing to her.

A hint of a smile twitched on the goddess's lips. "Before you two leave, I have a favor to ask of you."

"It doesn't involve getting made into a jackalope, does it?"

"That would be a sight," Magdalena mused. Percy side-eyed her.

Artemis smiled at the girl. "Unfortunately not. I would like for you to escort my Hunters to Camp Half-Blood with you. They will remain there in protection until I return."

"What?" Zoe sputtered. "Artemis, we all despise that place. The last time we were there— "

"I am aware," Artemis said. "But, I am sure Dionysus has not held that grudge for any longer than he should have. It was only a little, ah, misunderstanding. It is your right to stay in Cabin Eight when it is necessary. Besides, I heard that they redesigned the cabins you burned down."

Zoë mumbled something about foolish, distasteful campers.

"We now have one last decision to make." Artemis turned to Bianca. "Have you come to your answer, my girl?"

Bianca faltered. "I— I'm still thinking it over."

"Wait," Percy said. "Thinking over what?"

"They . . . They have asked me to join the Hunt."

"What? No! You can't! You have to go to camp so you can train with Chiron. That's the only way you'll learn how to survive in this world."

"It is not the only way for a girl," Zoë said.

Percy looked absolutely mortified. "Bianca, camp is amazing! We have a Pegasus name and a sword-fighting arena and . . . Well, what do you even gain by going with the Hunters?"

"To start," Zoë said, "immortality."

Percy stared at the girl, then to Artemis. "She's joking, right?"

"Zoë isn't very keen on jokes," Artemis responded. "The Hunters join me on my missions. They are my maidservants, trusted companions, my sisters-in-arms. As soon as they swear their loyalty to me, they become immortal . . . Unless they perish in battle, which is rare. Or they break their oath."

"What oath?" Percy asked.

"To swear off romantic love for eternity," Artemis said. "To never grow old, never be wed. They are a maiden for life."

"Like you?"

Artemis nodded.

Percy couldn't seem to wrap his head around any of what Artemis was saying. "So you just run around the world, scouting half-bloods— "

"More than just half-bloods," Zoë interrupted. "Artemis doesn't discriminate by lineage. Anyone who pledges loyalty to the goddess may become a Hunter. Half-bloods, nymphs, mortals— "

"What are you, then?"

Anger flickered in Zoë's eyes. "If that was thy concern, boy, then thy would know. The truth of the matter is that if Bianca wishes to join, then she may. It is her decision."

"Bianca, this is crazy," Percy said. "What about Nico? He can't come with you."

"No," Artemis said. "He will join you at camp, Percy. I fear that is the best boys can get."

"Hey!" Percy protested.

"You will be able to visit him occasionally," Artemis reassured Bianca. "But you will not be held by the chains of responsibility. Nico will have the counselors at camp to care for him. And you shall be blessed with a new family. Us."

"A new family," Bianca sighed. "No responsibility."

"Bianca, don't do this," Percy argued, almost pleading. "It's insane."

Bianca looked at Zoë. "Is it worth it?"

Zoë nodded. "Yes."

"What must I do?"

"Repeat this," Zoë told her, "'I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis.'"

Bianca said the lines back to her.

"I shall turn my back on a man's company, pledge myself to enteral maidenhood, and begin my Hunt."

Bianca said exactly that. "Nothing else?"

Zoe shook her head. "That is it. If Artemis accepts thy pledge, then it is binding."

"I accept," Artemis confirmed.

The brazier fire grew bright, shining a silver light around the tent. Bianca hadn't changed at all, but she inhaled deeply. "I feel . . . Stronger."

"Welcome, sister," Zoë said warmly.

"Do not forget your oath," Artemis said. "It is your life, now."

Percy felt like a trespasser, and a total failure. He couldn't fathom that he'd gone through so much and come all this way to lose Bianca to some immortal girl group.

"Magdalena," Artemis said, now turning to the girl who had been awfully silent during the entire imitation. "I know you understand that you also have a choice."

Percy felt his heart fall into his stomach. He turned toward the girl beside him, blatantly exploiting the fear on his face. "Wait . . . No."

"Do not interrupt," Zoë glared at Percy, but this time, he didn't care. He didn't care if he got turned into a jackalope. All he could focus on was Magdalena now.

"I know," Lena said softly. She looked torn, Percy could see it in her eyes.

"I know you have seen our letters," Artemis said knowingly. "I have sent several, but without a return back on any of them."

"I have gotten them," Magdalena confirmed, swallowing. "I just . . . I never looked at them."

"Magdalena, you are powerful," Zoë said. "The last time we met, I know thy had debated joining us. I saw it in thy's eyes."

"No," Percy said, now sounding more fretful than ever. He looked like he was on the verge of a total crash out, if Lena was being honest. "No way, Lena. You can't join them. You . . . You can't!"

"She can, dear boy," Artemis corrected him. "And she has come very close before. That is why we have continued to offer her a place here. She would strengthen our forces by tenfold. She has the capabilities of a true Huntress."

Magdalena took a deep breath. It was true, everything Artemis had said. Many years ago, she had come close to joining the Hunters. The last time they had met . . . She almost gave herself up to immortality. She saw herself growing stronger with the Hunters. She saw a different life with them— a family. A family without her adopted father by her side. A place where she could feel like she belonged.

But, then she saw the look on Magnus's face when he realized what she was about to do, and her heart overruled her head. She could never leave her brother behind, no matter how appealing a new life with the Hunters sounded. No matter how much she wished to go with them, Magnus would always come first. He was her true family. Her brother.

"Lena, you could teach me everything you know," Bianca said encouragingly. "You know more than most half-bloods. Artemis told me that herself. You . . . You could help me, and the other Hunters. You could make us stronger."

Artemis nodded. "Magdalena, think of what you are capable of now, then think of what you could become by joining us," she said wisely. "Your strength is hidden within you. I sense it— blocked off and sheltered away. But if you joined me, I could help you to channel that power. I would help you to become stronger than you can ever imagine."

"Lena, please," Percy said, looking at the girl beside him. His tone was desperate. Magdalena couldn't join the Hunters. What about Magnus? Thalia? Annabeth? Even . . . Even him? "Think about everything you'd leave behind. Think about Magnus. You can't leave him behind!"

"Percy, stop," Magdalena said, her voice shaky. Her eyes were staring right into his, and her expression was clear— she already knew everything that he was saying.

"Yes, stop, insolent boy," Zoë snapped.

Percy turned to her with a glare. "Don't tell me— "

"Enough." Artemis raised a hand. "Magdalena, please. What will your decision be?"

Magdalena swallowed. She glanced down at the small wolf at her feet, then to Artemis, Zoë, and Bianca. And finally, her eyes landed on Percy, who was looking at her with a look Lena had only ever seen his eyes when he was fighting a monster— Fear.

"No," Magdalena finally said. "I'm sorry, but my answer is still the same."

  Percy didn't think he'd ever felt more relief in his entire life. His entire body sagged, and he looked at Magdalena with a newfound appreciation. "Oh, thank gods," he breathed out, putting a hand on his chest. He looked like he had just escaped having a heart attack.

  Artemis looked genuinely disappointed, but she nodded. "It is hard leaving behind the ones you love," she admitted. "Even if they are the ones holding you back."

  Magdalena pursed her lips. "I have too much to lose," she said. "I can't abandon them. Especially not now."

  Percy could've sworn Lena looked at him when she said that, but his eyes must've been playing tricks on him.

  Artemis had a whisper of a smile on her face. "I do hope you change your mind, Magdalena Caelestis," she admitted honestly. "Even your father agrees that there is unrevealed power within you. Ancient, universal power."

  Magdalena looked at her, her eyes darker than usual. "When the time is right, I'll learn my capabilities," she said. "But, I don't need the gift of eternal life to discover my true potential."

  Artemis shrugged with reluctance. "I cannot argue that. I'd be lying if I did."

  After a few beats of silence, Bianca looked to Zoë. "What happens now?"

  "I will introduce to the other Hunters," Zoë said. "Follow me."

  They made a move to leave, and Percy suddenly felt the familiar feeling of failure wash over him all at once. He was back at square one again. At least he still had Magdalena— for now, at least. It was difficult to understand how the girl felt about joining the Hunters. Percy couldn't tell how much she really was debating it. That thought lingered in the back of his mind as he watched Bianca Di Angelo leave the tent with Zoë.

  "Do not despair, Percy Jackson," Artemis said. "You'll still be given the chance to show the Di Angelos your beloved camp. And, if it is what Nico desires, he can remain there."

  "Great," Percy said, trying to not sound too surly. "And how are we getting back there?"

  Artemis's eyes closed. "Dawn is near. Zoë, pack up camp. You must reach Long Island with haste. I will call a ride from my brother."

  Zoë didn't seem very pleased about that proposition, but she nodded and beckoned for Bianca to follow her. As she was turning to leave, Bianca stopped next to Percy. "I'm sorry, Percy. But . . . This is what I want. Really, it is."

  Then, just like the wind, she was gone, and Percy and Lena were left standing alone in front of Artemis. Melé whined and bumped his nose against Lena's ankle.

  "So," Percy said flatly. "We're catching a taxi from your brother, then?"

  Artemis's moon-like eyes glinted. "Correct, boy. Bianca Di Angelo is not the only one with an annoying brother. I believe it's time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo."

  ARTEMIS HAD confirmed to the group that Dawn was near, but it was darker than ever, the snow coming down in heaps. Westover Hall's windows were totally blackout, and Magdalena wondered if anybody had even noticed that the Di Angelo's and Dr. Thorn were gone.

  The Hunters packed up camp just as fast at they'd made it. Percy and Lena stood shivering in the cold, while the Hunters made it seem like it was a warm summer day with how unbothered they were. Bianca was off to the side talking to Nico, and by the look on his face, it was clear that she was telling him about her decision to join the Hunt. Magdalena couldn't help but feel bad for Nico— she was the only family he had left, and she was leaving him behind.

  Thalia, Magnus, and Grover all came around Percy and Lena, intrigued to hear about what the goddess had said to them in her tent.

  Percy explained most of it. He made a point to not mention Magdalena turning down their offer, since he figured it was best he didn't mention them offering it to her at all.

  When he was done, Grover looked pale. "The last time the Hunters were at camp, it wasn't very . . . Pleasant."

  "How'd they even end up here?" Percy wondered. "They just appeared out of the blue."

  "And Bianca joined them," Thalia said in disgust. "It's completely Zoë's fault. That conceited, no good— "

  "Can you blame her?" Grover said. "Staying with Artemis forever?" He released a deep sigh.

  Magnus scoffed, an amused smirk on his face. "Think you have a chance?"

  Thalia rolled her eyes. "All you satyrs are obsessed with Artemis. Do you not understand that she doesn't feel the same?"

  "She's just so . . . Into nature," Grover swooned.

  "You're nuts," said Thalia.

  "Nuts and berries," Grover sighed. "Yeah."

  Eventually, the sky began to grow lighter. Artemis rolled her eyes. "About time. My brother is soooo lazy in the wintertime."

  "You're, uh, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asked.

  "For my brother, yes."

  Percy didn't want to overstep his boundaries. Sure, he knew the legends of Apollo— driving a sun chariot through the sky. But he also was aware that the sun was a huge star a zillion miles away in space. He'd gotten used to a couple Greek myths being true, but he didn't really understand how Apollo could drive the sun.

  Maybe he should ask Magnus and Lena. They were stars once, after all. That was also something he couldn't quite wrap his head around still.

  "It isn't what you think," Artemis spoke, like she'd been reading his thoughts.

  "Oh, okay," Percy started to relax. "So he's not going to be pulling up with— "

A burst of brightness suddenly lit up along the horizon. A large blast of warmth.

"Look away," Artemis advised. "Just until he parks."

Parks?

Everybody turned their eyes away. The warmth and light got so intense it felt like Lena's sweater was melting off her arms. Then the light shut off.

When Magdalena opened her eyes, she saw a red Maserati Spyder parked in front of her. The metal on the car was so hot it flowed and had melted the snow around it, which explained why she was now standing on green grass and her boots were dewy.

Apollo exited the vehicle, looking to be around seventeen or eighteen. He had dusty blonde hair and was wearing jeans and a sleeveless T-shirt, a playful smile on his face.

"Geez," Thalia whispered. "Apollo's hot."

"He's the sun god," Percy replied.

"That's not what I meant."

Percy turned to Magdalena, and with the look he saw on her face, he knew she was thinking the same thing as Thalia. Percy scowled.

"Baby sis!" Apollo exclaimed. His teeth were so white, he could've turned them all blind without the Maserati. "How are ya'? You don't call. You don't write. I was starting to worry!"

Artemis heaved a sigh. "I'm just fine, Apollo. And I am not your baby sister."

"I was totally born first."

"We're twins! How many eons are we going to have this argument— "

"So what's the deal?" He cut her off. "I see you've got the girls with you. You guys in need of some archery lessons?"

Artemis huffed. "No. I need your help. I have some hunting to do by myself, and I need you to take my Hunters to Camp Half-Blood."

"No problem, sis!" Then he put his hands up in a stop everything gesture. "Wait. I sense a haiku coming on."

Every Hunter let out a groan. It appeared this wasn't the first time they'd met Apollo.

He cleared his throat and raised a dramatic hand.

"Green grass breaks through snow.
Artemis pleads for my help.
I am so cool."

He grinned at the group, waiting for cheer.

"Your last line had only four syllables," Artemis observed.

Apollo frowned. "It did?"

"Yes. How about I am so big-headed?"

"Mm, no. That would be six syllables. Let me think." He began murmuring to himself.

Zoë Nightshade turned to the group. "Lord Apollo has been experiencing a phase of haiku since his trip to Japan. 'Tis not as dreadful as when he was stuck in Limerick. If I heard another poem that began with, There once was a goddess from Sparta— "

"Got it!" Apollo snapped his fingers. "I am so awesome. That's five syllables!" He took a bow, seemingly very pleased by his words.

"And now, transportation for the Hunters, you're saying? Perfect timing. I was just getting ready to fly."

"You will also be taking these half-bloods," Artemis added, gesturing to the group. "A few of Chiron's campers."

"Sounds good!" Apollo looked them over. "Let's see . . ." His eyes landed on Magnus and Magdalena. "If it isn't my fellow shining stars!"

Magnus waved. "Hey."

Magdalena smiled. "Hello, Lord Apollo."

Apollo shook his head, grinning. "Wow, I can practically taste the atmospheric energy radiating off you little galactic beings. Such a weird thing, going from a burning ball of gas to a regular mortal."

Magnus shrugged. "Feels nice to have legs."

Apollo barked out a cheery laugh, which made Percy jump. "Yeah, it does! I always hate when I'm in my burning ball of gas form. Totally cramps up the calves."

He shook his head, laughing to himself, and the turned his attention towards Magdalena. His glimmering eyes seemed to get brighter, which felt nearly impossible. "Magdalena Caelestis, isn't it? My, my, my, you just keep getting more beautiful every time I see you, don't you?"

Magdalena's cheeks were rosy, but Percy just blamed it on the cold. "Thanks, Lord Apollo."

"Just Apollo's fine," he said, sending her a wink. "You know, I was a bit disappointed when I heard Astraeus's intentions on sending two demigods to Earth instead of one. Not sure if he ever told you, but he had originally intended to make you a goddess, Magdalena, to shine a light on his legacy within Olympus. Magnus was to be the half-blood he sent down as his representative within the mortal world."

Magdalena blinked. She looked like she had a rock stuck in her throat. "He . . . What?"

"Oh, yeah," he said, like they were talking about the weather that day, totally casual. "He was about to until that little prophecy of yours fell into existence." Apollo shrugged. "Guilty as charged. But, can't change fate when it's already written, y'know?"

It was very clear he was talking about something that he definitely shouldn't have been, but Apollo didn't seem to care. His sister, Artemis, on the other hand, looked like she was ready to skewer him with a six-foot long arrow and make an Apollo-kebab out of him.

Magdalena and Magnus both looked like they'd just gotten slapped in the face.

Percy was staring at Magdalena like she'd just grown a third head. She was supposed to be a goddess? Like, an immortal deity? What?

"My sister was going to be a . . . Goddess?" He deadpanned. "And I was going to be the chopped liver thrown down onto earth?"

  "Of course that's the only thing you're concerned about," Thalia muttered.

Apollo disregarded his statement, and was now looking thoughtfully toward Magdalena. "You know, now that I think of it, Astraeus did tell me once that he'd gift me a wife from his own galaxy— "

"Brother," Artemis said, eyeing him harshly. "Stop—talking. You have already said too much."

Apollo rolled his eyes. "Oh, whatever. You're such a rule follower sometimes, you know that? But, I digress."

He looked around the rest of the group, then stopped his eyes landed on Thalia, and his lips quirked up. "Thalia, right?"

Thalia turned red. "Lord Apollo."

Magnus rolled his eyes. "Gross," he muttered. He still looked a little miffed after hearing how his sister was supposed to be a goddess, and he was simply going to be the extra matter tossed down onto earth.

"Zeus's kid, right? Makes us half-siblings. Used to be a tree, but you're back now. I'm glad. I always hate when pretty girls turn into trees. Man, I always think of this one time— "

"Apollo," Artemis interrupted. "You guys best be going."

"Oh, yeah." But then his eyes landed on Percy, and they narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

  "Yes. I mean . . . Yes, sir."

  Apollo studied him, but said nothing, which Percy thought was a little creepy.

  "Anyways!" He finally announced. "Guess we better pack up the car. Only a one way ride— west. And if you miss it, you miss it."

  Magdalena looked back at the two-seated car in confusion. She wasn't sure how all twenty of them were going to pile into the backseat.

  "Cool car," Nico said.

  "Thanks, kiddo," Apollo said.

  "But how exactly are we all fitting in there?"

  "Huh." Apollo just now seemed to notice the issue. "Well, I hate to switch it out of sports-car mode, but I suppose . . . "

  He took his keys out and hit the alarm twice.

  The car turned bright again, but when the light died, there was now a large school bus-style vehicle sitting in the spot where the Maserati was.

  "Hop in, folks." Apollo grinned.

  The Hunters began loading their supplies. Zoë went to grab her pack, and Apollo said, "I got it, sweetheart."

  Zoë recoiled as if she'd been burned. Her eyes flashed murderously.

  "Brother," Artemis said finely. "My Hunters do not need your help. They will not be looked at, spoken to, or flirted with by you. And they will not be called sweetheart."

  Apollo spread his hands. "Forgot. Sorry. Where are you heading to, anyways?"

  "Off hunting," Artemis said. "None of your concern."

  "I'll find out. I see all. Know all."

  Artemis scoffed. "Just get them to camp, will you? And no funny business!"

  "No, no! My business is strictly progressional."

  Artemis shook her head and turned to her lieutenant. "I will return by the winter solstice, Zoë. You are in head command of the Hunters until then. Be strong, and lead as I would."

  Zoë's back straightened. "Yes, my lady."

  Artemis kneeled to the ground and felt the ground, like she was trying to find tracks. She looked troubled when she stood again. "Terrible danger. This beast must be hunted."

  She darted into the woods and melted away in the shadows.

  Apollo jangled the car keys and grinned at them. "Alright," he said. "Who wants to drive?"

  THE HUNTERS all packed themselves in the very back of the bus, as far away as they could be from all of the highly infectious males. Bianca joined them, which left Nico to sit up front with the rest of them. Lena felt sorry for the boy, but he didn't seem to be affected.

  "This is awesome!" Nico exclaimed as he jumped in the driver's seat. "Is this the actual sun? I thought Helios and Selene controlled the sun and moon. Why is it them sometimes then you and Artemis the other times?"

  "Downsizing," Apollo explained. "It started with the Romans. All the temple sacrifices were getting too expensive, so they sacked Helios and Selene and wrote their duties in our job descriptions. I got the sun, my sis got the moon. I was kind of peeved at first, but at least I have this cool car."

  "How does this work?" Nico asked. "The sun is a fiery ball of gas, I thought?"

  Apollo chuckled and ruffled Nico's hair. "That's a rumor that was started because Artemis always used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. It's mostly based on whether you're taking astronomy or philosophy. From an astronomical perspective, well, there's no fun in talking about that! But, how humans view the sun? That's more interesting. Humans have a lot of reliance on it— the sun keeps them warm, raises their crops, powers engines, keeps everything, you know, sunnier. This chariot is comprised of human dreams, kid. It sails across the sky east to west every day, brightening those little mortal lives below. This chariot is a manifestation of the power of the sun, how mortals see it. Makes sense?"

  "No."

  "Well, just think of this as a super powerful and dangerous solar van."

  "Can I drive?"

  "No. Too young."

  "Oo! Me!" Grover raised his hand.

  "Eh, no," Apollo denied. "Too furry."

  His eyes skimmed right past Percy, Magnus, and Magdalena, and planted on Thalia.

  "Lord of the sky's daughter!" He said. "Perfect."

  "Oh, no thanks." Thalia shook her head. "I'll pass."

  "Come on," Apollo said. "You're old enough, aren't you?"

  Thalia faltered. "I'm not sure."

  It was a sad truth. When she was made into a tree, she was twelve, and that was seven years ago. If they were going by years, she should be nineteen. But she still felt like she was twelve, and by her looks, she looked to be somewhere in the middle. Chiron's best assumption was that she'd continued to age in tree form, just slower.

  Apollo looked at her thoughtfully. "You're fifteen, nearly sixteen."

  "How did you know that?"

  "I'm the god of prophecies. I know my stuff. Your sixteenth birthday's in a week or so."

  "My birthday is next week! December twenty-second."

  "That's great news! Means you're at the right age to drive with a learner's permit!"

  Thalia shuffled anxiously. "Um— "

  "I know what you're going to say," Apollo stopped her. "You don't deserve the honor of driving the sun chariot."

  "I wasn't going to say that."

  "Don't worry! It'll be a short trip— Maine to Long Island is hardly a drive. And don't think about the last guy I trained. Zeus is your dad. He would never blast you from the sky."

  Apollo chuckled to himself. Nobody else joined.

  Magdalena let out a shaky breath, leaning back into her seat. Percy just now seemed to notice how clammy she'd gotten.

  "What?" Percy asked.

  Magdalena swallowed. "I'm just . . . not the biggest fan of heights."

  "Really?" Percy asked. He would've thought since she was a star for, like, ever, that heights wouldn't exactly be an issue for her. She had been floating in thousands of miles of empty space for eons. Heights should be her last concern.

  "Weird, I know," Magnus agreed, like he'd thought the same thing Percy was. "I don't have a problem with them, so I don't know where she got it from. It's always been this way, though, ever since we were little. She's always made me take the top bunk in our cabin 'cus of it."

  "I never knew that," Percy said, glancing at Lena, whose hands were trembling. She kept a brave face, but he could tell she was trying to hold off a panic attack by how she was taking slow, shallow breaths.

  "Surprise," Magdalena muttered, her eyes trained on the horizon. Her voice shook a little.

  "Start her up!" Apollo announced to Thalia, who was now sitting in the driver's seat. "You're a natural, I can already tell!"

  "Famous last words," Magnus muttered, gripping the side of his seat, like he was already bracing for impact.

  "Speed and heat work together," Apollo informed. "So start slow, make sure you have the right altitude before you really crank her into action."

  Thalia's grip on the wheel was so tight her knuckles were white. She looked ready to throw up.

  "What's wrong?" Percy asked her.

  "Nothing," she whispered through a tremor. "I'm— I'm good."

Thalia yanked the wheel backward, and the entire bus tilted up so fast Percy was launched backward into something soft.

"Ouch," Grover complained.

"Sorry."

"Easy!" Apollo advised.

"Sorry!" Thalia said. "I've got it handled!"

Magdalena spared a glance out of the window, and she saw a smoking patch of forest from where they'd come from.

"Thalia," Percy said cautiously. "Maybe you should lighten up on the accelerator."

"I've got it, Percy," she snapped. She kept the pedal floored.

"Loosen up," Magnus said.

"I'm loose!" She said hardly.

"You're stiffer than plywood," Magnus said back.

"Shut up!"

"We need to head south toward Long Island," Apollo said. "Shoot left."

Thalia veered the wheel and sent Percy flying back into Magdalena this time, who looked whiter than the snow back in the clearing.

"Sorry," Percy said again.

"No problem," Lena squeaked out, her hands gripping the side of chair so tight it was like they were steel cuffs.

"You good?" Percy asked.

"Nope."

"Oh, okay."

"Perhaps the other left," Apollo suggested to Thalia.

Lena made the mistake of looking out the window again— the bus now at airplane height. They were so high up the sky was turning black.

"Are you going to throw up?" Magnus asked his sister, who was starting to worry him with how shaky she was. "Because if you are, please just do it in the aisle and not on— "

A jolt of turbulence shook his words from his mouth.

"Alright . . . " Apollo sounded like he was forcing himself to seem calm. "A bit lower, dear. Cape Cod is freezing over."

Thalia lurched the wheel forward. The bus made a straight downward pitch, and somebody screamed. It sounded like Magnus. They were now heading straight toward the Atlantic in a free fall, a thousand miles per hour.

Apollo had been flung into the back of the chariot, and was now trying to climb back up the seats.

"Take over!" Grover pleaded.

"Not to worry!" He said, looking very worried. "She just needs a little— WHOA!"

New England was getting lit up below them— small fires like birthday candles were starting to pop up along the little churches and homes. All of the snow melted from the buildings and streets.

Percy felt something grip his hand, and he turned to see Magdalena staring at him, eyes wide in terror. He'd never seen her this way before. It wasn't normal for her to be this terrified of something.

"Pull up!" Percy yelled, keeping his hand locked with Lena's.

Thalia had a wild glare in her eyes. They tilted back into the sky as she pulled the wheel up, and the tiny fires got snuffed out below them by the sudden plume of cold.

Percy and Magdalena both looked at each other, and then the son of Poseidon glanced at their locked hands— which, for the record, Lena had an extremely powerful grip— and then he looked back at her. In any other situation, Percy would've been a flustered mess. But, currently he was too preoccupied with the impending doom of crash-landing and dying to really think about anything else.

"You have a tight grip," Percy commented as they thundered forwards in the death-bus. His voice was tight and breathless.

Magdalena gave him a sharp look. "Don't let go."

Percy shook his head. His hand was cramping, but that was the least of his worries. "Don't think I could, even if I tried," he muttered, referring to her insanely strong hold on him. He could've been knocked to the back of the bus and their hands still wouldn't have budged.

"There!" Apollo announced. "Long Island, dead ahead. Go ahead and lay off the accelerator, dear. 'Dead' is merely an expression."

Camp Half-Blood began to come into view as they flew straight in line for it. The valley, forest, beach . . . All of it was coming into view.

"I've got this," Thalia mumbled. "I've got this."

They were barely a few hundred yards out.

"Brake," Apollo said.

"I'm under control."

"BRAKE!"

Thalia slammed on the brake, and the bus flew forward at a perfect forty-five degree angle, crash-landing into the canoe lake. Steam rose, shooing off all the naiads from the lake with their half-finished wicker baskets.

The bus bubbled up to the surface, a half-dozen burned canoe's following.

"Alas," Apollo said, smiling. "You were correct, sweetheart. You were totally under control! Now, let's go see if we fried anybody, shall we?"

ANNA'S NOTES!
Thalia and Lena both having a fear of heights is so ironic to me I love it

Ok also the way Apollo is just casually revealing insane Magdalena lore when he definitely shouldn't have been is so on brand im sorry 😭 but our girl was about to be a goddesssss cmon now 💆‍♀️