THEY RAN for miles, fear fueling their adrenaline until they couldn't go for longer.

  They figured they'd be safe for moment when they reached a humid cavern filled with waterfalls. In the center of the room was a large drop-off, with only the outskirts of the trench giving them solid ground. The pit went down for miles, darkness being the only thing they could see when they shined their flashlights down it.

  Magdalena slumped in Percy's arms, her breathing heavy and labored as her adrenaline wore off, leaving her with the pain of overexertion instead. Percy's arms tensed as he kept her up, moving to set her down against the stone wall.

  "You shouldn't have done that," he said as he sat her down. Though his voice was soft, it echoed in the dark cave. "You overextended yourself."

  Magdalena shook her head, the rest of the group coming to sit beside her. "Tyson's safe," she said, as if that made everything feel justified. "I'll be fine in a couple of hours."

  Percy's jaw clenched. His arm was still looped around Lena's waist, even now that she was slumped against the wall.

"You won't have the stars to heal you," Annabeth said, kneeling beside the girl. "It's going to take longer for you recover down here."

Magdalena exhaled. "Tyson wouldn't be here if I hadn't done that," she insisted. "I think that's worth a day of exhaustion for me."

Magnus stared at his sister, not saying anything. None of them were shocked by her behavior, but it didn't keep them from growing frustrated by her selfless antics. Her drive to protect her loved ones was constantly putting her in danger, whether that be from over exerting herself, or standing in front of the face of danger like it was an old friend. It was hard to look out for their best friend when she was never looking out for herself.

Briares sniffled, crouching beside one of the waterfalls and splashing himself with the water. "This leads to Tartarus," he said. "A one way ticket. I should jump in there. I'd help you guys more if I did."

"Stop, Briares," Annabeth chided. "You can help us by coming to camp. You have more knowledge about fighting Titans than any of us."

"I have nothing left to give," Briares murmured. "Everything is gone."

"Your brothers are still just as strong as you!" Tyson exclaimed. "We will bring you back to them!"

Briare's shook his head. "They are gone, Cyclopes. They faded."

Tyson's face fell. He looked sadder than he'd ever been before as he gazed into the waterfall.

"They faded?" Percy asked as he slowly removed his arm from around Lena's waist, placing it on her knee instead. That sent shiver's up Lena's spine. "How? Monsters are immortal."

Grover let out a weak sigh. "Monsters have their limits, just as the gods do. Sometimes . . . Immortality fades. When monsters get forgotten, they lose their faith. They lose their will to live."

  Percy knew Grover was thinking about Pan as he said this. He'd never thought about it much before, but he remembered what Medusa had said about how her sisters had left her alone. Then, Apollo had told them now Helios had disappeared, leaving the duties of the sun in his wake. Looking at Briares, Percy couldn't imagine how lonely he must feel— being alone for thousands of years.

  "I cannot stay," Briares said.

  "Briares, we need you!" Tyson pleaded. "Kronos is going to attack camp."

  Briares's face turned even sadder. "No, Cyclopes."

  "You are strong!"

  "Not anymore." Briares stood up.

Percy lightly squeezed Lena's knee, then got up, his eyes flashing. "Walk with me," he told Briares.

He dragged Briares to a corner of the cavern, where the rush of the waterfall wound drown out their words.

Magnus turned to his sister, sitting beside her. "You doing okay?"

Lena nodded, wiping the blood from her face and ears. "I feel fine," she insisted. "Seriously. I've been getting better with my powers. They don't tire me out as much anymore."

Magnus nodded. He knew that, but he still worried for her. She was his sister, after all. He was always going to worry about her.

Annabeth stared at her inquisitively. "I felt that power," she said quietly. "When you hit Kampê, the force sent a shock right through me. It . . . It was strange."

  Magdalena frowned. "I'm sorry."

  Annabeth's eyes narrowed. She whacked Magdalena's arm. "Don't be sorry!" She argued as Lena rubbed her arm. "You saved our lives! It didn't hurt me, Lena. It was just a little . . . "

  "Weird," Magnus finished for her. "It was weird."

  Annabeth exhaled. "Yeah."

  When Percy walked back into the cavern, he was alone. Tyson sobbed.

  "Hey . . . It— it's alright." Grover awkwardly patted Tyson on the arm, which must've taken every ounce of bravery he had.

  Tyson choked. "Not alright, goat boy. Briares was my hero."

  Nobody knew what to do to make him feel better. They all sat there in uncomfortable silence.

  Finally, Annabeth took the initiative and stood up. "We can find a better place than this to sleep. That pit makes me nervous."

  Everybody agreed. Magnus helped Magdalena get to her feet, but not without Lena glaring at him. "Magnus," she scolded. "I'm fine."

  Magnus made a face. "Uh-huh." He poked her chest his finger, and Lena stumbled backward. Magnus grabbed her before she could hit the ground, but not without looking at her knowingly.

  "You're not fine," Magnus stated.

  "You pushed me!"

  "I barely touched you."

  "Magnus— "

  Annabeth turned around, glaring at Magdalena with her stormy gray eyes. "Lena, on every god listening, take the fucking help," she ordered. "Or I'm going to tie you up and drag you through this Labyrinth by your ankles."

  Magdalena's face fell. Even Lena, as stubborn as she was, knew better than to defy Annabeth.

  Percy hesitantly held out his arm for her to grab. He glanced between his arm and Lena's face. "Shall we?" He mused, smirking lightly.

  Magdalena, despite her stubborn drive, reluctantly laced her arm through his, her other hand going to hold his forearm. "Whatever," she muttered, to which Magnus laughed, going to follow behind Annabeth as they trudged deeper into the maze.

AFTER WHAT felt like hours, they came across a vacant room made of white marble. It reminded Annabeth of a Greek tomb, with bronze braziers lining the walls. This was a good sign to her; it meant they were getting closer to Daedalus.

"We'll stop here," she decided. "This is an older part of the maze, which means we're getting close. Try and get some sleep while you can."

Grover didn't need any more reassurance than that. He pulled out a wad of hay from his backpack, ate some of it, then used to rest as a makeshift pillow, knocking out within minutes. Tyson took longer, tinkering with pieces of scrap metal until he finally gave up on it, tossing them to the ground.

"I'm sorry about Briares," Percy told him.

"Don't be, brother," Tyson said. "He is not strong anymore. He is not brave."

"He was just scared," Percy tried to justify. "He just needs time."

Tyson shook his head. "He is not important anymore. He is not my hero."

Tyson's lips trembled, then he rolled over, hiding the large tears that were shedding from his eye. After a moment or so, he began to snore.

Magnus wasted no time in putting his backpack beneath his head and falling asleep, his mouth hanging open as he mumbled incoherently— sleep talking. It was weird trait that only he'd seemed to acquire. Magdalena had first noticed it when they'd gotten to camp and were alone in the Hermes cabin.

"Magnus sleep talks?" Annabeth questioned, staring inquisitively at the boy beside her. Her lips curled into a soft smile. "Cute."

  Percy and Lena looked at her suspiciously. Annabeth turned to them, almost like she remembered that they were in the room with her. Her face dropped. "Not cute," she protested. "I meant . . . "

Percy smirked when Annabeth failed to recover from her slip up. "He's just adorable isn't he?"

Annabeth glared at Percy, hoping the shadows in the room hid the blush on her cheeks. "Don't start that."

Percy's lips twisted higher. "Start what?"

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, glancing between him and Magdalena. Percy's face dropped. He fell silent.

Annabeth was now the one with a smirk on her face. "That's what I thought."

Lena looked between the two of them in confusion, not sure what they were talking about. But, she didn't have it in her to care much. Her head was pounding, and her shoulder throbbed. She'd already put the solvent on the scar before they left, so she'll have until tomorrow before she had to do it again. The mere thought of that filled her with dread.

"Hey," Lena swallowed. "Would you guys mind if I— "

"Yes," Percy and Annabeth said at the same time. They looked at each other weirdly.

  "Lena, you need to rest," Annabeth said. "You exhausted yourself today using your powers, and we still have a long way to go."

  "You made Kampê look like a rag doll," Percy said, glancing over at the girl with a smile. "That's not easy."

  Lena smiled weakly. "Thanks," she said. "But, please, wake me up when it's my turn to take watch. You guys need to sleep too."

  "Yeah, yeah," Annabeth waved her off. "Whatever, Lena."

  "I'm serious."

  "And I'm Percy," Percy pointed to himself. He narrowed his eyes at Lena when she rolled her's. "Sleep, Sunshine."

  Magdalena sighed, reluctantly nodding her head. She laid down on her backpack, and within seconds, she fell asleep.

  "THERE ISN'T much time left," Reyna said as she stared down at the piles of scrolls that were littered across the table. "The storm on Mount Othrys is getting worse by the day. The attacks are getting more frequent here. We need to do something."

  Jason sat across from her at the table, lips pursed and eyebrows furrowed. "We have a year," he said. "At best."

  "A year?" Reyna retorted, staring wildly at him. "We just had an army of hellhounds attack our fleets last week. Mount Othrys's rise has doubled since winter. We have a month at best— "

  "Saturn is still weak," Jason interrupted. "And Krios is undefended upon Mount Othrys. Their army is still recruiting, seeking out the minor gods and bringing back monsters from Tartarus. That takes time, Reyna. They won't attack us until they're fully equipped to handle our forces."

  Reyna shook her head, her jaw clenched. "It doesn't make any sense," she said hardly. "If Krios is undefended, why shouldn't we strike now? Kill Krios, take Mount Othrys and end this war."

  "Do you really think our legion is ready to fight a fully armed Titan?" Jason asked, crossing his arms. "Just because Krios isn't backed by an army doesn't mean he's easier to beat. He's a Titan, Rey. We stand no chance against him in our current state."

  "Our legion is ready to fight," Reyna argued, standing up from the table. Her glossy black hair whipped around angrily in its braid. Her obsidian eyes glowed with dark rage. "They've been preparing for this war for a year now. We're sitting ducks in this camp, Jason! We need to do something!"

  "We just recovered from our last attack on camp," Jason said, rising up from his chair. "We lost twelve legionaries just from a fleet of hellhounds! How many do you think we'll lose if we stand up against one of the strongest Titans walking this earth currently?"

  Reyna didn't respond, her jaw shaking in frustration. With a sharp breath, she slumped back into her chair, putting her head in her hand.

  Jason's adrenaline fizzled out, and he went to sit beside Reyna, his eyes softening. "We're going to be fine, Reyna," he reassured. "Our legion isn't ready yet, but we will be. When the time comes where we need to put an end to this war, we will succeed. We just need more time."

  Reyna rubbed her temple with her fingers, her eyes peeling open. The stress of this war had been taking a harsh toll on the girl ever since the first attack had penetrated Camp Jupiter. Nobody had seen it coming. Nobody was prepared. It had happened in the dead of night, and they'd lost a third of their legion because of it. She wasn't going to let that happen again.

  "I'm just . . . " Reyna swallowed. "I'm scared, Jason. Magnus and Maggie have been M.I.A since your last quest. Half of our legion isn't strong enough to fight even something as small as a dracaena." She shook her head. "I'm worried we're not going to win this war."

  Jason sighed, leaning back in his seat. "I've been sending signals out to them for weeks," he said quietly. "Usually they listen to them. But, ever since Maggie's incident . . . " Jason swallowed. "I haven't heard anything from either."

  "Where could they be?" Reyna asked, staring hardly at the wall across from her. "They know of the pressure we've been under this past year. They . . . They've helped win most of our battles. We need them. We really, really need them. Why did they choose to disappear now?"

  Jason bit the inside of his cheek. "I don't know," he said quietly. "There's something . . . Different about them." He glanced at Reyna. "Haven't you noticed?"

  Reyna pursed her lips, her eyes gazing down onto the glossy wood of her desk. "Yes," she admitted. "They fight differently than we do. At least, at first they did. And . . . The power they possess . . . It's ancient. It's dangerous."

  Jason furrowed his eyebrows. "Dangerous?"

  Reyna nodded. "I've heard whispers of an old prophecy," she said, her eyes glazing over. "Sometimes, I listen in on Octavian's sermons in the augury. And . . . I've heard him talking about something. A prophecy— written in the universe. Something that will change the fate of our world. And . . . "

  Reyna suddenly stopped, shaking her head. "No," she said hardly. "It can't be. It's a ridiculous thought."

  "Tell me," Jason urged. "Octavian may be the biggest idiot I've ever met, but his sermons are true. What as he been saying?"

  Reyna clenched her jaw. "I can't."

  Jason stared at her. "Why not?" He demanded. "You can't just start saying something about the fate of our world changing forever, and then decide to just keep it to yourself."

  "I can, and I will," Reyna said sternly, rising from her chair. "I won't test my fate with ancient power. Whatever's being prophesied by the universe, it's not meant for our ears. At least, not yet. If our fate is written in the stars, then we shall find out what it means soon enough."

  Jason inhaled sharply, cracking his neck as he stood up alongside Reyna. "I hate when you do that, you know."

  Reyna glared at him. "Do what?"

  "Keep information from me," he said. "You think just because our ranked higher than I am that I'm of lesser importance."

  "That's not true."

  "It is," Jason snapped. "If Magnus and Maggie were here, they'd agree with me. The only person I've ever seen you confide into is Maggie, but even she knows you hide it from the rest of us."

  "They're not here, Jason," Reyna snapped back, her eyes flashing with anger. "Don't you remember that? Our best friends aren't here when we need them most! And, have you ever thought about the fact that maybe I'm not telling you things to protect you?"

  "I don't need your protection, Reyna," Jason sneered. "I've been at this camp longer than you by eight years! I know I'm doing!" He took a shaky breath. "I trust you with my life. Why can't you do the same?"

  Reyna stared at him. When she about to respond, distant yells began to echo across the valley. The sound of war bells began to chime, and one of the legionaries came bursting into the Praetoria.

  "A fleet of dracaenae just breeched the Tiber!" He announced breathlessly, fear radiating in his eyes. "We need to seal the camp!"

  Reyna and Jason both turned to each other, eyes hardened and faces steeled. Despite the previous argument they'd been having, they knew their disagreement would have to wait. They needed to come together in this moment.

  "Get the cohorts assembled," Reyna ordered to the legionnaire. "Organize ranks, and get us ready for battle."

  "Yes, praetor Reyna!"

  He raced off, and just moments after, Jason and Reyna followed, unsheathing their weapons for battle.

  EVERYBODY WOKE up around the same time, assuming it was morning, but none of them knew for sure, considering there was no sunlight. They continued on after eating granola bards and juice boxes for breakfast. Magdalena felt a little shaky after her dream, and wanted to tell Magnus about it, but there would never be a good time to with everybody else around.

  As they walked, the walls changed from old stone into dirt with wooden beams staked inside of the soil. Annabeth huffed with irritation.

  "Why are they dirt?" She muttered to herself. "They should still be stone."
 
  They reached a cavern with stalactites hanging low from the top. There was a dug-up pit in the center of the dirt floor, like a grave.

  Grover looked around anxiously. "This place smells like the dead."

  Percy's eyes closed in on a foil wrapper at the bottom of the pit. He put his flashlight on it, showing a half-eaten cheeseburger sitting in a pool of brown, mushy dirt.

  "Nico," Lena said grimly. "He's been summoning the dead."

  Tyson stared nervously at the cheeseburger. "Ghosts are scary. They have been here."

  "This means he's close," Percy said, a newfound sense of urgency fueling him. "We need to find him."

  Percy started to run.

"Percy!" Magdalena called incredulously, racing after him.

Percy was standing underneath a set of bars when the rest of the group caught up to him. Sunlight peaked through the cracks of a metal grate, blue sky and large oak trees partially visible.

"Percy, don't do that," Lena scolded, punching his arm.

Percy took the punch without argument, staring in wonder at the grate. "Where are we?"

Then, a cow blocked the sun, and looked down at them. It seemed normal, except for the fact that it was bright red.

"I didn't know cows came in that color," Magnus said.

"Oh," Grover blinked as the cow raked its hoof against the steel, then backed away. "It's a cattle guard."

"What?" Percy asked.

"Farmers put them on ranch gates so the cows doesn't escape. They can't walk over them."

Percy frowned. "Didn't Hera say we'd have to get through the ranch?"

Annabeth nodded.

"Then we'd better check it out. Nico could be here."

Annabeth looked reluctant. "I . . . Yeah, you're right. How do we get up there?"

Tyson answered her question by slamming his palms into the grate, knocking it out of the sight. There was a distant SMACK! And a startled Moo!

Tyson looked embarrassed. "Sorry, cow!"

Tyson helped them out of the Labyrinth, the group looking at their surroundings. It was definitely a ranch— with hills outlining the horizon, and miles of trees and boulders. Cherry-colored cows milled around the field, munching on grass and basking in the sun.

"Red cattle," Magdalena said. "The cattle of the sun."

"What?" Percy asked.

"They're Apollo's sacred animals."

"Holy cows?"

"Yes. But they shouldn't be here— "

"Shhh," Grover said. "Do you hear that?"

The wind howled distantly, but then they heard the sound of dogs barking in the distance. Within seconds, a two-headed dog broke through the brush, coming full steam at them. It was huge— two sleek brown heads braking through its neck, snarling and barking.

  "Bad Janus dog!" Tyson yelped, ducking behind Grover.

  "Arf!" Grover saluted, smiling at the dog with a wave.

  The dog couldn't care less about Grover's ability to speak two-headed dog, as it only barked louder. Then, its owner came bustling from the trees.

  A big guy with white, thick hair, a braided beard, and a cowboy hat approached them. He had bell bottom jeans and a shirt that said DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS, with a sleeveless-denim jacket to announce his thick arms. Slung across his shoulder was a bat the size of a military grade torpedo, with foot-long spearheads jutting out the front.

  "Down, Orthus," he barked.

  Orthus sent them one last warning bark, then went obediently to the farmer's side. The man looked at all of them skeptically, his hand messing with his club.

  "What dragged you guys here?" He asked. "You cattle rustlers?"

  "Travelers," Annabeth said. "We were led here on a quest."

  The man grunted. "Ah, half-bloods, then?"

  Percy furrowed his eyebrows. "How'd you know— "

  Magdalena stopped him, putting a hand on his arm. "I'm Magdalena, daughter of Astraeus. This is my brother, Magnus. Percy, son of Poseidon. Annabeth, daughter of Athena. Grover the satyr. And Tyson— "

A Cyclops," the farmer said. "I can tell." He glared at Percy. "I know you lot are half-bloods because I'm one, kid. My name's Eurytion. I'm the cowherd at this ranch. Son of Ares. You kids are from the Labyrinth, aren't? Just like the first one."

"The first one?" Percy asked. "You mean Nico Di Angelo?"

"Could be," Eurytion grunted. "We get lots of demigods passing through here from the maze. Not many escape with their heads."

Magnus scoffed. "Gee. I feel welcome."

Eurytion leaned in close, his voice dropping. "Look, you lot. I'm gonna say this one time— get out of here. Go back into your maze and don't turn back. You don't want to stay here."

"We need to see this other half-blood," Annabeth said with finality. "We're staying here."

The cowherd raised his eyebrows. "Don't say I didn't warn you, then. If you won't leave, then I'm gonna have to take you to see the boss."

  EURYTION LED them down a long stone-pathway that stretched for miles. They didn't feel like prisoners, but none of them dared test Eurytion, especially with that spiky club he kept hoisted over his shoulder.

  The heat radiated off the ground in waves, flies buzzing around them and sweat dripping down almost all of their faces. As they walked, they passed by a multitude of weird animals— a pen with a fence lined in asbestos, fire-breathing horses, herds of the bright red cows they'd been earlier.

  "What are they for?" Percy asked as he observed one of the fire-breathing horses. Even the hay they chewed on was in flames.

  Eurytion huffed. "These animals are raised for our clients. Apollo, Diomedes, and . . . Others."

  "Who else?"

  "Quit asking questions."

  Eventually, they broke through the woods into a large clearing, a large white-wood house perched on the top of a small hill. It looked just like a regular house, but it seemed like just the place where demigods could get into a lot of trouble.

  As they walked up the hill, Eurytion glared harshly at the group. "You kids better stay in line. No weapons. No fighting. And no comments on the boss's appearance."

  "What's wrong with him?" Percy asked.

  Eurytion made a face. "You'll see."

They walked up the steps to the porch, and a voice called, "Welcome to Triple G Ranch!"

  The new man waiting for them looked pretty normal, which was relieving. He had brown, weathered skin from sun-exposure, and oily black hair that was slicked back behind his head. He smiled at them, but it wasn't anymore close to friendly. It was more like, oh, yes! I'm so excited to torture you!

  But, his normalcy ended when they saw his lower body. Or, more specially, bodies. Three chests jutted out from his neck, the two on the sides extending from his shoulders, while the one in the center stayed connected to the neck. He only had two arms, one growing out from each side, and every chest connected into a single large torso in the middle. Each chest had a different colored shirt, and he had on a size XXXXXL pair of Levi's to hide his huge legs.

  Eurytion elbowed Percy in the back, sending him forwards a couple feet. "Say hi to Mr. Geryon."

  "Hi," Percy greeted. "Nice chests— I mean, ranch! What a beautiful ranch you've got here."

  "Smooth," Lena muttered, glaring at Percy.

  Geryon opened his mouth, but couldn't get any words out as Nico Di Angelo came marching out from the house. "Geryon, I don't have time— "

  He stopped short when he saw them. He drew his weapon— a sleek, black, stygian iron blade. It glinted in the hot sun.

  Geryon knocked Nico's sword aside as soon as he drew it. "Get that outta here, Mr. Di Angelo. You follow my rules when you're a guest 'n my house."

  "But that's— "

  "Percy Jackson," Geryon said. "Annabeth Chase. Magdalena Caelestis. Magnus Arcturus. And their little posey of monster-buddies. I'm aware."

   Grover crossed his arms in offense. "Monster buddies?"

  "They killed my sister!" Nico's entire body shook with rage. "They tracked me down here to kill me!"

  "Nico, we don't want to kill you." Percy's hands raised in defense. "Bianca died because of— "

  "Get her name out of your mouth! You have no right to speak of her!"

  "Hold on." Annabeth turned to Geryon. "How'd you know who we were?"

  Geryon smirked. "You think I just sit around here, mindin' my business? No, sweetheart. I make sure to keep my tabs on what's happenin' in our world. Everyone always needs something from me when they stroll in here. And, Mr. Di Angelo, you'd better sheath that sword of yours before I have Eurytion take it out of your grimy hands."

  Eurytion didn't look pleased, but he hefted his club, raising an eyebrow at the boy.

  Nico's jaw clenched. He looked almost sickly. His black clothes hung off his frail body, and his face was gaunt and pale. His eyes sparkled with pure hate, any shred of innocence gone. Magdalena felt nothing but guilt as she stared at the boy in front of her, who used to be full of light and innocence.

  Finally, he put his sword away. He stared at Percy with his dark, empty eyes. "If you even step a foot near me, Percy, you're dead. And trust me, you don't want to meet my helpers."

  "I believe you," Percy said.

  Geryon chuckled, slapping Nico on the shoulder. His entire body jolted forward at the motion. "Good job, Di Angelo. We've all settled our differences for now. I believe now it's time we take a little tour of the ranch!"

"I AM not getting in that thing."

Geryon had led them to a trolley parked at the far end of the houses yard— the type of thing little kids rode at the fair. It was painted with an assortment of horribly-depicted zoo animals and cow-print pattern. It was so bad, Magdalena didn't even think Dionysus would wear it.

"No choice, missy," Eurytion grunted. He stared down at Magdalena, who was standing in front of the trolley with her arms crossed. "You either get in, or you get thrown in the stables 'til we get back."

"I'll take the stables."

Eurytion blinked. "That wasn't really an option. Usually, everyone ends up picking the trolley when given the other choice."

"There's a first for everything," Lena said, sending the cowherd a fake smile.

The cowherd narrowed his eyes at her. "I'd suggest you listen to me while I'm being nice," he glowered. "You don't want me to get Geryon over here, do you?"

Lena rolled her eyes. "Why can't I just wait here?"

"Because that's the rules," Eurytion said hardly. "That trolley isn't going to lead you off a cliff-edge."

"So you say," Lena said, arching an eyebrow.

"Lena, oh, my gods," Percy exasperated, walking over to where he saw Lena and Eurytion in a stand-off across from the train. "It's a fucking trolley. It doesn't hit over five miles per hour. Just get in."

"I don't trust it," she stated, stubbornly crossing her arms.

"Do you trust me?" Percy asked.

Lena rolled her eyes. That was a stupid question. "Of course."

"So trust me when I say that this trolley is nothing but a waste of money, and an excuse for Geryon to sit on his ass while he shows us his ranch."

Eurytion grunted, which might've been a laugh, but Percy wasn't sure. The guy mostly spoke in grunt, anyway.

Lena sighed, glaring indignantly at the trolley. "Fine," she said. She pointed a finger around Eurytion, narrowing her eyes at him. "But I'm on to you."

The cowherd shrugged. "By all means."

He walked off toward the train, leaving Percy and Magdalena to trail behind him, Percy having to drag the girl by her arm.

"Why are you being so stubborn?" Percy asked as they sat down in one of the center carts, their bodies pressing against each other due to the lack of space. "The guy hasn't even tried to kill us, yet."

Magdalena's eyes scanned the ranch warily as the moo-mobile began to roll forward. "Something isn't right, here," she said. "These animals aren't meant to be captivity. Apollo wouldn't keep his sacred animal here of all places, especially."

"No shit something's wrong here," Percy said, as if it were an obvious fact. "But we need to stay with Nico. We need to try and help him."

"We can't help him if we're all dead," Lena said, giving Percy a look.

Percy shook his head. He put his arm around the back of Lena's seat in order to make better use of the small space they were in. "You're such a pessimist, lately," he said, nudging her shoulder with the hand that was behind her. "What's gotten into you?"

Lena glared at the front of the car uncomfortably. "Just trying to be realistic," was all she said, which bothered Percy. Once again, she was hiding something from him.

"Our ranch here is one of the biggest operations our world's got to offer!" Geryon boasted from the front. "We've got all kinds of exotic beasts around here."

The moo-mobile lurched around a bend and Annabeth gasped from in front of them, where her and Magnus were occupying the cart ahead of them. "I thought the Hippalektryons went extinct!"

At the bottom of the hill, there was a high-fenced pasture filled with animals that Lena had never seen before. They were horse on the top, and the rooster on the bottom. They had huge yellow claws for feet, and every time they stepped forward, the ground rumbled a little.

  "Rooster ponies!" Tyson geeked. "Do they lay eggs?"

  "Once a year!" Geryon grinned. "Makes them in high demand for omelets!"

  "What?" Annabeth said, appalled. "That's awful! That's an endangered species, you should be preserving them!"

  Geryon shook her words off. "The money they make is worth their endangerment, darling. And, if you've had a taste of their omelettes, you would agree."

  Annabeth gave him a sour look, and Magnus nudged her with his shoulder. "Easy," he mumbled.

  "Over here, as you've might've already seen, we have our fire-breathing horses," Geryon said. "Naturally, they're harvested for war."

  "What war?" Percy asked.

  Geryon chuckled despicably. "Whichever one offers me the most, kid. And, over the hill, we have our prized red cows."

  Over to the right, there were hundreds of the scared sun-cows milling around in the field.

  "There's so many!" Grover exclaimed.

  Geryon grunted. "Apollo's too busy to care for them," he elaborated. "So, he leases them to our ranch. Due to the high demand of them, we are in a constant breeding cycle."

  "Where's the demand coming from?" Percy asked.

  "Armies gotta eat somehow," Geryon supplied.

  "That's barbaric!" Grover protested. "They're sacred animals, and you're slaughtering them for meat?"

  "Settle down, satyr. They're just cows."

  "Yeah, worthy animals!"

  "Indeed. And they give worthy meat, as well." Geryon shrugged. "Besides, if Apollo had any say against it, he'd let us know."

  "If he knew," Magdalena argued, sitting up. Her eyes flared with anger.

  Percy pushed her back into her seat, keeping his hand on her shoulder from behind. "Cool it," he muttered.

  "This is ridiculous, Percy," Lena said in quiet frustration. "This man is breeding and holding these sacred animals captive!"

  Nico shook his head. "This is all stupid, Geryon. I don't have time to look at your precious animals. You told me we'd discuss business!"

  "Patience is a virtue, Mr. Di Angelo. Please, look over at my collection of exotic game."

  The field was lined with barbed wire. Inside, the field was flooded with giant scorpions.

  "Triple G Ranch," Percy realized. "You're the one Quintus got the scorpions from."

  "Quintus," Geryon pondered. "Swordsman? Kinda scruffy?"

  "Yeah."

  "Don't know him." Geryon said. "Moving on! We have our prized stables! My greatest work."

  Lena didn't even have to see them before she could already smell them. Along the river bank, a corral the length of a football field was filled with horses. Over a hundred horses walked through muck— muck standing for horse poop. It was probably the most disturbing thing Lena had ever seen. The horses' legs were covered in it, and the stables reeked even worse.

  Even Nico gagged. "What is that?"

  "My stables!" Geryon praised. "Technically, they are Aegis's, but he pays us monthly to keep watch over them. Aren't they gorgeous?"

  "This is disgusting!" Annabeth exclaimed.

  "I think I'm going to throw up," Magnus said, his hand clamped over his mouth.

  Lena stared in silent horror at the scene in front of her. Percy looked just as disgusted, turning to her, appalled. He was starting to wish he'd taken her side in staying behind.

  "Very poopy," Tyson commented.

  "This is inhumane!" Grover cried. "You can't keep animals in that!"

  "Y'all startin' to bother me," Geryon said. "These are no regular horses. They're flesh-eating. These are their preferred conditions!"

  "And, you're too much of a cheap stake to get them cleaned," Eurytion mumbled from the back.

  "Hush!" Geryon barked. "I'll admit, the stables are a bit difficult to maintain. Maybe they make me a little queasy when the wind blows a certain way. But who cares? My clients supply me well for them."

  "Who are your clients?" Percy demanded.

  "You'd be shocked at the amount of people willing to purchase a flesh-eating horse. They're fantastic at scaring your enemies away. Great a birthday parties! They're rented out almost every week."

  "You're a monster," Annabeth deducted.

  Geryon halted the trolley to turn to her. "What gave it away? The three chests?"

  "You need to free these animals," Grover said. "They're miserable here!"

  "You work for Kronos, don't you?" Magnus asked. "That's your client. You give his army whatever they want."

  "I'm a businessman, young man," Geryon said. "I work for whoever pays me best. Whatever they ask of me, I give them."

Geryon got out and walked along the fence, like he was basking in the fresh air.

Nico marched over to Geryon angrily, Eurytion following behind him with his club.

"I didn't come here for a tour," Nico snapped. "I came for business, and you haven't answered me."

"Right." Geryon snapped a cactus out of the ground and scratched his right chest with it. "You'll get a deal, Mr. Di Angelo. That is for sure."

"My ghost said you'd help me. You could guide us to the soul we need."

"Wait," Percy said. "I thought you were looking for me?"

Nico gave him a nasty look. "You? Why in Hades would I ever want you? Your soul is worthless compared to Bianca's! Now, will you help me or not, Geryon?"

"Oh, I certainty could," he mused. "Speaking of, where is that ghost friend of yours, anyway?"

Nico faltered. "It's difficult for him appear in daylight. He's around here somewhere."

Geryon chuckled. "Of course. Minos does like to disappear when things get . . . Testy, doesn't he?"

"Minos?" Percy said. "That's the ghost you've been talking to you? That evil king?"

"None of this involves you, Percy!" Nico snapped, turning back to the rancher. "What do you mean about things getting testy?"

Geryon exhaled. "Here's the thing, Nico— can I call you Nico?"

"No."

"The thing is, Nico. You want my help, but Luke Castellan has raised a high offer for half-bloods. More specially, powerful half-bloods. And I am sure that price will only rise when he discovers your little, ah, secret."

Nico raised his weapon, but Eurytion hit it away with his club. Percy attempted to get up, but Orthus pounced on him, his face growling inches from Percy's.

Magdalena yelped, but she didn't dare move for her weapon.

"Every single one of you better sit tight," Geryon warned. "Unless you want Orthus to rip Mr. Jackson's throat out and eat it for lunch. Now, Eurytion, please secure this restless boy."

Eurytion looked up lazily. "Do I have to?"

"Yes, you fool!"

  Eurytion rolled his eyes, but he took Nico into his chest and hefted him up with one arm like a wrestler.

  "Take his sword, too," Geryon snarled. "There ain't nothin' I hate more than Stygian Iron."

  Eurytion grabbed Nico's sword, making sure not to touch the blade.

  "Alright," Eurytion said happily, "the tour's complete. Let's head back to the house, have some burgers, and send a nice Iris-message to Luke Castellan."

  "You're sick," Magnus said.

  Geryon smiled at him. "Calm yourself, boy. I'm only interested in delivering Mr. Di Angelo to the Titan army. Once that is done, your party is free to go. I don't interfere with quests, and I have been paid a heavy sum to grant you safe passage. Unfortunately, that does not include Mr. Di Angelo."

  "Who paid you?" Annabeth asked.

  "Doesn't concern you, dear. Now, we best be off!"

  "Wait!" Percy said, to which Orthus snarled. Percy stayed as still as stone to make sure his throat stayed in his body. "You're a businessman, aren't you? Let's strike a deal."

  Geryon stared inquisitively at him. "You have gold, boy?"

  "No, but I can barter."

"You've got nothing to your name, Mr. Jackson."

  "You could make him clean the stables," Eurytion suggested innocently.

  "I'll do it!" Percy said. "If I can't do it, you keep all of us. Give us all to Luke. You'll be rich."

  "Assuming you're not devoured by the horses," Geryon added.

  "Live or die, you still get my friends," Percy said. "But if I do it, all of us get to leave. Nico included."

  "No!" Nico snapped. "Stop trying to help me, Percy! I don't want it!"

  Geryon shook his head, laughing softly. "Percy Jackson, those stables have been rotting for a thousand years . . . But, you raise a good deal. With all the poop  cleared, I could sell more stable space."

  "Exactly. What's there to lose?"

  Geryon thought over this, before nodding. "All right, you've got a deal. But you need to be back by sunset. If you're too late, or if you fail, you lose your friends, and I become a rich man."

  "Deal."

  Geryon nodded curtly. "Your friends will stay with me at the lodge. We'll wait for you there."

  Eurytion glanced at Percy weirdly. Then, he whistled, and Orthus leapt off of Percy and onto Magdalena's lap. She stifled a yelp, but Percy knew Annabeth and Magnus wouldn't dare try anything as long as Lena was held hostage.

  Percy hopped out of the trolley, but Lena grabbed his hand, stopping him.

  "I hope you know what you're doing," she said quietly.

  Percy glanced at their hands, then at Lena's face. He squeezed her hand. "I hope so, too."

  Magdalena stared at him, then let his hand go. Geryon got back behind the wheel while Eurytion hauled Nico back into their seat.

  "Remember, Mr. Jackson," Geryon called. "Sunset. No later."

  Then, he sent Percy a final laugh, and went back down the trolley track toward the house.

BEING TIED up was one thing, but getting pummeled on the back with a spiked club was worse.

Now, Lena can't say that she wasn't asking for it, but, damn, it hurt like a bitch.

With her hands restrained behind her back, Lena had suddenly got an idea. It was completely stupid, and she'd probably regret it later, but she was working off pure adrenaline and drive to save her friends. She focused, and slowly, her hands began to illuminate, her body shielding the light as the rope that was bounding her wrists began to burn, the highly-flammable string beginning to seer against her skin.

Magnus noticed her doing this, and his eyes narrowed. "Lena, stop," he hissed. "He's going to notice."

"No he won't," she said, glancing over where Geryon had his back turned to them, mindlessly flipping burgers on his grill. "The smell blends in with the smoke."

Annabeth watched her warily. "You're burning yourself," she whispered, her eyes flared in worry. "You can't wield a sword with your wrists like that."

Lena winced as she felt the heat from the light singing the rope begin to seer into her flesh. She clenched her jaw, her eyes squeezed shut as the smell of charred skin began to flood into her nose, a strong burning sensation exploding in her wrists.

"Lena, you can't fight him alone," Magnus said under his breath. "He'll kill you before you can even stand. Don't do it."

Lena whimpered as the fire cut further into her wrists, but she could feel the rope beginning to give out. After a few more seconds of silent suffering, she yanked at the restraints, and they broke into pieces of burnt rope, falling into a pile behind her back. Lena released a shaky breath as tears pricked at her eyes, lifting up her wrists. Where the rope had been cutting into her skin were deep, open burns that peeled away the top layer of her skin. It was hot, red, and bloody, but she didn't care.

Nico watched the girl curiously as she sat still, her eyes narrowed on where Geryon was humming to himself by the grill. Eurytion was sitting across the room, his hat pulled over his eyes while Orthus snored beside him. Magdalena knew she only had seconds before they saw her, which is why she needed to act fast.

Lena reached into her waistband, taking out the small golden dagger that she kept on her for emergencies, and slid over to where Annabeth was sitting, Grover and Tyson both watching her nervously. None of them dared say a word as Lena began to furiously cut at the ropes. Every single heart in the room raced with fear.

"When I free you guys, run toward the Labyrinth," Lena said under her breath. "I'll find Percy, and we can— "

"And . . . what do you think you're doing?"

Lena froze, the fiery pain in her wrists dulling as fear struck through her, turning her blood into ice. She turned, seeing Geryon standing overtop of her, his three chests towering over her crouched body. He smirked down at her.

"Trying to escape?" Geryon mused, a hot metal pitchfork gripped in his right hand. Lena wondered if that's what he'd been using to flip the burgers, considering it was the size of lawn rake.

"Run," Annabeth whispered, her eyes wide. Her restraints were weak. If Lena managed to find Percy, Annabeth could free herself and everyone else, and they might have a chance to escape. But Magdalena needed to run. "Now."

Magdalena stared at Geryon, waiting for his next move. Geryon matched her stare, his eyes shining with challenge. Her wrists burned, and her stomach was churning in fear. Her eyes flitted to the pitchfork in the rancher's hand, then back at him.

And within a second, Lena jumped up from the ground and bolted past Geryon.

Geryon laughed, watching as the girl ran toward the front door. "Run, my dear! See how far you make it!"

At the sound of the commotion, Eurytion sat up, watching as Magdalena sprinted right toward him. Orthus's head perked, and he started to growl. The cowherd put a hand out, waiting to see what would happen.

"Eurytion, get her!" Geryon snapped from inside the house.

Eurytion sat there, unmoving. "Why should I?" He grumbled. "She's your captive."

At this point, Lena had already breached the entrance to the house and was sprinting out toward the fields. Eurytion had seconds before she was too far gone for him to get her.

"I'll send you straight to Tartarus, you fool!" Geryon snarled. "Get that stupid girl!"

Eurytion still didn't move, but he clenched his fists, and shook his head. "Gods damn it," he muttered, and he hefted his club. "Orthus, get her."

Orthus barked, and he boosted himself off his hind legs, dead sprinting towards where Magdalena had disappeared farther into the thick grass that led to the stables. It only took seconds before there was a quiet yelp, and the sound of a body hitting the ground.

Eurytion trudged over to where Orthus had gone, seeing the dog pounced on top of Magdalena, his claws digging into her shoulder as he snarled in her face. Her breathing was heavy, and she looked over at the cowherd in desperation.

"Eurytion, please," she whimpered. "You know he's going to kill us. Whether Percy succeeds or not."

Eurytion's jaw clenched, and he stared down at the girl. "Orthus, heel," he ordered. The dog let out one more growl, then stepped off the girl, sitting obediently at his master's side.

Eurytion crouched beside Magdalena. "Don't make me hurt you," he said lowly. "Y'know I don't want to do that."

"Then help me," Lena insisted. Her shoulders were bleeding— Orthus's claws had dug too deep into her skin. "Help us."

"I can't," the cowherd said hardly, reaching down to take Lena by the arm, dragging her to her feet. "The boss does whatever he pleases. I can't change that."

"Yes you can," Lena said, her voice shaky. "You can come with us, Eurytion. Do you really want to be stuck on this farm forever?"

"I don't have another choice, Magdalena," Eurytion growled, gripping her arm tight. "Now, I'm going to take you back, and you'd better stay in line this time. Geryon doesn't believe in second chances, but you're an exception. There's gold on the line for you."

Eurytion trudged forward, but Magdalena ripped her arm out of his grip in a final attempt to escape. Only this time, she didn't make it far.

Eurytion shook his head, and before Lena even made it five feet from him, the cowherd slammed his club against Lena's back, the spikes raking across the skin of the back. Magdalena cried out, landing on her knees in the grass, her body trembling.

Eurytion walked back over to her. "I told you not to do that," he snarled, getting her on her feet. He held her up as she struggled to stay balanced. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"And yet, you did anyway," Lena strained out, feeling blood begin to trail down her back. The fabric of her shirt was ripped to shreds. "You're a coward, Eurytion."

  Eurytion grunted as he dragged the girl back toward the house. "Maybe," he said quietly. "But there ain't nothin' I can do about it. I'm stuck here, girl. Forever."

  Magdalena looked up at him. "What?"

  Eurytion shook his head. "You don't get it. You don't need to. Y'all will be gone soon enough."

  Magdalena went silent, accepting brutal defeat. Her wrists were seething with pain, and her back felt the same. But none of it was worth it. She'd tried to help her friends, but she'd failed. And now, they were all going to die because of it.

  PERCY COULD smell barbecue before he'd even gotten to the lodge, but that upset him even more. He loved barbecue.

  The entire porch was set for a party. There were steamers and decorative plates set along the picnic benches. Geryon happily flipped burgers and hot dogs on a huge grill. Eurytion sat at one of the tables, staring angrily at his hands as he picked dirt from his nails with his knife. Orthus curiously sniffed the grilled food as it was being made. But that's when he saw his friends: Tyson, Grover, Magnus, Annabeth, and Nico, tied up in the corner. Their mouths were gagged.

  But, where his anger really vamped up was when he saw Magdalena chained to a pillar in the middle of the room.

  There were steel cuffs latched to her wrists and feet, and blood was stained on her shirt. There was also a gag in her mouth, but she was separated from the rest of the group. She wasn't tied up like them. His eyes zeroed in on a pool of blood that was dripping down behind her. His blood boiled. His body became alight in pure rage.

  They had hurt her. And Geryon was going to pay.

"What did you do to her?" Percy demanded as he marched up the porch.

Geryon frowned, turning to Percy in confusion. "You've returned," he noticed.

"Why is Magdalena bleeding?" Percy demanded. His hands shook in unrelenting rage.

Geryon chuckled, setting down his spatula. He wiped the grease of his hands onto his apron. "That girl did herself no favors in trying to escape," he said. "I didn't touch a hair on her head."

"Liar," Percy snarled. "You hurt her."

"I don't own a spiked club," Geryon pointed out. "I only told Eurytion to collect that slimy girl from running off to find you, Percy Jackson. I never said she needed to be harmed."

  Percy took a few shaky breaths, trying to control himself. He wouldn't do anyone any favors blindly attacking the son of a bitch in front of him. But, seeing Lena sitting over there, chained and covered in blood . . . It made him want to plunge his sword straight into Geryon's ugly face.

   "Let them go." Percy finally said coldly. "I completed the deal. I cleaned the stables."

  Geryon flipped another burger. He turned back around, and Percy noticed that the apron he'd seen a moment ago was actually three different aprons that he wore on each chest. Each one spelled out KISS—THE—CHEF. "How'd you do it?"

  Percy was pretty impatient, but he explained it to him.

  Geryon looked at him in respect. "Fair enough. I would've liked if you'd just killed that annoying naiad, but nonetheless."

  "Now untie my friends," he said. "Our deal's done. I succeeded."

  "Hmm, about that. I've been doing some thinking. I realized that if I let you guys go, I don't get paid."

  "You swore!"

  Geryon raised a hand. "Perhaps. But, was it binding?"

  Percy's face fell. Geryon smirked. 

  "You should've known better, Mr. Jackson," Geryon said. "Whenever you're conducting business, swearing upon the River Styx should always be your biggest priority."

  Percy unsheathed Riptide. Orthus snarled, his teeth baring next to Magnus's face.

  "Eurytion," Geryon called. "The boy has bothered me long enough. Kill him."

  Eurytion observed him. He didn't seem to eager to fight.

  "Do it yourself," he said.

  Geryon blinked. "Excuse me?"

  "I won't say it again," Eurytion grumbled. "I've put up with you sending me off to do your dirty work for long enough. I'm tired of dying for you. If you want the kid dead, then kill him yourself."

  Geryon slammed down his pitchfork. "You challenge me, Eurytion? I should fire you right now!"

  "And who'd tend to your cattle? Heel, Orthus."

  Orthus stopped at once, going to sit by Eurytion.

  "So be it!" Geryon growled. "I'll handle you after I kill the boy!"

  Geryon laughed two steak knives at Percy, to which he  blocked with the blunt side of Riptide.

  Percy took the offense. The rancher blocked his first strike with a pair of sizzling tongs. Percy ducked low and dodged his next strike, sinking his sword right through Geryon middle chest.

  "Gagghhhh!" Geryon stumbled backward. Percy waited for him to explode into monster dust, but he never did. Geryon snarled and got to his feet, the wound closing up.

  "Good stab, but unfortunately for you, I have three hearts. An amazing backup system."

  Geryon knocked the grill over, chunks of hot charcoal spilling out of the inside. One of them barely missed Annabeth's face, the girl yelping underneath her gag. Tyson hopelessly yanked at his bonds, but not even his strength could penetrate it.

  Percy looked at Magdalena, who was watching him with wide eyes, her body weakly slumped against the wall. Percy couldn't stand to see her in pain. It made his entire body seer in a burning rage toward Geryon. He needed to end this. Now. He couldn't let his friends get hurt anymore than they already were.

  Percy struck Geryon in his right chest, then the left. Geryon just laughed. It was useless. Percy might as well have been stabbing a pin cushion.

  But then he began to think. Three hearts. Three backup systems. If he couldn't stab them one at a time . . .

  Percy bolted into the house.

  "Fool!" Geryon hollered. "Get back here and die like a real hero!"

  There were dozens of different hunting trophies lining the living rooms walls— dragon heads, huge tusks, a gun case, and a bow with a quiver.

  Geryon launched his pitchfork, the weapon missing Percy by inches, thudding into the wall behind him. "I'm gonna put your head right there, Jackson! Right next to that dragon!"

  Percy had an insane idea. He discarded Riptide and took the bow out of its display case.

  He was quite literally the worst archery shot in the godly world. He'd never hit a single bullseye. But he was out of options. In order to penetrate all three of Geryon's hearts, he'd need to send an arrow straight through his chest. Percy prayed to Artemis and Apollo, hoping that for once, they might take pity on him. Please, you guys. Just one shot. Magdalena is in trouble. Please.

  Percy readied the arrow.

  Geryon grinned. "An arrow is no better than your sword, stupid boy!"

  The rancher charged him, wielding two hunting knives. Percy threw himself to the side, and launched his arrow before Geryon had time to turn. It went straight through his side with a THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, and the arrow launched out of his other side, landing bullseye in the center of a buck head.

  Geryon stared the boy, his knives dropping to his feet. "You can't shoot. They told me you couldn't . . . "

  His body began to shrivel, collapsing until he was nothing but a pile of sand. All that was left of him was a pile of aprons, and a pair of cowboy boots.

ANNA'S NOTES!
Heheeheheeeeeeeeeee 🙂 Hello everyone

If we can't tell Lena beena weena will be going through a a self-destructive phase this book (it probably won't pass) and she quite literally going to put everyone and their mom through hell

Also HI PERCY😄😄😄👅👅👅👅hiiii percy