"Mai, come on, we don't have time for this. Honestly, get down here but grab a jacket, it is freezing out." Dad yells up the stairs but he finishes in a joking tone. It was a running joke in between my dad and I, my teaches constantly give me hell for not wearing jackets in winter. I can't tell them that my grandma is the reason why I don't need one. So I wear a light jacket that looks way heavier than it is.

As we walk to the car I start talking to my dad in an effort to make him smile, it is a rare thing these days, as he is always looking over his shoulder to make sure that we are safe. I am a legacy of the highest degree after all.

Every monster wants a piece of me.

"Come on dad, you know that we don't need to get there until Di gets there, and even then we can't start any festivities until everyone is gathered. After all it's almost christmas and if we are going to celebrate we are going to do it right. Also, do you think that grandma will make it a white christmas this year?" As we buckle up dad actually starts smiling.

He hasn't smiled much since mom passed away. She got cancer in her brain and she died in the hospital. Most of my childhood was spent in a hospital, but that was fine as long as I got to see her. He loved her more than life itself, the only reason he was still alive was me. I could tell as much, he would have let a monster win the battle years ago if it wasn't for me needing him. Mom passed away a couple years ago, the pain never really faded, it just held back a bit now.

"I am sure grandma will listen if you sacrifice some of your food in her honour." Dad shoots me a smile and it reaches his eyes for the first time in a month. "I am going to too, after all, she made me a living pun, so I think that if we sacrifice it together she will listen, what do you think kiddo, should we try?"

I smile and give him a thumbs up from my position in the passenger seat and he bursts out laughing again. He must be really happy to be seeing Di or something. However as he turns his head away I think I catch the look of sadness in his eyes but it's gone before I can tell.

Ignoring that we joke the entire time and when we get to the camp we are greeted by Chiron.

"Hello you two, is good to see you both were able to show up. Everyone is excited to see you, and even though Dionysus won't admit it, he is the most excited of all." Chiron starts speaking after he gives me a hug, and I start to laugh.

"Di showed up early?! Since when does this happen?" I mock being surprised as I see him start to climb up the hill and say it loud enough I know my voice will carry to him.

"I am offended that you think I wouldn't show up for my niece's birthday. December 21, Winter solstice. Fitting with who your grandmother is. Now, are you excited to see the others?" Di looks at me expectantly and I smile up at him and nod. I follow him, but halfway down the hill I look back and see my dad and Chiron talking and their faces look grim. Dad notices me looking and suddenly he is smiling and waving.

What is going on?