Prologue

I will tell you frankly: My life as a Huntress sucked. Every day I couldn't help but think of my former best friend, Luke Castellan. I even dreamed of times when I was with Luke, before we met Annabeth.

I guess Lady Artemis could tell I was miserable. She pulled me over to talk to me one day.

"Thalia, Daughter of Zeus." She addressed me.

"Yes?" I asked.

She looked into my eyes. "Thalia, are you leaving?" She asked intently.

The question startled me. I quickly composed myself. "I've been thinking about what's best for me. I think I must leave, My Lady. My…sickness is setting to my Sisters."

She nodded grimly. "I have never let one of my Huntresses leave alive, but for your great service to me, I will spare your life. Go, my dear, to Camp Half-Blood."