The boy stood in front of the shadowy figure. He was around 20 years old, but strangely had glowing golden eyes. He pounded his scythe, and spoke with a rasping voice.
"So we are agreed?"
And then the shadowy figure spoke.
"Yes."
The shadowy figure extended a hand, and the boy took it. They shook hands, and a deep, rumbling laughter echoed around the throne room.
I woke up with a start, and realized I was in a cave. Stalactites gripped the ceiling, sharp fingers. It was dark and humid, and I heard footsteps. A few seconds later, and my father strode into the room, his Helm of Darkness carried by his side.
"Three days." Hades said.
"What?"
"You have been unconscious for three days."
I tried hard to remember where I had been three days ago, but my memory failed to serve me.
"We found you near May Castellan's house."
May Castellan. Hearing that name, my memories started to flush back into my head. I was scouting May's house, finding out whether it was guarded by Kronos, when a pack of dracanae attacked me.
So far, only Percy and I knew about the plan, and I was not planning on telling Hades.
"You overexerted your powers. You seriously thought you could summon a whole legion of Roman soldiers? You require more common sense and training. Alecto will help me teach you."
A flurry of wings, and Alecto materialized right in front of me.
"Hello, son of Hades," she hissed. "It's time."
And I followed her to the Fields of Asphodel.