Prologue

Pelleas Thor sat in his cell. His hands folded calmly in his lap and his hair slicked back with grease. He had a long golden chain that had the Alpha symbol on it, and his golden eyes were mischievous and sly. The skeleton guards unlocked the gate that held him in, only to stop when they saw his calm poise. The skeletons exchanged faceless glances and went into the tiny cell. Pelleas smiled cunningly at them as they came for him, this only made the guards feel even more unnerved.

The prisoner and guards made their way down the long winding labyrinth of hallways. The slick and wet stone echoed beneath their soundless feet. The air was heavy and smelled of mildew and mold. Undead prisoners reached out from their cells reaching for the ratty clothing the guards wore. Pelleas himself, had been dressed in a long robe that was tarnished at the bottom, but moth holes had started to eat at the shoulders of the robe.

As they neared their destination, Pelleas fought the first strand of fear that coiled into his stomach. Of course he had been down this hallway more times than he could count, but the fear still ate at his stomach. He swallowed and licked his lips, but the saliva wouldn't come. He could feel the anxiety rising in his chest, it was time.

The guards opened the great doors that lead to the god's court room. And there, sat upon a throne of bones sat the God of Death. Hades himself. Pelleas was shoved to his knees before the god, and his hair grabbed up by the bony hand of a skeleton guard. Hades had a thunderstruck look on his powerful face.

"Once more we meet again Pelleas. How is it, that you are the only person in the history of the Greeks that I must judge your acts of life? How is it, that I must count all the felonies, thefts, and murders? Why not my judges? Oh yes, that's right! The last time they tried to judge you, you escaped!" Hades snapped. Zaps of dark fire twirled around on his fingertips as his anger flared.

"My lord Hades, it is so fantastic to see you again. I must say, that beard is coming in quite nicely. And I didn't escape, my lord, they simply turned their heads and I thought it the opportunity to walk away. They were at a disagreement, who was I to interrupt?" Hades glared at Pelleas, fire flaming in his eyes.

"The disagreement was over YOU!" The god screamed at Pelleas. The man cringed at the sound of the god's voice echoing through the empty court room. Hades settled back into his chair and fixed his robes.

"Bring out the Scroll." The skeleton guards exchanged glances, and moved towards the back of the court. They returned with a black pillow with golden tassels hanging at the corners. Black diamonds were floating in a perfect circle around the pillow, but the most fascinating aspect was the beautiful, golden scroll that rested lightly just on top of the pillow. The scroll had golden swirls twirling around the outside. An ancient Greek word was written on the front, but at this distance Pelleas couldn't read it. But yet he knew exactly what the word was.

"Hold out your hands." The skeleton warrior said through his empty mouth. How does that even happen? Pelleas wondered. He stuck out his hands, while the Scroll was laid onto the flat of his hands. The tiny slip of paper snapped to life and it grew longer. Pelleas laughed at the length as it kept growing. The Lord of Death shot the prisoner a cold stare, it silenced Pelleas's laughter.

As the paper slowed, Pelleas felt a deep fear slip into his stomach. He had had a good run, hadn't he? The φιαλίδιο της ζωής brought him wealth and life that lasted for centuries. But hadn't all his forefathers done something as he? He only hoped that she had a chance to save them. He had kept her hidden well, but now he would finally meet his end.

"Well, Pelleas this list is impressive. Look at these thefts, oh, the φιαλίδιο της ζωής from Hecate? Ah, how is that serving you?" Then a look so hateful and dangerous crossed the god's face. "And the murder of three particular people."

"Hades, come on, they were bugs that got in the way of my journey."

"Oh, I'm sure Pelleas. The man that saved the world, the woman that designed many buildings and their sweet little child?" Pelleas scratched his head. So many had died…whom was Lord Hades speaking of?

"PERSEUS AND ANNABETH JACKSON!" Pelleas came to the realization of what his power had done. Oh gods help me… But he knew it was too late. The damage had happened.

A/N: Please, please read!

The Greek word is really hard to read, but roughly translated it means: vial of life. You'll see what I mean later in the story, but please favorite, alert, and review! I don't care which one you do but I beg that if you read you do one or the other. Or all three! Thanks so much!

-F.H