CHAPTER 1
"Jason." Reyna shook Jason, trying to wake him up. "Jason!"
"Yes?"
"Jason, Typhoon is moving quickly. The mortals have gone into panic. We have to go and defeat Krios immediately."
"I know, I know, I'm sorry," Jason rubbed his eyes. "I must've fallen asleep."
"It's fine. You were in need of it."
Reyna put her hand to his head. "You feel hot."
"I'm fine."
"Here, drink this nectar. It might make you feel better."
He drank it. "Thanks, Reyna."
"No problem." she said.
An awkward silence past between them.
"What?" Reyna asked. It was then Jason noticed he had been staring at her.
"Oh, uh, we should get ready for battle."
"Yes. Let's go."
Jason changed into his armor and then met Reyna at Temple Hill, where the legions were getting ready.
"The end is near! The end is near!" Octavian cried, as he ran around frantically.
"Oh shut up, Octavian. Your prophecies never come true anyway."
Octavian got up in his face. "I would take that back if I were you, Jason Grace."
"Ahem." Reyna cleared her throat and began to tell what their strategy to defeat Krios would be.
Jason admired that when Reyna spoke, everyone turned to listen. She was always so reassuring. She never stuttered, and everything that came out of her mouth was so powerful, so invigorating, almost inspirational. She could make you believe something you'd thought to be a lie for you whole life, and Jason thought that was just amazing.
Wait, why am I thinking of this now? Jason thought. I have a Titan to destroy. I can't afford distraction.
"Krios will not be alone." Reyna said. "Krios will have an army guarding all ways of entry into his palace on Mount Othyrs. I would like the first, second, third, and fourth legions to lead the battle, one on each side of the mountain. The sixth will follow behind the first, the seventh behind the second, the eighth behind the third, and the ninth behind the fourth. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am." all eight legions said in unison, without hesitation.
"The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth legions will sneak into the palace using this uncharted passageway I've routed and am displaying on this map." She pointed to the map beside her. "The reason I only have three legions going this way is because I cannot risk them being discovered. This path is the only way to possibly get into the palace without being seen. Judging from the sun, it seems to be about 6 o'clock. We will engage in battle at 7 o'clock sharp. You are dismissed until then."
The legions dispersed and started doing things like sharpening various weapons and practicing battle techniques. Reyna sat and looked sadly out into the distance as Jason approached her.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked.
"I cannot bear the thought that some of these people, even some I've come to call friends, might not ever return to this hill again."
They sat in silence for a moment.
"And also," Reyna swallowed, "I can't shake away the thought that I may never return again."
"Reyna.."
"What? You would be okay without me. Surely you would grieve for a while, but you would remain praetor. You are responsible enough to rule on your own." Her voice cracked. "You don't need me."
"Don't ever think that," Jason began. "Sure, I may be praetor, but I can't lead the legions the way you do. You were a born leader, Reyna. When you talk, everyone in the world seems to listen. You have this power over people that lets them know that you are the one who's in charge. You were a born leader. This is what you were made to do."
Reyna's eyes darted to the ground as her hands rested on her lap.
"Reyna," Jason began. "I can't deal with the idea of losing you, either."
Reyna looked into his eyes. "You really mean that?"
"Of course I do." Jason said. "You're my best friend."
Reyna's heart sank.
"What?" Jason asked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, no, it's nothing." Reyna replied. "I must be anxious."
Jason put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "Don't you worry." He whispered. "I will never let anything happen to you."