CHAPTER 3

PERCY'S POV

After pondering over my story, Chiron turned to face us. "Well," he said gravely,

"It looks like we have a lot to talk about." "Who are these people?" I asked. "And

why are they holding Grover hostage?" "Well, Percy, in answer to your first

question, the "people" you are referring to are not a "who", but a "what". In

answer to your second question, they are probably holding on to Grover because

he might be a threat to themselves, mortals, and...Others." I just about burst into

laughter. I sneak a glance over at Annabeth and see that she's trying to stifle a

giggle as well. I knew it was rude to laugh about Grover like that, especially when

he's in trouble. But the only time Grover was a "threat" to anybody, was when he

ate seven chicken enchiladas and passed some seriously deadly gas. Funny

thoughts aside, I composed myself and became serious. "But, Chiron," Annabeth

spoke up, "If the "people" in Percy's dream are a "what", then what are they?" He

took a deep breath, and spoke so low I thought I misheard him. "Vampires."

"Vampires? Like, Count Dracula-suck-your-blood vampires?" I asked. "These

vampires are...different. While most of their kind drink human blood, they are

friendlier towards humans. They only drink blood from animals, deep in the

wilderness, far away from civilization." "How do you know so much about them?"

"Percy, you know that I have been around for eons. It is very common that I will

run into strange creatures once in a while." I look over at Annabeth. I could tell

she didn't buy it, and neither did I. "Fess up Chiron." She demanded. "We know

you're hiding something." "Fine." Chiron sighed. He looked at both of us in turn. "I

know them, because I taught one of them." "Who was it? Were they a demigod?"

He looked at me with sad eyes. "Yes, Percy. You saw him in your dream.

Edward."

GROVER'S POV

I was dreaming about tin cans, enchiladas and apples, when I woke up to find

two intimidating golden eyes boring into mine. "Blaahaaah! Ever heard of

personal space?!" "How do you know about Chiron?" He hissed. I shrugged.

"Never heard of him." "Liar!" He lunged, and kept his mouth inches away from my

throat. "His name has been swimming in your head ever since we brought you

here." I looked at him, mouth agape. "You...You can READ MINDS?!" He rolled

his eyes. "No, you talk in your sleep and I overheard you say his name." "Oh.

That's good." I breathed. "You had me going for a second, and I have some

personal stuff up there." He sighed, annoyed, and arched his eyebrow. I then

realized that he had a tone to his voice, and I was to nervous to realize it was

sarcasm. "Oh, you do read minds." I said meekly. He backed away from my

throat, and ran a hand through his tousled bronze hair. "Fine." He snapped, but

his tone was defeated. "Just tell me how you know Chiron, and I'll leave you

alone." I took a shaky breath. "Okay, but it's a loooong story. Better get comfy."