Staring down at the letter in his hands, Nico considered his life for a moment.
After being forced into nearly killing himself by shadow travel, he hadn't thought his day could get any worse, and had been immediately proven wrong by an owl swooping down at him.
Athena's probably still mad about the time Jules-Albert's car ruined a public library.
Nico had quickly ducked and turned around when the brown owl swooped over him, only just missing Nico's face with its claws. He had a hand on the hilt of his sword, but it was still on his belt. If he mauled one of her owls, Athena would probably smite him in fury.
And when he would arrive in the Underworld, his father would bring him back if only so he could kill Nico again for his stupidity.
But instead of turning and making another go at him like Nico expected, the brown-feathered animal had flown out of sight, not even looking back.
The son of Hades had blinked in confusion, but hadn't moved in case it decided tasty demigod was too good to pass up.
After a few seconds, Nico's ADHD had reminded him that standing still wasn't an option.
He had simply sighed and relaxed his stance, relying on his instincts to warn him if needed.
That was when he had noticed the envelope on the ground.
Re-reading the official looking text, Nico decided the Fates were playing a prank on him. They probably got bored with Percy, and took the next best toy.
Nico gritted his teeth. He hated being used.
He threw the parchment over his shoulder and walked away. He wouldn't play the Fates' game.
Nico Di Angelo had been used too many times.