The day the seas turn to ice, a surrender shall mark the rise of hope, a new ghost whispered to Nico.
The naiads were inconsolable but the campers were overjoyed. The lake had frozen over.
Did it count as the seas? Even though the words didn't seem ominous, who could say with prophecies? If it was a prophecy. If the speaker was even a friend, Nico had no idea. But at least the angry voices were quiet.
"Good morning," Will said. "I thought I might find you moping around over here."
"I'm not moping. I came here to think."
Will handed him a styrofoam cup. Nico took a drink and spit it back out. It was a sharp, bitter taste. "What did you give me," he said, staring at the contents of his cup.
"Coffee," Will said simply. He looked tired as ever.
You wear him out, Minos said, creeping up on Nico the way he always did. Lately the ghost was using false sympathy for the people around Nico. It was a struggle not to listen.
Look at him. Nico found himself doing just that. He already has enough to deal with. Why don't you just leave him alone?
"Kayla," Will said. The cup crumpled in his hand, spilling coffee, but he didn't seem to notice. "I-uh, couldn't help her. I mean, she was already gone so..."
Ah, you didn't even know the girl was dead. What kind of boyfriend are you? He would be better off.
"Shut up," Nico murmured.
"My baby sister. I was supposed to protect her the most. I wasn't even there. Not that I could have helped if I was there. I never learned to fight."
"Those thoughts don't help. I should know," Nico told him.
Will's face turned angry but then relieved. "She wanted to be in the Olympics when she got older."
Nico nodded. "I'll let my dad know."