I GET A PROPHECY FROM RACHEL ELIZABETH DARE

Apollo's hand went up in warning not to move. Rachel's tone abruptly changed when she spoke again:

Only when that which was stolen is returned shall the rift be mended.

Three shall heed the demands of the goddess twice offended.

Children of powerful unions with bronze and iron shall follow the dog's tail.

Divided, they falter in the land of ice. Only together will they prevail.

A bond beyond repair, a rival's wrath shall unleash.

I did as the god of prophecies asked, fighting the urge to jerk my hand away from his oracle. We all sat still, hanging on her every word though none of it made much sense to me aside from the 'twice offended' bit. It was over almost as quick as it began. Rachel's hand fell away, and she slumped over against Apollo. He made sure she didn't slide off the couch and held her a moment until she started regaining consciousness.

"That will never stop surprising me." Rachel groused once she'd caught her bearings.

All I could do was stare at her and clutch my right hand against my chest. I didn't realize that I was so tense until Hayden drew me against him. I took a few breaths and concentrated on his heartbeat to calm down.

"I don't think anyone can get used to that," I said, breaking the silence once I'd managed to find my voice again.

"Any idea as to what any of it means?" Rachel asked the occupants of the cave.

"I was hoping you would know," I replied, my eyebrows drawing together in concern.

Apollo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, let's go through the obvious. The goddess twice offended is Athena. We know she demands the return of the Parthenos, 'that which is stolen.' She chose one of the three, which is you. Could powerful unions have something to do with children of legacies? Or perhaps a different kind of union?"

Apollo stared at us pointedly, and we instantly put space between us, Hayden and I probably painted a pretty interesting picture the way we were sitting together.

"It's not like that," I said quietly, stubbornly refusing to look at Hayden. I couldn't stand to see whatever expression he wore on his face now. We are just friends, I reminded myself over and over, like a mantra. I looked down at my hands on my lap, letting my still damp hair fall like a curtain between us. Losing our friendship over a silly unrequited crush wasn't an option.

"Right, then. Not that kind of union. Moving on."

I glanced up at Apollo sharply at the humor in his voice when he made the skeptical remark. He winked at me before pressing on with his analysis of the prophecy.

"There is one more thing. The dog's tail. I'm pretty sure that means the North Star.''

"That's a start." Rachel said. "I think it's about time we have that pow-wow with the others."

Apollo smirked. "I couldn't agree more. There isn't much time before the sun rises, and I'm rather punctual."

…

Dinner was over when we joined everyone in the amphitheater. The camp usually held their council meetings in the Big House's recreation room, but there were too many involved to fit around the repurposed ping pong table in this instance.

The last of the campers filed out of the open-air venue. Only the counselors, a few satyrs, remained with Camp Jupiter's representatives: two praetors and two centurions from each of the five cohorts. The adults were by the bonfire talking amongst themselves, and I noticed that Luz Zamora wasn't with the other counselors. She was the only one talking to Chiron and Mr. D. When I approached their assembly, the head of the Athena cabin glared at me before turning on her heel and walking away toward hey the stone benches. I watched her go, puzzled by her reaction.

"What's the matter with her? I've never seen Luz so angry."

"I have no idea, but I'm going to join them on the stands. I'll come to see you after. We're going to talk." Hayden said in a low whisper.

I nodded faintly, and he followed Luz up the stands.

Turning away, I approached the adults. Dad was the first to greet me and wrapped his arms around me tight. I closed my eyes and could almost pretend to be a little girl again, safe in daddy's arms.

"Dad, I…"

His fingers tilted my chin up and made me look at him, "it's going to be okay. Whatever happens, we'll get through it. This family is strong."

I hadn't even realized that I was crying until he brushed a tear away from my cheek. Rubbing the tears away, I nodded.

"Yeah, you're right. I've got this."

I forced a smile on my face, and Mom walked over from where she talked to Rachel. She looked at me, and I mean really looked at me. There was nothing left to say between us. Mom just knew, in that way, that mothers seem to know exactly how you feel and how to fix things. This time she didn't have any answers. She couldn't fight this battle for me.

Chiron and Mr. D brought the meeting to order. All attention was on me when they asked me to come forward. I felt nauseous. Standing there, hands tight at my sides, nails cutting into the palm of my hands, I had to pull myself together and face everyone.

I searched for Hayden amongst the counselors and spotted Sowen, the counselor for Demeter's cabin. With his tell-tale flowing blue hair, Aphrodite's boy Hastin talked animatedly and giggled with Helena from Hermes Cabin about some Roman campers. Damon and Luz, both children of war gods, were sitting together. She was still glaring daggers at me, and I couldn't understand why. Damon was looking rather uncomfortable and like he'd rather be sitting anywhere else but there.

Finally, my eyes fell on Calista, tugging Hayden down to sit between herself, Chuck, and Phoenix at the back of the assembly. I focused on him as I spoke. "Most of you, we're present for the events of this morning. I shouldn't have to tell you how dire and important this is for both camps. We have a quest to restore the Athena Parthenos to its place on Half-blood Hill. Athena herself has given us until summer solstice to do this. As the lead on this quest, I spoke to the oracle, and we have a prophecy to discuss. There are some hard decisions to make tonight."

"I took a calming breath and exhaled to settle my nerves enough to recite the prophecy:

Only when that which was stolen is returned shall the rift be mended.

Three shall heed the demands of the goddess twice offended.

Children of powerful unions with bronze and iron shall follow the dog's tail.

Divided, they falter in the land of ice. Only together will they prevail.

A bond beyond repair, a rival's wrath shall unleash."

Luz stood from her bench, a frown on her face and arms crossed. "I think the first decision we should make is who should take the lead of this quest. It's a quest for Athena and no offense, but it should be one of her children that goes. You aren't one of us. You aren't even a full demigod."

The evening continued to surprise me and not in a good way. I had always considered Luz, a friend; at least, she had always been kind to me. Her words tonight cut like a sharp knife. It was fortunate that Masen hadn't been here to listen to this.

The centurions on Camp Jupiter's side didn't take her snide remark well either. One of them, a boy that stood out amongst the legionnaires, got to his feet. He was tall, taller than Hayden. His eyes and hair were dark as coal in contrast to his olive skin. Soft, angular, Asian features were prominent on his face. Being a centurion gave him a militaristic air in the way he carried himself. All of the boys in Camp Jupiter wore their hair in a close-cropped military style, but this centurion kept his longer and partially swept over his eyes in some sort of open defiance, which made him stand out. Though I don't think it's intentional.

"And what? Being born a legacy makes her less than you? The legion has several powerful legacies. That legacy of Neptune and Minerva could snap you in two. You aren't special, little girl. Sit down before you hurt yourself. Show some respect for the goddess."

My jaw dropped at the legionnaire's words, and I think he stunned Luz into silence as well because she did indeed sit back down. Apollo came to stand beside me, glaring up at Luz. Everyone in the general vicinity shrank back from him, and there was order again.

"We aren't here to discuss who is leading this quest. Athena made it very clear that Charlie will be her champion. We are here to talk about the prophecy and elect at least two other demigods to aid her in this endeavor. Unless you think that you know better than your own mother, Ms. Zamora."

"No, Lord Apollo. Forgive my forwardness." Luz replied, sounding suitably chastised.

"Good. Any thoughts about the meaning of the prophecy? Or perhaps a volunteer to go on the quest?" the god inquired.

"I think, by 'dog's tail,' it means the North Star." Mom offered.

Apollo inclined his head in her direction approvingly, "Yes, I think that too. Bronze and iron could also mean celestial bronze and stygian iron."

"Well, if we're talking about stygian iron, then it has to be a child of Pluto." said the Roman praetor. He stood, straightening his purple Camp Jupiter shirt, and addressed the assembly. "There aren't many kids of the big three, but we have a Pluto legacy among our ranks, and he wields a weapon made of stygian iron. Both of which are a rare coincidence."

Noah Colt is one of the older teens in the bunch and one of the most respected. When he spoke, people listened. Noah has been leading the twelfth legion, at least since the last time Camp Jupiter stayed with us two years ago. I didn't know him particularly well, but I did know that much.

The praetor is a guy of average height, with sun-kissed skin, broad shoulders, and a well-muscled build. He has dark brown eyes and curly hair that looks like he just runs his fingers through the soft waves to style it. Over his clothes, he wore a purple praetor's cape. An eagle medal pinned on his shirt symbolized his rank.

All eyes were on Noah, but his gaze was on the girl sitting beside him. Her platinum blonde hair was pulled back into a low bun, with a braid going from the top to the bottom like a crown and a small fringe brushed off to the side over her hazel eyes. Under her own praetor's cape, she wore lavender robes and the same eagle pin. She smiled up at him, her expression open and earnest before giving him a slight nod of encouragement.

"I think we should be allowed to send a representative of the legion. It makes sense with the prophecy." Noah concluded.

Hayden shot to his feet immediately, "Sam isn't the only child. I'm a legacy of Hades, and it should be our camp that returns the Parthenos. I should be the one to go with Charlie."

"As much as I would prefer to send one of mine.." the sun god said apologetically, "I believe that the praetor is right. Sending a representative of Camp Jupiter would be a show of good faith."

The same boy that came to my defense stood up again. "I am a legacy of Pluto and Mars. I would be honored to go on the quest if it pleases the praetors and you, Lord Apollo."

So, this was Sam Zhang. The shapeshifter and legionnaire with the imperial gold armor. The Roman I fought in the capture the flag exercise the other day. He was the last person I would have thought would come to my defense. Our parents might have been good friends all those years ago; it didn't mean it would be the same for us. The way he fought had put us at odds, but now I didn't know what to think.

Hayden stalked down the rising tiers of stone benches and shoved Sam. There was an exchange of words whispered between them, and then Hayden left the amphitheater, furious. Sam continued to stand where he was completely unfazed and looking at me.

"Well then, I suppose it's settled. Sam is it?" Apollo asked. "You can represent the Roman camp. That means we only need one more. Any volunteers?"

From the back of the theater, a hand went up, and Chuck stood up to speak. "I'll go. I'm Charlie's protector, and my dad was the protector of the seven. They'll need a satyr to go with them. No question."

"Is this okay with you, Charlie?" Apollo asked, glancing at me.

I nodded mutely, not trusting myself to speak.

Chuck is one of my earliest friends and one of the best protectors I'd ever met. I had no qualms about taking on the quest with the satyr on my side. Sam was more of an unknown factor, but I'd fought him up close and personal. He has talent, and his shapeshifting powers would come in handy. I just couldn't help that it was the other Hades boy that I wanted by my side instead.

The rest of the meeting went by in a blur. The adults just seemed to take over the discussion, but by then, I wasn't listening anymore. Mom came over and held me in the circle of her arms as I leaned into her warmth. That's how we stayed until the bonfire died out.

"Back to Earth?" Mom asked when she noticed I had stopped zoning out. "Sometimes I wonder where you go, Baby."

"The one place that I can think," I whispered—the pool at home or beneath the ocean wave. Neither were available to me where I was, but I could imagine myself there, submerged in the water, and tune out the rest of the world.

Mom nodded like she understood and kissed the top of my head. "Get some sleep tonight."

I pulled away and nodded even though I wasn't sure if I could manage it. How could I sleep after everything that happened? If I were lucky, maybe pure exhaustion would win out.

Chuck and Calista were waiting for me, so I said my goodbyes and goodnights, then joined them by the arched stone entrance. Calista grabbed hold of my arm and clung to me as we made our way towards the cabins.

"You're ice cold!" she exclaimed the moment our skin touched, "shouldn't we take you to see Ely or one of the healers in the infirmary?"

She wrapped a hand around mine and drew close as we walked. After a few minutes, I felt her temperature rise enough to start warming me up. Controlling her temperature was one of Calista's legacy abilities. She couldn't quite burst into flames or make fire of her own, but her body heat could get pretty close.

"I'm fine, Callie. It's just you being all toasty warm. Besides, it's nothing that some sleep won't cure."

"Yeah," Chuck agreed, "sleep is a good idea. We need you in tip-top shape for tomorrow. This quest is going to be cake, though. Search and rescue. Back before the week is done. You'll see."

"That's sweet of you to try and cheer me up," I said, reaching with my free hand to ruffle his hair. "And thank you for doing this with me."

Chuck bleated and flushed a rosy pink color, "This is what a protector does. I told you, I'll always have your back, Mermaid."

"I wish I could go too. Who came up with the stupid idea that only three can go on a quest." Calista complained.

"The more demi-gods there are…"

"The more attention we draw from the monsters," she finished for me. "It still blows."

"It does suck," I allowed, "but it's also true. You know what else is true? You are the best little personal space heater ever. You are also going to stay here where it's safe and create amazing things."

Calista drew her lips in a pout, "That's not good enough. I should be going out there with you."

I pulled Callie in for a one-armed hug and grinned at her. If only for a little while, I felt better being around my friends."I promise the next quest is all yours."

"Only if you promise to come with," she said.

We made a stop as we arrived in front of cabin nine. The usually noisy cabin was quiet, and the smokestacks were long since dormant. It had to be about time for the campers to turn in. The meeting must have gone on longer than I thought.

Calista yawned. "Guess everyone must have gone to bed already. I didn't think it was that late yet."

"It is late." I agreed. "See you tomorrow before I go?"

My thoughts went back to Hayden. He had wanted to meet after the assembly, but he had been so upset that I wasn't sure he would be up for talking. I could only hope that he will at least be there to say goodbye in the morning. The thought of leaving things as they were bothered me. What if he was upset with me?

"Wouldn't miss it," Calista promised.

"Then I'll see you in the morning, Cal."

She nodded and hopped up the steps of the brick and mortar cabin. Chuck and I waited until she slipped inside before continuing our walk to cabin three. The lights were out, thank the gods, which hopefully meant the boys were asleep.

"Good night, Chuck. Thanks for walking me back. "

"No problem. See ya tomorrow."

He tipped his baseball cap in salute and started towards the northern woods. I leaned against the veranda, my elbows on the smooth wood, and looked out at the night sky. It was clear, dotted with dozens of stars. The calm, stillness was almost mocking me. One of the most disastrous days I've ever had, and yet at the end of it all, I had the most outstanding view from my cabin that I couldn't quite enjoy.

I wanted the sea and the sky to rage where I couldn't. I wanted to be petulant and tell Athena to find her own damned statue. I wanted to know the one story my parents wouldn't talk about. What I did not want is to be anyone's champion. My excitement for the summer had evaporated. Worrying about homework, friends, and the next swim meet sounded a lot easier than the 'fun' summer I had been looking forward to.

I don't know how long I stood outside stargazing or waiting for Hayden, but eventually, I gave in to exhaustion and went to bed.

…

The sky glittered. For a second, I thought I was outside again watching the stars, but somehow it was all wrong. The sky had been dark, lit only by the tiny luminous spheres thousands of miles away. The ceiling here, wherever this was, was blue. I realized that even though I could make out all of the constellations that I wasn't looking at them in the sky. I was indoors—this was not cabin three.

I spun around, taking in my surroundings. Thirteen thrones made an uneven, inverted U around a hearth. Hestia's hearth, I realized as I took in the enormity of the room I was standing in. I took a step and then another, drawn to gray-green white-streaked marble and the beautiful coral and gold chips decorating the second-largest throne. My fingers touched the polished marble and then the black beast skin that lined the seat. If the coral hadn't been enough of a clue, the built-in holster for a fishing rod, or a powerful polearm, was a dead giveaway. The throne had to belong to Pops. For a moment, I wondered what it would be like to sit in his place or if I would even have the nerve to do it.

"You might want to be careful. Some of us smite first and ask questions later."

I whirled around, alarmed by the sound of a feminine voice in the otherwise empty hall.

"Grandmother?" I asked, surprised. "What's going on? Why am I here?"

"You aren't really here," Athena said, taking a seat on her throne, the third on the left after Hera and Demeter. "This is a dream, Charlotte. I have a few things to discuss."

She was not dressed in her war regalia, rather flowing white robes and her long brunette hair in loose curls. A golden laurel wreath nestled over the top of her head. I had to admit that the goddess is astonishingly beautiful. A hint of amusement played on her lips as she watched me.

"Come, Child. No one will harm you here. Nor would they dare in my presence."

I nodded and started to move towards her when I felt a silky fabric against my skin. I froze and looked down at myself. My tank top and pajama shorts were replaced by a beautiful, sleeveless gossamer dress identical to my grandmother's. Poseidon's gift hung around my hips, glowing in the light of the hearth's fire. Now she was telling me how to dress? It made me angry. What else could she possibly have to say to me now? A hint of amusement played on her lips as she watched me.

I came to a stop in front of her, sketching a little bow with a flourish. "Discuss away. Oh, wise one."

Athena frowned, noting the sarcasm in my voice. "Watch your tone. I am not known for my patience."

I smiled serenely back, determined to be as annoying as possible. "Forgive me. You have my undivided attention, my lady."

"So much like your father. I hoped you'd grow out of that."

"It's in the genes, I'm afraid." I quipped. "Did you want to rethink your options? You have quite a few exemplary choices. The kids from cabin six are competent…"

"That is enough."

"Is it, though? You really do have options." I persisted.

"I said enough, Charlotte." Her tone was clipped and angry, probably at the end of her restraint.

I winced at the look on her face and wisely chose to stay quiet.

"You are a brilliant girl," she said. "You're mother is one of the best and brightest of my children. Fortunately, you get that from her."

There was another brazen remark on the tip of my tongue, but I didn't interrupt again. I wasn't about to push my luck, even if this was just a dream.

"I'm listening." I said after a moment, sounding more subdued."What is this about?"

"The Roman boy. I do not believe it would be a good idea to trust him. Especially not a child of Pluto."

I crossed my arms across my chest, my lips pressed into a thin line, "That's non-negotiable."

Athena raised an eyebrow, "Is that right?"

"A child of Pluto, that Roman's mother, helped save the world. I know the prophecy of the seven quite well."

"I'm sure you do, but he is not his mother. Someone is behind the theft of the Parthenos. It is not a coincidence that the Romans were present."

"You made your demands," I said, incensed by her narrow-mindedness. "I accepted your quest. These are my terms now. Sam is coming with me, and we will return the Parthenos to Half-blood Hill."

"And if you fail? Do you want to have a war on your hands?"

My eyes narrowed, "That would be on you. We're doing this for you. My mother could have died the last time, but I am not letting that happen on my watch."

"You are such a willful child."

"Well, maybe if you gave us more time…"

"No." the corner of her lips twitched. "Nine days. Non-negotiable."

I shook my head ruefully. "Should have seen that one coming. Fine. Are we done here? Enlightening as this conversation was, I have places to be."

Athena rose from her throne, and we stared at each other, neither one willing to bend. There was nothing left to say.

"I suppose you do," the goddess conceded. "The mark will guide you. Do not forget my warning."

The shimmering Hall of the Gods, with all of its gold, bronze, and marble, disappeared in a flash of blinding, white-hot light.