I landed in the dark forest surrounding camp. It didn't bother me, falling short of the mark. I was ready to kill some monsters. I took out my sword.

I didn't even try sneaking around. I was itching for a fight. I pictured myself finding some unfortunate monster and killing it only to bring it back and do it all over again until I was too tired to fight back.

They gave me a wide berth. The longer I had to wait, the more I seethed with rage. Maybe they stayed away because they considered me one of them now. I changed direction and headed for the Athena Parthenos.

I expected Chiron, Argus or maybe even Grover. Instead, Mellie was sitting with Chuck on the statue's foot.

"I'm turning myself in," I said before she could say anything.

She smiled at me for a second before turning her attention back to Chuck.

The trees began to wilt around me, their leaves blackening and curling. It reminded me of my vision where I hadn't felt welcome on the Isles.

All my life I hadn't felt welcome. I put my hand to the barrier and wasn't surprised that it didn't yield for me.

"Let us help you, Nico," Mellie said.

I looked at her and the baby. I wanted to find monsters and the forest delivered. I twisted the hilt of my sword and wondered what I would do if the barrier wasn't there to stop me. I stalked back and forth, feeling helpless in my rage, not looking at her.

"You cannot enter like this. You know that."

"Stop this," a dryad sobbed nearby.

I snapped to my senses. I looked at the ground, clenching my fists. I squeezed my eyes shut. It wasn't helping. I shouted at the top of my lungs. I swung my blade, attacking the dead air.

Mellie stepped past the barrier and in front of me. My blade passed so close to her that her hair was blown from her shoulder. It stuck in the ground by her feet.

She waved her hand through my arm. It passed right through me. "I am made of air and water. You can't hurt me."

A dryad, probably the same one who pleaded with me earlier, coaxed seedlings to sprout and grow in the dead ground I created. It was a sign that I hadn't gone too far. I apologized to her but she wasn't willing.

I turned on Mellie. "Zeus killed my mother. My father tried to bury my memories. Bianca left and then she died. And I don't care what Solace said, nobody ever tried to make me feel welcome. Nobody ever told me, 'Oh Nico, don't worry about the monsters trying to kill you for a change; here's a safe place to spend the night.'"

"So they've made you capable. There's nothing you can't survive."

"Are you telling me I should be grateful for the years of neglect and mistreatment? Not to mention your stupid wars."

"I am telling you to make them pay for it." I leaned on my blade and watched her, looking for the trick or trap. "Chiron found something we might be able to use. There is legal precedent for war crimes."

"Against Mt Olympus? Against Zeus?"

"Chiron believes your rights were violated under the Geneva Convention."

I laughed at the absurdity of it. "A mortal law. Do you seriously think Zeus won't laugh at me or just blast me with lightning?"

"It will be a circus but Chiron will keep you safe. Nico, this is very important: did the giants treat you fairly during your captivity?"

I thought about the isolation of the jar and the heat of Rome in July; the humiliation of knowing that I was a trap for my friends and being unable to stop it.

My friends... the crew of the Argo 2 were my friends, I reminded myself.

"No."

"I like this cloud nymph," Vigil said.

Mellie didn't react to Vigil's interruption. "Were you tortured?"

I thought about the stupid chains and shackles and their ever shrinking cages. They didn't hurt me physically but the whole thing was designed to break me down.

"Yes," I forced myself to say.

The truth of it made me feel dizzy and weak. I'm not sure if I passed out like that night in the Great Hall but the next thing I knew I was looking at Will Solace instead of Mellie.

I panicked a second later when I realized I was back in the infirmary instead of by the Athena Parthenos.

"Hey, you're okay," he attempted to reassure me.

"How did I get here?"

"I don't know. They brought you back in last night. Everyone was down by the Athena Parthenos for hours and I was already asleep by that time. I didn't think I was ever going to see you again."

"Last night?"

Will nodded. "You weren't yourself from what I heard."

You weren't supposed to do that!

I didn't, Vigil answered.

It was like another reality check. "Will, I'm dangerous. You shouldn't be around me."

"Don't be dumb."

"You don't understand-"

"I'm not afraid of Vigil. And I'm certainly not afraid of the Ghost King."

"You don't know what you are talking about. You need to get away from me."

He looked at me and shook his head. "Alright. You look pretty worn out so I'm going to let you rest for the day. But I'm not giving up on you. I'll see you for breakfast in the morning."