The Reveal of Thalia Grace.

|Chapter 4| Hidden Crown

Thalia Grace always thought that she was not one to hide in the shadows. She had always known that she would rather be blinded by the light instead of cloaked in the dark. But apparently, she was wrong.

She is wrong because she hides her identity. No one knows. They see someone else, they only know her alter ego Arista Aetós. They see pale blonde hair and tan skin. They see bright happy green eyes and a fake smile.

They don't see her tarnished heart, rusted by betrayal and pain. They don't see her hidden truth, her gleaming circlet. Her silver bow, her bronze shield. Her electric eyes darkened by years of fighting and fighting.

But they suspect. The mortals can sense that something is off with the girl. Many see the dark circles and the longing looks towards the woods that surround the rural school. They see a tired teen, who hides something.

But there are moments where they see beneath her illusions and see an entirely different girl. When they discuss the wars in her class, her knuckles go white, and her jaw clenches. And when the teacher calls on her and asks "Who did Apollo trick Artemis into shooting?" Her eyes narrow and she spits Orion out like it is some form of poison. The same thing happens later when she names Heracles.

It's almost as if she knows them for who they are and it's not the pretty picture that everyone thinks it is. But what could have they done to personally wound her?

People whisper about it behind her back, and one question is on everyone's tongues; Is Arista Aetós a demigod? It would make sense for many reasons. She seems on edge, they say. She feels powerful, they whisper.

But others disagree because why would a demigod be here? No one knows the answer. And in all honesty, Thalia doesn't know the answer herself. She isn't here because it is where she is from. She isn't here because Chiron or Artemis told her to go here.

But one night while laying underneath the moon she realizes she's here because she wants to feel normal. She doesn't want to be labelled as a past demigod or alternatively a goddess. For once in her life, she wants to be a child. She wants to be free.

It doesn't last long. One chilly January morning a feeling of danger surrounds the town. It's a powerful feeling, one that makes everyone on edge. Eyes glance into the woods which seem darker today.

Then they hear it. A crack of lightning and the sound of hooves. A streak of silver passes by and ozone fills the air. Arista's head shoots up and her green eyes dart around. A feeling is left behind, one very powerful. It feels like a god has flown through.

The bell rings signalling the end of the school day.

And when she is at her locker many notice her wide eyes that dart around studying every shadow. Another crack of lightning sounds and her eyes glance up. She seems to be thinking about what everyone else is thinking; is this Zeus's doing.

She moves with the crowd outside the school and as she steps out there's another crack and now a horse made of lightning stands proud. And on its back stands Jason Grace son of Jupiter. The students bow in respect but he shows no sign of having seen it.

His eyes are darting around scanning every face until they stop. Everyone follows his gaze and sees Arista standing there, her face pale. He comes over to her and grabs her wrist. He starts speaking to her in a mix of rushed Latin and Greek.

As he speaks her eyes widen and her face pales more. When she is done she speaks shakily, mixing between multiple languages "Why does our father ask for me? What is wrong Jason?"

His eyes darken "I do not know. What I do know is that mortals are stirring. The world is becoming more dangerous for us as the days tick by. Lady Artemis needs you by her side again. She wants to know that you are safe."

Aristas eyes close and slowly her illusions fall off. Her hair becomes dark and choppy. Her skin becomes pale with freckles all over. When she opens her eyes they are an electric blue. A silver circlet with the crescent moon in the centre rests upon her head.

The two mount the storm horse and disappear in a flash of light.