In the crater, a body laid dressed in silver pants and a silver wife beater. Nearby laid the stone necklace. The body started moving; the eyes fluttered open then closed again. Minutes or hours later, the body woke up, sat up to reveal it was a man. He looked around and saw the necklace. He moved to grab it, but felt a sharp pain and winced as he took the necklace and put it on. He looked around in confusion.
At Hades's house, Hades and Nico sat in their attic. Hades looked at his son, "Nico, there is a lot I have not told you. Like where you were born."
Nico looked at him in surprise. Hades smiled at his son, and then rooted around a basket at his feet.
Hades smiled at his son, "Remember the stories about your mother that I told you?"
Nico nodded. "You mean she could be alive?"
"I certainly believe so. I like to think so."
Hades held out a thin string. Nico smiled, "The rope you cut."
Hades held out the flower, Nico exclaimed, "The snowdrop!"
Hades smiled at his son. He held out a rolled up paper, and looked at his son. "This was also in the basket. I never opened it."
Nico looked at him as he took the paper. Hades shrugged, clearly stating he had no idea what it said. Nico untied the bow and rolled out the letter, inside was a Death candle which Nico and Hades looked at in confusion. Then Nico started reading his mother's letter out loud.
"My little Prince,
You probably hate that nickname, but you were born hours ago. I see you got my black curls and your father's eyes. I had to send you to Hades, my mistress wouldn't allow me to keep you. I am grateful for this, your childhood will be somewhat more normal than any here in Olympus. All I ask is for you to know you were made from love.
The fastest way to travel is candlelight, so use the wolf candle wisely. Think of me and I hope we meet soon, my little prince. Be Safe.
Your Mother."
Nico tried to read the signature but he couldn't. He showed it to his father who looked confused as well. His father looked at him, "I never knew her name, son."
Nico looked at his father in confusion. His father smiled, "She didn't want me to know."
"And the prince thing?"
"She told me she was a princess."
Nico shrugged, took the candle and looked at his father. "Do you have a light, Dad?"
Hades searched his pockets and came up with a match. He scraped it across the floor making it light, and held it over the candle. Nico thought of the Star and a burst of wind and flash of light engulfed the room. When it all cleared, Hades sat in the same place but Nico was gone. Hades looked around and muttered, "Bloody Hell!"