They took the LucyB out that evening with no intention to return until the dawn. The current was gentle and soothing. Nico rested, basking in Will's warmth, soaking in the moment. Will stroked his hair and almost paid attention to what was on TV.
Will felt the atmosphere shift and Nico sat up suddenly, and stared at him. He hesitated afraid of what he would see. Nico's eyes were golden and luminous. "Please don't," Will pleaded.
"I'm the god killer," Kronos told him. "Why should I spare this one?"
You know why. Will blinked, disoriented, his eyes returning to normal. "I love him," he answered.
Kronos glared at him but eventually said, " Fine. Have it your way."
The LucyB pulled free of her moorings and drifted counter-current back to the shoreline of New Rome, smashing into the rocky coast.
Percy and Annabeth were among the first to arrive. The shock set in quickly. The yacht was a complete loss despite the calm sea. Neptune himself had done this. Percy stared on in horror and confusion. "Why would he…"
"Percy, I know you don't understand but it's fine. They were already gone before this happened."
"No, Annabeth it's not fine," he yelled at her.
"Percy, wait- oh no, oh gods no." He looked back at her just in time to watch the color drain from her face. "It's happening again anyway." She looked at the wreckage just in time to see Reyna emerge. She broke into a sprint, running past him as Reyna rushed at him, sword drawn.
The new gods… Nico was gone and so was Will Solace. Annabeth threw herself between them anyway. "Don't let this be the first thing you do," she screamed at Reyna, who was still running at him. "You can't harm a mortal!"
"Watch me," Reyna screamed back, but she stopped, shaking with rage.
"Hades was never going to be worthy," Annabeth pleaded, looking back and forth between them. Reyna seethed. She turned as if to go but then slashed her blade. She retreated as Annabeth fell quietly into the sand. He picked her up from the dunes and carried her to the water, silently begging Neptune to heal her broken arm.
"I'm sorry, Will," Nico said, his eyes full of sadness and regret.
"No," Will said, meeting his gaze. "It wasn't your decision to make." Something told him to check his pocket and he smiled finding a deck of cards inside. "You never got a chance to show me how to play."
Nico sobbed quietly and Will reached to touch his face. "It's okay. I love you and they're going to make it worth everything." He drew three cards and laid them face down in the sand. "Don't be brave. Don't be strong. Stay with me."