Frost covered a chariot track and strawberry fields. Cabins were decorated with tiny flickering lights, like Christmas lights, except they seemed to be balls of real fire. More lights glowed in the woods, and weirdest of all, a fire flickered in an attic window

"Whoa," Nico said as he climbed off the bus. "Is that a climbing wall?"

"Yeah," Percy said.

"Why is there lava pouring down it?"

"Little extra challenge," Sasha said. She ruffled his hair. "Come on. I'll introduce you to Chiron. Zoë, have you met—"

"I know Chiron," Zoë said stiffly. "Tell him we will be in Cabin Eight. Hunters, follow me."

"I'll show you the way," Grover offered.

"We know the way."

"Oh, really, it's no trouble. It's easy to get lost here, if you don't" —he tripped over a canoe and came up still talking— "like my old daddy goat used to say! Come on!"

"Grover, don't be overbearing," Aste called jokingly.

Zoë rolled her eyes, but Bianca guess she figured there was no getting rid of Grover. The Hunters shouldered their packs and their bows and headed off toward the cabins. As Bianca was leaving, she leaned over and whispered something in Nico's ear. She looked at him for an answer, but Nico just scowled and turned away.

"Take care, sweethearts!" Apollo called after the Hunters. He winked at Percy. "Watch out for those prophecies, Percy. I'll see you soon."

"What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, he hopped back in the bus. "Later, Thalia," he called. "And, uh, be good!"

He gave her a wicked smile, as if he knew something she didn't. Then he closed the doors and revved the engine. Bianca turned aside as the sun chariot took off in a blast of heat and followed Zoë.

⚰️💀

Bianca sat down on her bunk and ran her hands over the sheets.

She heard a squeal and Zoë frowned, standing up.

Bianca stood as well and peeked outside. A woman with brown hair, tan skin, and brilliant green eyes stood outside with Sasha and another girl identical to her.

"Sammy!" Sasha said. "Wait, why are you here? Mom?"

The woman smiled drily. "I need to speak to Bianca."

Zoë pushed Bianca inside when the woman looked their way. She started toward them but Zoë slammed the door.

"Zoë Nightshade." A sigh was heard outside. "You cannot hide my champion from me."

"Champion?" Bianca asked.

"Yes, Bianca di Angelo. You are my champion. Do you remember Cedar?"

"Cedar..." Bianca inhaled sharply when a memory of the boy flashed through her mind.

"He looked just like Aste," the woman said. "My name is Althaea. Could you come out?"

Zoë grabbed Bianca's hand. "You cannot, Bianca! Thy Lady Althaea shall never let thee stay in the Hunt!"

"I wouldn't say that," Althaea argued. "But I do agree with part of that notion. You really shouldn't talk to me. Your father wiped your memory for a reason... I'm afraid I might reveal something that should remain untold."

"What's that mean?" Bianca asked.

"Perhaps we should talk. It might help jog your memory a bit... and I'll get my favorite champion back. Bianca, Cedar swore to protect you and Nico until he died. He's dead now. Died of disease. He resides in Elysium and impatiently awaits your arrival so he might apologize."

Bianca reached for the door and pulled it open. Althaea stood there, a sad smile lifting her lips.

"You look just the same," she murmured. "Join me for a walk, Bianca."

She hesitated, looking at Zoë who shook her head vigorously, and then followed the goddess. Althaea trudged through the snow in the woods, one hand around her waist and the other swinging at her side. Bianca hurried after her, trying to mimic the casual and calm posture.

"I would never hurt you," Althaea said. "I chose you to be protected by me."

"I—"

"My children, anyway. You've met Percy—Sasha protects him. Samantha is protecting a boy in San Francisco, actually. I take her here every now and again to let her and Sasha develop a strong relationship."

She started to jog and Bianca followed along, picking up the pace. They circled around a few trees and rocks and then Althaea led her back, still speaking about her children. She listed a few—Sasha, Aste, Samantha, Cedar, Rhodes—as she brought her to the dining pavilion.

⚰️💀

Hey I wrote it! It only took me three weeks! And I'm literally so late today.