LATER ON, Percy told Selena, Annabeth, and Grover about how Nico ran off after telling him about his sister. And there's more to it.

He's the Son of Haded.

They helped him search the woods for hours, but there was no sign of Nico di Angelo.

"We have to tell Chiron," Annabeth said, out of breath.

"No," Percy refused, shaking his head.

"Um," Grover said nervously, "what do you mean... no?"

"We can't let anyone know. I don't think anyone realizes that Nico is a—"

"A son of Hades," Selena sighed,

"Percy, do you have any idea how serious this is? Even Hades broke the oath! This is horrible!" Annabeth exclaimed,

"I don't think so," Percy replied, "I don't think Hades broke the oath."

"What?"

"He's their dad," He explained, "but Bianca and Nico have been out of commission for a long time, since even before World War II."

"That's right!" Selena's eyes widened, "The Lotus Casino!" Grover said, "She and Nico were stuck there for decades. They were born before the oath was made."

"But how did they get out?" Annabeth protested.

"I don't know," Percy admitted. "Bianca said a lawyer came and got them and drove them to Westover Hall. I don't know who that could've been, or why. Maybe it's part of this Great Stirring thing. I don't think Nico understands who he is. But we can't go telling anyone. Not even Chiron. If the Olympians find out—"

"It might start them fighting among each other again," Annabeth said. "That's the last thing we need."

Grover looked worried. "But you can't hide things from the gods. Not forever."

"I don't need forever," Percy said. "Just two years. Until I'm sixteen."

Annabeth paled. "But, Percy, this means the prophecy might not be about you. It might be about Nico. We have to—"

"No," Percy interruped, "I choose the prophecy. It will be about me."

"Why are you saying that?" she cried. "You want to be responsible for the whole world?"

"I can't let Nico be in any more danger," Percy said. "I owe that much to his sister. I... let them both down. I'm not going to let that poor kid suffer any more."

"The poor kid who hates you and wants to see you dead," Grover reminded him.

"Maybe we can find him," Percy replied, "We can convince him it's okay, hide him someplace safe."

Selena shivered and crossed her arms, "If Luke gets hold of him—"

"Luke won't," He stated, "I'll make sure he's got other things to worry about. Namely, me."

Selena wasn't sure Chiron believed the story Annabeth, Selena, and Percy told him. She thinks he could tell they was holding something back about Nico's disappearance, but in the end, he accepted it. Unfortunately, Nico wasn't the first half-blood to disappear.

"So young," Chiron sighed, his hands on the rail of the front porch. "Alas, I hope he was eaten by monsters. Much better than being recruited into the Titans' army."

That idea made Selena really uneasy. She almost changed her mind about telling Chiron, but she didn't.

"You really think the first attack will be here?" Percy asked.

Chiron stared at the snow falling on the hills. Selena could see smoke from the dragon guardian at the pine tree, the glitter of the distant Fleece.

"It will not be until summer, at least," Chiron said. This winter will be hard... the hardest for many centuries. It's best that you go home to the city, Percy; try to keep your mind on school. And rest. You will need rest."

Percy looked at Selena. "What about you?"

Her cheeks flushed. "Annabeth and I are going to San Francisco." Selena linked her arm with Annabeth's, "We're going to stay with her dad. Maybe I can keep an eye on Mount Tam, make sure the Titans don't try anything else. Keep an eye out for any demi-gods."

"You'll send an Iris-message if anything goes wrong?"

She nodded. "But I think Chiron's right. It won't be until the summer. Luke will need time to regain his strength."

"All right," Percy sighed, "Just take care of yourself. And no crazy stunts in the Sopwith Camel."

She smiled tentatively. "Deal. And, Percy—"

What she was going to say was interrupted by Grover, who stumbled out of the Big House, tripping over tin cans. His face was haggard and pale, like he'd seen a specter.

"He spoke.'" Grover cried.

"Calm down, my young satyr," Chiron said, frowning. "What is the matter?"

"I... I was playing music in the parlor," he stammered, "and drinking coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! And he spoke in my mind!"

"Who?" Annabeth demanded.

"Pan!" Grover wailed. "The Lord of the Wild himself. I heard him! I have to... I have to find a suitcase."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Percy stopped him, "What did he say?"

Grover stared at Percy, "Just three words. He said, 'I await you...'"

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And that's a wrap! I'll be posting the fourth book after the holidays. Thank you for all the positive feedback for my series! Happy Holidays everyone!