Turning around, I motioned forward and placed my finger on my lips. Jarad slipped in front of me, Tom following suit. Together, they silently took out the two empousa guards and then turned around to Sarah-Anne. "You're up," Tom whispered and motioned for her to come forward.

Sarah-Anne placed her palm over the large, intricate lock on the door and closed her eyes. A few seconds passed before she moved again. She turned to face me, expression grim. "I can't unlock it," she said and stepped away in defeat.

"What?" I exclaimed. "Of course you can. You're a daughter of Hermes!"

The red-head shrugged. "Sorry. It's a weird lock for a weird dude." She glanced at Kai. "Sorry."

Kai glanced up, "meh. I never met this dad anyway." Kai glanced around at the fabulous home around them. "Gods, Cupid is dramatic."

The house was huge, if fact, huge, was an understatement. The building was extravagantly built, made of hand-crafted stone and marble. Turrets and towers gave it a medieval, castle vibe. Cupid definitely loved bold, dramatic statements.

Tom groaned, "what do we do if we can't get inside? We need to get his bow and arrows if we want to save Percy!"

My mind whirred. If a lock didn't need a key, then what would unlock it? Suddenly, it struck me.

"A password!"

Tom glanced over. "What?"

I nodded, the cogs and gears were fitting all into place! "It needs a password, and considering it's Cupid, it'll be something to do with Love."

I stepped forward and got close to the door and keyhole. I bent down. "Perseus Jackson," I whispered. There was a loud rumble and the door began to shake. I stepped back and waited for something to happen but suddenly the shaking stopped and we were still stuck outside like live bait. "Why didn't that work? I love him with all my heart."

Kai nodded thoughtfully. "And that's why it didn't work."

"What?"

Kai faced me and motioned to the door. "Cupid loves a secret, especially if it involves love. You've already admitted to yourself and everyone else that you love Percy. The door will only open to someone who hasn't even admitted they love the person they do."

My mouth fell agape. "But none of us are like that!"

Kai stepped back and surveyed the group of demigods thoughtfully. "Are you sure?" he said softly and his eyes landed on Tom. Tom swallowed painfully loud and stepped forward.

"What are you talking about?" He snapped. "I don't love anybody!"

Kai frowned. "I've seen the way you look at her. I can sense the love within you."

Suddenly Tom's face convulsed angrily. "You don't know anything about me!" he cried. Tom looked to be on the verge of tears. He glanced behind him where Sarah-Anne and Jarad stood then back at Kai. "You don't know anything!" he repeated but his voice was suddenly quiet and shy and sad.

Kai shook his head sadly. "Tell the door, Tom Jones."

Tom was crying now. Tears streamed down his tanned cheeks thick and fast. "I can't," he whispered.

Behind Tom, Jarad fidgeted uncomfortably. "Mate, what is he talking about?"

"Nothing!" Tom said harshly, "he doesn't know what he's talking about!

Jarad came forward and placed his hand on Tom's shoulder. "Look, you have to do this. For Annabeth and Percy. Please, Tom."

Tom let out a cry full of pain and despair. "I don't want to!" he sobbed violently.

Kai pushed his towards the door. "You have to!"

Still sobbing, Tom leaned forward into the door and whispered a name.

But it wasn't what anyone was expecting.

"Jarad Morning."