The cool evening air swept through Camp Half-Blood, carrying the scent of pine and sea salt. The familiar sounds of the camp—laughter, the clang of weapons in the arena, the chirping of crickets—felt oddly distant to Alex. As she walked alongside Percy and Annabeth, her mind was still reeling from their conversation earlier. The Golden Fleece. The Sea of Monsters. The prophecy.

There were too many unknowns.

They reached the Big House, where Chiron was waiting with his usual calm demeanor. The centaur's wise, patient eyes assessed Alex as she approached, his hooves gently tapping the ground in rhythm. Beside him, Grover stood nervously, his satyr legs shifting from side to side. He looked more concerned than usual.

"Ah, Alex," Chiron greeted, his voice warm but grave. "I assume you've heard the news?"

Alex nodded, her heart heavy. "Yeah. About the borders. The Oracle's prophecy..."

Chiron's expression darkened slightly. "Yes, the situation is dire. The prophecy speaks of the Fleece and the Sea of Monsters, but there are things even I don't fully understand. It's a path fraught with danger."

"Danger's an understatement," Grover muttered, glancing nervously around. "I don't think we've ever dealt with anything this... unpredictable."

Alex felt the weight of the task ahead settle deeper into her chest. "So, what's the plan?"

Chiron glanced at the three of them, his gaze lingering on Alex. "The Fleece lies at the heart of the Sea of Monsters, a place where danger waits at every turn. To retrieve it, you'll need more than strength or speed; you'll need cunning and teamwork."

Alex's stomach twisted. "And you're sending us? Me, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover?"

Chiron nodded. "Yes. The Oracle's prophecy is clear—you are part of this mission. Your powers, Alex, will be crucial in this quest, as will your connection to Poseidon."

Alex flinched at the mention of her father. Poseidon's presence loomed large in her life, and it wasn't always easy to manage the constant pull of his power inside her. It made her feel... different, like she wasn't fully in control of who she was. She glanced at Percy, who gave her a reassuring smile, but it didn't ease the growing unease in her stomach.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for this," Alex admitted quietly, feeling vulnerable in front of her friends and mentors.

Annabeth placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are, Alex. We're all in this together. You've come so far already—this is just another step. We believe in you."

Percy nodded in agreement. "We've all got your back. This time, we're not going in blind. We know what we're up against."

Chiron's eyes softened with understanding. "Indeed, you've faced many trials already. But this quest will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Trust in your abilities, in your companions, and in the gods who guide you."

Alex felt a rush of gratitude for her friends. Despite the overwhelming burden of her role, she knew she couldn't do this alone. She had the strength of her father's blood in her veins and the wisdom of Artemis' teachings to guide her. Maybe, just maybe, that would be enough.

"Alright," Alex said, her voice gaining strength. "We leave at dawn?"

"Correct," Chiron confirmed. "Gather your supplies, and prepare yourselves. The journey ahead will be perilous, but it is the only way to save Camp Half-Blood."

Alex turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Grover's voice stopped her.

"Uh, Alex?" The satyr shuffled nervously. "I, um, don't want to scare you or anything, but I've got this feeling that... well, that things are going to get really bad out there. Worse than we can imagine. So, um... stay alert, okay?"

Alex gave him a reassuring smile, though inside, her own doubts and fears were swirling. "I'll keep that in mind, Grover."

As the sun began to set behind the trees, Alex walked away from the Big House and toward her cabin, her thoughts racing. The prophecy, the Fleece, the Sea of Monsters. The weight of it all felt suffocating. She wasn't sure she was ready for this, but there was no turning back now.

That night, as she lay awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling, the words of the Oracle haunted her.

"The daughter of the sea bears a destiny too great to fathom."

Alex closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Tomorrow, the journey would begin. And she would face whatever came her way, no matter the cost.