The journey back to Camp Half-Blood was supposed to be a straight shot now that they had the Golden Fleece. The group was in good spirits despite their exhaustion, but Alex couldn't shake the gnawing sense of unease in her chest. Something about the waters felt off, too calm, too quiet.

"I don't like this," she muttered to Percy as they stood on the deck, scanning the horizon.

Percy nodded, his expression grim. "The Sea of Monsters isn't the kind of place to give us a free pass. Be ready for anything."

Annabeth was below deck, updating the map and triple-checking their route, while Tyson busied himself repairing the ship's mast with his uncanny Cyclops strength. Alex watched him for a moment, marveling at his ability to stay cheerful despite everything they'd been through.

"You okay, Alex?" Percy asked, breaking her thoughts.

She hesitated before nodding. "Just... waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Before Percy could respond, Tyson's voice boomed from the mast. "Something's coming! Big thing! Very big thing!"

The water around the ship churned violently, and the once-calm sea turned into a roiling cauldron. A massive shadow moved beneath the surface, circling the ship like a predator stalking its prey.

Then it broke the surface. The serpent was gargantuan, its dark scales shimmering in the moonlight like oil on water. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural green light, and its maw was lined with rows of jagged teeth that seemed capable of snapping the ship in two.

"Sea Serpent!" Annabeth shouted as she burst onto the deck, her knife already in hand.

The serpent let out an ear-splitting roar, spraying saltwater across the deck. The ship rocked violently, and Alex grabbed the railing to steady herself.

"We need to stop it before it sinks us!" Percy yelled, drawing Riptide.

Percy charged at the serpent, slashing at its snout with Riptide, while Annabeth threw herself into action, directing Tyson to reinforce the ship. Alex hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding as she watched the creature rear back, its massive head towering over them.

Her hands clenched into fists. This wasn't the time for doubt. She had to act.

Focusing on the water, Alex extended her hands, summoning a surge of waves to push the serpent back. The water obeyed her command, crashing against the creature with immense force. It let out a roar of frustration, momentarily stunned.

"Nice work, Alex!" Percy called, barely dodging a swipe from the serpent's tail.

But the victory was short-lived. The serpent recovered quickly, lunging at the ship with renewed ferocity. Its teeth clamped onto the hull, splintering wood and causing the ship to tilt dangerously.

"Enough!" Alex shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

She raised her arms, and the sea seemed to respond to her fury. The water around the serpent began to spiral, forming a massive whirlpool that trapped the creature in its grip. Alex's silver hair whipped around her face as the power of the sea coursed through her, her red eyes glowing with determination.

The serpent thrashed against the whirlpool, its roars shaking the air, but Alex held firm. The strain was immense, her body trembling from the effort.

"Alex, you've got this!" Annabeth yelled, her voice filled with a rare note of encouragement.

With a final cry, Alex pushed the water upward, creating a towering wave that carried the serpent far from the ship. The creature let out one last roar before disappearing beneath the waves.

The ship settled, the sea returning to an eerie calm. Alex staggered, her strength nearly spent. Percy was at her side in an instant, steadying her before she could collapse.

"That was... incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe.

Alex shook her head, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. "It was reckless. I could've—"

"You saved us," Annabeth interrupted, her tone firm. "That's what matters."

Tyson lumbered over, his massive hand resting gently on Alex's shoulder. "You are very strong, Alex. Like big sister should be."

Her lips quirked into a tired smile. "Thanks, Tyson."

As the group worked to repair the damage to the ship, Alex found herself staring out at the horizon. The serpent had been a test, a reminder of the power she wielded—and the responsibility that came with it.

But for the first time, she felt a flicker of confidence. She might not fully understand her role yet, but she was starting to believe she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And she knew she wouldn't have to face them alone.