Percy Jackson didn't know much about Nyx, but judging by Artemis's grim expression, that ignorance wasn't going to last long.

"What does she want?" Percy asked, lowering Riptide but keeping it in hand just in case.

"To return the world to darkness," Artemis replied, scanning the clearing as if expecting another attack. "Nyx has always despised the light, believing it unnatural and fleeting. If she succeeds, night will reign eternal, and the balance between day and night will be destroyed."

Percy's grip on her sword tightened. "Sounds like someone didn't get enough therapy."

"This is no time for levity," Artemis snapped, her tone sharper than her arrows.

"Okay, yeesh," Percy muttered. "What do we do about her?"

"First, we need answers," Artemis said. "Come. There is one who can shed light on this."

Percy followed the goddess out of the woods, back toward Camp Half-Blood. Despite her exhaustion, her mind raced with questions. Nyx. Eternal darkness. And somehow, Percy was at the center of it all.

When they reached the Big House, Chiron and Rachel Dare were waiting for them. Rachel's eyes glowed faintly with the telltale sign of prophecy. Percy felt a familiar knot form in her stomach.

"Oh no," she muttered. "Not another prophecy."

"I'm afraid so," Rachel said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. "And this one is... complicated."

"Complicated how?" Percy asked warily.

Rachel's gaze flicked to Artemis, then back to Percy. "It's about both of you."

Before Percy could process that, Rachel's body stiffened, and her eyes glowed brighter. Her voice resonated with an ancient power as the prophecy spilled forth:

"When moonlight meets the tide's embrace,
A bond shall form, defying fate.
The darkness stirs, the night takes hold,
To shatter light and steal the soul.
Through silver paths and ocean's might,
The huntress and her champion fight.
Together forged, their strength untamed,
Shall cast the night and break the chains."

The glow faded, and Rachel slumped forward, catching herself on the back of a chair. Percy stood frozen, her mind scrambling to make sense of the words.

"A bond?" she said aloud, glancing at Artemis.

Artemis's expression was unreadable, but her hands were clenched into fists at her sides. "It appears the Fates have made their intentions clear."

Percy frowned. "What does that even mean? A bond? Champion? And why me?"

"Because the Fates have chosen you," Chiron said solemnly. "And they do not choose lightly."

Artemis turned to Rachel. "What else do you know of Nyx's plans?"

Rachel shook her head. "The visions are still unclear. But the prophecy... it suggests your connection will be the key to defeating her."

Percy felt like the world was spinning. First, Artemis shows up claiming they're connected, and now a prophecy was backing her up?

"Great," Percy muttered. "Another day, another apocalypse."