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The pegasi landed in an outer courtyard before two massive silver gates of the Olympian Hall. I dismounted and staggered slightly before Agro, in her cart horse form, rushed to support me. I placed an arm around her neck and leaned my head against her soft fur.

Good luck, my lady, Sunny neighed, and then, the pegasi soared off into the night.

Raiden looked at me. "You good?"

"Fine," I grunted. "Let's just go."

"Yep," she muttered. "Let's just go and suffer through this Minotaur dung with Zeus."

The gates parted for us, and we moved into the Olympian throne room.

Surrounding a center hearth, a dozen immense thrones formed a U-shape. Overhead, the ceiling mirrored the dark vault of the heavens, sparkling with stars. I stared numbly at the constellation of Zoë the Huntress and felt a burning in the corners of my eyes. I blinked furiously. I couldn't cry here, not in front of all the Olympians. All of them were present and at least fifteen feet tall, gazing down at us. If I cried in front of them, no doubt it would demonstrate weakness. And then those who wanted to blast me to smithereens (*cough cough* Hera), would have an excuse to do so.

"Greetings, heroes," Artemis called.

She looked down at me briefly before moving down off her throne. She transformed into her twelve-year-old girl form, the one I knew so well, and approached us. The familiar sight relaxed me slightly, and I limped over to stand beside her. Raiden and Dad followed my lead.

"The Council is aware of your endeavors," the goddess said. "They are aware of the western ascent of Mount Othrys, Atlas's failed escape, and Kronos's converging forces. The Council has voted to take action."

A few Olympians muttered and shifted in their seats, and I got the feeling that not everyone was pleased with the plan, but no one objected.

"Under the orders of my Lord Zeus," Artemis announced, "myself and my brother Apollo shall pursue the most dangerous monsters, aiming to destroy them before they can ally with the Titans. Lady Athena herself shall inspect the numerous confines of the other Titans and ensure they are secure to prevent any potential escapes. Lord Poseidon has been accorded authorization to release his entire fury upon the Princess Andromeda and blast it into the depths of the sea. And concerning you, valiant heroes..."

She rotated to address the other gods. "These demigods have performed a considerable favor for Olympus. Is there any god amidst us who would contend that?"

No immortal objected. I looked around. A woman in a graceful ivory dress, Athena, nodded at me. My eyes flickered over to Hera, and we had a silent glaring contest before Apollo interrupted the quiet.

"I have to admit," he said, "these kids didn't do horribly." He opened his mouth and started to declaim: "Unbeaten heroes-"

"Uh, I agree," interjected Hermes, sparing us all from Apollo's awful poetry. "Who here supports sparing them from disintegration?"

A few gods lifted hesitant hands.

"Hang on," Ares snarled. "These runts-" he pointed at Thalia, Raiden, Percy, and I in turn- "are a threat."

Raiden glared at the war god. "Of course, you'd remember I'm a threat, Ares. Just because you're sulking about me beating your butt in-"

"Ares," Artemis interrupted, shooting Raiden a warning glance, "they are deserving half-bloods. We shall not destroy my daughter and my champion."

"Neither my son nor my grandson," Poseidon agreed.

"Neither my daughter," rumbled Zeus, causing Thalia to redden.

Athena leaned forward. "I agree they are indeed worthy heroes, Artemis. However, there still exists huge insecurity in these four. As children of the Big Three, Percy and Thalia in particular are a hazard. And Raiden, as a daughter of Kronos-"

"I apologize for interrupting, Lady Athena," Raiden interjected with a bow, "but I hate my father more than anyone." She clutched her upper forearm where her snake tattoo was. "He's done things to me that I will never forgive. I'm loyal to Artemis as her champion, and I won't ever rejoin my father."

Athena considered her words. "I sense you tell the truth, Raiden. However, Kronos is a master manipulator, and he could very easily trick you into making a destructive decision. You are a very powerful half-blood, and one wrong decision from you could mean the end of Olympus. As for Ainsley, she is also a large threat. The prophecy stated as much, and it was demonstrated by the earlier events of tonight. Orion is also a threat with the power he wields. I warn against allowing such security risks to remain."

"They do not deserve to be punished, Athena," Artemis argued. "They deserve to be rewarded. To eliminate heroes who have served us greatly would render us comparable to the Titans. Should this be Olympian objectivity, I will not accept it."

"Well, it is possible," Zeus grouched. "However, everyone is in agreement that the beast must be eliminated, correct?"

Several of the gods nodded.

"Hold up," Percy said. "You're talking about Bessie? You can't destroy Bessie!"

The Ophiotaurus mooed in agreement from his water sphere.

"He's right." I stepped forward, away from Agro's support. My legs trembled, and my muscles ached, but I didn't fall. I stared around at all the gods and. "Bessie's an innocent creature. To kill him is nothing short of evil."

Heavy muttering erupted among the Olympians in response to my words. A few Olympians-namely Hera and Ares-glowered in my direction. Artemis and Poseidon exchanged a look, apparently surprised that their children would agree on something.

"My son," the sea god said, "consider the possibilities. If Kronos's forces were—"

"Lord Poseidon, killing Bessie would be evil," I repeated firmly. "If you did kill him, you'd be—"

"—no better than the Titans." Raiden looked at his Zeus and locked eyes with him. "Zeus," -there were a few stifled gasps from the other gods- "destroying Bessie is no better than when our father ate his kids. If you were to kill Bessie, you would be no better than Kronos."

"Yeah," Percy agreed, glancing gratefully in our direction. "Killing something because of what might happen isn't right. Besides, trying to change a prophecy never works, does it?"

Zeus considered our argument. "There is truth in what you say, half-bloods. However..." He looked at his daughter. "...the risks are still massive. Kronos is fully informed, that if either of the two of you sacrifices the creature's entrails, you will gain the power to overturn Olympus. Do you imagine we can allow that prospect to endure? My child, you, shall reach sixteen tomorrow, exactly as foretold by the prophecy."

"Do you think we're lying?" Raiden scowled. "You gotta trust us."

Zeus glowered. "Have faith in a half-blood?"

"Raiden is correct," said Artemis. "That is why I must now bestow a reward. My devoted sister, Zoë Nightshade, has departed into the constellations. I require a second lieutenant alongside my daughter, and I am resolved to select one. However, before that, Father Zeus, I must consult you confidentially."

Zeus signaled for Artemis to approach. He inclined toward her to listen as she muttered in his ear. They interacted for roughly a minute and then Artemis rotated around.

"I shall designate a second lieutenant," she declared. "Assuming she shall consent. Thalia, daughter of Zeus, will you become my lieutenant?"

"Yes," Thalia said resolutely.

Zeus stood, his expression worried. "My child, think fully—"

"Father," she interrupted, "I shall never reach sixteen. I will stand beside Artemis, my sister. Kronos will never sway me again."

She approached my mother, bowed to her, and delivered the oath of the Hunt. Then, she embraced our friends and proceeded to stand beside me. I gave her a nod of respect, and she grinned slightly at me.

"Now, we must decide what to do with the beast," Athena declared.

"The boy persists as a hazard," cautioned Dionysus. "The creature carries incredible power, an impulse that could cause our downfall. Even if we refrain from destroying the boy—"

"You can protect here." Raiden fiddled with her sheathed axe. "Have Lord Poseidon take him under the sea or something."

"Or my dad could build an aquarium," Percy suggested.

"The latter shall happen," Zeus announced. "The beast will not be carried into the depths, Poseidon. I will not permit you to possess such a bargaining chip!"

"Very well," the sea god sighed. "I shall erect an aquarium for the Ophiotaurus on Olympus with Hephaestus's aid. The beast's safety will be secure. We shall apply our collective powers to shield it. I vow this upon my honor that the boy shall not deceive us. I also vouch for my grandson."

"I will vouch for the loyalty of my champion and my daughter," Artemis added. "They will not betray Olympus."

Zeus thought for a moment. "Those in accord?"

Several hands raised, Hera among them, although she glowered in my direction. Only Ares, Dionysus, and Athena abstained.

"That is the majority," proclaimed Zeus. "As we shall be sparing these heroes...it appears only fitting that we celebrate them. Let the victory celebration commence!"

I didn't like parties much, but even an Olympian-style party was alright. The Muses turned up the music, and apparently, it sounded like each person's music taste. The music sounded like Beyoncé and Pink (What? Just because I'm Hunter doesn't mean I don't listen to music). I hummed along to Single Ladies as I hobbled over to acquire food. Tables were overflowing with mortal food and nectar and ambrosia spurting from several fountains. The goblets of gold were filled with whatever the drinker desired.

I seized one and began chugging down mountain spring water. I hadn't realized how parched and dehydrated I was until the water relieved my throat. It was like the weight of the sky was being lifted off my shoulders again. The tension in my arms and shoulders released slightly.

Here you go, Chief! Agro offered me half a dozen tacos on a golden plate.

"Thanks, girl." I placed my goblet on a table to my left and inhaled two of the tacos.

"You're hungry," a voice behind me noted.

I turned in the process of devouring the last four tacos. Percy stood behind me, holding a goblet full of a blue liquid. I noticed a new streak of gray-white in his black hair and wondered where it had come from.

I swallowed the last of the tacos and seized my goblet again. "I haven't eaten or drunk anything in four days, Jackson." I gulped down another three goblets full.

"Yeah, I know." He grinned slightly. "I can't believe you held the sky for four days. That took guts."

"Thanks," I said. "It hurt a lot though." I gestured at my shaking legs and bruised face.

"I know the feeling," Percy replied, surveying my face. "I think they've got some ambrosia over there. Hang on."

He dashed over to the nearby table, snatched up a piece of the godly food, and sprinted back again. "Here."

I accepted and popped the ambrosia in my mouth. The delicious taste of deer meat filled my mouth, and warmth spread throughout my body, rejuvenating my muscles. I felt the bruises on my body instantly heal, and a new wave of energy surged through me. The cramping in my muscles faded, and I felt the slashes and black eye from Aidan's sword beginning to mend.

"Thanks," I said.

"No problem." Percy smiled again. "Hey, by the way, I wanted to, uh, thank you for backing me up on Bessie. It really helped."

I returned his smile. "Well, you were right. Bessie was innocent, and innocent creatures deserve to be protected. That's one rule I will always stand by."

Percy nodded. Then, a woman's voice behind him called, "My daughter."

I stared over his shoulder and saw Artemis waiting for me. My heart skipped a beat.

"Well, I'd better go." I extended a hand. "For a man, you're not so bad, Percy Jackson. I'll see you around."

He shook my hand. "See you around."

I seized another sandwich and my goblet and whistled for Agro. She hurried to my side, and I approached my mother, devouring the sandwich.

"Mother," I said.

"I thought we could take a walk," the goddess suggested.

My heart started racing. "Alright."

We strode through through the hall and into one of the outer courtyards. The crowd parted for us, eyeing Artemis apprehensively. We passed Raiden, who was in an apparent argument with Connor Stoll judging from his black eye and Dad, sitting off to the side with Snow. Raiden and Dad clearly wanted to talk to me, but they abstained from approaching when they saw Artemis.

We exited the courtyard and walked through a side archway that led to a balcony overlooking Olympus. I leaned against the rail, the wind rustling my hair. The streets below were bustling with minor gods, demigods, and nature spirits. I watched a demigod, maybe someone from the Ares Cabin, careen sideways in their chariot and crash into a storefront. A minor god stormed out of the wreckage, shouting obscenities in Ancient Greek.

"The stars are beautiful tonight," Artemis remarked.

"What?" I stared at her and then up at the sky. "Oh, yeah. The-the stars are nice."

"Which constellation is your favorite?"

"Which do you think?" I snapped. Then I realized I sounded rude. "Sorry. Um...Zoë's my favorite."

My gaze drifted toward the constellation of the Huntress, and my eyes burned at the corners.

I'm so sorry, Zoë, I thought. I failed to protect you.

"It was not your fault, Ainsley," Artemis said gently. Apparently, I'd spoken my thoughts aloud, or my mother had read my mind.

"Yes, it was!" I said bitterly. "If I hadn't been so...so stupid as to try and rescue you on my own, then I wouldn't have been ambushed and ended up in the sky! If I hadn't been under the sky, I could've gone on the actual quest to save you—"

"It was not your fault. The prophecy foretold Zoë would die. You cannot prevent Fate.

"Yeah, but Fate can be changed! Mine was when I came back from the...from the..." I faltered, suddenly recalling the iciness of the Underworld, the darkness, and the voice. Goosebumps erupted on my arms, and I pulled Raiden's parka closer around me, shivering.

"What happened down in the Underworld, child?" Artemis met my gaze, and I saw concern in her eyes. "How did you manage to return from the dead?"

"I really don't wanna talk about it, Mom," I muttered, shuddering. I gripped one of the hilts of my daggers, wanting security. "I don't wanna remember."

"I need to know what happened, Ainsley. Besides, it will help you process."

I scowled. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Suppressing your emotions and memories will not help. I promise that after you talk about it, you will feel better."

Agro nosed my hand and wagged her tail. You got this, Chief.

I started stroking her head and inhaled deeply. "Alright. Here we go." Inwardly, I thought: Why are you making me do this, Mother?

I began to explain. I told the goddess how I'd somehow remained conscious of my surroundings as a ghost. I told her how I'd crossed the River Styx and a voice had spoken to me, warning me of my broken oaths. Artemis frowned but said nothing. I explained how I'd passed Cerberus and then arrived at the Judgement Pavilion. I told my mother what the judges had said about life, but when I arrived at the part about the images I'd seen, I wavered. I inhaled deeply and tried to continue, but I couldn't. Remembering was too painful.

Artemis surveyed me thoughtfully. "Did you see your brother?"

I nodded.

The goddess sighed. "I assumed as much." She placed a hand on my shoulder, and new confidence surged through me. I continued.

I explained what I'd seen and heard in the images, the judges' final debates, and then their ultimate decision to send me to Elysium. I told her how, when I'd hesitated at the golden doors, a voice had spoken from the darkness, offering to send me back.

"And then the darkness kinda wrapped around me," I finished, "and sucker-punched me back to life." I studied my mother's face, her cold silver eyes and her thoughtful frown, trying to conclude her expression. I concluded nothing, so I asked, "Who do you think the voice was, Mother? I know it wasn't Hades 'cause he'd never let come back."

"I do not know," Artemis said. "What did the voice sound like?"

I stared at the night sky, straining my memory. "Old. Really, really old. But not evil. I don't think it was Kronos. Does that give you any ideas?"

"Yes." She sighed again. "You know, my daughter, there are forces beyond the power or influence of the Olympians. Perhaps one such force resurrected you and your brother."

My heart dropped, and I growled, "He's still alive?"

"I am afraid so. You were aware of this already, though."

"Yeah, I was." I scowled. "I mean, I had a feeling in, like, my heart or whatever, but I was hoping it was wrong." I looked up at my mother. "I don't understand. Who would want to resurrect that...that pathetic excuse for a demigod?"

"Once again, I do not know, child," Artemis said. "I only know that your journey will grow harder here."

"What?" I gripped the hilts of my daggers so hard my knuckles turned white. "Why? I already lost one of my sisters, and I had to watch a poisoned arrow vaporize my hawk! Haven't I suffered enough? Mother, what did I do to deserve more pain?" I blinked tears out of my eyes.

"You do not deserve any of the pain, my daughter, but because you broke two oaths upon the River Styx—"

"Aidan broke the first one, too! So why isn't he suffering?"

"Ainsley," Artemis said sharply, so that I shut my mouth, "the ways of the Fates are strange. I do not know if they decided your path to one of pain, but they did. The prophecy foretold as much."

"What prophecy? The one about twins? It's about Aidan and I, isn't it? What does it say?"

The goddess shook her head. "I cannot tell you."

"Why?" I wanted to yell: I'm sick of being in the dark!

"It is too soon."

"But Aidan knows!" I protested. "He has to! So why can't I? If you tell me now, I can start getting ready-"

"If I tell you now, you will try and change your fate," Artemis said. "I cannot allow that to happen."

I crossed my arms, and my scowl deepened. "Why not? I can take of myself. Mother, tell me the prophecy. Let me change my fate and then I'll whip Aidan's podex to Mars."

A smile flickered across the goddess's lips. "You are spirited, my daughter. That is good. I sense you will need that shortly."

"What's coming?"

"Tests of your strength and loyalty, my daughter."

I clenched my fists. "Are you kidding me? I don't need any more dam tests from the Fates! I've proven myself already. I held the sky for four days for Hades's sake, sacrificed myself to try and save a sister, and then came back from the dead."

"I know you did and only my true daughter could have done that. Only a true-spirited huntress, someone with a great heart, could hold the sky for as long as you did. And only someone with great courage could sacrifice themselves to save a sister as you did."

I blushed. "So you're saying..."

"I am saying you are my true daughter," the goddess said. "I am saying that you are a true huntress, someone with incredible loyalty, bravery, and strength. I do not doubt that no matter how difficult the trials you face are, you will vanquish them. And for that, I could not be more proud, Ainsley.

My face reddened so much that it looked like my head was a tomato with a red wig. I opened my mouth to thank her, but no words exited.

The goddess placed a hand on my shoulder. "Now come, child. It is time we return to Camp Half-Blood and rejoin with the Hunters."

She turned around and walked back into the hall. I stared at the constellation of Zoë the Huntress one final time, gulped, and followed my mother inside.