XXI PIPER

Leaving Quebec City on Festus, Jason praises Piper for swaying Boreas, but Piper fixates on looming threats and Jason’s mysterious Roman ties. She withholds her secret about Enceladus, fears Jason might be an enemy, and notices Leo’s unease after Khione targeted him for “smelling like fire,” which also unsettles Festus.

As they fly, Piper reflects on Coach Hedge’s sacrifice and newfound hope he’s alive, realizing his harsh training was meant to prepare her. She recalls a night with her father in Oklahoma, his refusal to play Native roles, and the tension between identity and pretending—mirroring her current deception.

Exhausted, Piper sleeps and dreams again of Enceladus at the purple bonfire. The giant claims Piper’s father’s body is safe but his mind is failing, pressuring Piper to prove her love by betraying Hera and leading her friends astray. He argues their quest is doomed and that freeing Hera will destroy Piper.

Enceladus shows Piper a panorama revealing his location and demands she arrive by noon on the solstice, suggesting she either mislead Jason and Leo to the summit or arrange their deaths beforehand. Piper refuses, vowing to save both her father and her friends, while Enceladus boasts of the giants’ return and promises to humble her.

The vision collapses, and Piper wakes screaming—free-falling through open air—signaling immediate danger to the quest.