XXII

Annabeth wakes from vivid nightmares of fleeing to Camp Half-Blood, Thalia’s last stand, and a vision of Reyna speaking with Athena’s voice: the rest of the journey must be on the wings of Rome, and a message must be sent. The dream escalates into Gaea rising and destroying camp before Annabeth jolts awake at Hermes’s shrine in Tartarus.

Percy has kept watch. Burnt offerings from the mortal world materialize on the altar, providing food that reminds them of home. As they eat, Bob warns that six or seven powerful enemies—Titans or giants—are approaching and that the foes can smell demigods.

Discussing routes to the Doors of Death, Bob advises that going directly would be suicidal. Instead, he suggests hiding with Death Mist, granted by a mysterious “lady” closely tied to Night. The plan is dangerous, but Annabeth has no better option.

Remembering her vision’s command to send a message, Annabeth improvises: she converts Riptide to a usable pen tip, writes a note on a napkin instructing Connor to deliver it to Rachel Dare, and burns it on the Hermes altar, hoping the smoke reaches Camp Half-Blood.

With enemies closing in, Bob urges immediate departure. Annabeth, Percy, and Bob head toward the inky depths to find the lady of the Death Mist, risking an encounter with Night while clinging to the hope that Annabeth’s message may avert disaster above.