XLII

On deck, Piper discusses the prophecy with Jason and Leo, worrying that storm or fire will have to defeat Gaea and that one of them may die. Jason cautions against overinterpreting prophecies, while Leo jokes to ease the tension. Piper, still uneasy, suspects their war will end with the original trio who woke Porphyrion.

Piper notices the weather turning hostile. The smell and charged air remind her of impending snow, confirming the squall is more than Diocletian’s scepter. She orders an alarm and warm winds, but the ship’s systems are down; Festus is offline and the alarm disconnected, costing them precious seconds.

The temperature plummets. Ice crackles over the sails, bronze shields pop, and a wave of rime encases Jason like glass. Leo tries to ignite flames, but the storm smothers them and a sleet funnel rips him from the deck. A cold voice in the gale promises to let Leo go permanently as he is launched into the clouds.

With the hatch iced shut and the crew trapped below, Piper grabs her knife but finds no target. The attackers reveal themselves: Khione, in white silk and diamonds, flanked by her winged brothers with purple plumes and bronze blades. Khione greets Piper with icy malice, asserting control of the frozen deck and setting the stage for a direct confrontation.