VII

Annabeth and Percy reach a cliff over a fiery canyon and begin a perilous descent toward the Phlegethon. The toxic air and heat worsen their injuries and exhaustion, but they edge down a narrow fissure and collapse at the riverbank, on the verge of passing out.

Annabeth reasons that the Phlegethon, though a river of punishment, can also keep beings intact and might act like ambrosia. She drinks first, enduring excruciating pain before feeling her blisters recede and her breathing ease. When Percy collapses, Annabeth forces the fire into his mouth, reviving and healing him.

With their strength partially restored, they confront the reality that Tartarus is a vast, physical realm, and that they must find the Doors of Death. Despite overwhelming odds and unknown timing, they agree the Doors must be closed on both sides to stop Gaea’s forces, so they consider following the river as a lifeline.

As Annabeth suggests heading downstream, Arachne ambushes her. Percy reacts instantly, drawing Riptide and cutting Arachne down, her body dissolving into yellow dust. Annabeth is shaken by Percy’s fierce protectiveness and the quick kill, recognizing that monsters can be slain here—though perhaps not forever.

They decide to track the Phlegethon downstream, reasoning it flows deeper into Tartarus where the Doors are likely guarded. Accepting greater danger as necessary, they move on, resolved to survive and meet their friends at the Doors of Death.