Page 150 of The Court of the Dead
“What if they want to believe they saw a bunch of mythics fighting a bunch of gods?” Will asked, his eyes wide.
“That is their prerogative,” she answered, grinning.
Nico took Will’s hand. “So it’s over? We can relax?”
Hecate smirked. “Well, I’m not sure demigods can ever relax, Nico di Angelo. But you’ve done quite enough for now. You have helped usher in a new world! First by defeating Kronos, then Gaea, and then by rescuing a Titan from Tartarus. Now you’ve befriended mythics who thought they only had one choice in life. You are helping them choose to be something else, if they wish.”
“She is right,” said Asterion, beaming with pride. “I do not know if we would still be alive if it were not for your kindness, friends.”
Quinoa fluttered over to Hazel and hugged her around the neck. “You make me want to be a better pseudo-grain!”
Hazel laughed. “Thank you, Quinoa. I know a group of kindergartners who will be really happy to see you again.”
“Excellent.” Hecate nodded in satisfaction. “You younger demigods, behave yourselves. And try to learn from the example of your elders.” She pointed at Nico.
“Um,” he said, “I’m only a few years older than—”
“Elders,”Hecate repeated, a bit more forcefully.
Nico decided not to fight it. “Thank you, Hecate. For helping us.”
The goddess smiled, and then faded into shadow.
Nico gazed at the others around him. What a strange group they were—deadly monsters turned allies; Greek and Roman demigods working side by side; clueless kids like Nico suddenly being called “elders,” charged with teaching newer recruits how to survive in the world.
“What a day,” Will marveled. “I’m gonna be honest…I don’t think we’ve ever been through anything quite this wild.”
“Eight gods,” said Deion. “We got to meeteightgods, you guys!”
“He’s such a baby,” Savannah said to Arielle. “He’ll grow out of it, though.”
Arielle snickered, looping her arm through Savannah’s like they’d been best friends forever. The empousa glanced at Nico.Thank you, she mouthed.
“Let’s get home,” said Nico. “I mean to Camp Jupiter…if someone would help me up.”
Will pulled him to his feet, and then kissed the back of his hand. “You know I got you.”
“We all do,” said Hazel.
Nico didn’t remember much about the trip back. Hazel released Arion so she could take the BART with everyone else. Surrounded by his friends and family, Nico closed his eyes as they rode under the bay. He allowed himself to pass out, knowing he was with people who would watch over him, and treat him as he deserved.
When Nico awoke the next day in the guest barracks, he found Will sitting on the floor up against his bunk, playing with Fear as if it were nothing more than a pet.
Nico rubbed his eyes. “You know that’s a cacodemon and not a house cat, right?”
Will twisted around to smile at him. “Welcome back to the world of the conscious, sleepyhead.”
Nico reached out and ran his fingers through Will’s curls. “It’s nice to be back.”
“You slept for like thirteen hours. I thought youdied.”
Nico yawned and sat up. “I think the whole eidolon-possession thing did a number on me.”
Nico heard a soft yawn, and Defiance poked its head out from under the covers. It was followed by the rest of the Cocoa Puffs, who began to yap and beg for food.
“I agree, Puffs,” said Nico. “I’m hungry, too.”
“Well, you’re in luck, then,” said Will. “Our farewell dinner should be just about ready.”
