Page 155 of The Court of the Dead
“Well, look at Dionysus,” said Chiron. “He’s here at camp because the gods couldn’t imagine a solution without some form of punishment. What you two did for Camp Jupiter, for the mythics, for your friend Savannah…You imagined a new path. A more hopeful one. I think both of you are very good at that.”
Nico felt the heat rising in his face. He still wasn’t so great at accepting compliments. “It reminded me of Nyx and Bob. Shehatedthat he changed.”
“And she hated thatyouchanged,” added Will. “Your Cocoa Puffs…they were supposed to torment you, remember?”
Chiron chuckled. “She thought that your worst memories and thoughts would incapacitate you, but from what I hear, even your cacodemons are adapting.”
“Yeah,” said Nico. “Still figuring that out, but I’m realizing that even if they represent my darkest moments, they can teach me something important.”
“Listen to you, Nico,” said Chiron, smiling. “I remember when you first came here. You have changed so much. I am proud of you.”
“Don’t you get all sappy on me now,” said Nico. “Mr. D was bad enough. I don’t know that I could handle it frombothof you.”
“Accept the love!” said Will. “Because it’s not stopping anytime soon.”
When they arrived at the cabins, Nico slowed. He saw a familiar group sitting and chatting by the firepit.
Oludare spotted Nico first and waved at him excitedly. “Hey, look who it is! You’re back!”
Olu, Ananya, and Noah rushed toward them. Nico was stunned by how much more comfortable and at home they looked, even bundled up in their winter jackets. Had it only been a few days ago that they’d sat together in the dining hall?
“You have to tell useverything,” said Ananya.
“And we have so much to tellyou!” Noah said. He stepped closer and then lowered his voice. “Did you know that Mr. D is actually awine god, but he’s not allowed to drink wine?”
Will stifled a laugh. “Oh, really? Wow.”
Chiron cleared his throat. “All right, campers. It’s past curfew. And these counselors havejustreturned to camp, so please allow them to get some food and rest.”
“We’ll come find you tomorrow,” Nico promised the trio, “and tell you all about our trip.”
They rushed off excitedly, and Nico smiled. He was looking forward to teaching these kids about the world.
The dining hall was empty this late at night, but one of the dryads had apparently gotten word they were back. They’d set two places at the head table, with plates of Nico’s and Will’s favorite desserts. They’d just eaten at Camp Jupiter, but Nico never turned down chocolate chip cookies.
“I guess we settle back into our routines now,” he said as they dug in. “Feels kinda weird.”
“Yeah,” said Will. “Like…a couple of days ago, we were sneaking into a real courthouse to find afakecourthouse. And that was theleaststrange part.”
“That’s the hero’s life,” said Chiron. “I’ve been here at Camp Half-Blood for what seems like forever, but I’ve also been all over the world, you know. I’ve seen things that you couldn’t dream of.”
“Do you ever miss traveling?” Nico asked.
Chiron paused to think. “To be honest, I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it in quite some time.”
“Maybe you need a vacation,” suggested Will. “If Hecate can take one, why can’t you?”
The old centaur laughed. “Perhaps. But it’s my duty to look after the new demigods who arrive year after year, and I enjoy it.” He raised his eyebrows. “Unless you are volunteering to become the new activities directors.”
Nico and Will traded a look but remained silent.
“Then eat up, boys. I should get back to the Big House before Dionysus finishes all the hors d’oeuvres.”
Once they were alone, Will leaned his shoulder against Nico’s. “It’s good to be back.”
“I was thinking the same thing. Well, that, and also how much I missed the food here.”
“Way better than Camp Jupiter.”
