THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH Percy Jackson ... - No one's invited.

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to me.
Luke drew his sword. Backbiter’s double edge glowed wickedly—half steel, half celestial bronze. I’d
almost been killed several times by that sword. It was an evil weapon, able to kill both mortals and
monsters. It was the only blade I really feared.
You pledged yourself to me,Kronos reminded him.You took this sword as proof of your oath.
“Yes, my lord. It’s just—”
You wanted power. I gave you that. You are now beyond harm. Soon you will rule the world of gods
and mortals. Do you not wish to avenge yourself? To see Olympus destroyed?
A shiver ran through Luke’s body. “Yes.”
The coffin glowed, golden light filling the room.Then make ready the strike force. As soon as the
bargain is done, we shall move forward. First, Camp Half-Blood will be reduced to ashes. Once
those bothersome heroes are eliminated, we will march on Olympus.
There was a knock on the stateroom doors. The light of the coffin faded. Luke rose. He sheathed his
sword, adjusted his white clothes, and took a deep breath.
“Come in.”
The doors opened. Twodracaenae slithered in—snake women with double serpent trunks instead of
legs. Between them walked Kelli, theempousa cheerleader from my freshman orientation.
“Hello, Luke,” Kelli smiled. She was wearing a red dress and she looked awesome, but I’d seen her
real form. I knew what she was hiding: mismatched legs, red eyes, fangs, and flaming hair.
“What is it, demon?” Luke’s voice was cold. “I told you not to disturb me.”
Kelli pouted. “That’s not very nice. You look tense.How about a nice shoulder massage?”
Luke stepped back. “If you have something to report, say it. Otherwise leave!”
“I don’t know why you’re so huffy these days. Youused to be fun to hang around.”
“That was before I saw what you did to that boy in Seattle.”
“Oh, he meant nothing to me,” Kelli said.“Just a snack, really. You know my heart belongs to you,
Luke.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. Now report or get out.”
Kelli shrugged.“Fine. The advanced team is ready, as you surprised. We can leave—” She frowned.
“What is it?” Luke asked.
“A presence,” Kelli said. “Your senses are getting dull, Luke. We’re being watched.”