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

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

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hand to his right hand. I wondered if this was a different room completely, but the frieze of the gods<br />

looked exactly the same.<br />

Behind us, the doorway we’d come through had disappeared, replaced by more mosaics. We wouldn’t<br />

be going back the way we came.<br />

“The exits are closed,” Annabeth said.<br />

“Duh!” the man’s left face said.<br />

“Where do they lead?” she asked.<br />

“One probably leads the way you wish to go,” the right face said encouragingly. “The other leads to<br />

certain death.”<br />

“I—I know who you are,” Annabeth said.<br />

“Oh, you’re a smart one!” The left face sneered. “But do you know which way to choose? I don’t have<br />

all day.”<br />

“Why are you trying to confuse me?” Annabeth asked.<br />

The right face smiled. “You’re in charge now, my dear. All the decisions are on your shoulders. That’s<br />

what you wanted, isn’t it?”<br />

“I—”<br />

“We know you, Annabeth,” the left face said. “We know what you wrestle with every day. We know<br />

your indecision. You will have to make your choice sooner or later. And the choice may kill you.”<br />

I didn’t know what they were talking about, but it sounded like it was about more than a choice between<br />

doors.<br />

The color drained out of Annabeth’s face. “<strong>No</strong>…I don’t—”<br />

“Leave her alone,” I said. “Who are you, anyway?”<br />

“I’m your best friend,” the right face said.<br />

“I’m your worst enemy,” the left face said.<br />

“I’mJanus ,” both faces said in harmony.“God of Doorways.Beginnings.Endings.Choices.”<br />

“I’ll see you soon enough,Perseus <strong>Jackson</strong>,” said the right face. “But for nowit’s Annabeth’s turn.” He<br />

laughed giddily.“Such fun!”<br />

“Shut up!” his left face said. “This is serious. One bad choice can ruin your whole life. It can kill you and<br />

all of your friends.But no pressure, Annabeth. Choose!”<br />

With a sudden chill, I remembered the words of the prophecy:the child of Athena’s final stand.

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