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I offered salvation to all of you, Gaea said. You could have turned back. Now it is too late. You’ve come to
the ancient lands where I am strongest—where I will wake.
Leo pulled a hammer from his tool belt. He whacked the mirror. Being metal, it just quivered like
a tea tray, but it felt good to smash Gaea in the nose.
“In case you haven’t noticed, Dirt Face,” he said, “your little ambush failed. Your three eidolons
got melted in bronze, and we’re fine.”
Gaea laughed softly. Oh, my sweet Leo. You three have been separated from your friends. That was the
whole point.
The workshop door slammed shut.
You are trapped in my embrace, Gaea said. Meanwhile, Annabeth Chase faces her death alone, terrified
and crippled, at the hands of her mother’s greatest enemy.
The image in the mirror changed. Leo saw Annabeth sprawled on the floor of a dark cavern,
holding up her bronze knife as if warding off a monster. Her face was gaunt. Her leg was wrapped up
in some sort of splint. Leo couldn’t see what she was looking at, but it was obviously something
horrible. He wanted to believe the image was a lie, but he had a bad feeling it was real, and it was
happening right now.
The others, Gaea said, Jason Grace, Piper McLean, and my dear friend Percy Jackson—they will perish
within minutes.
The scene changed again. Percy was holding Riptide, leading Jason and Piper down a spiral
staircase into the darkness.
Their powers will betray them, Gaea said. They will die in their own elements. I almost hoped they
would survive. They would have made a better sacrifice. But alas, Hazel and Frank, you will have to do. My
minions will collect you shortly and bring you to the ancient place. Your blood will awaken me at last. Until
then, I will allow you to watch your friends perish. Please…enjoy this last glimpse of your failed quest.