BLOOD OF OLYMPUS

and he didn’t appreciate it. He hated people like Bryce Lawrence, who inflicted pain just for fun.
‘Leave him alone,’ Nico warned.
Bryce raised an eyebrow. ‘Or what? By all means, try something Underworldy, Nico. I’d love to
see it. I have a feeling anything major will make you fade out permanently. Go ahead.’
Reyna struggled. ‘Bryce, forget about them. If you want me as your prisoner, fine. I’ll go willingly
and face Octavian’s stupid trial.’
‘A fine offer.’ Bryce turned his javelin, letting the tip hover a few inches from Reyna’s eyes. ‘You
really don’t know what Octavian has planned, do you? He’s been busy pulling in favours, spending
the legion’s money.’
Reyna clenched her fists. ‘Octavian has no right –’
‘He has the right of power,’ Bryce said. ‘You forfeited your authority when you ran off to the
ancient lands. On August first, your Greek friends at Camp Half-Blood will find out what a powerful
enemy Octavian is. I’ve seen the designs for his machines … Even I’m impressed.’
Nico’s bones felt like they were changing into helium, the way they’d felt when the god Favonius
turned him into a breeze.
Then he locked eyes with Reyna. Her strength surged through him – a wave of courage and
resilience that made him feel substantial again, anchored to the mortal world. Even surrounded by the
dead and facing execution, Reyna Ramírez-Arellano had a huge reservoir of bravery to share.
‘Nico,’ she said, ‘do what you need to do. I’ve got your back.’
Bryce chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. ‘Oh, Reyna. You’ve got his back? It’s going to be so fun
dragging you before a tribunal, forcing you to confess that you killed your father. I hope they’ll
execute you in the ancient way – sewn into a sack with a rabid dog, then thrown into a river. I’ve
always wanted to see that. I can’t wait until your little secret comes out.’
Until your little secret comes out.
Bryce flicked the point of his pilum across Reyna’s face, leaving a line of blood.
And Nico’s rage exploded.