{1} 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐒𝐄𝐘𝐄 | p.jackson

c h a p t e r - t h i r t y

( chapter thirty )

in which nia kamaria realizes something

"THIS IS JUST PAIRRR-FECT," Dr. Thorn gloated. The manticore was wearing a ratty black trench coat over his Westover Hall uniform, which was torn and stained. His military haircut had grown out spiky and greasy. He hadn't shaved recently, so his face was covered in silver stubble. Basically, the dude didn't look much better than the guys down at the soup kitchen.

"Long ago, the gods banished me to Persia," he said. "I was forced to scrounge for food on the edges of the world, hiding in forests, devouring insignificant human farmers for my meals. I never got to fight any great heroes. I was not feared and admired in the old stories! But now that will change. The Titans shall honor me, and I shall feast on the flesh of half-bloods!"

On either side of him stood two armed security. Two more stood on the next boat dock over, in case Nia and her friends tried to escape that way. There were tourists all around -- walking down the waterfront, shopping at the pier above them -- but Nia knew that wouldn't stop the manticore and his buddies from attacking.

"Where... Where are the skeletons?" Percy asked.

Dr. Thorn sneered. "I do not need those foolish undead! The General thinks I am worthless? He will change his mind when I defeat you myself!"

"Seriously, dude, therapy!" Nia shook her head. "Just consider it."

Dr. Thorn snarled at her. "Shut up, you stupid girl!"

As the manticore continued to insult her, Nia racked her brain for an idea on how to get her, her friends, and, most importantly, Bessie out of this mess.

"We beat you once before," said Percy defiantly.

"Ha! You could barely fight me with a goddess on your side. And, alas... that goddess is preoccupied at the moment. There will be no help for you now."

At the mention of her mother being 'preoccupied', Nia's eyes narrowed with cold fury and she drew her bow along with Zoë, aiming three arrows straight at the manticore's head. The guards raised their guns, but Nia didn't flinch.

"Wait!" Percy said. "Don't!"

Dr. Thorn smiled. "The boy is right. Put away your bows, Diana Kamaria and Zoë Nightshade. It would be a shame to kill you both before you witnessed Thalia's great victory."

"What are you talking about?" Thalia growled, her shield and spear ready.

The manticore raised an eyebrow. "Surely it is clear. This is your moment. This is why Lord Kronos brought you back to life. You will sacrifice the Ophiotaurus. You will bring its entrails to the sacred fire on the mountain. You will gain unlimited power. And for your sixteenth birthday, you will overthrow Olympus."