The Veiled Legacy | PJO - Book Two

thirteen

Ariana held her swords until Quebec City faded behind them.

"You were amazing," Jason told Piper.

Piper spoke something in French

"What'd you say?" he asked.

"I said I only talked to Boreas. It wasn't so amazing."

"Hey," he said, "you saved me from joining Khione's subzero hero collection. I owe you one."

Leo passed them some sandwiches from his pack.

He'd been quiet ever since they'd told him what happened in the throne room.

"I still can't believe Khione," he said. "She looked so nice."

"Trust me, man," Jason said. "Snow may be pretty, but up close it's cold and nasty. We'll find you a better prom date."

Leo didn't look pleased. He hadn't said much about his time in the palace, or why the Boreads had singled him out for smelling like fire. Ariana got the feeling he was hiding something.

Whatever it was, his mood seemed to be affecting Festus, who grumbled and steamed as he tried to
keep himself warm in the cold Canadian air.

Happy the Dragon was not so happy.

They ate their sandwiches as they flew. Ariana had no idea how Leo had stocked up on supplies, but he'd even remembered to bring veggie rations for Piper.

"You're awfully quiet Ariana." Jason said.

The girl sighed as she finished eating her sandwich. "I'm just thinking."

Nobody talked. Whatever they might find in Chicago, they all knew Boreas had only let them go because he figured they were already on a suicide mission.

The moon rose and stars turned overhead.

Ariana's yes started to feel heavy. The encounter with Boreas and his children had scared her more than she wanted to admit.

Now that she had a full stomach, her adrenaline was fading.

Ariana leaned forward onto Leo's back.

"Don't let me fall off." She mumbled.

"We won't." Leo said. "Just sleep Death Girl.

As soon she closed her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.

Ariana was walking through a beautiful garden full of flowers and greenery. The setting itself was serene and calming, with peaceful music playing in the background.

Her focus was drawn to a shadowy figure ahead of her.

As she approached, the music abruptly stopped, and the mysterious figure turned to face her, revealing herself to be her second mother, Persephone.

As Ariana studied her face, she couldn't help but notice a slight sadness and hesitance in her expression.

"Hello, Ariana," Persephone sighed. "I'm glad you could visit me in my garden."

"Persephone." Ariana said, she hadn't spoken to Persephone nor Hades in months. What was she supposed to say?

"Don't judge me or your father too easily Ariana." She said.

Ariana sighed. "What do you want Persephone?"

Persephone took a deep breath, as if contemplating what to say next. "I simply wanted to talk to you about your destiny. You see, Ariana, you are not like other demigods. You have a special purpose to fulfill. One that may seem difficult at first, but is ultimately the key that will open the doors to your true power."