Forgotten memories

Sneaky man

I jolted awake, disoriented, as my eyes adjusted to the dimness of the cabin. The room was cloaked in darkness, and a glance at the window confirmed that the night still held its grip outside. Glancing at my phone, its screen illuminated with a faint glow, I discerned the early hour of 5 am. The realization of the impending quest dawned on me, prompting a swift decision to rise from my bed and prepare.

With silent movements, I navigated through the shadows within the cabin, ensuring not to disturb the sleeping demigods. Each step was calculated, attempting to avoid the creaks and groans of the wooden floor beneath my feet. The quest lay ahead, and secrecy seemed paramount.

As I slipped out of the cabin, the darkness of the outside world embraced me. A shiver ran down my spine, a mixture of anticipation and the chilly night air. The moon cast an ethereal glow, revealing the camp in a subdued silhouette. I stole a quick glance at my surroundings, orienting myself for the journey ahead.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and I instinctively ducked behind a column for cover. From the sky, a large, indistinct figure swooped down, disappearing behind the architectural elements of the camp. My curiosity piqued, I cautiously peeked out from my hiding spot, gazing towards the dining area.

To my surprise, another figure, unmistakably Nico di Angelo, lurked in the shadows. As he hid, I felt compelled to approach for a closer look, my steps quiet and deliberate. The night seemed to amplify every sound, and I strained to hear the faint murmur of voices.

Drawing nearer, I discerned two silhouettes engaged in conversation. The clandestine meeting held an air of mystery, and my senses heightened as I attempted to eavesdrop on the elusive exchange.

I crept up to Nico and sneaked around him. I couldn't see the girls very well in the dark, but I knew their voices: Zoe, Bianca and Christine. It sounded like they were arguing.

"It cannot be cured," Zoe was saying. "Not quickly, at any rate."

"But how did it happen?" Bianca asked.

"A foolish prank," Christine said almost impressed. "Those Stoll boys from the Hermes cabin. Centaur blood is like acid. Everyone knows that. They sprayed the inside of that Artemis Hunting Tour T-shirt with it."

"That's terrible!" Bianca said.

"She will live," Zoe said. "But she'll be bedridden for weeks with horrible hives. There is no way she can go. It's up to me, Christine... and thee."

"But the prophecy," Bianca said. "If Phoebe can't go, we only have six. We'll have to

pick another."

"There is no time," Zoe said. "We must leave at first light. That's immediately. Besides, the prophecy said we would lose one."

"In the land without rain," Christine said, "but that can't be here."

"It might be," Zoe said, though she didn't sound convinced. "The camp has magic borders. Nothing, not even weather, is allowed in without permission. It could be a land without rain."

"But—" Bianca started.

"Bianca, hear me." Zoe's voice was strained. "I... I can't explain, but I have a sense that we should not pick someone else. It would be too dangerous. They would meet an end worse than Phoebe's. I don't want Chiron choosing a camper as our fifth companion. And... I don't want to risk another Hunter."

Bianca was silent. "You should tell Thalia the rest of your dream."

"No. It would not help."

"But if your suspicions are correct, about the General—" Christine began to say.