According to that big prophecy, I was supposed to make a choice that saved or

destroyed the world when I was sixteen. That was only seven days away. Why not

now? If I really had the power, what difference would a week make? I could end

this threat right here by taking down Kronos. Hey, I'd fought monsters and gods

before.

 

As if reading my thoughts, Luke smiled. No, he was Kronos. I had to remember

that.

 

"Come forward," he said. "If you dare."

 

The crowd of monsters parted. I moved up the stairs, my heart pounding. I was

sure somebody would stab me in the back, but they let me pass. I felt my pocket

and found my pen waiting. I uncapped it, and Riptide grew into a sword.

 

Kronos's weapon appeared in his hands — a six-foot-long scythe, half Celestial

bronze, half mortal steel. Just looking at the thing made my knees turn to

Jell-O. But before I could change my mind, I charged.

 

Time slowed down. I mean literally slowed down, because Kronos had that power. I

felt like I was moving through syrup. My arms were so heavy, I could barely

raise my sword. Kronos smiled, swirling his scythe at normal speed and waiting

for me to creep toward my death.