"Besides," she said, "someone has to keep the home fires burning while the other

gods are away."

 

"So you're guarding Mount Olympus?" I asked.

 

"'Guard' may be too strong a word. But if you ever need a warm place to sit and

a home-cooked meal, you are welcome to visit. Now eat."

 

My plate was empty before I knew it. Nico scarfed his down just as fast.

 

"That was great," I said. "Tha nk you, Hestia."

 

She nodded. "Did you have a good visit with May Castellan?"

 

For a moment I'd almost forgotten the old lady with her bright eyes and her

maniacal smile, the way she'd suddenly seemed possessed.

 

"What's wrong with her, exactly?" I asked.

 

"She was bom with a gift," Hestia said. "She could see through the Mist."

 

"Like my mother," I said. And I was also thinking, Like Rachel "But the glowing

eyes thing — "