I got a lump in my throat. 1 didn't get compliments like that too much.

 

My mom stared at her lemonade. She looked like she was trying not to cry. I

thought about what Hestia had said, about how hard it was to yield, and I

figured maybe my mom was finding that out.

 

"Percy," she said, "I give you my blessing."

 

I didn't feel any different. No magic glow lit the kitchen or anything.

 

I glanced at Nico.

 

He looked more anxious than ever, but he nodded. "It's time."

 

"Percy," my mom said. "One last thing. If you ... if you survive this fight with

Kronos, send me a sign." She rummaged through her purse and handed me her cell

phone.

 

"Mom," I said, "you know demigods and phones — "

 

"I know," she said. "But just in case. If you're not able to call . . . maybe a

sign that I could see from anywhere in Manhattan. To let me know you're okay."

 

"Like Theseus," Paul suggested. "He was supposed to raise white sails when he

came home to Athens."