The demigods mumbled agreement. They went their separate ways to sleep or eat or

repair their weapons.

 

"Percy, you too," Thalia said. "We'll keep an eye on things. Go lie down. We

need you in good shape for tonight."

 

I didn't argue too hard. I found the nearest bedroom and crashed on the canopied

bed. I thought I was too wired to sleep, but my eyes closed almost immediately.

 

In my dream, I saw Nico di Angelo alone in the gardens of Hades. He'd just dug a

hole in one of Persephone's flower beds, which I didn't figure would make the

queen very happy.

 

He poured a goblet of wine into the hole and began to chant. "Let the dead taste

again. Let them rise and take this offering. Maria di Angelo, show yourself! "

 

White smoke gathered. A human figure formed, but it wasn't Nico's mother. It was

a girl with dark hair, olive skin, and the silvery clothes of a Hunter.

 

"Bianca," Nico said. "But — "

 

Don't summon our mother, Nico, she warned. She is the one spirit you are

forbidden to see.