when" — he took an unsteady breath, lowering his voice so no one in the kitchen

could overhear — "when she was having one of her fits, shaking me and saying

crazy things about my fate. When I used to hide in the closet so she wouldn't

find me with those . . . those glowing eyes. Did you even care that I was

scared? Did you even know when I finally ran away?"

 

In the kitchen, Ms. Castellan chattered aimlessly, pouring Kool-Aid for Thalia

and Annabeth as she told them stories about Luke as a baby. Thalia rubbed her

bandaged leg nervously. Annabeth glanced into the living room and held up a

burned cookie for Luke to see. She mouthed. Can we go now?

 

"Luke, I care very much," Hermes said slowly, "but gods must not interfere

directly in mortal affairs.

 

It is one of our Ancient Laws. Especially when your destiny . . ." His voice

trailed off. He stared at the candles as if remembering something unpleasant.

 

"What?" Luke asked. "What about my destiny?"

 

"You should not have come back," Hermes muttered. "It only upsets you both.

However, I see now that you are getting too old to be on the run without help.

I'll speak with Chiron at Camp Half-Blood and ask him to send a satyr to collect

you."

 

"We're doing fine without your help," Luke growled. "Now, what were you saying