"Then you don't care!" Luke yelled.

 

In the kitchen, the talking died abruptly.

 

"Luke?" May Castellan called. "Is that you? Is my boy all right?"

 

Luke turned to hide his face, but I could see the tears in his eyes. "I'm fine.

I have a new family. I don't need either of you."

 

"I'm your father," Hermes insisted.

 

"A father is supposed to be around. I've never even met you. Thalia, Annabeth,

come on! We're leaving!"

 

"My boy, don't go!" May Castellan called after him. "I have your lunch ready!"

 

Luke stormed out the door, Thalia and Annabeth scrambling after him. May

Castellan tried to follow, but Hermes held her back.

 

As the screen door slammed. May collapsed in Hermes's arms and began to shake.

Her eyes opened — glowing green — and she clutched desperately at Hermes's

shoulders.

 

"My son," she hissed in a dry voice. "Danger. Terrible fate!" "I know, my love,"

Hermes said sadly. "Believe me, I know."