Paul was passed out in the driver's seat. My mom was snoring beside him. My mind

felt like mush.

 

How had I not seen them before? They'd been sitting here in traffic for over a

day, the battle raging around them, and I hadn't even noticed.

 

"They . . . they must've seen those blue lights in the sky." I rattled the doors

but they were locked. "I need to get them out."

 

"Percy," Annabeth said gently.

 

"I can't leave them here!" I sounded a little crazy. I pounded on the

windshield. "I have to move them.

 

I have to—"

 

"Percy, just . . . just hold on." Annabeth waved to Chiron, who was talking to

some centaurs down the block. "We can push the car to a side street, all right?

They're going to be fine."

 

My hands trembled. After all I'd been through over the last few days, I felt so

stupid and weak, but the sight of my parents made me want to break down.

 

Chiron galloped over. "What's . . . Oh dear. I see."