Kronos backed me up against the throne of Hephaestus — a huge mechanical

La-Z-Boy type thing covered with bronze and silver gears. Kronos slashed, and I

managed to jump straight up onto the seat.

 

The throne whirred and hummed with secret mechanisms. Defense mode, it warned.

Defense mode.

 

That couldn't be good. I jumped straight over Kronos's head as the throne shot

tendrils of electricity in all directions. One hit Kronos in the face, arcing

down his body and up his sword.

 

"ARG!" He crumpled to his knees and dropped Backbiter.

 

Annabeth saw her chance. She kicked Ethan out of the way and charged Kronos.

"Luke, listen!"

 

I wanted to shout at her, to tell her she was crazy for trying to reason with

Kronos, but there was no time. Kronos flicked his hand. Annabeth flew backward,

slamming into the throne of her mother and crumpling to the floor.

 

"Annabeth!" I screamed.

 

Ethan Nakamura got to his feet. He now stood between Annabeth and me. I couldn't

fight him without turning my back on Kronos.