"LIES!" Kronos pushed again, and this time Annabeth lost her balance. With his

free hand, Kronos struck her face, and she slid backward.

 

I summoned all my will. I managed to rise, but it was like holding the weight of

the sky again.

 

Kronos loomed over Annabeth, his sword raised.

 

Blood trickled from the comer of her mouth. She croaked, "Family, Luke. You

promised."

 

I took a painful step forward. Grover was back on his feet, over by the throne

of Hera, but he seemed to be struggling to move as well. Before either of us

could get anywhere close to Annabeth, Kronos staggered.

 

He stared at the knife in Annabeth's hand, the blood on her face. "Promise. "

 

Then he gasped like he couldn't get air. "Annabeth ..." But it wasn't the

Titan's voice. It was Luke's.

 

He stumbled forward like he couldn't control his own body. "You're bleeding. . .

."

 

"My knife." Annabeth tried to raise her dagger, but it clattered out of her

hand. Her arm was bent at a funny angle. She looked at me, imploring, "Percy,