The Last Olympian - Beckendorf

She went poof into green mist. Mrs. O’Leary looked disappointed, but she lumbered off to find another target, leaving Nico and me alone.

Nico tapped his sword on the ground. A tiny mound of animal bones erupted from the dirt. They knit themselves together into a skeletal field mouse and scampered off. “I was sorry to hear about Beckendorf.”

A lump formed in my throat. “How did you—”

“I talked to his ghost.”

“Oh . . . right.” I’d never get used to the fact that this twelve-year-old kid spent more time talking with the dead than the living. “Did he say anything?”

“He doesn’t blame you. He figured you’d be beating yourself up, and he said you shouldn’t.”

“Is he going to try for rebirth?”

Nico shook his head. “He’s staying in Elysium. Said he’s waiting for someone. Not sure what he meant, but he seems okay with death.”

It wasn’t much comfort, but it was something.


- The Last Olympian, Chapter 5