The Demigod Files - Travel Rose

He let the threat hang in the air. Then he snapped his fingers and vanished into darkness.

Persephone looked even paler than usual. She took a moment to smooth her dress, then turned toward us. “You have done well, demigods.” She waved her hand and three red roses appeared at our feet. “Crush these, and they will return you to the world of the living. You have my lord’s thanks.”

“I could tell,” Thalia muttered.

“Making the sword was your idea,” I realized. “That’s why Hades wasn’t there when you gave us the mission. Hades didn’t know the sword was missing. He didn’t even know it existed.”

[...]

Persephone’s eyes widened, and she disappeared in a shower of daisies.

Nico, Thalia, and I said our good-byes on a balcony overlooking Asphodel. Bob the Titan sat inside, building a toy house out of bones and laughing every time it collapsed.

“I’ll watch him,” Nico said. “He’s harmless now. Maybe . . . I don’t know. Maybe we can retrain him to do something good.”

“Are you sure you want to stay here?” I asked.

“Persephone will make your life miserable.”

“I have to,” he insisted. “I have to get close to my dad. He needs a better adviser.” I couldn’t argue with that.

“Well, if you need anything—”

“I’ll call,” he promised. He shook hands with Thalia and me. He turned to leave, but he looked at me one more time.

“Percy, you haven’t forgotten my offer?”

A shiver went down my spine. “I’m still thinking about it.”

Niconodded. “Well, whenever you’re ready.”

After he was gone, Thalia said, “What offer?”

“Something he told me last summer,” I said. “A possible way to fight Kronos. It’s dangerous. And I’ve had enough danger for one day.”

Thalia nodded. “In that case, still up for dinner?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “After all that, you’re hungry?”

“Hey,” she said, “even immortals have to eat. I’m thinking cheeseburgers at McHale’s.”

And together we crushed the roses that would return us to the world.


- The Demigod Files: The Sword of Hades