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Nico’s ears burned. He wasn’t sure if the awe in Percy’s voice made him feel pleased or resentful.

Annabeth wrapped her arm around Percy. ‘Being together is what made the difference for the two of us.’ Her grey eyes fixedintently on Nico, then Will. ‘We reminded each other about the world above. We did what we could when one of us was suffering to try and lift their spirits. Told jokes. Stories. Anything. Having a companion makes all the difference down there.’

‘And who knows, Will?’ Percy added. ‘Maybe you’ll find that being the son of Apollo gives you some kind of advantage. It’s possible that your powers will actually bestrongerdown there.’

‘But don’t depend on it,’ said Annabeth. ‘We both felt drained all the time. If it hadn’t been for Bob …’ She gazed at Percy, a regretful sadness on her face.

‘We wouldn’t have made it,’ he said, finishing her sentence.

Nico was now more certain than ever that he had to complete this quest. It wasn’t right that Bob had got left behind, and he would do pretty much anything to fix this.

‘Thanks,’ said Will. ‘That actually does help to know.’ But he didn’t speak with much certainty. When his eyes met Nico’s, they betrayed his fear.

‘Well, thanks, guys,’ said Nico. ‘We should let you go.’

‘Be careful,’ said Annabeth. ‘I know it goes without saying, but we don’t want to lose either of you.’

‘We’ve all lost so much already,’ said Percy. ‘Honestly, though? If any two people could survive a journey to Tartarus and back, I think it’s you two.’

Warmth spread through Nico’s chest. He remembered why he’d been drawn to Percy Jackson in the first place. Like Will Solace, Percy had an inexplicable, stubborn faith in other people.

‘Thanks,’ Nico said. ‘That means a lot, coming from you.’

‘One last thing,’ said Annabeth. ‘I don’t know if it’s possible, but see if you can find Bob’s cat.’

‘Small Bob!’ exclaimed Percy. ‘Oh, man, I hope he’s survived, too.’

‘Acat?’ said Will.

‘Not just any cat,’ said Annabeth. ‘He’s aspartos, created from the fang of a sabre-toothed tiger. He looks like a calico cat, but he’s so much more.’

‘Bob and that cat were inseparable,’ said Percy. ‘Bring thembothhome if you can.’

‘We’ll do our best,’ said Nico, nodding. ‘Promise.’

They said their goodbyes, and the Iris-message faded.

Will and Nico sat in silence for a few moments before Sally Jackson returned. ‘You get what you needed?’

‘Yes, thank you,’ said Will.

‘I take it Percy couldn’t talk you out of it?’ asked Sally.

‘He tried,’ said Nico. ‘You would’ve been proud.’

‘But we’re still going,’ Will said, and Nico heard resolve in his voice.

Sally Jackson sighed. ‘Well then, you boys want some snacks for the road?’

Nico got the sense that this wasn’t the first time she’d had to deal with despondent demigods in her home. She seemed unfazed by it all.

Will helped her pack some blue sugar cookies in his bottomless knapsack while Nico wandered into the living room. Displayed on a bookshelf were various photos of Percy through the years. Nico picked up one of a young Percy, maybe eight years old, standing next to his mother, arms around her waist, his mouth open in a wide smile. They looked to be in Central Park, and snow was falling around them.

‘Sometimes I need reminders of the normal, good times,’ said Sally as she came up behind Nico. ‘What with all the chaos in our lives. Despite it all, we actuallydidget to do some fun family stuff together.’

Nico turned to her. ‘You’re not afraid.’

‘Hmm? What do you mean?’