More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Piper stepped forward, ready to smack her, but Annabeth said, ‘Piper, stop.’ Piper did. She wasn’t a bit scared of Drew, but Annabeth didn’t seem like somebody she wanted for an enemy.
He looked like he’d been rolling around in the campfire. His army coat and his face were smeared with soot. His hands were grease-stained, and he wore a new tool belt around his waist. His eyes were bloodshot. His curly hair was so oily it stuck up in porcupine quills, and he smelled strangely of Tabasco sauce. But he looked absolutely delighted.
No way was Leo going to let that earth lady make him feel powerless – never again.
‘What are you?’ ‘The son of Hephaestus,’ Leo said. ‘And I warned you I’d destroy you with fire.’
He’d never thought of beauty as a form of power, but that’s the way Piper had seemed – powerful.
Leo wasn’t exactly the trusting type, but he trusted Jason with his life.
‘Jason, get up!’ Piper called. Her voice energized him, shook him out of his stupor.
He felt light-headed, but she was about the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Her hair was smouldering. Her face was smudged with soot. She had a cut on her arm, her dress was torn and she was missing a boot. Beautiful.
Hera gave him the godly stink-eye.
She shot a blast of wintry sleet at the demigods, but Leo held up his hand. A wall of fire roared to life in front of them, and the snow dissolved in a steamy cloud. Leo grinned. ‘See, lady, that’s what happens to snow in Texas. It – freaking – melts.’
‘In case you think I’m not a true daughter of Aphrodite,’ Piper said, ‘don’t even look at Jason Grace. He may not know it yet, but he’s mine. If you even try to make a move, I will load you into a catapult and shoot you across Long Island Sound.’
‘You’re in a good mood. How can you be so sure things will work out?’ ‘Because you’re going to lead us,’ she said simply. ‘I’d follow you anywhere.’
For once, Leo was speechless. Ever since his mom died, he’d spent his life on the run. Now he’d found a home and a family. He’d found a job to do. And, as scary as it was, Leo wasn’t tempted to run – not even a little.
