“I couldn’t speak, but I brought out Riptide and put the pen in her hand. She grasped it contentedly. ‘You spoke the truth, Percy Jackson. You are nothing like… like Hercules. I am honoured that you carry this sword.’

A shudder ran through her body.

‘Zoë –’ I said.

‘Stars,’ she whispered. ‘I can see the stars again, my lady.’

A tear trickled down Artemis’s cheek. ‘Yes, my brave one. They are beautiful tonight.”