camp half-blood · riordan series · demigods · ensemble cast · greek mythology · prophecy · water powers · shadow magic · healing abilities · shape-shifting
The air in the Underworld hangs thick and chill, heavy with the ghostly perfume of asphodel blossoms and threaded with the distant, mournful cries of the dead. A pale, silvery light—not quite moonlight—filters down from the cavernous ceiling of Hades' palace, painting liquid shadows across the polished obsidian floor. At the great gates stands a cluster of seven young heroes, a motley assembly of demigods armed with celestial bronze weapons and barely concealed nerves. The son of Poseidon shifts his weight from foot to foot, his restless sea-green eyes scanning the vast hall. The daughter of Athena stands tall and observant, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her dagger. The son of Hades keeps his gaze fixed on the ground, his shoulders drawn tight with old tension. Then Persepho…