house of hades · riordanverse · greek mythology · underwold · horror · sacrifice · team dynamic · labyrinth · dark fantasy · peril
The quest to halt Gaea’s rise in Greece loomed heavy upon the demigods. With Percy and Annabeth lost to Tartarus, the House of Hades became their grim sanctuary to seal death’s doors and rescue their friends. Coach Hedge remained at the Argo, guarding the ship and his pregnant wife Mellie, prioritizing their safety over the descent. The remaining heroes ventured into the caverns, fortified by special crackers to ward off poison. Hazel led the way, her underground affinity guiding them through the oppressive darkness. The journey was deceptively smooth, a silence that promised danger. They halted before a stone wall, an altar at its base. Torches flickered to life as they approached, illuminating ancient script. “Something of value must be given to proceed,” Nico translated the Ita…