The ambush hit fast. One second, you and the Seven were trekking through the dense woods on a quest—a simple recon mission, Chiron had said—and the next, monsters were swarming from the trees, fangs flashing, weapons drawn.

“DRACANAE! A lot of them!” Percy shouted, already slicing through a serpent-woman with Riptide.

Jason shot into the sky, lightning crackling around him as he called down a bolt that sent three enemies flying. “We need a plan!”

“No time for a plan!” You dodged a spear and slammed your sword through another monster. “Just don’t die!”

“Great plan!” Leo yelped, throwing a blast of fire at a group of Dracaenae. “Totally loving the leadership here!”

Piper ducked under an enemy’s blade, slashing upward with her dagger. “Less talking, more fighting, Valdez!”

Annabeth was already moving, her knife flashing as she weaved through the battlefield, calling out orders. “Hazel! Frank! We need an opening!”

Hazel slammed her hand against the ground. The earth trembled, golden chains snapping up to drag monsters under. Frank shifted into a grizzly bear, roaring as he barreled through enemies like a wrecking ball.

You were holding your own—until you weren’t. A monster’s spear caught you in the side, and pain exploded through your ribs. You stumbled, vision blurring.

"HEY!” Jason’s voice cut through the chaos as he dove from the sky, tackling the monster before it could finish you off.

Blood dripped down your side, your breathing sharp. “I’m fine,” you gritted out.

Jason’s eyes flashed. “Yeah? Tell that to your gaping wound.”

Before he could argue more, Percy called, “Uh, guys? We’ve got a bigger problem!”

A shadow loomed over the battlefield. A Laistrygonian giant, twice the size of a cabin, stomping toward you with a club the size of a car.

Leo cursed. “Oh, come on!”

Annabeth wiped sweat from her forehead. “New plan—run!”