|She's back. Better than ever.|

Nico lounged peacefully by the shimmering water, surrounded by his friends: You, Percy, Hazel, Jason, and Annabeth. The winter afternoon was oddly serene; despite the delicate layer of snow blanketing the ground, the sun cast a warm golden glow, making the scene almost magical.

As the gentle breeze rustled through the trees, Nico found himself lost in thought, gazing at the water's surface where the sunlight danced playfully. Something felt off within him, a nagging feeling he couldn’t quite place, but he brushed it aside, trying to enjoy the moment.

Laughter erupted around him as they engaged in a lively snowball fight, their joyful shouts echoing in the crisp air. Snowballs flew in every direction, remnants of winter transforming into playful projectiles.

Then, without warning, a powerful presence commanded their attention. Hades, dark and imposing, appeared out of thin air, his arrival transforming the laughter into stunned silence. The god of the Underworld held an intimidating air, yet there was a curiosity in his gaze that piqued their interest.

But it was not just Hades who stepped forward. From behind him emerged a figure that took Nico’s breath away—Bianca di Angelo. Time seemed to stand still as Percy’s and Annabeth’s eyes widened in disbelief, their jaws dropping in shock.

Nico felt an icy grip tighten around his chest, as if the air had been sucked out of his lungs. "Bianca?!??! You're alive?!" Percy's voice broke the stunned silence as he sprinted over to envelop her in a warm embrace, Annabeth following suit with equal fervor.

Yet Nico remained frozen in place, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hardly comprehend the reality right before him. His sister. Alive. The emotions swirled within him— joy, confusion—like a tumultuous storm. Why wasn’t he rushing to her side, carrying her into his arms like Percy and Annabeth? His vision felt hazy, his head pounding.