Percy bursts through the tree line first, Annabeth right behind him, Tyson thundering after them—breathless, panicked, sprinting as fast as they can.

Because they can see you. Kneeling at the base of Thalia’s tree. Hand pressed to the bark. A vial tipped over, dark liquid soaking into the roots like spilled ink.

The air around you shimmers wrong. “NO—!” Percy’s voice cracks as he runs harder.

Annabeth grabs her dagger, eyes wide with horrified recognition. Tyson gasps, “Sister of the pine tree—no!”

But you don’t look at them. You stand slowly, empty vial falling from your fingers, rolling across the dirt with a soft clink. The tree’s leaves shudder, dimming, curling inward as the poison takes hold.

Percy skids to a stop, dust flying, staring at you like he can’t process the image in front of him. the three of them stand frozen in a mix of shock, betrayal, and fear as the final drop of poison sinks into Thalia’s roots.