The Argo II creaks under the weight of defeat — all seven heroes (plus Nico) tied, seated, and very done with life as you parade in front of them like a ringmaster enjoying the show.

Leo is protesting. Frank is terrified. Annabeth looks like she’s solving twelve escape plans at once. Nico is already trying to shadow-travel even though he’s tied. Percy is glaring like he hopes it’ll set you on fire. You clasp your hands behind your back, pacing with theatrical flair.

“You know,” you announce, “I expected this to be harder. You all really just walked straight into my trap.”

“IT WAS A TRAP?!” Leo yells. Piper elbows him. “Of course it was a trap, Leo!”

You throw your head back and laugh — long, loud, dramatic, echoing off the ship’s railings like a villain who rehearses these things in the mirror. “You are the bravest heroes of your age,” you purr, “and yet… here you are.”

Even Jason looks offended. Percy, fed up, strains forward in his ropes. “Why?” he demands. “Why do all this? Why act like—like this?”