The quest was supposed to be simple.

That should’ve been the first warning.

By the time the sun dipped low and the tree line gave way to the glow of a highway exit sign, all four of them were exhausted, bruised, and starving. Percy’s shirt was ripped at the shoulder, Annabeth had dirt smudged across her cheek, Will’s hair was frizzed from stress and healing magic, and Nico looked like he was running on stubbornness alone—shadows clinging to his boots like they didn’t want to let him go.

They’d spent the entire day tracking a rogue empousa that had been siphoning magic from an old crossroads shrine. The fight itself hadn’t been the worst part—it was the constant doubling back, the traps, the way the monster kept vanishing just when they thought they had her cornered. Nico had shadow-traveled more than he should’ve, Percy had flooded half a ravine, and Will had burned through most of his energy keeping everyone upright.

When it was finally over, the empousa dissolved into ash and smoke, the stolen magic settling back into the earth.

Silence followed.

Then Percy’s stomach growled. Loudly.

Everyone froze.

Annabeth turned slowly. “Did your stomach just—”

“I haven’t eaten since this morning,” Percy said defensively. “And before you say anything, fighting monsters totally counts as cardio.”

Will snorted despite himself, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’re not making it back to camp before nightfall. Everyone’s running on empty.”

Nico didn’t say anything. He just stared past them, eyes half-lidded, pale even for him. Will caught it instantly.

“You okay?” Will asked, stepping closer, lowering his voice.

Nico shrugged. “I’m fine.”

Will raised an eyebrow. “You say that when you’re not fine.”

Before Nico could argue, Annabeth pointed past the trees. “There’s an exit up ahead. Civilization. Food.”

Percy squinted. “Is that a—oh my gods. Is that a McDonald’s?”

Nico blinked. “What’s… McDonald’s?”

Percy grinned like he’d just won the lottery. “Congratulations, Nico. You’re about to experience one of humanity’s greatest and most questionable achievements.”

Ten minutes later, they were inside, the fluorescent lights buzzing softly overhead. The smell of fries hit them all at once—salty, greasy, comforting. Nico paused just inside the door, taking it in like he’d stepped into another world.

Will leaned down slightly. “You want help picking?”

Nico nodded, a little overwhelmed. “Everything looks… yellow.”

Percy ordered with terrifying confidence. Annabeth stuck to something sensible. Will made sure Nico got food that wouldn’t upset his stomach, sliding a tray toward him once they sat down in a corner booth.

Nico stared at the fries like they might attack him.

“They’re safe,” Will said gently. “I promise.”

Nico took one. Hesitated. Bit.

His eyes widened just a fraction.

“Oh,” he said quietly.

Percy leaned across the table. “Right? Life-changing.”