Jason was uneasy. Percy had cast doubt on the child of Hades, questioning their loyalties. Now, they were tasked with retrieving Diocletian’s scepter from Cupid, a task only an Underworld heir could achieve.

As Favonius's tale about his destiny to serve cupid ended, the name CUPID thundered through the air. With a parting warning against deceit, Favonius vanished.

A voice rushed past Jason like a bullet. He turned, but no one was there.
"You come to claim the scepter."

"Cupid," you call. "Where are you?"
The voice laughed.
"Where you least expect me. As love always is."

The air rippled, and an arrow shot toward your chest. Jason deflected it with his sword, sending it sideways. You leaped away as a falling pillar narrowly missed crushing you.

"Is this guy love or death?" Jason growled.

The third arrow zipped past Jason, striking your sword arm. You gasped, stumbling as it disappeared without a trace, leaving only pain and rage.
"Give us Diocletian's scepter!" you demanded. "We don’t have time for games!"

"Games?" Cupid’s voice boomed as he struck, slamming you into a granite pedestal. "Love is no game!"

"What does he want from you?" Jason panted.

*"Tell him. Admit you’re a coward, afraid of your feelings."

You screamed, and the ground split open as skeletons rose.
"Will you hide among the dead again?" Cupid taunted.

"I left camp because of love," you admitted. "Annabeth, she—"
"Still hiding," Cupid murmured.

"It’s okay, I get it," Jason said.
"No, you dont," you replied.

"And so you run again—from your friends, from yourself." Cupid’s voice echoed hauntingly.
"I dont have friends!" you yell. "I left camp because I dont belong! I...I hated myself. I hated Percy Jackson."

Cupid materialized before you.

"I had a crush on Percy," you admitted, your voice like broken glass. "That's the truth. Thats the big secret." You glare at Cupid. "Happy now?"

For the first time, Cupid's gaze seemed sympathetic. "Oh I cant say love always makes you happy"