Percy Jackson stood at the edge of the beach, the waves lapping at his feet. Camp Half-Blood lay behind him, bustling with the activity of young demigods training for their next quest. Despite the vibrant energy of the camp, Percy felt a sense of unease. He had faced countless threats and battled formidable foes, but something about today felt different.His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Percy turned to see Annabeth Chase walking towards him, her expression serious. She carried a scroll, its ancient parchment glowing faintly with a golden light."Percy, we need to talk," Annabeth said, her voice tense."What's going on?" Percy asked, his brow furrowing.Annabeth handed him the scroll. "The Oracle delivered a new prophecy this morning. It's about you."Percy's heart sank as he unrolled the parchment. The words written in Ancient Greek seemed to burn into his mind:_"When darkness falls and night consumes,A hero's light shall pierce the gloom.By Fates' decree, a god shall rise,To wield the power of the skies.Only Aether's light can bind,The primordial force, confined.The hero's heart shall turn to stone,In light's embrace, forever alone."_Percy read the prophecy twice, his mind racing. "Aether's light? A god shall rise? What does this mean, Annabeth?"Annabeth took a deep breath. "It means the Fates have chosen you to become the new god of Aether. There's an ancient darkness rising, and only the power of primordial light can stop it."Percy's hands trembled as he rolled the scroll back up. "They want me to become a god? That's insane! I'm not going to give up my life just because some prophecy says so.""I know it's a lot to take in," Annabeth said softly. "But the gods have already convened. They're desperate, Percy. They believe this is the only way to save both the mortal and divine realms.""Desperate enough to force this on me?" Percy snapped. "What about my choice? My life?"Annabeth looked away, guilt flashing across her face. "Percy, we don't have time. The darkness is spreading. If you don't do this, countless lives will be lost."Percy's anger flared. "So, what, I'm just supposed to roll over and accept this? Become some all-powerful god and lose everything I care about?""I'm sorry, Percy," Annabeth whispered. "But we need you. The world needs you."Before Percy could respond, a bright light enveloped him. He felt a searing pain course through his body as the power of Aether infused every cell. He tried to fight it, to push back against the overwhelming force, but it was no use. The transformation was happening, whether he wanted it or not.Images flashed before his eyes—memories of his life as a demigod, his friends, his battles, and his love for Annabeth. They all seemed to slip away, replaced by a cold, unyielding power. Percy felt his heart harden, the warmth of his humanity fading into a distant memory.When the light finally faded, Percy stood transformed. He was no longer just a demigod. He was the god of Aether, a being of unimaginable power. He looked at Annabeth, his eyes glowing with an ethereal light."You did this to me," he said, his voice cold and distant. "You and the gods."Annabeth's eyes filled with tears. "Percy, I'm sorry. We didn't have a choice.""There's always a choice," Percy replied, turning away from her. "But it seems mine was taken from me."As he walked away from the beach, Percy felt a void where his heart used to be. He was now a god, a being of light and power, but he had lost something far more precious—his humanity.And in that moment, Percy Jackson knew he could never trust anyone again.