The air in the Underworld was heavy, charged with the smell of sulfur and something ancient. Lucas felt the energy around him as if the place itself was watching him.
They made their way through the gray fields, dodging wandering spirits and crossing the Styx in a boat owned by Charon - who charged an extra three drachmas 'because of the strange newcomer'.
When they arrived at the Palace of Hades, they were greeted by Persephone, whom they studied with a calculating gaze.
"Did Nyx claim you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at Lucas.
Lucas tensed. "She... probably doesn't even know I exist."
Persephone exchanged a glance with Nico and then sighed. "Your fate has already been sealed, boy. The 'fallen star' you seek is not a literal star."
She turned around and a magical orb appeared, revealing an obsidian cell.
Inside, a figure was chained up.
Lucas felt a chill run down his spine as he considered who it was.
A woman with skin as dark as night, eyes shining like distant galaxies and a predatory smile.
"Nix..." whispered Annabeth, horrified.
It wasn't just a manifestation or an avatar.
It was the primordial goddess of the night herself, trapped in the Underworld.
And then Lucas discovered what the prophecy meant.
He wasn't just a son of Nyx.