[My mom's] funny that way, celebrating special occasions with blue food. I think it's her way of saying anything is possible. Percy can pass seventh grade. Waffles can be blue. Little miracles like that.

I don’t leave her speechless very often. I have to enjoy those rare moments.

Aphrodite strikes again, huh? You're gonna be the best-dressed warrior in town, beauty queen.

As for me, I did the stupidest thing in my life, which is saying a lot. I attacked the Titan Lord Atlas.

So I took her hand, and I don't know what everybody else heard, but to me it sounded like a slow dance: a little sad, but maybe a little hopeful, too.

Cacus.” I’d had years of practice looking dumb when people threw out Greek names I didn’t know. It’s a skill of mine. Annabeth keeps telling me to read a book of Greek myths, but I don’t see the need. It’s easier just to have folks explain stuff.

What’s the point of being a magician if you can’t wave your wand and make the people you care about feel better?