“I smiled at the giant. “Actually, Cacus, I have another secret weapon.”The giant’s eyes lit up with greed. “Another weapon? I will steal it! I will copy it and sell the knockoffs for a profit! What is this secret weapon?”“Her name is Annabeth,” I said. “And she’s one of a kind.”

“A weapon, I told Horus. I need a weapon.I reached into the Duat and pulled out an ostrich feather.“Really?” I yelled.Horus didn’t answer”

“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.”

“Annabeth and I were relaxing on the Great Lawn in Central Park when she ambushed me with a question.“You forgot, didn’t you?”I went into red-alert mode. It’s easy to panic when you’re a new boyfriend. Sure, I’d fought monsters with Annabeth for years. Together we’d faced the wrath of the gods. We’d battled Titans and calmly faced death a dozen times. But now that we were dating, one frown from her and I freaked. What had I done wrong?I mentally reviewed the picnic list: Comfy blanket? Check. Annabeth’s favorite pizza with extra olives? Check. Chocolate toffee from La Maison du Chocolat? Check. Chilled sparkling water with twist of lemon? Check. Weapons in case of sudden Greek mythological apocalypse? Check.So what had I forgotten?I was tempted (briefly) to bluff my way through. Two things stopped me. First, I didn’t want to lie to Annabeth. Second, she was too smart. She’d see right through me.So I did what I do best. I stared at her blankly and acted dumb.”

“Hey, ugly!" Annabeth yelled. I hoped she was talking to the giant, not me.”

“I need to talk to Clarisse," Annabeth said.I stared at her as if she'd just said "I need to eat a large, smelly boot.""What for?”

“That's because we keep weapons int the attic, silly boy. Do you think this is the first time monsters have attacked our family?""Weapons," Frank grumbled. "Right. I've never handled weapons before."Grandmother's nostrils flared. "Was that sarcasm, Fai Zhang?""Yes, Grandmother.""Good. There may be hope for you yet.”