The Demigods of Olympus: An Interactive Adventure (19 page)

“Well, you have
two
new children,” I said. “Sam is going with me everywhere from here on out.”

Sam nervously inched in our direction. “It’s okay if you don’t…”

Athena smiled benevolently and gestured Sam over. “You’ve shown incredible bravery, Sam Greenwood. I accept all the choices of my children, but this one I embrace—I believe it will be a wise choice indeed.”

I nodded at Sam as my mom wrapped the two of us in a warm hug. It felt like friendship and love—all rolled into one furry, goat-scented ball. It felt like I was home.

Then Athena winked out in a flash of light.

I turned to Sam and shrugged. He smiled and shrugged back.

“Think this means I’ll ace the SATs?” I asked, and Sam laughed.

An unfamiliar feeling of contentment settled over me as I took in the warm breeze, the distant sounds of jazz, and our five new demigod friends sprawled against a nearby crypt.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged, and I was ready for whatever came next.