This Dark Night ― Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase¹

―v. thalia torches a new england town

ARTEMIS ASSURED THEM THAT DAWN WAS COMING, but Naomi wasn't sure. It was colder and darker and snowier than ever. Up on the hill, Westover Hall's windows were completely lightless. Naomi wondered if the teachers had even noticed the di Angelos and Dr. Thorn were missing yet. 

The Hunters broke camp as quickly as they'd set it up. Naomi and Percy stood shivering in the snow (unlike the Hunters, who didn't seem to feel the cold), and Artemis stared into the east like she was expecting something. Bianca sat off to one side, talking with Nico. Naomi could tell from his gloomy expression that she was explaining her decision to join the Hunt.

Thalia and Grover came up and huddled around Naomi and Percy, anxious to hear what had happened with Artemis. 

When they told them, Grover turned pale. "The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn't go well." 

"How'd they even show up here?" Percy wondered. "I mean, they just appeared out of nowhere." 

"And Bianca joined them," Thalia said, disgusted. "It's all Zoë's fault. That stuck-up, no good—" 

"Who can blame her?" Grover said. "Eternity with Artemis?" He heaved a big sigh. 

Thalia rolled her eyes. "You satyrs. You're all in love with Artemis. Don't you get that she'll never love you back?" 

"But she's so... into nature," Grover swooned. 

"You're nuts," Thalia said. 

"Nuts and berries," Grover said dreamily. "Yeah." 

Finally, the sky began to lighten. Artemis muttered, "About time. He's so-o-o lazy during the winter." 

"You're, um, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asked. 

"For my brother. Yes." 

Percy frowned, visibly confused. 

"It's not exactly as you think," Artemis told him. 

"Oh, okay." Percy seemed to relax. "So, it's not like he'll be pulling up in a—" 

There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth.

"Don't look," Artemis advised. "Not until he parks." 

Parks?

Naomi averted her eyes. The light and warmth intensified until her winter coat felt like it was melting off. Then suddenly, the light died. 

Naomi looked, frowning at the sight of a bright red convertible. The snow around it had melted in a perfect circle, which explained why they were now standing on green grass.

The driver got out, smiling. He looked about seventeen or eighteen, and, for a second, Naomi feared it was Luke. This guy had the same sandy hair and outdoorsy good looks. But it wasn't Luke. This guy was taller, with no scar on his face, and his smile was brighter and more playful.

"Wow," Thalia muttered. "Apollo is hot." 

"He's the sun god," Percy said. 

"And your half-brother," Naomi added. 

Thalia's eyes widened. "Forget I said anything." 

"Little sister!" Apollo called. If his teeth were any whiter, he could've blinded them without the sun car. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

Artemis sighed. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister."

"Hey, I was born first."