I can't believe he's gone. After all that work to get him back home, he's gone. He just ripped open the bars and ran into the woods.

Thinking about it, his features were much more wolf-like than they used to be. He never growled or snarled at anyone in camp. In fact, he wasn't strong enough to rip metal. Something was up with our hero. And I was going to find out what.

The Hunters and I followed Artemis to the dining tent. We all took our seats and then everyone looked at me expectantly. I just stared at them in confusion.

"Well? Tell us of thy story, Perseus Jackson!" Zoë demanded.

I took a deep breath and told them about how Annabeth kidnapped me, I woke up in a cage, found out I was a wolf spirit, tore through the metal bars, and ran into the woods to howl so that they would come to find me.

"And now we're here," I concluded.

"Oh thank the Heavens, Percy! We were worried sick about you!" Thalia exclaimed.

"You didn't have to be. I would've mind linked you if anything went wrong," I said.

"Still. What if you hadn't returned? What if something worse happened and you were kidnapped by monsters?" Thalia argued.

"I was kidnapped by monsters. Or does Annabeth not count as a monster anymore?" I say.

"True, but still."

"Listen, Thalia, guys. I'm fine. I got out and I'm here now. There's nothing left to talk about," I said. I looked back at Zoë to find her leaning back in her chair, arms crossed, a thoughtful expression on her face. I decided not to ask when her eyes wandered to me with a mix of confusion and another emotion I failed to decipher swirling within the onyx color.

I tried my best to ignore the fact that Loner whimpered and howled when she looked at me.

"Oh, yeah! Thalia, why did you gasp when I told you I was a wolf spirit?" I asked.

"Um...."

"Thalia," I said sternly.

"There is a rumor (read: prophecy) that a hero will be given the spirit of a wolf, presenting the ability to shift into a wolf, also increasing the senses, strength, and increasing the hero's power tenfold. The hero is also said to become King of Creatures. Once the wolf spirit finds his mate, he takes the role of King of Creatures and his mate becomes the Queen of Creatures," she said nervously.

I stared at her with a blank look on my face. "Yay, more power," I said, sarcasm lacing my every word. "So when do I find my mate?"

"No idea."

"How about we eat," Artemis suggested. "We will discuss the matter of Perseus's mate later."

A plate of smoked venison was placed in front of me and I did nothing to protest against Artemis's orders, digging right into my food. Soon after we all finished our meal, Artemis called me over. I followed her into her tent.

"You knew about the prophesy didn't you?"

"I did."

"Then why did you give me Loner? Not that I'm not grateful and all, but why?"

"Because, Percy. You will need him someday soon. Besides, he would have died if he spent another hour inhabiting my body. I wasn't going to let that happen," she said.

"But when I find my mate, I won't be able to remain in the hunt. I'll have to find somewhere else to live. I don't want to leave my sisters! I haven't even gotten the chance to get to know Ashley, Lyla, Rae, Kyra, and Mariana!" I exclaim.

"Listen to me, Perseus. I will allow you to remain in the Hunt even once you have found your mate. If there is anyone here that deserves to love, it's you, and I know your sisters will agree with me on this. You are their brother. They want you to be happy, and being with your mate, once you find her, will make you happy," Artemis said.

"Thank you, Lady Artemis. I know I maybe a male, but there is nothing I wouldn't do for you," I said.

"I know, Perseus. Now go to your sisters. I have an old friend I must get reacquainted with."

I listened as Thalia explained the prophecy of the wolf spirit to Percy, although I didn't really register her words. I was too busy staring at Percy. Something in the back of my mind was nagging me to go to him. Something was drawing me toward the son of Poseidon.

I had a hard time suppressing my feelings for him. He had caught my heart before I passed away. When I heard Thalia mention Percy having a mate, a flicker of hope erupted in my chest. Maybe I would be his mate. I couldn't help the wave of butterflies that flew through my stomach when Percy looked at me. He had a whirlwind of emotions I his sea green orbs. If I looked closely, I swore I could see a black wolf howling just behind his eyes.

I looked away from Percy when I heard Artemis call to him. He followed her into the main tent and they walked in. I let my eyes drift toward the tent flap for a moment before I looked away. I knew I could never have Percy unless I was his wolf's chosen lover. If I was not his mate, then I would have to swallow my emotions and push past the fact that he was taken.

I quickly made my way to the forest as tears weld up in my eyes at the thought of Percy being with someone else. I couldn't let my sisters see me cry, over a man, no less. I ran deep into the forest and collapsed next to a pond, letting the tears flow freely down my face.

I cried. I can't say I wasn't ashamed, but I will admit it.

I cried over Percy, my old home on the mountain, my death, the passing of so many friends that I had witnessed. I cried for the sake of my heart. I cried for everything that had gone wrong in my life.

I was so engrossed in my sorrow, that I didn't notice the presence behind me until a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist and a low voice whipper into my ear.

"I finally found you."