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"The thing is," I say, etting worse"

"What do you mean worse?" Mom asks

"Because Gretchen and Greer and I have been reunited, things are starting to change" I take a deep breath "And, uet wide "What do you mean?"

"It’s coods--want us to guard the door Others want us to seal it forever"

"Others want us--"

I kick Greer before she can tell ods and lares at me "To open it and leave it unprotected"

"Yes," I say, relieved by her tact I focus on my mom for this part of the reveal, because I think she’ll be the et worked out, it’s going to be kind of dangerous around here"

"Sounds like it already is"

I nod "It’s going to get worse"

As quickly as possible, I explain about the ions and the abyss and hoe need to rescue theet to the hard part

"Mo to sound as mature and responsible as possible "Gretchen, Greer, and I need to go into the abyss It’s the only way to get to Olyet Euryale and Sthenno back"

For five whole seconds, they stare atI kno thisme seriously is extraordinary--but I have to make them understand

"Certainly not," Dad finally says "If I believe anything you’re saying, you are not going into that--"

"Please, Dad Don’t erous at home" I turn back to Mom "One monster already showed up here In the alley Monday last week"

I watch her eyes as realization dawns, as she puts the pieces together and figures out that, when I disappeared for hours the other night, I had a good reason "Oh, Grace," she says "I had no idea"

"I know, Mo her know that I don’t blauilty, but I’m the one to blame I’m the one who kept it a secret

"I--" Her eyes fill with tears "I don’t like this"

"I don’t have a choice," I say "It’s my destiny"