The protagonist reflects on the dire circumstances surrounding them, noting that the gods are engaged in a fierce battle against a formidable monster in the Midwest, while Poseidon struggles against the sea Titan, Oceanus. With Kronos still at large and Olympus largely unprotected, the demigods of Camp Half-Blood find themselves isolated and vulnerable, facing both external threats and internal betrayal from a spy within their ranks.

Amid these challenges, the protagonist is haunted by an ancient prophecy that foretells their death upon turning sixteen. This ominous deadline coincides with the impending arrival of the monstrous Typhon in New York, intensifying the urgency and fear of the impending doom that looms just days away.