Nico felt a surge of frustration as he grasped his sword tightly. Confessing his feelings for someone he liked would have been daunting but manageable in his own time. However, being pressured to speak about Percy, facing relentless teasing and manipulation for the whims of Cupid, pushed him beyond his limits. This torment was far worse than merely sharing his secret.

Amidst his rising anger, he noticed dark tendrils emanating from his feet, withering the weeds on the cobblestones around him. As he struggled to contain his rage, Nico became increasingly aware of the turmoil brewing inside him, manifesting in a destructive way. His emotional conflict was becoming as tangible as the darkness he was unleashing.