In "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan, a character reflects on a past life during Mussolini's regime when Italy was engaged in war. The mention of Mussolini introduces the context of a challenging historical period, highlighting the character's experiences amidst the turmoil of that time.

A conversation reveals a character's confusion about Mussolini's alliances, questioning his close relationship with Hitler. This illustrates the complexity of alliances during World War II, suggesting that even historical figures can evoke a range of emotions and reflections on their legacies.