He must see that, because he drops down to sit by me, resting his wrists on his raised knees. Which is when I notice that he’s wearing jeans like Hades does. Jeans and a light-green boatneck button-down that’s otherwise plain.
“I have a feeling Hades will be here soon to fetch you,” he says.
“I doubt that. He has no idea I fell in that damn waterfall to begin with.”
Charon’s lips pull into a big grin. “Cerberus told me about that.”
“He—” I turn to look up at the hound. “When?”
“Just now.”
I turn back to find the ferryman studying me with open interest. “I can see what he sees in you.”
“Sorry?”
“Hades. You’re fearless in a way he would…admire.”
I lean back slightly. “It’s not fearlessness. It’s poor judgment and an appalling lack of filter.” And a lifetime of getting through it on my own. “And judging by how much he yells at me about those particular traits, I’m not sure you know Hades as well as you think you do.”
Charon laughs. “I do. Since I don’t have much time, I need to tell you a few things quickly. Okay?”
Seriously? “How could a person with any sense of curiosity refuse an offer like that?” I prop my elbows on my knees.
His eyes twinkle. “First, a question. Why didn’t you use one of the pearls when you were in the river?”
It takes effort to maintain a neutral expression. “I don’t know what you’re—”
“Persephone’s pomegranate seeds.” He cuts me off like he doesn’t have time for a game of who knows what and is willing to admit it. “Hades can’t tell you about them because it’s interfering, but I’m not restricted by that, since I’m not an Olympian god.”
I stop trying to pretend I don’t know what he’s talking about. “They’re in my vest, and I was busy drowning.”
His expression is that of a disappointed schoolteacher. “Don’t make that mistake again. They will take you anywhere you want to go.”
I blink. “I thought they’d only bring me here?”
Charon shakes his head. “Picture the destination clearly in your mind—a place or a person, either will do—then swallow one pearl.”
Could I use them to go back to the Overworld? Not that there’s anywhere I could hide there.
“Use them only if you have no other option,” Charon warns, like he could read my thoughts. “You’re already in trouble with relics.”
That much, I’m well aware of.
Charon leans closer. “You’ll be punished if the Daemones even discover you have those. I mean it. Only if you have no other option.”
Hades didn’t tell me that bit. “Okay.”
He frowns at me. I stare back.
“What’s the other thing?” I ask to break the awkwardness.
Charon tips his head, searching my expression like he’s trying to determine if he should tell me or not. “Hades values loyalty above all else.”
“Loyalty.” I glance away, letting my gaze skate over the fluorescing waters and ceiling. Loyalty sounds like Hades.
“He doesn’t give his trust easily.” That has the tone of a warning. “He’s had two friends in his entire existence, and one of them is me.”
“Three.” All of Cerberus’ heads correct Charon in unison.
Charon flicks the dog an amused glance. “Three.” He gives Cerberus’ paw a pat, and the hellhound snorts a small flame out of Ber’s nostrils but relaxes.
I notice through all this that Charon doesn’t mention the other friend. I’m guessing Persephone. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because Hades is a total dick—”
My brows lower, and my spine cracks straight as I glare at him. “Yes, he is, but as his supposed friend, I’d expect you to have more—”
“Loyalty?” Charon cuts me off to ask with a delighted grin.
Was he testing me?
I’m still buzzing with whatever ill-advised snap of anger overtook me just then. Why would I give a flying flip what Charon says about Hades? “I don’t like tests.”
Charon shrugs. “I’d have been more subtle if I had more time. And I’m telling you because I suspect Hades could…come to think of you as a friend, too.”
He might as well have slapped me. The impact would have been the same.
Then he glances over my shoulder and smiles. “Isn’t that right?”
