Too busy with the scene unfolding before, I didnt pay attention to what she said. The boat was larger than they showed in paintings. It was massive , like the size of a yacht, and a lot nicer-looking than the busted old canoe image I was familiar with, painted a bright white and trimmed in gold. At the helm was Charon. Now he looked like I expected.
Charons slight form was swallowed by a black cloak that covered his entire body. In one bony hand he held a lantern. His shrouded head turned toward me and even though I couldnt see his eyes, I knew he saw me.
Within seconds the boat was swarmed and gliding down the River, disappearing through the dark tunnel. I had no idea how long I stood there, but finally I turned away and hurried through the crowd. Everywhere I looked, there were faces. Young and old. Expressions bored or stunned. There were dead people wandering around everywhere and I was alone, utterly alone. I tried to make myself as small as possible, but I bumped a shoulder here, an arm there.
Excuse me, an old woman said. A gaudy pink nightgown dwarfed her frail form. Do you know what happened? I went to sleep and I woke up here.
Uh. I started backing off. Sorry. Im as lost as you.
She looked perplexed. You went to sleep, too?
No. I sighed, twisting away. I was stabbed to death.
Once those words left my mouth, I wanted to take them back, because they made everything real.
I stopped outside the throng of people and stared down at my bare feet. I wanted to smack myself. I really was dead.
Lifting my head, my eyes found the strange blue light. If what Kari said was true, then that was the way out of this holding area. Then what? Id be a shade for eternity? But what if I wasnt really dead?
it brought me back to him.
I clenched the front of his shirt, and words I wanted to say spilled forth. Caleb, Im so, so sorry for everything. What happened in Gatlinburg and and I didnt really pay attention to what you were going through afterward. I was so stuck on myself.
Alex
No. I am sorry. Then what happened to you. It wasnt fair. None of it was. And Im so sorry.
Caleb lowered his forehead to mine and I swore his eyes glistened. It wasnt your fault, Alex. Okay? Never think that.
I just miss you so much. I didnt know what to do after you left. I hated you for dying. I choked up. And I just wanted you back so bad.
I know.
But I dont hate you. I love you.
I know, he said again. But you need to know that none of that was your fault, Alex. This was meant to happen. I understand that now.
I laughed thickly. Gods, you sound so wise. What the hell, Caleb?
Death made me smart, I guess. His gaze searched my face. You dont look any different. It just seems so so long since I last saw you.
You look better. I traced my fingers down his face, pressing my lips together. Caleb looked marvelous to me. There wasnt a hint of all that hed suffered. He seemed at peace, fulfilled in a way he hadnt been when he was alive. I just miss you so much.
Caleb squeezed me tighter and he laughed. I know, but we need to stop with this friendship bonding crap, Alex. First were tortured by daimons together and now weve both been stabbed. Thats taking the we do everything together to an all-new high.
Tears streamed down my face, but I laughed again. He felt so warm and real. Alive. Gods, I really am dead.
Yeah, you sort of are.
I sniffled. How can I be sort of dead?
Caleb pulled back and tipped his chin down. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. Well, theres this really big, blond god raising all kinds of hell with Hades right now. Apparently youre still in limbo or something. Your soul is still up for grabs.
My insides knotted, and I blinked. What?
He nodded. Youre not going to be dead for very long.
I wiped under my eyes. Ive been here for hours. Im so dead.
Hours here is only seconds there, he explained. When I came up here I was worried it was too late, that Hades had already released you.
Im not going to stay dead?
No. Caleb smiled. But I had to see you. Theres something I need to tell you.
Okay. A twinge of pain in my stomach startled me. I jerked against him. Caleb?
Its okay. His lanky arms held me still. We dont have much time, Alex. I need you to listen to me. Sometimes we hear things down here about what is going on up there. Its about Seth.
A burning kindled deep inside me. What what about Seth?
He doesnt really know, Alex. He thinks hes in control, but hes not. Dont dont believe everything you hear. Theres still hope.
I tried to laugh, but the burning was turning into a full-blown fire. Youre still such a Seth fanboy.
Caleb made a face. Im being serious, Alex.
Okay, I breathed, clutching my stomach. Caleb, somethings wrong.
Nothings wrong, Alex. Just remember what I said. Sometimes people have a hard time remembering everything after these kinds of things. Alex, can you do me a favor?
Yes.
Tell Olivia that I wouldve picked Los Angeles. Caleb placed his lips against my forehead. Shell understand, okay?