He nodded sleepily. "With great power . . . comes great need to take a nap. Wake

me up later."

 

"Whoa, zombie dude." I caught him before he could pass out again. "We're at the

river. You need to tell me what to do."

 

I fed him the last of my ambrosia, which was a little dangerous. The stuff can

heal demigods, but it can also bum us to ashes if we eat too much. Fortunately,

it seemed to do the trick. Nico shook his head a few times and struggled to his

feet.

 

"My father will be coming soon," he said. "We should hurry."

 

The River Styx's current swirled with strange objects — broken toys, ripped-up

college diplomas, wilted homecoming corsages — all the dreams people had thrown

away as they'd passed from life into death. Looking at the black water, I could

think of about three million places I'd rather swim.

 

"So . . . I just jump in?"

 

"You have to prepare yourself first," Nico said, "or the river will destroy you.

It will bum away your body and soul."

 

"Sounds fun," I muttered.