Hades darted after her and scooped her up. “Not while he's wet, darling. That water will make you forget everything.”
“Why canheswim in it?” Deme pouted.
“Because the river is his domain. It bows to his power.” Hades set her down.
Charon stuck his board in the sand and strode over to us. As he came, the water evaporated from his skin and hair while a robe appeared on his thin, wiry body. He settled a hood in place and crouched to open his arms, his blue-gray eyes flashing.
“Demetera!” he called.
Deme looked at her father. Hades nodded, and she ran into Charon's arms. He swooped her up and settled her on his hip, grinning broadly. We joined them as the Lethe settled into its usual stillness.
“Yo', boss man!” Charon bounced Deme to make her giggle. “How's it hanging?”
Viper widened his eyes at me, and I chuckled.
“I'm fine, thank you. I brought Vervain to see the empty shore.” Hades peered down the river. “I'm hoping she will see something I missed.”
“Godhunter, been a while.” He came over, and we fist-bumped.
“It has. Nice to see you, Charon.” I stared across the water. “This is creepy.”
“Yeah, it's bananas. But I'm enjoying the time off. Been jazzin' the glass. You guys want a ride to the other side?”
“Yes, please.”
“Allrighty then.” He set Deme down and went to his surfboard.
With a smooth move, he pulled it out of the sand and tossed it into the water. It transformed as it flew, becoming a large, narrow boat like the sort you find navigating the canalsof Venice. Its prow curled up to form the head of a beast, and I could have sworn that the creature winked at me. The boat slid up onto the shore and waited.
“Nice trick,” Viper said.
“Thanks, man!” He looked at Viper and then at me, a question in his expression.
“Oh, this is Viper.” I motioned to him. “My husband.”
“Another one? Yo, V, enough already. Leave some for the other mamas.” He paused. “On second thought, scoop 'em up, lady! That leaves more babes for me.”
I burst out laughing. “I pulled this one out of the Void and made his body out of dark magic.” I waggled my fingers at him.
Charon gaped at me. “Youmadehim?” He looked at Viper, who grinned back. “Whoo-ee! I'm gonna need to percolate on that one. You just blew my mind.” He leaned in. “You know, my birthday's comin' up.”
Hades cleared his throat.
“Yeah, yeah, chill, boss.” Charon grabbed at empty air, and a staff appeared in his hand. “It's not like you've got stuff to do.”
“Charon!”
Charon snickered and whispered to us, “I better stop or he's gonna give me dirty lickings.”
“Sounds kinky.” Re sidled closer. “Tell me more.”
Charon snorted, shook his head, and went to the boat. “You're gnar, bro. You need to chill.”
“He meant Hades is going to punish him,” I said.
“Oh, I know what he meant.” Re winked.
“Boat ride! Boat ride!” Demetera sang.
