Adam observed the desolate bank of the Acheron until his eyes locked on a wooden pier. The gray mold covering the cracked planks and the water splashing between their loose openings made him exhale in a mix of awe and dread. After all, it was the mythical river leading to the Greek underworld's gates and its guardian, Cerberus.
He tucked his fingers around his chin and gazed at the wide-jawed Achilles. "Want to take a swim?"
Instantly, his words awakened the legendary figure from his stupor. He coughed, his face reddening in barely suppressed anger. "After the lava in Muspelheim, the Acheron? What's wrong with this question?!"
With a deep inhale and patting his chest, he calmed his raging heart and continued. "This is the river of woe and pain. Dipping your toe alone will taint your soul—but that's just the beginning. The water will devour your life force like a relentless beast. Only dried bones scattering into ashes will remain of us after a minute."
