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Nico shook off the thought. He led Will down the narrow, twisting path. If either of them made one wrong move, it was entirely possible they might slip and fall into …

Actually, Nico didn’t really want to think about that, either.

Thankfully, it wasn’t nearly as long a descent as their initial one from the Door of Orpheus, but as they hiked along the river Nico worried about what would happen when they reached the troglodytes. He was sure his subterranean friends could help them get into Tartarus. He was also certain that whatever plan they concocted, it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience for Will. They were still in the upper reaches of the Underworld, and they’d already been nearlybested by a shadow-squid nightmare demon with mommy issues. Once they reached the depths of Tartarus, things would get so much worse … Well, they’d just have to deal with that when the time came.

Nico stopped often to allow his boyfriend to catch up on the trail. The first time this happened, Will seemed convinced that something was following them again.

Nico saw nothing. Plus, the trail was so narrow that nothing of significant size could have hidden from them.

‘I swear I heard little rocks falling down,’ said Will. ‘Like something had accidentally knocked them over the edge.’

This didn’t seem likely to Nico, given that the roar of the Styx would drown out most other noises, but he decided to humour Will and remain still for a minute. They both heard nothing.

Nico shrugged. ‘We’re both on edge after Epiales and their nightmares. Don’t let this place get to you.’

‘And … you’re sure we’re not still in a nightmare?’

Nico inched closer and gave him a quick kiss. ‘That feel like a nightmare?’

Will smiled. ‘No.’

‘Correct answer. Now come on. Just stick close and watch your step.’

They stopped a few more times, though, because Nico kept getting ahead of Will.

‘You’re so good at this,’ Will said, his steps careful and controlled, while Nico was now walking backwards down the trail. ‘How many times have you taken this trail before?’

‘Oh … A few.’

Will’s eyes brightened like he’d just had an epiphany. ‘All those times I couldn’t find you over the past couple of weeks – this is where you’ve been disappearing to.’

Nico nodded. ‘I wanted to make sure the troglodytes got settled in their new home. There were some challenges, but … well, you’ll see what I came up with.’

The corner of Will’s mouth rose. ‘I’m glad you thought about helping them.’

‘Well, that’s what this quest is all about, isn’t it?’ said Nico, facing forward. ‘We have to fix what’s been broken.’

‘I love that about you, Nico di Angelo.’

Nico’s face flushed. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to Will being so open and …nice.But he was definitely willing to try.

The ledge continued downward, gradually levelling out until it was no more than a narrow path running along the water, the rocks slick with spray from the rapids. As they neared the end of the trail, Nico slowed. ‘You’re going to need one of those hoodies you brought,’ he told Will. ‘We’re not going swimming, I promise, but you’ll want to get as little of the River Styx on your skin as possible.’

Will didn’t argue. He slipped into a pale blue hoodie that readCAMPHALF-BLOODCOUNSELLORacross the chest.

Nico pulled the hood on the collar of his leather jacket up over his head. ‘Just follow my lead.’

He moved ahead cautiously, hugging the cliff on his right, his face practically rubbing against the dark stone. And then: a reprieve. A wide cave mouth opened up in the side of the cliff, and Nico darted inside, away from the water. Will followed, the hood of his sweatshirt pulledverytight, so that all Nico could see was the tip of Will’s nose and his eyes.

‘That’s a good look on you,’ he said.

Will pushed his hands out of the ends of his sleeves and shuddered. ‘I feel like a turtle.’

Nico unsheathed his sword. Its dim purple glow didn’t do muchto illuminate the cave, but Nico knew the way from here. ‘You ready, Will?’

Will pushed back his hood and let his bushy blond hair loose. ‘Ready for what, exactly?’

Nico grinned.