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“Your hardships at that young age made your spirit stronger, believe it or not,” another continues.

“Your turmoil over being bullied for years groomed you to be a hellhound,” the last finishes.

Anger surges into my veins as I lift my head to glare at them. “Excuse me? Do you know how fucking hard it was for me to go through all that? I still have hang ups from what those girls did to me!”

They nod, not even trying to contradict me. “We know. We understand that it was grueling and crushing but look at how strong it made you.”

I sputter in disbelief. “Strong? How can you say that? Look at me now! I’m a fucking wreck!”

“We are talking about back then when you didn’t cross the Styx,” they say. “A weaker soul would have taken their chance to escape the hardships of life.”

The defiance fizzles out of me. “Maybe I chose wrong then. Life only got so much harder after becoming one of your hounds. Look me now, Cerberus. I have no family, no friends, no lover. I’m an alcoholic who has seen better days.”

Their eyes soften but not with pity. “We see you, Val. We only wish you could see yourself. You are stronger than ever despite your unnecessary sacrifices. Especially recently. Do not let these series of unfortunate events undo everything that you are. Do not let it stop you from living on. We were not lying when we said you’re one of our favorites.” They jerk their head towards Charon, who’s still standing there with his hand out, patiently waiting for his payment. “That alone is why you are getting this rare third chance.”

Third chance?

I look at the coin in my hand once again then at the souls wailing in the murky waters, their wails more audible now that Cerberus is here. Their begging falls on three sets of deaf ears as Cerberus keeps his attention on me.

Taking the offer, I tip my hand over and drop the coin onto the sand. It instantly disappears under the green grains, hiding away so that no one else can use it. Once it’s removed from my person, I’m able to take a step back from the river. When I look at the ferryman, he gives me a peaceful smile and a bow of his head before pushing his boat off the bank. I watch as the water carries him away before turning back to the triplets.

“I don’t want to die yet,” I admit in a soft whisper.

“Then don’t,” they don’t smile, but I think I can hear something akin to fondness in their tone.

“I won’t,” I reply haughtily, but with a small smile.

They lift a mocking brow, but it lacks any bite. “Then it’s probably time for you to go back and wake up.”

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