“what have you gained, lost, and what do you wish to become?"

The atmosphere sank into silence, the air seemingly coagulated.

Jonathan's vision and hearing were still restricted, with everything except the lantern bearer obscured. He could only hear the sounds emitted by the lantern bearer. It was as if he wore an eye mask with only one hole and earplugs that did not reveal any sound, selectively seeing or hearing. 

Did he feel... protected? What would he see, what would he hear if that veil shrouding his senses were removed?

Jonathan's thoughts drifted to the cocoon aboard the Kraken, which was not to be looked upon or seen. 

"Get on the boat, child." The lantern bearer said, "The waters of the Styx are rising; if you don't want your soul to sink in, you need to get on the boat." 

Jonathan was shocked; his feet shifted, and he suddenly felt the flowing water, the water level slowly rising, submerging his knees.