Page 100 of Styx

Finally, I took a deep breath.

‘But what if we cannot learn

to care for each other

as consorts should?

What should we do then?’

Pallas reached out gently

and placed a hand on mine.

‘Then we learn how to care

for each other as allies

and friends.’ I felt the warmth

of his fingers radiate through

my hand, through my skin.

He spoke to the water

inside my body in a way

I never thought possible.

I looked up into his eyes

and said quietly, ‘If I return

with you, it will feel like

my father has won.’

Pallas studied me

with an unreadable expression.

Only those amber eyes

betrayed his own inner turmoil.

‘Styx, I will not force you

into being my consort.’

I considered his words.

Then I thought about

the dream I had had

of what was coming

toward us.