Page 104 of Styx

for some time, then said,

‘Styx is my dearest friend,

very much a sister to me.

I too would like to see her content,

instead of forced into an arrangement

not of her choosing.’

He nodded and asked,

‘What if we helped them?’

His scent enveloped me,

like the earth after rainfall.

I closed my eyes and composed myself.

‘What precisely are you

suggesting we do?’

A mischievous smile

spread across his face.

‘Perhaps we find ways

to bring them together.

I believe they have

more in common than

they realize. While they are resigned

to their fate, we can show them

that this fate is not such a terrible thing.

Pallas is partial to fermented

wines, handcrafted objects, and quiet.

What does Styx enjoy?’

I considered this. It was hard

to think with him so close.

‘Styx enjoys being away

from Oceanus’s palace.

She likes the quiet