Page 122 of Styx

‘Perhaps you are satisfied with dutiful

daughters, brother. I would rather have

happy ones.’

A gasp resounded and I realized it was my own.

Oceanus’s rheumy eyes were icy

as he said, ‘As you value daughters

so much more than vows to brothers,

then take your family and go.

Never shall you enter this palace again.’

My father’s face flitted between

anger and heartbreak.

Finally, he spoke. ‘As you wish,

brother.’ He motioned for Leto,

Metis, my mother, and me to join him.

Perses looked at Oceanus

and I saw the livid fury on the old God’s face.

‘You may join them, Perses.

Do not show your face here again.’

At these words, I heard a sharp

‘Wait.’ Pallas stepped out into

the light. ‘Perses is my brother.

If he is unwelcome, then so am I.’

Styx moved forward and took Pallas’s hand.

‘And you, daughter? Will you

display your insolence too?’

Oceanus sounded more bitter than enraged now.

‘I am simply doing as you asked, Father,’

Styx said sweetly. ‘Standing by my consort.’

I would have laughed at her acerbic wit

if the atmosphere were not so tense.