Page 123 of Styx

Oceanus, however, would not let his rage go.

‘Go then,’ he said, sweeping his arm over us.

‘Leave these halls and do not return!’

The assembled Gods made way

as my mother, sisters, and I followed my father out.

Before we left, Coeus turned around

one last time, a look of sadness in his eyes.

‘Remember what we know is on the horizon, brother.

If we do not stand together, we will fall forever.’

Coeus, God of Intellect

When we left the palace,

my father turned to Perses and me.

‘You have cost me my brother.’

The words were a quiet defeat.

‘I hope it is a worthy sacrifice.’

My father’s words brought tears

to my eyes. The humiliation

he had faced for our love was huge.

Perses’s hand tightened on mine,

giving me strength.

‘Asteria’s happiness is as paramount

to me as it is to you,’

Perses said quietly. My parents nodded.

‘Asteria.’ My father addressed me now.

‘The home you share with Perses –

make it strong.’ He had a faraway look

in his eyes. ‘Strengthen its walls.

It must be capable of withstanding

anything.’ A chill went through me

as I thought of Styx’s prophetic dream.