Page 162 of Styx

Eurus placed her hands

to each corner of her mouth,

and gave out a lyrical songlike cry.

A smooth, warm carpet of wind

rose under our feet.

Of all four of the Anemoi,

this journey was the only one that

was full of comfort for me

in my condition.

Eurus flicked her wrists

to bring us all easily to the mountain

where Nyx said Metis had gone.

My heart pounded in my chest.

My mind wondering,

what was on Aigaion?

‘Styx, How Long Have You Known?’

Pallas appeared by my side as we travelled,

the waters of the ocean shining below

as Hyperion won the day again.

I turned to look at my consort’s face,

his handsome features shadowed

with concern and sadness.

‘Some time,’ I admitted softly.

Then I reached for his hand. ‘I did not

want you to stop me from coming.’

He looked down at where my fingers

were entwined with his, then up at me.

‘I am not your father, Styx,’

he reminded me gently.

‘I have only ever shown you