Page 165 of Styx

the corners of her mouth lifting

in an almost smile. ‘Do you need

more aid?’ she asked, her voice

not unkind. Asteria answered for us,

knowing Perses and I were too proud,

and Pallas and Leto too tender

to ask for help even when they needed it.

‘Please, Eurus. We are looking for Metis.

How does one track a Goddess through

these mountains?’ Eurus smiled

‘Let me send my winds to fetch

an answer from the trees.’

She snapped her fingers

and the sound of the winds rising

and rustling could be heard

echoing across the mountain peaks.

A hollow sound and then a whistle.

Eurus listened carefully.

‘The oaks tell me that a Goddess is here.

She is inside a cavern not far away.’

She paused and her brow furrowed.

Fear wrapped its cold fingers around my heart.

‘But You Must Be Cautious. She Is Not Alone.’

The ichor in my veins

turned to ice as she murmured

those words. Of all the Anemoi,

she was the one whom I felt most sure of.

I glanced at the other immortals.

They too held the same concern

in their eyes. Metis was in danger.