Page 183 of Styx

‘for doing what each of you

would have done?’

I couldn’t help it.

I reached out

and took her hand.

‘Metis,’ I gently spoke,

‘I understand you wished

to help Rhea.

But have you

considered

what will happen

if Kronos falls?’

Metis sighed deeply

and closed her eyes

as she thought.

A collective silence descended.

When she opened her eyes

she said, ‘Let me speak

to Zeus. He listens

to my counsel.’

The sound of thunder

from above woke Zelus

and his cries resounded

inside the cave.

Metis took my hand

and Styx’s hand.

‘You must go, quickly,

before he returns.’

We nodded at her,

but something in her voice