Page 199 of Styx

Rhea poured all her unspoken

sadness and fury into him.

What choice did he have

other than to become this?’

Perses interrupted.

‘He could choose not to

destroy his kin who have not

harmed him, Metis.’

I stared at him. His voice

was so callous. I had never

heard him speak this way before

to anyone. I stepped

between him and Metis.

‘Perhaps,’ I said, ‘the lesson

here is that we should all

see injustice for what it is,

so no more Titan children

thirst for revenge.’

Perses let out a bitter laugh.

‘Do you not understand still?’

His golden eyes seemed frigid.

‘It is too late. If Zeus has his way

there will be no Titans left.’

Metis shook her head vehemently.

‘He would not do that.’

Pallas, still holding Zelus close,

looked at Metis with kindness and pity.

‘That is what he told us today.

And do you not remember

him promising you a throne