Page 22 of Styx

were wild, yet tired.

Beside him Rhea appeared pale.

By now we had all heard the story

of how Kronos had ripped

the first of Rhea’s children

from her arms and devoured

the child whole. She had not

even had a chance to name the infant.

My heart twinged as I looked at her.

Once, her emerald eyes had sparkled

just like my mother’s – her sister.

Now they were dulled

like the darkest sea glass,

a cold numbness in them.

I pulled my eyes away from her

as my father began to speak.

He too looked worn, as he sometimes

did when he spent too long

making a particularly complex waterfall.

‘I know you are all surprised

to be summoned here.

However, our King,

my brother, has a declaration

that must be heard.’

My uncle, the God-King, rose,

nodding slightly at my father.

‘It has been agreed

that Oceanus and Tethys

will have no more children.’

Gasps and whispers rung out