Page 212 of Styx

Wars had no use for my sweet eels,

my small crabs, my gentle starfish.

And why would I attract attention

by focusing on these strange powers

I once had, in the midst of a war.

I finally had a chance to become a Goddess.

But… the cost. The cost was

betrayal of everyone I loved.

Betrayal of my father and mother,

my sisters and brothers.

And I knew well enough now

with Perses leading the Titan forces,

he would never turn on his own

and neither would Asteria.

Could I ever do that to her,

my closest friend?

Blinking back tears,

I looked Metis in the eye

and said quietly,

‘I cannot do as you have done.

Your price is much too high, Metis.

My answer will have to be no.’

An ache rose in my body as I spoke.

‘It Could All Be Yours, Styx’

Metis’s gentle coaxing voice

whispered like a viper in my ear.

‘Everything you could ever want;

everything you have ever desired.

So close. All you must do is say yes,

and your children and consort