Page 219 of Styx

‘You shield your children too much.

They will grow up to be weak Gods.’

Fury coursed through me at her words.

‘I refuse,’ I seethed, ‘to be a mother

like you. Do you even remember

all our names?’ I regretted the words

the moment I spoke them, but it was too late.

I could not take them back.

My father shifted in front of my mother

while Pallas pulled me behind him.

‘Enough!’ said Oceanus. ‘The decision

has been made. We will no longer participate

in this war.’ Pallas shook his head

but said nothing. Instead, he wrapped his arm

around my shoulders and led me out of the halls,

as Potamoi and Oceanids alike hurried out of our way.

Pallas’s Anger and My Bitterness

made uncomfortable bedfellows.

He was slow to anger, but when he did,

his rage was legendary. Most of it,

he reserved for his forge,

but today, he paced around our chambers.

When Kratos came running in to throw himself

at his legs, Pallas ignored him.

Kratos looked heartbroken.

I tenderly called my son

so I could gather him into me.

He leaned on my shoulder

huffing slightly, keeping tears at bay.

He kept a watchful eye on his father,