Page 231 of Styx

and they wanted power at any cost.

I did not trust them.

Not after what they had done to my son.

But I knew that we would not win

and I knew what would happen

to the side that lost this war.

And that fate… that fate was not one

I wanted for my family.

So I did what I had to.

I smiled at Zeus at best I could

and said, ‘We are honoured to be here.’

Fate

As we sat in audience with Zeus,

we were offered ambrosia and nectar.

Our children drank and ate happily,

but Pallas and I declined any offerings.

We were still tense, unsure of the cost.

‘Pallas,’ Zeus’s voice boomed,

‘we would like you to start crafting

weapons for us. We could use your mastery.’

Pallas did not say anything,

just gave the slightest of nods.

Then Zeus turned to my children.

Only Nike, Kratos, and Bia had joined us.

Zelus was still healing in our chambers.

‘As for you, you will join us in battle, yes?’

I tensed at this, my back straightening.

‘No. That wasn’t in the agreement.’ I pulled Bia close.

Zeus frowned. ‘Metis, did you not mention it?’

Metis simply smiled. ‘I thought it would be