Page 59 of Styx

from the waters of the lake,

long green hair dripping.

‘Styx.’ Acaste frowned at her.

‘I thought we told you this before

that you are to stay away.’

Styx gave her a smile designed

to infuriate. ‘Did you? I don’t recall.

Your voice is so soft, Acaste.’

Acaste’s frown darkened to

a scowl and the other nymphs

murmured and whispered.

‘This is not your place, Styx.

Mother has chosen her favourites.

You are not amongst them.’

I let out a gasp at this cruelty

and Styx’s eyes met mine,

with a slight shake of her head.

Her smile grew nastier.

‘I may not be one of mother’s

trinkets of the moment,

but I will always be

the first of all of us.

My position is untouchable.’

Her other sisters let out

horrified huffs at this,

but I felt a gleam of pride.

‘Your position once mattered,’

Acaste said, tossing her hair

behind her perfect shoulder,

but that was before.