Page 64 of Styx

the footsteps and the words

‘Kronos’s Reign Is Not Secure’

It was my father’s voice.

And he was saying the most dangerous

of things I had ever heard him say.

Why would he ever speak these words?

I looked at Styx and she met my gaze

with the same determination.

We let the footsteps leave

us and then followed them

at a safe, silent distance.

I could see Oceanus’s

long, flowing white hair

and my own father’s shiny

dark curls as their heads

were bent close together

deep in conversation

while they walked.

Styx said softly,

‘There is a place to listen.

Come with me.’

Any hesitation I had

was overtaken by curiosity.

I nodded, taking her arm,

and we waited for them

to enter Oceanus’s chambers.

Then Styx pulled at my elbow

and led me into a hidden alcove.

There was barely enough room

for the both of us, but suddenly