Page 67 of Styx

‘Who stands behind my door?’

Styx and I took this as our sign

to run.

We Did Not Stop Running Until We Reached Our Cave

My mind raced with questions

and my breath quickened

as my feet ran across

cool marble floors then to warm sand.

When we were finally there,

safe in our hallowed cavern,

with its welcoming water

and the azure glow of my worms,

we crumpled to the floor.

Quietly, with just the sound

of our own heavy breath,

we sat in contemplation.

‘Do you think,’ Styx asked,

‘if my father becomes king,

there is a chance for my sisters

and I to be more than nymphs?’

I considered her question.

‘I think,’ I said softly, remembering

what Coeus said about desiring

a son, ‘that even if our fathers

were rulers, every Goddess or nymph

would always be beholden to someone.’

Styx contemplated this,

her split eyes pensive.

‘Surely…’ she said eventually,

‘all Gods cannot be so cruel.