Page 82 of Styx

I saw Leto and Metis approach

with their new pet fox.

‘Well, you have found me,’ I said.

‘Indeed, we have,’ Acaste replied.

The air felt like it was touched with

a crackle of storms. The three of them

did not move even when Metis reached them.

‘Perhaps it is time for you to go.’

Asteria addressed the nymphs.

She looked at me, then at Metis.

Acaste’s gaze turned to her.

‘Is this your new sister?’ she smiled,

and Metis, still innocent to the world,

smiled back. ‘Shame about her eyes.

Yellow eyes make her look like a snake.’

Acaste turned back to me. ‘Just like you, Styx.’

My fists clenched as I saw Metis’s face fall.

‘Leave her be, Acaste. Or I will—’

A gentle hand touched my shoulder

and I whirled around to see Leto.

Leto stepped forward between us,

shielding Metis and me

from their cruel gaze.

‘If you have something to say,’

Leto said quietly, ‘say it.’

Amphiro sniffed in her direction.

‘We would rather address Styx.’

Leto’s next words were measured.

‘And you are standing before three Goddesses.’

Asteria’s voice joined her sister’s.