Page 118 of Styx

about being the consort of Achelous?’

I shook my head. ‘I already know

who I want to be with, Perses.

From the moment I saw you,

I understood. I simply did not recognize

what to name that feeling.

I know who I want to spend my eternity with.

I am sure Achelous is a kind God

and will make some Goddess happy.

But that Goddess is not me.’

Perses took my hands in his large ones,

brought them up to his lips tenderly.

‘If you are sure. I will go speak

with your father. But only with your

permission.’ I nodded slowly, knowing

what would come of this.

It was not my father’s temper that concerned me.

Oceanus was the oldest of the Titans.

And he did not like to be crossed.

Especially not by those closest to him.

A Broken Feast

As was customary,

a feast was already being held

in the grand halls.

By the time Perses

finished training

the young River Gods,

it was already in full sway.

Oceanus had not spared

any time preparing