Page 226 of Styx

Kratos had only just become old enough

to own his godhood, and now he was required

to bleed ichor for his kin who barely knew him.

I refused to send an answer back.

If Pallas wanted him, he would have to

go through me. No more children of mine

were going to be sacrificed to this senseless war,

not whilst they lived in my home.

When the second messenger from Pallas arrived,

I did not even go to greet him.

Instead, I stayed in my chambers

playing with Bia. Nights passed before

it finally happened. My worst fears realized.

Thunder and lightning flashed across the sky

when the chamber doors were flung open.

Pallas, his clothes drenched in golden blood,

amber eyes wide, stood. In his arms

was our oldest son, Zelus. Both his arms

had been cut off. And a messenger behind them

was holding them. I could not help it.

In my grief, I screamed.

A Mother’s Rage

I had always said Zelus was too young.

He had not enjoyed a long childhood

as he should, and when he was barely old enough,

he had been stationed with his uncle Perses

leading a war front he was not ready for.

I had been terrified this time would come.

Pallas looked into my eyes, his own wide

with shock. My chest hurt as I saw