Page 228 of Styx

Pallas looked at me in anguish.

‘Styx, I did everything I could.

It’s war and there was—’

I raised a hand to stop him.

‘I do not wish to hear it.

My child is injured, he will take

some time to heal. It is best you leave.’

But Pallas did not move.

‘We need Kratos to take Zelus’s place.’

I could not believe what I was hearing.

‘No.’

The word was edged in poison.

‘Styx—’ Pallas began.

‘I told you,’ I said quietly,

‘I will sacrifice no more children

to this war. Not while my son

lies there maimed.’

I had to keep my children safe.

I had to shield them. I stared at Pallas.

He had failed to protect our son.

So now it was my duty alone

to defend my children.

‘You failed me,’ I told him coldly.

‘You failed our family.

I will now do what I must do.

And you will not question

my decision.’

Pallas’s grief-stricken face

was frozen for an age.

It was as though a thousand