Page 89 of Styx

to his interest in me.’

Before Asteria could speak again,

my father’s voiced echoed

through the halls.

‘Family! Come close!’

The Fateful Decree

Asteria and I walked back

into the great hall as my father’s head

swivelled, searching for someone

amongst the throngs of Gods

and nymphs and lesser deities.

When his eyes finally stopped on me,

a strange discomfort gripped my bones.

‘Styx,’ my father’s voice boomed.

‘Come forward please, my daughter.’

For a moment, my legs would not move,

until Asteria nudged me forward

and I hesitantly walked toward him.

At his side, Pallas and Perses stood

towering above my parents.

When I reached my father,

he gestured for me to stand

beside him as well. Something

told me I should run.

But I did as I was asked.

‘Three nights ago,’ Oceanus said,

‘I was gifted a prophecy.’

‘In it, my oldest daughter Styx

was blessed with four children.’

My heart thudded in my chest