Page 92 of Styx

that matched the rage on his face.

‘You are unworthy of this honour!’

His voice was so loud now the floor shook.

‘But as my eldest child, you will do

as the family needs!’

I opened my mouth to speak again,

to rebuke his words and make him see,

truly see me, for a change.

But a cool hand slipped into mine.

And I knew that it was Asteria

standing at my side.

She met my eyes and I saw

the caution in her own.

Before I spoke again,

she whispered,

‘There are many ways to build

a fox. And better ways to fight

oceans than crashing into their waves.’

I squeezed my eyes shut and bit back

the poison-laced words I had

built up inside. Instead, I spoke to Pallas,

who had been standing very still

during my loud and rage-filled outburst.

‘May you be a worthier father

than mine has been to his daughter.’

Before anyone could speak

another word, I left the room,

leaving a sea of confused

and angry divinities behind me.

Fury Was Etched in My Bones