the marble corridors
were strangers to me.
Even the kitchen table
I loved seemed like a novelty
from a time barely remembered.
And there, sitting at the table,
her split eyes
filled with more fury
than I had ever seen,
was Styx.
Styx’s Rage
‘Where,’ she spoke slowly,
iciness dripping from her voice,
‘have you been?’
I felt Thanatos’ presence by my side.
‘She was with me.’ His voice was firm,
scythe on the floor.
‘I had to know, Aunt,’ I said softly.
Thanatos’ calm company helped.
There was a long, pregnant pause,
as the Goddess who had taken me in
stood up slowly, her snarl
showing her fangs.
‘What you did not know
was protecting you, foolish child!’
And then she glared at Thanatos.
‘And you, this was your doing?
Do all of the Night’s children
think they are above and beyond
consequence—’
