The frown she gave me
would make anyone believe
that I had defied some ancient,
unwritten law.
‘Hekate—’ she began
but I raised my free hand.
‘Listen to me.
You have two young daughters.
Her youngest daughter was taken.
She is in agony.
The whole world
screeches with her pain.
I know where Kore is.
All I am asking for
is your aid.’
I paused and took a sip
of my wine.
Styx was looking at the green flames
in her golden fireplace.
‘No. You know I cannot.’
I sighed as I looked at her.
‘Why?’ I knew the answer
but I wanted her to say
the words to me.
‘Hekate, it is against
the rules.’ There was
an edge to her voice.
And I finally recognized it.
Fear.
All those rules that she had
