71. The Fateful Decree
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
as I stared at my father.
What was he talking about?
The room erupted in whispers.
‘All four of these children
will become Gods and be crucial
to the reign of the Titans.’
My mind was reeling.
It felt like the very ichor
inside my body wanted to run.
‘According to this prophecy,
she must have a fearless consort,
a God of might unlike any other.
And so, I decree the hand of
my oldest daughter be given to Pallas,
God of Might and Weaponry.’