Styx (Goddesses of the Underworld #2)

152. Styx’s Hand Grew Tighter on Mine

Styx’s Hand Grew Tighter on Mine

At first, I thought it was only fear,

but when I turned to her, I knew.

I knew from when we had helped

Tethys birth Metis that day long ago.

The child was coming.

Goddesses give birth at whim.

Great swells of emotion sometimes

cause a child to be born before its time.

I should have taken Styx from this cave

as soon as we saw Metis with Zeus.

And now, she clutched my hand,

trying so hard not to cry out.

Pallas moved to support her quickly

and we helped her onto the floor.

For a moment, other than

her laboured breathing,

there was a silence that made us

assume we were safe.

We assumed too soon.