163. Perses Called for Me

Perses Called for Me

At first, I thought it was part of my dream.

His voice was frayed with unease.

The way he said my name darkened

with an urgency I could not place.

My body went rigid as I felt huge hands

on my shoulders, shaking me awake,

and it was then that I realized,

this was not part of my prophetic dream.

My eyes flew open and I gazed

into Perses’s golden eyes,

wild with concern,

while mine were wild with confusion.

‘Perses?’ I asked, sitting up.

Outside Eos was bringing in the dawn,

her rosy fingers painting the sky.

My consort took a deep breath.

‘Asteria, we have received an urgent

summons. All the Gods and deities

have been called to Oceanus’s palace.

We must leave at once, my love.’

Only a few nights had passed

since our return. My heart raced

in my chest. This was disquieting.

Had Metis failed to convince Zeus?

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