Page 237 of Styx

my father to withdraw.’

Asteria’s hands trembled

as she touched my son’s forehead.

‘Have you given him—’

I nodded. ‘Yes, the potion we made.’

I smiled wryly. ‘It is working.’

She turned to me, her eyes wide.

‘We could use them, Styx,’

she said urgently, ‘Our powers.

Our skills. We could use them

the way Metis has helped

the Olympians.’

I frowned at her words.

‘We promised each other we wouldn’t,’

I reminded her. ‘And I do not think

I possess the same talent as Metis,

Asteria. She has powerful, stranger gifts.’

Asteria shook her head.

‘No, Styx, she just had practice.’

‘Do you know what both

the Titans and the Olympians

would do if they learned

what we can do, Asteria?’

I challenged her.

‘Styx, we must try,’ Asteria pleaded.

I stared at the sleeping form of my son,

then back at my dearest friend.

‘If you want to do what is best

for your infant daughter, Asteria,

do not do this. Do what you can