- 2 hours ago
ENG Jilted by Olympus, Claimed by the Underworld
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Short filmTranscript
00:01I stood death center in the ballroom.
00:04Tonight, I have to be chosen as a dance partner by another god.
00:08If I couldn't find one by sunrise, I'll be stripped of my title and exiled to the underworld forever.
00:15My palms were sweating so much that they left damp streaks on my silk gown.
00:19I looked at my three childhood friends.
00:22Just last night, every single one of them swore they'd be my partner.
00:26Now, they won't even look at me.
00:28All three of them walked straight to Chloe, my stepsister.
00:32Chloe is so pitiful.
00:34It would be too cruel if no one picked her.
00:37What about me?
00:38Is it not cruel to throw me back to the underhill to rot?
00:43Then I saw Ares.
00:44My heart skipped and smiled.
00:46I thought he was finally coming to announce our marriage.
00:49But he didn't take my hand.
00:51I'm sorry, Thea.
00:53You're strong.
00:53You can handle this.
00:55But she's just a weak nymph.
00:56If I don't protect her tonight, she'll be destroyed.
00:59I tried to grab his sleeve.
01:00But he pulled away.
01:04He walked straight to Chloe without looking back.
01:07The crowd went wild.
01:09So Chloe was waiting for the god of war.
01:11They looked like they were made for each other.
01:13I couldn't breathe.
01:14I was tortured for 23 years in the mortal realm.
01:18This dance was my only way out.
01:21He knew everything and he still chose her.
01:25The music started.
01:27Ares looked at Chloe and his eyes were so soft.
01:31I finally got it.
01:32When he actually cares about someone, his stone face can melt.
01:37But with me, he was always like a cold iron wall.
01:41Just last night, he gave me flowers for the first time.
01:45I have to act cold because of politics and power balance.
01:49I was so stupid.
01:50I actually believed him.
01:52I even felt bad for him.
01:55What a joke.
01:56There was no politics.
01:57No strategy.
01:59He didn't give a damn about my future.
02:01He just wanted to give Chloe this moment to shine.
02:04The music died down.
02:06Chloe blushed.
02:07Leaning her head on Ares' shoulder.
02:10My three best friends were now tripping over each other just to get her a glass of nectar.
02:15Ares walked over to me, his shadow looming tall and cold.
02:19Chloe's had a rough life.
02:20You've got the bloodline.
02:21You've got everything.
02:22It's just a dance, Thea.
02:24You've always been the bigger person.
02:26My throat felt like I'd swallowed broken glass.
02:29And what about me?
02:30If this gets out, I'm a joke.
02:32Zeus' granddaughter, abandoned in the middle of the ballroom.
02:35He actually frowned, like I was the one being difficult.
02:39You're overthinking.
02:41You're strong enough to stand on your own.
02:43She isn't.
02:44If I don't pick her tonight, she's dead.
02:46She won't survive exile.
02:47He had no idea my father was already planning to sell me off to some low-level demigod.
02:53This dance was my only shield.
02:55And he just smashed it to pieces.
02:58Chloe ran up to him, her eyes full of hope.
03:01Brother Ares, can you take me to meet the elders?
03:05I'm not as perfect as my sister.
03:08She's always so prepared.
03:10She even keeps a little notebook to record which young lords are gaining power and which
03:13uncles have the most resources.
03:14Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:20I...
03:20I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:23She's just...
03:25very organized.
03:27Nearby, the two elder goddesses stopped smiling.
03:30Keeping tabs on everyone's value, the great temple's princess has quite the dark heart.
03:35No wonder she pushed her way into the succession so fast.
03:38The whispers drifted over like poison.
03:41My blood turned to ice.
03:44That notebook was an assignment from Grandpa Zeus.
03:47When I first came back, he told me to learn the strengths of the different clans.
03:53Ares had even guided me on what to write.
03:55But now?
03:57He didn't say a single word for me.
03:59He just let me stand in the center of the storm.
04:02Chloe tugged on Ares' sleeve.
04:04It's fine.
04:06Your sister has a big picture mind.
04:08She won't be mad at you.
04:10I couldn't take it anymore.
04:12I started walking toward them, my heart screaming.
04:15I wanted to confront them, to scream the truth.
04:18But before I could take three steps, someone grabbed me.
04:22Thea, stop.
04:22Don't go over there.
04:24It was Hermes.
04:25He blocked my way, his eyes hard.
04:28The music had picked up again, and Ares and Chloe were back on the dance floor.
04:33They were totally lost in their own little world, swirling around like nothing else mattered.
04:39I looked at Hermes' hand and realized what he was thinking.
04:43He thinks I'm going to cause a scene.
04:45He thinks I'm actually going to try and win Ares back.
04:48It wasn't surprising, really.
04:50Out of my three childhood friends, he was the only one who had truly been there with me.
04:55Before I was adopted, we spent years rotting together in a mortal orphanage.
04:59Back then, every time they handed out sacred fruit, I would throw myself into the dirt to
05:05grab the biggest, reddest one.
05:08I'd shove it into his hands first.
05:10Why?
05:11Because he was slow.
05:13He was weak.
05:14I was terrified that if I didn't feed him, he'd actually starve to death.
05:19When I finally made it out, I didn't spend my money on myself.
05:23I saved every cent to send him to the most expensive academy in Olympus.
05:28I pushed him and supported him with everything I had until he became the legendary artifact appraiser
05:35he is today.
05:36But I guess a girl from the mud is always just trash to people like him.
05:40I'll never be the moonlight he dreams about.
05:43Be good, Thea.
05:44Hermes didn't even look at me.
05:46His eyes were fixed on Chloe, filled with intense concern, as if she were the only thing
05:52in the world that mattered.
05:53Aris made his choice.
05:55If you go up there now, you're just going to look pathetic.
05:57My heart was already in pieces.
05:59Let go.
06:00I tried to twist away, but my heels slipped.
06:02I lost my balance, slammed into a stone pillar, and fell hard on my knees.
06:08The pain was so sharp, I couldn't even breathe.
06:11When I was asleep, Hermes was startled.
06:13He jerked his head around to look at me, his eyes wide with shock.
06:17For a split second, a flicker of worry crossed his face.
06:21His hand actually moved, a reflex to reach out and help me.
06:25But then, his face turned back to stone.
06:28Is this really necessary, Thea?
06:30You've had everything for the past three years.
06:33Chloe has nothing.
06:35Do you really have to use these cheap tricks just to steal her spotlight?
06:40Ares and Apollo rushed over.
06:42Ares looked at me on the floor.
06:44Surprise flashed in his eyes.
06:46What happened now?
06:47Then a flicker of guilt.
06:49Apollo, usually so calm, looked at my bruised knees and sneered.
06:55Is self-harm your new way of getting attention, princess?
06:58Hermes' face twisted into pure disgust.
07:01But Chloe was right.
07:03You fell on purpose just to make us feel guilty.
07:07Is this going in your notebook too, Thea?
07:10Knee injured by me?
07:12Used for future leverage?
07:14Ares' face went just as cold.
07:17Apollo rubbed his temples as if I were a headache.
07:20You already took everything from Chloe.
07:22Just let her have one happy night.
07:25Fine.
07:26If you want the spotlight that badly, I'll dance with you.
07:29Is that enough dignity for you?
07:30He said, looking at me like he was doing a chore.
07:33I didn't even look at his hand.
07:35I struggled to my feet.
07:37Move!
07:38Apollo's temper finally snapped.
07:41He grabbed my wrist, hard.
07:43If Ares and I hadn't felt sorry for you and protected you back then,
07:46God knows where you'd be!
07:48I tried to jerk my hand away, but he twisted it with everything he had.
07:54A sharp crack echoed through the hall.
07:56Agony exploded in my wrist.
07:58I doubled over, clutching my arm as the world went blurry.
08:03Apollo froze, staring at his own hand in shock.
08:07Are you kidding me?
08:09You fought that hard to break away just to chase after a man?
08:12It's not even a big deal.
08:14Our Thea has seen it all.
08:16This tiny injury is nothing compared to what Chloe has suffered.
08:20I was seeing black spots, the pain making me nauseous.
08:24But I looked up and actually laughed.
08:28You're right.
08:30It's not painful enough yet.
08:34I let go of my wrist.
08:36The joint was already swollen.
08:38They just stood there, frozen.
08:41The smirk finally vanished from Hermes' face.
08:44He looked away, his jaw tight, unable to meet my eyes.
08:48Just stay there.
08:50I'll call a divine healer.
08:52Forget it.
08:53Word gets out, and Zeus won't be pleased.
08:55You're a lunatic!
08:57All you ever care about is that damned pretense of yours.
09:00Even when Chloe was convulsed from a high fever back then,
09:03you were too busy entertaining guests and locked her in the attic.
09:06For the sake of your perfect young lady for facade,
09:08you're always scheming,
09:09always putting everyone's lives and feelings beneath your grand plans!
09:12He turned and stormed off.
09:15Hermes followed, but paused to look back one last time.
09:18It's just that no one asked you to dance today.
09:21Do you really have to make yourself look like this?
09:23I didn't answer.
09:24I just walked into the dark toward the back corridor.
09:28In the great temple, my father was waiting.
09:31He looked at me with cold, business-like eyes.
09:34You saw it tonight.
09:36Ares has no intention of marrying you.
09:39I stayed silent, clutching my broken wrist in the shadows.
09:44Zeus is getting old.
09:45He needs to see you settled before he hands over the throne.
09:49I just lost the man I loved.
09:51A new marriage right now would be a disaster.
09:53Then what do you want?
09:55Send me to the Underheld.
09:57I'm willing to serve the Lord of the Dead.
10:00Don't you dare mention that name here.
10:02My father's face drained of color instantly,
10:05his eyes darting around as if the shadows themselves were listening.
10:09He looked genuinely shaken,
10:11his arrogant posture crumbling for a moment.
10:15Fine.
10:17I'll give you seven days.
10:19Seven days until Zeus returns.
10:22If you haven't found a husband by then,
10:24I will choose one for you.
10:26I stumbled out of the room,
10:28my vision blurred by pain and exhaustion.
10:31I lost my balance and crashed into someone standing in the corridor.
10:35It was Aiden,
10:36one of Apollo's low-level attendants.
10:39He caught me by the shoulders,
10:41his grip surprisingly firm and steady.
10:44Princess,
10:45you look pale.
10:46Do you need help?
10:47Perhaps a healer?
10:48I was too exhausted to even speak.
10:51I just shook my head weakly,
10:54pulling away from him to keep moving.
10:55But as I walked away,
10:58I realized something strange.
11:00My broken wrist,
11:01the one he had just touched,
11:03didn't throb anymore.
11:05The agonizing pain was gone.
11:08I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:10I only had seven days.
11:13Seven days to find a man more powerful than Aries.
11:17Someone who isn't afraid of the light of Olympus.
11:21I came out of the clinic only to see two familiar chariots pulling up.
11:25Aries was carrying Chloe like she was made of fine porcelain,
11:28while Apollo followed behind,
11:30carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:32Chloe was sobbing softly over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:37My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rub skin
11:40while I stood there with a snap phone.
11:44Sister, what happened to you?
11:46You look terrible.
11:48Aries looked up.
11:49His eyes flickered for a split second
11:51when he saw the heavy bandage,
11:52but he didn't say a word.
11:54Hermes leaned against the chariot,
11:56his smirk as mocking as ever.
11:57Dislocated.
11:58I said shortly, trying to push past life.
12:01Sister,
12:02Father said,
12:04your divine marriage is set seven days from now.
12:07Aries' face hardened instantly.
12:09Seven days?
12:11Aetheria, what kind of game is this?
12:13I never agreed to marry you.
12:15Aries.
12:16Chloe's eyes welled up.
12:18You and my sister were married.
12:20God bless you.
12:21I just, I didn't think it would be so soon.
12:23A single tear fell perfectly timed.
12:26Aries looked beyond annoyed.
12:28He turned to the others.
12:29Take Chloe inside.
12:30Don't let that blister get infected.
12:31Hermes gently took Chloe from Aries' arms.
12:34Careful, Aries.
12:35Some people use their pain as a trap.
12:37Don't get guilt-tripped.
12:38Aries waited until they were all inside.
12:41Then he turned to me.
12:42He didn't ask how I got hurt.
12:44Thea, I don't know what you told your father to make you sedate.
12:47And I don't care.
12:48Cancel it.
12:50Tell everyone it was a misunderstanding.
12:51I'll forget this whole thing.
12:53And if it's not a rumor?
12:56Then you're about to be very publicly humiliated.
12:59Because I am not marrying you, Thea.
13:01Not in seven days.
13:02Not ever.
13:03Then let's break up.
13:05I'm marrying someone else.
13:07His face went blank.
13:08Just empty.
13:09Like I'd spoken a whole different language.
13:12Aries yanked me toward him.
13:13My broken wrist creamed, but I didn't make a sound.
13:16You're marrying someone else.
13:18His fingers dug into my arm.
13:20Who?
13:21Apollo?
13:22Hermes?
13:23Name one man in this realm stupid enough to touch you without my permission.
13:27Once, I would have died for him to claim me like this.
13:30Now it just felt pathetic.
13:32You want to fight me on this?
13:33Fine.
13:34Seven days.
13:35No one will step forward.
13:37And when you crawl back, don't expect me to take you back.
13:44I hit the wall.
13:46Watched him leave again.
13:47Nothing.
13:48Not a single ripple inside.
13:50Because honestly, I didn't give a damn about Aries anymore.
13:53Three days before the wedding, I ran into Hermes at an artifact exhibition.
14:02Stop it, Thea.
14:04If you're here to beg me to come to the wedding or to talk about our past, just forget it.
14:08I told you before, I only see you as a sister.
14:11Chloe's been really fragile lately because of all your drama.
14:14I'm not going to lose her as a friend just to comfort you.
14:17You've misunderstood.
14:18You're not that important.
14:20I walked straight past him, not giving him a second glance.
14:25His mouth hung open as I headed into the main auction hall.
14:28I wasn't here for him.
14:30I was here for my mother's relic.
14:32To his starlight necklace, a piece of her soul that I had lost years ago.
14:37Inside the hall, the auction for my mother's necklace started.
14:39I raised my hand to bid.
14:41But before the gavel could fall, Aries' voice boomed through the room.
14:45I am invoking the war god's privilege.
14:48Whatever the highest bid is, I will double it.
14:52I am taking this necklace, no matter the price.
14:55And he wasn't buying it for me.
14:56He was buying it for Chloe.
14:58I stood up and walked out, unable to breathe.
15:02Aries followed me into the corridor, dangling the necklace in front of my face like a prize.
15:07That stupid idea of marrying someone else.
15:09Swear it, and this is yours.
15:11You think I'm here because I'm waiting for a gift from you?
15:14You lost the right to give me anything a long time ago, Aries.
15:17Even if I threw you away, Thea, you're still my property.
15:21No one will marry you.
15:22No one on Olympus dares touch what belongs to me.
15:27Last chance.
15:28Be good and come back with me.
15:30I looked around.
15:32At the bottom of the steps, I saw Aiden.
15:34He was leaning against a black chariot, yawning as if he was bored to death by all this drama.
15:38For weeks, he'd been just another face in Apollo's retinue, a lazy servant with a tired smile.
15:44But I knew he wasn't that simple.
15:47Aiden, come up here.
15:49Is she insane? Proposing to a stable boy?
15:52The gods began to snicker, their laughter echoing off the marble walls.
15:56Aiden didn't even look at them.
15:57He walked up the steps, and the crowd was shoved aside by some unseen force.
16:01He stood before me.
16:03I'm here, little goddess.
16:06Marry me.
16:11Your soul smells of suffering, but it still shines.
16:16Even the darkness can't swallow it.
16:20But tell me, Thea, do you even know what monster you're inviting into your bed?
16:26Dead silence in the banquet hall.
16:29The gods who were just laughing at me, frozen.
16:32Every single one.
16:34Aiden.
16:35No.
16:36The thing pretending to be Aiden.
16:37His wings aren't the pure white of an angel.
16:40They're the black of the endless abyss.
16:42Every feather he saw was like, like they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
16:47Someone shouts at it.
16:49Then the hall explodes.
16:51The Underhouse?
16:53Goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
16:55Gods shield the ones beside them on instant.
16:58Even the air changes.
17:00That smell from deep underground.
17:02Ares' face has never looked this bad.
17:05He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
17:08His pupils shrink, locked in those black wings.
17:11His voice is low.
17:12Impossible.
17:14The Underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
17:16Aiden tilts his head slightly.
17:19Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
17:22Says who?
17:23I just don't like crowds.
17:26He pulls his gaze from Ares and lets it fall back on me.
17:29In those abyss deep eyes, reversed galaxies, dead wastelands, and something complicated.
17:36Little goddess.
17:37He lifts a hand.
17:39Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
17:41The one that was broken moments ago and is now completely healed.
17:44Do you know who you're inviting?
17:46I know.
17:46No, I don't.
17:48But I don't need to.
17:49I know you healed my wrist.
17:51I know you've been here three months, and not to be a Papalo's lowly servant.
17:56I also know...
17:57I pause.
17:58If you didn't want this, you would have dodged just now.
18:01You didn't.
18:02Aiden freezes.
18:03Then, right there in front of every god in the hall, he smiles.
18:06You've really got guts.
18:07He folds the black wings.
18:09They dissolve into fine black sand and vanish in the air.
18:12He steps back half-paced.
18:14One hand behind his back.
18:16A slight bow.
18:17The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:20Then, Thea, will you come with me?
18:25This time, no little goddess, no miss.
18:28He says my name.
18:30I don't hesitate.
18:31I put my hand in his palm.
18:33Behind me, I hear something shattering.
18:35Probably Ari's wine glass.
18:37It doesn't matter anymore.
18:39The wedding is set seven days from now.
18:41A union between the underworld and Olympus.
18:44Unprecedented.
18:45When the news spreads, the whole god realm shakes.
18:49Some call it a joke.
18:50The lord of the underhell marrying a discarded goddess.
18:53Some call it a scheme.
18:54The underheld, silent for a thousand years.
18:57But most are just waiting.
18:59Waiting for Ares' reaction.
19:01After all, the whole god realm knows Thea was once his woman.
19:05Even if he threw her away with his own hands, in their eyes, she's still Ari's.
19:10The first one to find me is Hermes.
19:12He comes faster than I expected.
19:14He was there that night at the banquet.
19:16He watched Aiden spread those black wings.
19:19Watched me put my hand into that monster's.
19:22His face went from shock to pale pale to I don't even know what to call it.
19:27He stops me on the way back to my chambers.
19:29His eyes are rimmed red.
19:31I stop walking.
19:31Are you insane?
19:32That's the underworld!
19:34Do you even know what the underworld is?
19:36The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:38The one I-
19:39It's the abyss even gods refuse to step into!
19:42I stop walking.
19:43I look at him.
19:44This man.
19:45The one I protected since we were young.
19:47The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:50The one I poured everything into lifting up.
19:52He used to be so slow.
19:54So weak.
19:56Couldn't even grab an apple.
19:57Now he stands in front of me in the most expensive robes,
20:01smelling of the finest oils shouting at me.
20:04But all I feel is distance.
20:06Hermes.
20:09You weren't this worked up when you said I cut myself for attention.
20:12His face goes white.
20:13I-
20:14He reaches for my sleep.
20:15Same way he used to go back to the orphanage.
20:18Every time he got in trouble.
20:19Every time he needed me to take the blame.
20:21Thea, I didn't mean it like that.
20:22I just-
20:23You meant it exactly like that.
20:25I step back.
20:26His hand grabs nothing but air.
20:28It hangs there.
20:29Frozen.
20:30His fingers slowly curl in.
20:32Go.
20:33The underworld's escort arrives in seven days.
20:36You are as Apollo.
20:37Don't bother coming.
20:38Thea.
20:38I don't look back.
20:39Behind me, his voice.
20:41Like crying.
20:42Like begging.
20:43Thea!
20:43We didn't mean to.
20:44We just-
20:45We just didn't know.
20:46I'm done listening.
20:47I go to the mortal realm market.
20:49The only place where news from the god realm hasn't reached yet.
20:51No stares.
20:52No whispers.
20:53Just me and a list of things I need.
20:55A veil.
20:56Not the heavy kind Olympus uses.
20:59Layers and layers of gold thread suffocating.
21:02I pick black silk.
21:03Light.
21:04Simple.
21:04The shopkeeper gives me a weird look.
21:06Wedding?
21:07Yeah.
21:08Black?
21:09I don't explain.
21:10She shrugs and takes my coin.
21:12Next, a ring.
21:13Not for me.
21:14For him.
21:15I have no idea what the lord of the underworld wears.
21:18Does he even wear rings?
21:19I buy a simple obsidian band anyway.
21:22If he hates it, he can throw it into the abyss.
21:26I'm wrapping it in cloth when a shadow falls over my table.
21:29A bat, tiny, black as ink.
21:32A scroll tied to its leg.
21:34I untie it.
21:35The wax seal is cold to the touch.
21:37Deep black with a single symbol carved into it.
21:40A pomegranate flower.
21:41I break it open.
21:43The handwriting is sharp, clean, no flourish.
21:46I read it three times.
21:48Then I tuck it into my sleeve, pay for the ring, and walk out into the sun.
21:52Three days.
21:53The god of the dead is waiting.
21:56Dead silence in the banquet hall.
21:59The gods who were just laughing at me, frozen.
22:02Every single one.
22:04Aiden.
22:04No.
22:05The thing pretending to be Aiden.
22:07His wings aren't the pure white of an angel.
22:10They're the black of the endless abyss.
22:12Every feather he saw was like, like they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
22:17Someone shouts at it.
22:18Then the hall explodes.
22:20The under house?
22:23Goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
22:25Gods shield the ones beside them on instant.
22:27Even the air changes.
22:30That smell from deep underground.
22:32Ares face has never looked this bad.
22:35He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
22:38His pupils shrink, locked in those black wings.
22:41His voice is low.
22:42Impossible.
22:43The underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
22:46Aiden tilts his head slightly.
22:48Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
22:52Says who?
22:53I just don't like crowds.
22:56He pulls his gaze from Ares and lets it fall back on me.
22:59In those abyss, deep eyes, reversed galaxies, dead wastelands, and something complicated.
23:06Little goddess.
23:07He lifts a hand.
23:08Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
23:10The one that was broken moments ago and is now completely healed.
23:14Do you know who you're inviting?
23:16I know.
23:16No, I don't.
23:17But I don't need to.
23:19I know you healed my wrist.
23:21I know you've been here three months.
23:23And not to be a Papalo's lowly servant.
23:26I also know...
23:27I pause.
23:28If you didn't want this, you would have dodged just now.
23:31You didn't.
23:31Aiden freezes.
23:32Then, right there in front of every god in the hall, he smiles.
23:36You've really got guts.
23:37He folds the black wings.
23:39They dissolve into fine black sand and vanish in the air.
23:42He steps back half-paced.
23:44One hand behind his back.
23:46A slight bow.
23:47The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
23:50Then, Thea, will you come with me?
23:55This time, no little goddess.
23:57No miss.
23:58He says my name.
23:59I don't hesitate.
24:01I put my hand in his palm.
24:02Behind me, I hear something shattering.
24:05Probably Ares' wineglass.
24:07It doesn't matter anymore.
24:08The wedding is set seven days from now.
24:11A union between the underworld and Olympus.
24:13Unprecedented.
24:15When the news spreads, the whole god realm shakes.
24:18Some call it a joke.
24:20The lord of the underhell marrying a discarded goddess.
24:23Some call it a scheme.
24:24The underhell, silent for a thousand years.
24:27But most are just waiting.
24:29Waiting for Ares' reaction.
24:31After all, the whole god realm knows Thea was once his woman.
24:35Even if he threw her away with his own hands, in their eyes, she's still Ares.
24:40The first one to find me is Hermes.
24:42He comes faster than I expected.
24:44He was there that night at the banquet.
24:46He watched Aiden spread those black wings.
24:49Watched me put my hand into that monster's.
24:51His face went from shock to pale, pale to, I don't even know what to call it.
24:57He stops me on the way back to my chambers.
24:59His eyes are rimmed red.
25:01I stop walking.
25:01Are you insane?
25:02I look at him.
25:02That's the underworld!
25:04Do you even know what the underworld is?
25:06The one I saved every scrap of food for.
25:08The one I-
25:08It's the abyss even gods refuse to step into!
25:12I stop walking.
25:13I look at him.
25:14This man.
25:15The one I protected since we were young.
25:17The one I saved every scrap of food for.
25:19The one I poured everything into lifting up.
25:22He used to be so slow.
25:24So weak.
25:25Couldn't even grab an apple.
25:27Now he stands in front of me, in the most expensive robes, smelling of the finest oils,
25:33shouting at me.
25:33But all I feel is distance.
25:36Hermes.
25:38You weren't this worked up when you said I cut myself for attention.
25:42His face goes white.
25:43Hades blinks.
25:45Then his hand slides to the back of my neck.
25:48He pulls me in.
25:50Kisses me back.
25:52Marking the contract early.
25:55Hope you don't mind.
25:57Aries.
25:59Still on the ground.
26:00Not getting up.
26:01I don't even turn around.
26:03Let's go.
26:05This place stinks.
26:06He laughs.
26:07Low and rough.
26:09Whatever my bride wants.
26:10He takes me through the mist.
26:12The underworld unfolds before me.
26:15The boatman doesn't speak.
26:17The dead on the banks don't look up.
26:19We stop at the river of oath.
26:21The contract waits on a stone table.
26:23Ancient script.
26:25The old tongue of the underworld.
26:27Hades stands across from me.
26:29He's changed.
26:31Black ceremonial robes now.
26:33But those eyes.
26:34Still the same.
26:35Last chance.
26:37If you want out.
26:39I'll act like none of this happened.
26:41I'll send you back to Olympus.
26:43Clear every obstacle for you.
26:44As an ally.
26:47No marriage required.
26:49I look at him.
26:50You have second thoughts?
26:52He doesn't answer.
26:54Just watch me.
26:55Something in his eyes I can't quite name.
26:58Waiting for me to walk toward him on my own.
27:01I pick up the gold needle on the table.
27:04Pierce my fingertip.
27:06Blood hits the ancient runes.
27:08Gold light explodes across the river of oath.
27:12Cutting through a thousand years of silence.
27:15I don't need a backup plan.
27:17I chose you because you're the one I chose.
27:19Not because Ares threw me away.
27:21Not because Hermes didn't need me.
27:22Not because everyone else betrayed me.
27:24Because that night in the hallway, you, you healed my wrist and told no one.
27:28Because you could have left any time.
27:30You stayed three months.
27:31Because you never once asked what I could give you.
27:33I pause.
27:34You're the only one who just asked if I wanted to go with you.
27:38Hades is silent for a long moment.
27:40Then he reaches across the table.
27:42His hand covers mine.
27:43The one still dripping blood.
27:46His blood and my blood mix together.
27:50Falling into the ruins.
27:51The sky flips.
27:53The river of oath flows backwards.
27:56A low roar tears through ten thousand years of silence.
28:01The contract seals.
28:02Once you're in the underworld, there's no turning back.
28:05I look at him.
28:06I was never planning to.
28:08Good.
28:08He pulls me close.
28:10Our still bleeding hands tangled together.
28:13You kissed me back there in front of everyone.
28:15Didn't know my bride was that bold.
28:18Get used to it.
28:20He laughs.
28:21The underworld doesn't have sunrises.
28:24I've stopped counting time by light.
28:28Here, time moves differently.
28:31Heavy.
28:32Slow.
28:33Like the air itself wants you to sit in it.
28:37I'm in my chamber.
28:39The one Hades had prepared before I even arrived.
28:42Black silk curtains.
28:44A bed that swallows you whole.
28:47Candles that never burn down.
28:50I'm braiding my hair when the door opens.
28:52Hades walks in.
28:53No announcement.
28:54No warning.
28:55His hand is behind his back.
28:57You're staring.
28:59Maybe.
29:01Staring is creepy.
29:03You married creepy.
29:04I snort.
29:06He crosses the room.
29:08Stops right behind me.
29:10His reflection in the dark mirror.
29:13Tall.
29:14Still.
29:14Close your eyes.
29:16Why?
29:17Why?
29:18He says it like a reminder.
29:19Close your eyes.
29:20I close them.
29:22Cold weight against my collarbone.
29:24My breath catches.
29:26My fingers fly up.
29:28Touch the pendant.
29:30The chain.
29:31The worn spot on the clasp that I've traced a thousand times.
29:34Time since I was a child.
29:36My mother's necklace.
29:38I open my eyes.
29:40Stare at him in the mirror.
29:42How?
29:43Eris handed it over.
29:44His voice is flat.
29:46Casual.
29:47He just...
29:48Handed it over?
29:50After some convincing.
29:52What kind of convincing?
29:54I asked nicely.
29:55His mouth twitches.
29:57Hades!
29:58He asked for a jewel.
29:59I gave him one.
30:00He shrugs.
30:02It was short.
30:03Short.
30:04I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
30:06My hand is still clutching the necklace.
30:08Hades reaches out.
30:10I didn't even realize I was crying.
30:12You said you didn't need me to fight your battles.
30:15I didn't ask you to.
30:16No.
30:17You didn't.
30:18He tilts my chin up.
30:19But you married the Lord of the Underhill.
30:21He doesn't wait for permission.
30:23That's a terrible excuse.
30:26It's not an excuse.
30:28His eyes hold mine.
30:29It's a warning.
30:31I don't look away.
30:32Warning received.
30:35Good.
30:36He leans down.
30:37Presses his lips to the necklace.
30:39To my collarbone.
30:41To the hollow of my throat.
30:43One more thing.
30:44What?
30:46The necklace wasn't a surprise.
30:48I pull back.
30:49Look at him.
30:50He reaches into his robe.
30:52Pulls out a scroll.
30:53The surprise is what Ares admitted.
30:55Before the duel ended.
30:56I take the scroll.
30:58Unroll it.
30:59Three lines.
31:00Ares handwriting.
31:01Shaky.
31:02Like it hurts to write.
31:04I read it three times.
31:06Then I set it on fire with a flick of my fingers.
31:09Don't need it anymore.
31:11Hades watches me.
31:13His eyes burning in the dark.
31:15The summons comes three days later.
31:17Olympus calls for a formal severance.
31:20Old laws.
31:21Old rules.
31:23Before a goddess marries into another realm,
31:26all prior bonds must be broken in public record.
31:30Witnessed.
31:31Signed.
31:32Sealed.
31:33Ridiculous.
31:35I've already signed the underworld contract.
31:37Sealed it with blood.
31:39By the old laws, I shouldn't have to do this at all.
31:43But Zeus insists.
31:45Zeus wants the spectacle.
31:46Wants Olympus to see what it lost.
31:48Wants to remind everyone that the lord of the underhell didn't steal a dried.
31:51Olympus threw her away first.
31:54Up to you.
31:55We can ignore it or we can go.
31:57Let's go.
31:58His mouth curves.
31:59That's my wife.
32:00The hall of oats.
32:01Olympus.
32:02Same hall where Ares humiliated me at the banquet.
32:06Where Apollo snapped my wrist.
32:09Where Hermes stood silent while I fell.
32:12Now I walk in with the king of the underworld at my side.
32:16The hall goes quiet.
32:18Gods and goddesses step back.
32:20Not just fear.
32:22Something else.
32:23Something like awe.
32:24Ares.
32:26Pale.
32:27His sword hand bandaged.
32:28The hand Hades broke in that short duel.
32:31Hermes.
32:32Eyes swollen.
32:34Red.
32:34He hasn't slept.
32:36He looks like he hasn't slept in days.
32:38Apollo.
32:39Arm in a sling.
32:40His face blank.
32:42But his jaw is tight enough to crack teeth.
32:44In chains.
32:45My adoptive father.
32:46Brought up from the mortal realm by underworld guards.
32:50His crimes.
32:51Fraud.
32:52Abuse.
32:52Theft.
32:54The old household.
32:55All of it.
32:56Laid bare in front of the court.
32:59And in the corner.
33:00Chloe.
33:00Not in chains.
33:02But her face is grey.
33:03I walk to the table.
33:05Hades stays at my back.
33:07The bonds shall be read.
33:10The severance shall be witnessed.
33:14Let it begin.
33:15Ares stands first.
33:18He looks at me.
33:19His mouth opens.
33:21Closes.
33:22Opens again.
33:24Thea.
33:24His voice cracks on my name.
33:26Actually cracks.
33:29I.
33:30Just read the bond, Ares.
33:31His hand shakes as he unrolls the scroll.
33:34I, Ares, god of war, do hereby acknowledge
33:37the severance of all bonds with Thea.
33:39Bonds of promise.
33:40Bonds of obligation.
33:41Bonds of...
33:42He stops.
33:43Swallows.
33:44Bonds of love.
33:46Unspoken.
33:47Unfulfilled.
33:48Regretted.
33:49I was wrong.
33:50I was wrong about everything.
33:51I thought you'd always be there.
33:53I thought strength meant control.
33:54I thought...
33:55I thought teaching you those tricks
33:56meant you'd know how to protect yourself.
33:58I didn't realize I was the one
33:59you needed protection from.
34:01I'm sorry.
34:02That's all.
34:03Just sorry.
34:03It's not enough.
34:04I know it's not enough.
34:05But it's all I have.
34:05I say nothing.
34:08He sits down like his legs gave out.
34:11Hermes stands next.
34:13He doesn't unroll his scroll.
34:15He just stares at me.
34:17Tears running down his face.
34:20Thea.
34:21His voice is a ruin.
34:22You were my sister.
34:23My real sister.
34:25Not by blood.
34:26By everything else.
34:28You starved so I could eat.
34:30You fought so I could rest.
34:32You stood in front of me every single time.
34:34He grips the table.
34:36And I repaid you by standing still when you needed me.
34:39I let Apollo break your wrist.
34:40I let ours humiliate you.
34:42I told myself it wasn't my business.
34:43I told myself you were strong enough to handle it.
34:45I told myself you'd forgive me because you always did.
34:49Every time.
34:50You always forgave me.
34:51He finally looks me in the eye.
34:53I was a coward.
34:55I owe you everything.
34:57And I gave you nothing.
34:58He can't finish the reading.
35:00He just signs the scroll with a trembling hand.
35:02And sits down.
35:04Crumples.
35:05I was jealous.
35:06The hall stirs.
35:08Jealous that Ares had you.
35:09Jealous that you looked at him and never at me.
35:11Jealous that you were stronger than all of us and you didn't even know it.
35:13I broke your wrist because I couldn't stand it.
35:15That you still held your head up.
35:17That you still had dignity when we were all trying so hard to strip it from you.
35:20He pauses.
35:21I'm a healer.
35:22I took an oath to do no harm.
35:24He looks at his own arm in the sling.
35:27Hades snapped it in two places.
35:30I asked him to leave it unhealed.
35:32A reminder.
35:34Finally, the hall.
35:36To Zeus.
35:37To all of them.
35:38Severance is complete.
35:40Witnessed.
35:41Signed.
35:42Signed.
35:42I walk back to Hades.
35:44He doesn't say anything.
35:46Just takes my hand.
35:47Lifts it to his lips.
35:49Presses a kiss to my knuckles.
35:51You done?
35:52How?
35:53Done.
35:54Good.
35:55He pulls me into his side.
35:56Let's go home.
35:57Home.
35:58The underworld.
35:59The dark.
36:00The silence.
36:02The only place that has ever felt like mine.
36:05We walk out of the hall together.
36:07Behind us.
36:08Silence.
36:09Not the silence of power.
36:10The silence of loss.
36:12The kind that stretches on and on.
36:15The kind you never stop hearing.
36:18The doors close.
36:20The story ends.
36:22And I'm finally free.
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