Cast out by the gods of light, she found true power in the arms of darkness.
Chaos erupts in JILTED BY OLYMPUS, CLAIMED BY THE UNDERWORLD as the cruel sun god strips her of her divine aura at the altar. But when the terrifying Lord of the Underworld crashes the wedding to crown her his dark queen, Mount Olympus shakes with fear.
Binge this epic fantasy short drama to see the ultimate mythological revenge!
#JILTEDBYOLYMPUSCLAIMEDBYTHEUNDERWORLD #mythologyromance #hadesandpersephone #shortdrama #miniseriesfullepisodes #fullepisode #fullmovie #engsub #englishwebseries #trendingdramausuk #completeverticaldrama #viralshortfilm #bestromancedrama2026 #ReelShort #DramaBox #ShortMax #GoodShort #MoboReel #KalosTV #TopShort #full
Chaos erupts in JILTED BY OLYMPUS, CLAIMED BY THE UNDERWORLD as the cruel sun god strips her of her divine aura at the altar. But when the terrifying Lord of the Underworld crashes the wedding to crown her his dark queen, Mount Olympus shakes with fear.
Binge this epic fantasy short drama to see the ultimate mythological revenge!
#JILTEDBYOLYMPUSCLAIMEDBYTHEUNDERWORLD #mythologyromance #hadesandpersephone #shortdrama #miniseriesfullepisodes #fullepisode #fullmovie #engsub #englishwebseries #trendingdramausuk #completeverticaldrama #viralshortfilm #bestromancedrama2026 #ReelShort #DramaBox #ShortMax #GoodShort #MoboReel #KalosTV #TopShort #full
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Short filmTranscript
00:01I stood dead 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.
00:33Chloe 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 underworld 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, you 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.
01:50I was so stupid.
01:50I actually believed him.
01:52I even felt bad for him.
01:54What 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, leaning 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.
02:28And what about me?
02:30If this gets out, I'm a joke.
02:32Zeus's 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, and 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 uncles have the most
03:14resources.
03:14Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:20I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:23She's just very organized.
03:27Nearby, the two elder goddesses stopped smiling.
03:31Keeping 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.
03:42My 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 grab the biggest,
05:07reddest 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 he is today.
05:36But I guess a girl from the mud is always just trash to people like him.
05:41I'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 in the world
05:52that mattered.
05:53Aris made his choice. If 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.
06:11Hermes 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?
06:39Ares 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's 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's face went just as cold.
07:16Apollo 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 Aris 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.
07:53A 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.
08:08Are 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.
08:37The joint was already swollen.
08:39They 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.
08:56You'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.
09:05For the sake of your perfect young lady for facade,
09:08you're always scheming,
09:10always putting everyone's lives and feelings beneath your grand plans!
09:13He 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?
09:56Send me to the Underheld.
09:58I'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.
10:04His eyes darting around as if the shadows themselves were listening.
10:08He looked genuinely shaken, his 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, I will choose one for you.
10:26I stumbled out of the room, my vision blurred by pain and exhaustion.
10:31I lost my balance and crashed into someone standing in the corridor.
10:35It was Aiden, one of Apollo's low-level attendants.
10:39He caught me by the shoulders, his grip surprisingly firm and steady.
10:44Princess, you 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, pulling away from him to keep moving.
10:56But as I walked away, I realized something strange.
11:00My broken wrist, the one he had just touched, didn't throb anymore.
11:05The agonizing pain was gone.
11:08I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:11I 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 while Apollo followed behind,
11:30carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:33Chloe was sobbing softly over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:36My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rubskin while I stood there with a smack bone.
11:44Sister, what happened to you?
11:46You look terrible.
11:48Aries looked up.
11:49His eyes flickered for a split second when he saw the heavy bandage, but he didn't say a word.
11:54Hermes leaned against the chariot, his smirk as mocking as ever.
11:58Dislocated.
11:58I said shortly, trying to push past life.
12:00Sister.
12:02Father said, your divine marriage is set for seven days from now.
12:07Aries's face hardened instantly.
12:09Seven days?
12:11Theora, what kind of game is this?
12:13I never agreed to marry you.
12:15Aries.
12:16Chloe's eyes weld up.
12:18You and my sister are 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.
12:32Hermes gently took Chloe from Aries's arms.
12:34Careful, Aries.
12:35Some people use their pain as a trap.
12:37Don't get guilt-tripped.
12:39Aries waited until they were all inside.
12:41Then he turned to me.
12:42He didn't ask how I got hurt.
12:44Thea.
12:45I don't know what you told your father to make you sedate.
12:47And I don't care.
12:48Cancel it.
12:49Tell everyone it was a misunderstanding.
12:52I'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 wrists 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, watched 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.
14:29I wasn't here for him.
14:30I was here for my mother's relic, to his starlight necklace, a piece of her soul that I had lost
14:36years ago.
14:36Inside 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.
15:20No 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.
15:39For 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.
16:14But it still shines.
16:16Even the darkness can't swallow it.
16:20But tell me, Thea.
16:22Do 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.
16:33Aiden.
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 swallows like, makes they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
16:47Someone shouts at it.
16:49Then the hall explodes.
16:51The Underhouse?!
16:52Goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
16:55God 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.
17:17Aiden tilts his head slightly.
17:19Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
17:22Says who?
17:23I just...
17:25Don'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...
17:34Something 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.
17:53And 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.
18:02Then, 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 pace.
18:14One hand behind his back.
18:16A slight bow.
18:17The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:19Then, Thea, will you come with me?
18:25This time, no little goddess.
18:27No 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 Ares' 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 underhell, 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.
19:04Even if he threw her away with his own hands, in their eyes, she's still Ares.
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.
19:32I look at him.
19:33This man.
19:34The one I protected since we were young.
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.
19:46The one I protected since we were young.
19:47The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:49The one I poured everything into lifting up.
19:52He used to be so slow.
19:54So weak.
19:56Couldn't even grab an apple.
19:58Now he stands in front of me, in the most expensive robes.
20:01Smelling of the finest oils.
20:03Shouting 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.
20:17Every 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- we 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.
20:52No 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.
21:07Wedding?
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?
21:20I 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.
22:11Every feather he swallows like me.
22:14They were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
22:17Someone shouts at it.
22:19Then the hall explodes.
22:21The Underhouse?
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.
22:40His voice is low.
22:42Impossible.
22:44The underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
22:47Aiden tilts his head slightly.
22:48Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
22:52Says who?
22:53I just...
22:54Don'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...
23:04Something complicated.
23:06Little goddess.
23:07He lifts a hand.
23:08Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
23:11The 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.
23:18But I don't need to.
23:19I know you healed my wrist.
23:20I know you've been here three months, and 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 pace.
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.
24:00I don't hesitate.
24:01I put my hand in his palm.
24:02Behind me, I hear something shattering.
24:05Probably Ari's wine glass.
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 underheld, 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.
24:54Pale to...
24:55I 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.
25:01I look at him.
25:03This man.
25:03The one I protected since we were young.
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.
25:15This 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.
25:34But 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.
25:58Aries.
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.
26:16The 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.
26:45As an ally.
26:47No marriage required.
26:48I 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 ruins.
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.
27:25You.
27:26You 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.
27:44The one still dripping blood.
27:46His blood and my blood mixed 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.
28:00The contract seals.
28:03Once 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.
28:27Here, 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.
28:45A 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.
29:05I snort.
29:06He crosses the room.
29:08Stops right behind me.
29:10His reflection in the dark mirror.
29:13Tall.
29:14Still.
29:15Close 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.
29:29Touch the pendant.
29:30The chain.
29:31The worn spot on the clasp that I've traced a thousand times 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.
29:51What kind of convincing?
29:53I ask nicely.
29:55His mouth twitches.
29:57Hades!
29:58He asked for a jewel.
29:59I gave him one.
30:01He 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.
30:09I 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.
30:20But you married the Lord of the Underhill.
30:21He doesn't wait for permission.
30:24That'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 the 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.
31:02Shaky.
31:03Like 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.
31:13No, you don't.
31:13His eyes burning in the dark.
31:14The 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, all prior bonds must be broken in public record.
31:30Witnessed.
31:31Signed.
31:32Sealed.
31:33Ridiculous.
31:34I'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 underheld 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.
32:08Where Hermes stood silent while I fell.
32:13Now 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.
32:25Ares.
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.
32:53Theft.
32:53The old household.
32:55All of it.
32:56Laid bare in front of the court.
32:59And in the corner.
33:00Chloe.
33:01Not in chains.
33:02But her face is grey.
33:03I walk to the table.
33:05Hades stays at my back.
33:08The 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.
33:32His hand shakes as he unrolls the scroll.
33:34I, Ares, god of war, do hereby acknowledge the severance of all bonds with Thea.
33:39Bonds of promise.
33:40Bonds of obligation.
33:41Bonds of-
33:42He stops.
33:43Swallows.
33:43Bonds of love.
33:46Unspoken.
33:47Unfulfilled.
33:48Regretted.
33:49I was wrong.
33:50I was wrong about everything.
33:52I thought you'd always be there.
33:53I thought strength meant control.
33:54I thought-
33:55I thought teaching you those tricks meant you'd know how to protect yourself.
33:58I didn't realize I was the one you 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, but it's all I have.
34:06I say nothing.
34:08He sits down like his legs gave out.
34:11Hermes stands next.
34:12He 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 are 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.
34:46I told myself-
34:47I 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.
35:03And 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.
35:28Hades snapped it in two places.
35:30I asked him to leave it unhealed.
35:32A reminder.
35:34Finally Paul.
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.
35:57Let's go home.
35:57Home.
35:58The underworld.
35:59The dark.
36:00The silence.
36:01The 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.
36:11The silence of loss.
36:13The kind that stretches on and on.
36:15The kind you never stop hearing.
36:18The doors close.
36:20The story ends.
36:22The silence.
36:22The silence.
36:23The silence.
36:23The silence.
36:24The silence.
36:24The silence.
36:25The silence.
36:27The silence.
36:27The silence.
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