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A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.

Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.

Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.

Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.

New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.

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