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Short filmTranscript
00:02I stood death center in the ballroom.
00:05Tonight, 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.
00:27Now, they won't even look at me. All three of them walked straight to Chloe, my stepsister.
00:33Chloe is so pitiful. It would be too cruel if no one picked her.
00:37What about me? Is it not cruel to throw me back to the underworld to rot?
00:43Then I saw Ares. My 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. You're strong. You can handle this.
00:55But she's just a weak nymph.
00:57If I don't protect her tonight, she'll be destroyed.
00:59I tried to grab his sleeve, but he pulled away.
01:05He walked straight to Chloe without looking back.
01:08The 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.
01:15I was tortured for 23 years in the mortal realm.
01:19This 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.
01:33When 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.
01:51I actually believed him.
01:52I even felt bad for him.
01:55What a joke.
01:56There was no politics.
01:58No 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.
02:09My 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.
02:33Zeus' granddaughter, abandoned in the middle of the ballroom.
02:35He actually frowned, like I was the one being difficult.
02:40You'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.
02:48He 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
03:13uncles have the most resources.
03:15Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:20I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:24She'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.
03:36No wonder she pushed her way into the succession so fast.
03:39The 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.
03:56But 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.
04:09She 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.
04:23Don't go over there.
04:24It was Hermes.
04:25He blocked my way, his eyes hard.
04:29The 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.
04:40I 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.
04:49It wasn't surprising, really.
04:51Out 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.
05:00Back then, every time they handed out sacred fruit, I would throw myself into the dirt to
05:06grab the biggest, reddest one.
05:08I'd shove it into his hands first.
05:11Why?
05:12Because 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.
05:41I'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
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.
05:58My 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.
06:12Hermes was startled.
06:13He jerked his head around to look at me, his eyes wide with shock.
06:18For a split second, a flicker of worry crossed his face.
06:21His hand actually moved, a reflex to reach out and help me.
06:26But then, his face turned back to stone.
06:29Is this really necessary, Thea?
06:31You've had everything for the past three years.
06:33Chloe has nothing.
06:36Do 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?
06:48Then 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?
06:59Hermes' face twisted into pure disgust.
07:02But Chloe was right.
07:03You fell on purpose just to make us feel guilty.
07:08Is 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.
07:34I didn't even look at his hand.
07:36I struggled to my feet.
07:37Move!
07:39Apollo's temper finally snapped.
07:41He grabbed my wrist.
07:42Hard.
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.
07:50But he twisted it with everything he had.
07:53A sharp crack echoed through the hall.
07:56Agony exploded in my wrist.
07:59I 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?
08:13It's not even a big deal.
08:15Our 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.
08:25But 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.
08:39They just stood there, frozen.
08:41The smirk finally vanished from Hermes' face.
08:44He looked away, his jaw tight, unable to meet my eyes.
08:49Just 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.
09:06For the sake of your perfect young lady for Facade,
09:09you'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.
09:19It'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.
09:25I 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.
09:35You saw it tonight.
09:37Ares has no intention of marrying you.
09:39I stayed silent, clutching my broken wrist in the shadows.
09:44Zeus is getting old.
09:46He 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.
09:54Then 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,
10:05his 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?
10:48Perhaps a healer?
10:49I was too exhausted to even speak.
10:52I just shook my head weakly,
10:54pulling away from him to keep moving.
10:56But 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.
11:06The agonizing pain was gone.
11:09I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:11I only had seven days.
11:13Seven days to find a man more powerful than Ares.
11:17Someone who isn't afraid of the light of Olympus.
11:21I came out of the clinic,
11:23only to see two familiar chariots pulling up.
11:25Ares was carrying Chloe like she was made of fine porcelain,
11:29while Apollo followed behind,
11:30carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:33Chloe was sobbing softly,
11:34over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:37My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rubbed skin
11:40while I stood there with a smack bow.
11:43Sister?
11:45What happened to you?
11:46You look terrible.
11:48Ares looked up.
11:49His eyes flickered for a split second
11:51when he saw the heavy bandage,
11:53but he didn't say a word.
11:54Hermes leaned against the chariot,
11:56his smirk as mocking as ever.
11:58Dislocated.
11:59I said shortly,
11:59trying to push past life.
12:01Sister,
12:03Father said,
12:04your divine marriage is set seven days from now.
12:07Ares' face hardened instantly.
12:09Seven days?
12:11Theria,
12:12what kind of game is this?
12:13I never agreed to marry you.
12:15Ares.
12:16Chloe's eyes welled up.
12:18You and my sister were married.
12:20God bless you.
12:21I just,
12:22I didn't think it would be so soon.
12:24A single tear fell perfectly timed.
12:26Ares 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 Ares' arms.
12:34Careful, Ares.
12:36Some people use their pain as a trap.
12:38Don't get guilt-tripped.
12:39Ares 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.
12:49Cancel it.
12:50Tell everyone it was a misunderstanding.
12:52I'll forget this whole thing.
12:54And 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.
13:04Then let's break up.
13:05I'm marrying someone else.
13:07His face went blank.
13:08Just empty.
13:10Like I'd spoken a whole different language.
13:12Ares 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.
13:28Once, 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.
13:45I hit the wall.
13:46Watched him leave again.
13:48Nothing.
13:48Not a single ripple inside.
13:50Because honestly, I didn't give a damn about Ares anymore.
13:54Three days before the wedding, I ran into Hermes at an artifact exhibition.
14:03Stop it, Thea.
14:04If you're here to beg me to come to the wedding or to talk about our past, just forget it.
14:09I told you before, I only see you as a sister.
14:12Chloe'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.
14:19You're not that important.
14:20I walked straight past him, not giving him a second glance.
14:26His mouth hung open as I headed into the main auction hall.
14:29I wasn't here for him.
14:31I was here for my mother's relic.
14:32To his starlight necklace, a piece of her soul that I had lost years ago.
14:36Inside the hall, the auction for my mother's necklace started.
14:40I raised my hand to bid.
14:41But before the gavel could fall, Ares' 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.
14:57He was buying it for Chloe.
14:58I stood up and walked out, unable to breathe.
15:03Ares 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, Ares.
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.
15:29Be good and come back with me.
15:31I 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?
15:51Proposing 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.
16:12Your 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.
16:34Aiden.
16:35No.
16:36The thing pretending to be Aiden.
16:38His wings aren't the pure white of an angel.
16:40They're the black of the endless abyss.
16:42Every feather he swallows like me, they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
16:47Someone shouts at it, then 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.
17:03Aire's face has never looked this bad.
17:05He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
17:08His pupils shrink, laugh from 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.
17:31Reversed galaxies.
17:33Dead wastelands.
17:34And something complicated.
17:37Little goddess.
17:38He lifts a hand.
17:39Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
17:41The one that was broken moments ago and is now completely healed.
17:45Do you know who you're inviting?
17:46I know.
17:47No, 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.
18:03Then, 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.
18:13He steps back half-paced.
18:15One hand behind his back.
18:16A slight bow.
18:17The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:20Then, Thea...
18:24Will you come with me?
18:25This time, no little goddess.
18:28No miss.
18:29He 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.
18:46When 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.
18:55The underhelled 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 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.
19:17He watched Aiden spread those black wings.
19:19Watched me put my hand into that monster's.
19:22His face went from shock to pale...
19:24Pale to...
19:26I 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.
19:32Are you insane?
19:32I look at him.
19:33That's the underworld!
19:34Do you even know what the underworld is?
19:36That place 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!
19:43I stop walking.
19:44I look at him.
19:45This man.
19:46The one I protected since we were young.
19:48The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:50The one I poured everything into lifting up.
19:53He 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.
20:07Hermes.
20:09You weren't this worked up when you said I cut myself for attention.
20:12His face goes white.
20:14I...
20:14He reaches for my sleep.
20:16Same 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.
20:23I 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 and...
20:32Go.
20:33The underworld's escort arrives in seven days.
20:36You are as Apollo.
20:37Don't bother coming.
20:38Thea...
20:39I don't look back.
20:40Behind me, his voice.
20:41Like crying.
20:42Like begging.
20:43Thea...
20:44We didn't mean to.
20:45We 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.
20:52No stares.
20:53No whispers.
20:53Just me and a list of things I need.
20:56A veil.
20:57Not the heavy kind Olympus uses.
20:59Layers and layers of gold thread suffocating.
21:02I pick black silk.
21:03Light.
21:04Simple.
21:05The shopkeeper gives me a weird look.
21:07Wedding?
21:08Yeah.
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.
21:30A bat.
21:31Tiny.
21:31Black 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.
21:47I read it three times.
21:48Then I tuck it into my sleeve, pay for the ring, and walk out into the sun.
21:53Three days.
21:54The 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.
22:05No.
22:06The 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 swallows like he may would rip straight from the deepest cut of night.
22:17Someone shouts at it.
22:19Then the hall explodes.
22:21The under house?
22:22The goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
22:25God shield the ones beside them on instant.
22:28Even 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.
22:39Laugh from those black wings.
22:41His voice is low.
22:42Impossible.
22:44The underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
22:46Aiden tilts his head slightly.
22:49Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
22:52Says who?
22:53I just...
22:55Don't like crowds.
22:56He pulls his gaze from Ares and lets it fall back on me.
22:59In those abyss deep eyes.
23:01Reversed galaxies.
23:02Dead wastelands.
23:04And...
23:04Something complicated.
23:06Little goddess.
23:08He lifts a hand.
23:09Cold 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.
23:17No, I don't.
23:18But I don't need to.
23:19I know you've 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.
23:32Aiden freezes.
23:33Then, 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.
23:43He steps back half pace.
23:45One hand behind his back.
23:46A slight bow.
23:47The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
23:50Then, Thea...
23:54Will 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.
24:03Behind me, I hear something shattering.
24:05Probably Ares' wine glass.
24:07It doesn't matter anymore.
24:09The wedding is set seven days from now.
24:11A union between the underworld and Olympus.
24:14Unprecedented.
24:16When the news spreads, the whole god realm shakes.
24:19Some 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.
24:52His 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.
25:01Are you insane?
25:02I look at him.
25:03That'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...
25:09It's the abyss even gods refuse to step into!
25:13I stop walking.
25:14I look at him.
25:15This man.
25:16The one I protected since we were young.
25:18The one I saved every scrap of food for.
25:20The one I poured everything into lifting up.
25:22He used to be so slow.
25:24So weak.
25:26Couldn't even grab an apple.
25:27Now he stands in front of me in the most expensive robes, smelling of the finest oils, shouting 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.
25:44Hades blinks.
25:45Then his hand slides to the back of my neck.
25:48He pulls me in.
25:50Kisses me back.
25:53Marking 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.
26:07He laughs.
26:08Low and rough.
26:09Whatever my bride wants.
26:11He 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.
26:24Ancient script.
26:25The old tongue of the underworld.
26:28Hades stands across from me.
26:29He's changed.
26:31Black ceremonial robes now.
26:33But those eyes.
26:34Still the same.
26:36Last chance.
26:38If 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.
26:49I look at him.
26:51You have second thoughts?
26:53He 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.
27:09Gold light explodes across the river of Ong.
27:12Cutting through a thousand years of silence.
27:16I don't need a backup plan.
27:17I chose you because you're the one I chose.
27:20Not 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.
27:32Because you never once asked what I could give you.
27:34I pause.
27:35You'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 mix together.
27:50Falling into the ruins.
27:52The sky flips.
27:53The river of Oath flows backwards.
27:56A low roar tears through ten thousand years of silence.
28:01The contract seals.
28:03Once 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.
28:16Didn't know my bride was that bold.
28:19Get 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.
28:43Black silk curtains.
28:44A bed that swallows you whole.
28:47A bed that swallows you whole.
28:48Candles that never burn down.
28:50I'm braiding my hair when the door opens.
28:52Hades walks in.
28:54No announcement, no warning.
28:56His hand is behind his back.
28:58You're staring.
28:59Maybe.
29:01Staring is creepy.
29:03You married creepy.
29:05I snort.
29:07He crosses the room.
29:09Stops 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.
29:20Close your eyes.
29:21I close them.
29:22Cold weight against my collarbone.
29:25My breath catches.
29:27My 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.
29:43How?
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 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.
30:09Hades 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.
30:20You married the Lord of the Underhill.
30:22He doesn't wait for permission.
30:24That's a terrible excuse.
30:26It's not an excuse.
30:28His eyes hold mine.
30:30It's a warning.
30:31I don't look away.
30:33Warning received.
30:35Good.
30:36He leans down.
30:38Presses his lips to the necklace.
30:40To my collarbone.
30:41To the hollow of my throat.
30:43One more thing.
30:45What?
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.
30:57I take the scroll.
30:58Unroll it.
30:59Three lines.
31:00Ares handwriting.
31:02Shaky.
31:03Like it hurts to write.
31:05I read it three times.
31:06Then I set it on fire with a flick of my fingers.
31:10Don't need it anymore.
31:12Hades 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.
31:22Old 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.
31:38Sealed 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.
31:47Wants 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.
32:02Olympus.
32:03Same hall where Ares humiliated me at the banquet.
32:07Where Apollo snapped my wrist.
32:09Where Hermes stood silent while I fell.
32:13Now I walk in with the king of the underworld at my side.
32:17The hall goes quiet.
32:19Gods and goddesses step back.
32:20Not just fear.
32:22Something else.
32:23Something like awe.
32:26Ares.
32:26Pale.
32:27His sword hand bandaged.
32:29The hand Hades broke in that short duel.
32:32Hermes.
32:33Eyes swollen.
32:34Red.
32:35He hasn't slept.
32:36He looks like he hasn't slept in days.
32:39Apollo.
32:39Arm in a sling.
32:41His face blank.
32:42But his jaw is tight enough to crack teeth.
32:44In chains.
32:45My adoptive father.
32:47Brought up from the mortal realm by underworld guards.
32:49His crimes.
32:51Fraud.
32:52Abuse.
32:53Theft.
32:54The old household.
32:56All 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.
33:06Hades stays at my back.
33:07The bonds shall be read.
33:11The severance shall be witnessed.
33:14Let it begin.
33:16Ares 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.
33:35I, Ares, god of war, do hereby acknowledge the severance of all bonds with Thea.
33:39Bonds of promise.
33:40Bonds of obligation.
33:42Bonds 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.
33:52I 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.
34:04It's not enough.
34:04I know it's not enough.
34:05But it's all I have.
34:06I 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.
34:18Tears running down his face.
34:20Thea.
34:21His voice is a ruin.
34:23You are my sister.
34:24My real sister.
34:25Not by blood.
34:27By everything else.
34:29You 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.
34:41I let ours humiliate you.
34:42I told myself it wasn't my business.
34:44I told myself you were strong enough to handle it.
34:46I told myself you'd forgive me.
34:48Because 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.
35:07The 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.
35:14I broke your wrist because I couldn't stand it.
35:16That 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.
35:33A reminder.
35:35Finally, Paul.
35:36To Zeus.
35:37To all of them.
35:39Severance is complete.
35:41Witnessed.
35:41Signed.
35:42Signed.
35:43I walk back to Hades.
35:44He doesn't say anything.
35:46Just takes my hand.
35:48Lifts it to his lips.
35:50Presses a kiss to my knuckles.
35:51You done?
35:52How?
35:54Done.
35:54Good.
35:55He pulls me into his side.
35:57Let's go home.
35:57Home.
35:58The underworld.
36:00The dark.
36:01The silence.
36:02The only place that has ever felt like mine.
36:05We walk out of the hall together.
36:07Behind us, silence.
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.
36:21The story ends.
36:22And I'm finally free.
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