- 17 minutes ago
Jilted by Olympus, Claimed by the Underworld ｜ englishsub fullmovie🔥❤️
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I stood death center in the ballroom.
00:03Tonight, I have to be chosen as a dance partner by another god.
00:07If 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.
00:18I looked at my three childhood friends.
00:20Just last night, every single one of them swore they'd be my partner.
00:25Now, they won't even look at me.
00:27All three of them walk straight to Chloe.
00:29My stepsister.
00:31Chloe is so pitiful.
00:33It would be too cruel if no one picked her.
00:35What about me?
00:37Is it not cruel to throw me back to the underworld to rot?
00:41Then I saw Ares.
00:43My heart skipped and smiled.
00:45I thought he was finally coming to announce our marriage.
00:48But he didn't take my hand.
00:50I'm sorry, Thea.
00:51You're strong, you can handle this.
00:53But she's just a weak nymph.
00:55If I don't protect her tonight, she'll be destroyed.
00:57I tried to grab his sleeve.
00:59But he pulled away.
01:03He walked straight to Chloe without looking back.
01:06The crowd went wild.
01:07So Chloe was waiting for the god of war.
01:10They looked like they were made for each other.
01:11I couldn't breathe.
01:13I was tortured for 23 years in the mortal realm.
01:17This dance was my only way out.
01:19He knew everything.
01:21And he still chose her.
01:23The music started.
01:26Ares looked at Chloe.
01:27And his eyes were so soft.
01:29I finally got it.
01:31When he actually cares about someone, his stone face can melt.
01:35But with me?
01:37He was always like a cold iron wall.
01:40Just 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.
01:51I even felt bad for him.
01:53What a joke.
01:54There was no politics.
01:56No strategy.
01:57He didn't give a damn about my future.
02:00He just wanted to give Chloe this moment to shine.
02:02The music died down.
02:04Chloe blushed.
02:05Leaning her head on Ares showed him.
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.
02:31Zeus' granddaughter, abandoned in the middle of the ballroom.
02:33He actually frowned, like I was the one being difficult.
02:38You'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.
02:46He had no idea my father was already planning to sell me off to some low-level demigod.
02:52This 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.
03:13Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:18I...
03:19I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:22She's just...
03:23very 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.
03:37The whispers drifted over like poison.
03:40My blood turned to ice.
03:42That notebook was an assignment from Grandpa Zeus.
03:46When 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.
03:54But now?
03:55He didn't say a single word for me.
03:58He just let me stand in the center of the storm.
04:00Chloe tugged on Ares' sleeve.
04:03Did I say something wrong again?
04:06I just admire how capable she is.
04:09I'm so stupid.
04:12It's fine.
04:15Your sister has a big picture mind.
04:17She won't be mad at you.
04:18I couldn't take it anymore.
04:20I started walking toward them, my heart screaming.
04:24I 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.
04:34He blocked my way, his eyes hard.
04:37The 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.
04:52He thinks I'm going to cause a scene.
04:53He thinks I'm actually going to try and win Ares back.
04:57It wasn't surprising, really.
04:59Out 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.
05:08Back then, every time they handed out sacred fruit, I would throw myself into the dirt to grab the biggest,
05:15reddest one.
05:16I'd shove it into his hands first.
05:19Why?
05:20Because he was slow.
05:22He was weak.
05:22I was terrified that if I didn't feed him, he'd actually starve to death.
05:27When 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.
05:37I pushed him and supported him with everything I had until he became the legendary artifact appraiser he 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 in the world
06:01that mattered.
06:02Aris made his choice.
06:03If you go up there now, you're just going to look pathetic.
06:06My heart was already in pieces.
06:07Let go.
06:08I tried to twist away, but my heels slipped.
06:11I 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.
06:20Hermes was startled.
06:21He 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.
06:30His hand actually moved, a reflex to reach out and help me.
06:34But then, his face turned back to stone.
06:37Is this really necessary, Thea?
06:39You've had everything for the past three years.
06:42Chloe has nothing.
06:44Do 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.
06:53Surprise flashed in his eyes.
06:55What happened now?
06:56Then 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.
07:10But Chloe was right.
07:12You fell on purpose just to make us feel guilty.
07:16Is this going in your notebook too, Thea?
07:18Knee injured by me?
07:20Used for future leverage?
07:22Ares' face went just as cold.
07:24Apollo rubbed his temples, as if I were a headache.
07:29You 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?
07:39He 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.
07:46Move!
07:47Apollo's temple finally snapped.
07:49He grabbed my wrist, hard.
07:51And if Ares and I hadn't felt sorry for you and protected you back then, God knows where you'd be!
07:56I tried to jerk my hand away, but he twisted it with everything he had.
08:02A sharp crack echoed through the hall.
08:05Agony exploded in my wrist.
08:07I doubled over, clutching my arm as the world went blurry.
08:12Apollo froze, staring at his own hand in shock.
08:16Are you kidding me?
08:17You fought that hard to break away just to chase after a man?
08:21It's not even a big deal.
08:23Our Thea has seen it all.
08:25This tiny injury is nothing compared to what Chloe has suffered.
08:29I was seeing black spots.
08:30The pain making me nauseous.
08:33But I looked up and actually laughed.
08:36You're right.
08:38It's not painful enough yet.
08:43I let go of my wrist.
08:45The 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.
08:57Just 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, always putting everyone's lives and feelings beneath
09:20your grand plans!
09:21He turned and stormed off.
09:23Hermes followed, but paused to look back one last time.
09:27It's just that no one asked you to dance today.
09:29Do you really have to make yourself look like this?
09:32I didn't answer.
09:33I 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.
09:43You saw it tonight.
09:45Ares has no intention of marrying you.
09:48I stayed silent, clutching my broken wrist in the shadows.
09:52Zeus is getting old.
09:54He needs to see you settled before he hands over the throne.
09:58I just lost the man I loved.
09:59A new marriage right now would be a disaster.
10:02Then 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.
10:16He looked genuinely shaken, his arrogant posture crumbling for a moment.
10:24Fine.
10:26I'll give you seven days.
10:28Seven days until Zeus returns.
10:30If you haven't found a husband by then, I will choose one for you.
10:34I stumbled out of the room, my vision blurred by pain and exhaustion.
10:39I lost my balance and crashed into someone standing in the corridor.
10:43It was Aiden, one of Apollo's low-level attendants.
10:47He caught me by the shoulders, his grip surprisingly firm and steady.
10:52Princess, you look pale.
10:54Do you need help?
10:56Perhaps a healer?
10:57I was too exhausted to even speak.
11:00I just shook my head weakly, pulling away from him to keep moving.
11:04But as I walked away, I realized something strange.
11:08My broken wrist, the one he had just touched, didn't throb anymore.
11:14The agonizing pain was gone.
11:17I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:19I only had seven days.
11:21Seven days to find a man more powerful than Ares.
11:26Someone who isn't afraid of the light of Olympus.
11:29I came out of the clinic, only to see two familiar chariots pulling up.
11:34Ares was carrying Chloe like she was made of fine porcelain, while Apollo followed behind,
11:39carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:41Chloe was sobbing softly over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:45My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rubbed skin while I stood there with a snack
11:50coat.
11:51Sister? What happened to you? You look terrible.
11:57Ares looked up. His eyes flickered for a split second when he saw the heavy bandage, but he didn't say
12:02a word.
12:03Hermes leaned against the chariot, his smirk as mocking as ever.
12:06Dislocated.
12:07I said shortly, trying to push past him.
12:09Sister, father said, your divine marriage is set seven days from now.
12:15Ares' face hardened instantly.
12:18Seven days?
12:20Thera, what kind of game is this? I never agreed to marry you.
12:24Ares.
12:25Chloe's eyes weld out.
12:26You and my sister are married.
12:28I just, I didn't think it would be so soon.
12:32A single tear fell perfectly timed.
12:35Ares looked beyond annoyed. He turned to the others.
12:37Take Chloe inside. Don't let that blister get infected.
12:40Hermes gently took Chloe from Ares' arms.
12:43Careful, Ares. Some people use their pain as a trap. Don't get guilt-tricked.
12:47Ares waited until they were all inside. Then he turned to me. He didn't ask how I got hurt.
12:52Thea, I don't know what you told your father to make him sedate. And I don't care. Cancel it. Tell
12:58everyone it was a misunderstanding. I'll forget this whole thing.
13:02And if it's not a rumor, then you're about to be very publicly humiliated. Because I am not marrying you,
13:09Thea. Not in seven days. Not ever.
13:12Then let's break up. I'm marrying someone else.
13:15His face went blank. Just empty. Like I'd spoken a whole different language.
13:20Ares yanked me toward him. My 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?
13:30Apollo? Hermes? Name one man in this realm stupid enough to touch you without my permission.
13:36Once, I would have died for him to claim me like this. Now it just felt pathetic.
13:40You want to fight me on this? Fine. Seven days. No one will step forward. And when you crawl back,
13:47don't expect me to take you back.
13:53I hit the wall. Watched him leave again. Nothing. Not a single ripple inside. Because honestly, I didn't give a
14:00damn about Ares anymore.
14:02Three days before the wedding, I ran into Hermes at an artifact exhibition.
14:11Stop it, Thea. If you're here to beg me to come to the wedding or to talk about our past,
14:15just forget it.
14:17I told you before, I only see you as a sister.
14:20Chloe's been really fragile lately because of all your drama.
14:23I'm not going to lose her as a friend just to comfort you.
14:25You've misunderstood. You're not that important.
14:29I walked straight past him, not giving him a second glance.
14:34His mouth hung open as I headed into the main auction hall.
14:37I wasn't here for him. I was here for my mother's relic.
14:41To his starlight necklace, a piece of her soul that I had lost years ago.
14:45Inside the hall, the auction for my mother's necklace started.
14:48I raised my hand to bid.
14:49But before the gavel could fall, Ares' voice boomed through the room.
14:54I am invoking the war god's privilege.
14:57Whatever the highest bid is, I will double it.
15:00I am taking this necklace, no matter the price.
15:03And he wasn't buying it for me. He was buying it for Chloe.
15:07I stood up and walked out, unable to breathe.
15:11Ares followed me into the corridor, dangling the necklace in front of my face like a prize.
15:15That stupid idea of marrying someone else?
15:18Swear it, and this is yours.
15:20You think I'm here because I'm waiting for a gift from you?
15:22You lost the right to give me anything a long time ago, Ares.
15:25Even if I threw you away, Thea, you're still my property.
15:29No one will marry you.
15:31No one on Olympus dares touch what belongs to me.
15:36Last chance. Be good and come back with me.
15:39I looked around.
15:40At the bottom of the steps, I saw Aiden.
15:43He was leaning against a black chariot, yawning as if he was bored to death by all this drama.
15:47For weeks, he'd been just another face in Apollo's retinue, a lazy servant with a tired smile.
15:53But I knew he wasn't that simple.
15:55Aiden, come up here.
15:57Is she insane? Proposing to a stable boy?
16:00The gods began to snicker, their laughter echoing off the marble walls.
16:04Aiden didn't even look at them.
16:06He walked up the steps, and the crowd was shoved aside by some unseen force.
16:10He stood before me.
16:11I'm here, little goddess.
16:14Marry me.
16:20Your soul smells of suffering, but it still shines.
16:24Even the darkness can't swallow it.
16:29But tell me, Thea, do you even know what monster you're inviting into your bed?
16:35Dead silence in the banquet hall.
16:37The gods who were just laughing at me, frozen.
16:40Every single one.
16:42Aiden.
16:43No.
16:44The thing pretending to be Aiden.
16:46His wings aren't the pure white angel.
16:48They're the black of the endless of this.
16:50Every feather he saw was like, like they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
16:55Someone shouts at it, then the hall explodes.
16:59The Underhouse?
17:01Goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
17:04Gods shield the ones beside them on impotence.
17:06Even the air changes.
17:08That smell from deep underground.
17:11Ares' face has never looked this sad.
17:13He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
17:16His pupils shrink, locked in his black wings.
17:19His voice is low.
17:21Impossible.
17:22The Underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
17:25Aiden tilts his head slightly.
17:27Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
17:31Says who?
17:32I just...
17:33Don't like crowds.
17:34He pulls his gaze from Ares and lets it fall back on me.
17:37In those abyss, deep eyes.
17:39Reversed galaxies.
17:41Dead wastelands.
17:42And...
17:43Something complicated.
17:45Little goddess.
17:46He lifts a hand.
17:47Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
17:49The one that was broken moments ago and is now completely healed.
17:53Do you know who you're inviting?
17:54I know.
17:55No, I don't.
17:56But I don't need to.
17:58I 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...
18:06I pause.
18:06If you didn't want this, you would have dodged just now.
18:09You didn't.
18:10Aiden freezes.
18:11Then, right there in front of every god in the hall, he smiles.
18:15You've really got guts.
18:16He folds the black wings.
18:18They dissolve into fine black sand and vanish in the air.
18:21He steps back half-paced.
18:22One hand behind his back.
18:24A slight bow.
18:25The oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:28Then, Thea, will you come with me?
18:34This time, no little goddess.
18:36No miss.
18:37He says my name.
18:38I don't hesitate.
18:39I put my hand in his palms.
18:41Behind me, I hear something shattering.
18:44Probably Ares' wine glass.
18:45It doesn't matter anymore.
18:47The wedding is set seven days from now.
18:49A union between the underworld and Olympus.
18:52Unprecedented.
18:54When the news spreads, the whole god realm shakes.
18:57Some call it a joke.
18:58The lord of the underhell, marrying a discarded goddess.
19:02Some call it a scheme.
19:03The underhelled, silent for a thousand years.
19:05But most are just waiting.
19:07Waiting for Ares' reaction.
19:09After all, the whole god realm knows Thea was once his woman.
19:13Even if he threw her away with his own hands, in their eyes, she's still Ares.
19:18The first one to find me is Hermes.
19:21He comes faster than I expected.
19:23He was there that night at the banquet.
19:25He watched Aiden spread those black wings.
19:27Watched me put my hand into that monster's.
19:30His face went from shock to pale pale to I don't even know what to call it.
19:35He stops me on the way back to my chambers.
19:38His eyes are rimmed red.
19:39I stop walking.
19:40Are you insane?
19:41That's the underworld.
19:42Do you even know what the underworld is?
19:44That place is-
19:44The one I save every scrap of food for.
19:46The one I-
19:47It's the abyss.
19:48Even gods refuse to step into.
19:51I stop walking.
19:52I look at him.
19:53This man.
19:54The one I protected since we were young.
19:56The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:58The one I poured everything into lifting up.
20:01He used to be so slow.
20:03So weak.
20:04Couldn't even grab an apple.
20:06Now he stands in front of me in the most expensive robes.
20:09Smelling of the finest oils.
20:11Shouting at me.
20:12But all I feel is distance.
20:15Hermes.
20:17You weren't this worked up when you said I cut myself for attention.
20:20His face goes white.
20:22I-
20:22He reaches for my sleep.
20:24Same way he used to go back to the orphanage.
20:26Every time he got in trouble.
20:27Every time he needed me to take the blame.
20:29Thea, I didn't mean it like that.
20:31I just-
20:31He meant it exactly like that.
20:34I step back.
20:34His hand grabs nothing but air.
20:37It hangs there.
20:38Frozen.
20:38His fingers slowly curl in.
20:40Go.
20:41The underworld's escort arrives in seven days.
20:44You are as Apollo.
20:45Don't bother coming.
20:46Thea.
20:47I don't look back.
20:48Behind me, his voice.
20:49Like crying.
20:50Like begging.
20:51Thea.
20:52We didn't mean to.
20:53We just-
20:53We just didn't know.
20:54I'm done listening.
20:56I go to the mortal realm market.
20:57The only place where news from the god realm hasn't reached yet.
21:00No stares.
21:01No whispers.
21:02Just money and a list of things I need.
21:04A veil.
21:05Not the heavy kind Olympus uses.
21:07Layers and layers of gold thread suffocating.
21:10I pick black silk.
21:12Light.
21:12Simple.
21:13The shopkeeper gives me a weird look.
21:15Wedding?
21:16Yeah.
21:17Black?
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 what the lord of the underworld wears.
21:26Does he even wear rings?
21:28I buy a simple obsidian band anyway.
21:30If he hates it, he can throw it into the abyss.
21:34I'm wrapping it in cloth when a shadow falls over my table.
21:38A bat.
21:39Tiny.
21:39Black as ink.
21:41A scroll tied to its leg.
21:42I untie it.
21:43The wax seal is cold to the touch.
21:45Deep black with a single symbol.
21:47Carved into it.
21:48A pomegranate flower.
21:49I break it open.
21:51The handwriting is sharp.
21:53Clean.
21:53No flourish.
21:55I read it three times.
21:56Then I tuck it into my sleeve.
21:58Pay for the ring.
21:59And walk out into the sun.
22:01Three days.
22:02The god of the dead is waiting.
22:04Three days later.
22:06The signing ceremony.
22:07The marriage contract between the underworld and Olympus.
22:10By tradition, I have to go to the underworld myself.
22:13Seal it with blood by the river of oath.
22:16Ares stops me before the ceremony begins.
22:18His eyes are bloodshot like he hasn't slept in days.
22:21That war god arrogance is gone.
22:23Replaced by something I can't even name.
22:25Cancel engagement.
22:27That man isn't someone you can handle.
22:29The lord of the underworld.
22:30Do you even know what he is?
22:32I look at him.
22:33Say nothing.
22:34He's destroyed three god clans.
22:36The dead souls under him outnumber the sand and stricks.
22:39If you're with him...
22:40Ares!
22:41I cut him off.
22:41He stopped.
22:42Are you against me marrying into the underworld?
22:44Or are you against me marrying anyone else's throat calves?
22:47His lips hurt.
22:48Angles.
22:49You chose Chloe.
22:50You told her your sister is generous.
22:51She won't be angry.
22:52Those tricks who taught me, you turned around and let her use them as knives in my bathroom.
22:55So when I needed you, you were holding Rohit for someone else.
22:58When I fell in front of everyone, it had nothing to do with you.
23:01When Apollo snapped my wrist, you didn't even ask.
23:04And now...
23:06I look at him.
23:08My voice is falling in dead water.
23:10Tell me.
23:12What gives you the right to stop me?
23:14Ares' eyes go red.
23:15The god of war.
23:17Eyes red.
23:18I've never seen that before.
23:20Because I...
23:21He takes a shaky breath.
23:24Because I thought you wouldn't really leave.
23:27I thought you couldn't live without me.
23:29He 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.
23:39Not even a ripple.
23:40Once I would have waited.
23:41Waited on that iron bed in the orphanage for a kind family to take me.
23:45Waited in my adoptive parents' house for one real world of pain.
23:49Waited in a lake for the rain to stop.
23:52I've waited long enough.
23:55Ares.
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 him, the sound of him hitting the ground.
24:07The god of war on his knees and death.
24:09He's a killing statue.
24:10I don't look back.
24:13The underworld procession parts.
24:15Hades steps through the black mist like the dark itself just decided to take shape.
24:20No wings this time.
24:22Just him.
24:23Tall.
24:24Still.
24:24Those abyss-deep eyes find me instantly.
24:27Behind me, Ares is still in his knees.
24:30Hades doesn't even blink at him.
24:32You're late.
24:33The river of Osh doesn't run.
24:35It's been waiting a thousand years.
24:37Three more minutes will occur.
24:38He extends his hand.
24:40Calm up.
24:41Same as that night of the wintertime.
24:42I take it.
24:43His fingers closing on me.
24:45Let's go.
24:46You ready for this?
24:47I'm ready.
24:48I rise on my toes and press a kiss to the corner of his neck.
24:52Light.
24:52Quick.
24:54But the entire procession goes dead silent.
24:57Hades blinks.
24:58Then his hand slides to the back of my neck.
25:02He pulls me in.
25:03Kisses me back.
25:06Marking the contract early.
25:08Hope you don't mind.
25:11Ares.
25:12Still on the ground.
25:13Not getting up.
25:14I don't even turn around.
25:16Let's go.
25:18This place stinks.
25:20He laughs.
25:21Low and rough.
25:22Whatever my bride wants.
25:24He takes me through the mist.
25:26The 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.
25:39The old tongue of the underworld.
25:41Hades stands across for me.
25:43He's changed.
25:44Black ceremonial robes now.
25:46But those eyes.
25:48Still the same.
25:49Last chance.
25:51If you want out.
25:52I'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.
26:01No marriage required.
26:02I look at him.
26:04You have second thoughts?
26:06He doesn't answer.
26:07Just watch me.
26:09Something 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.
26:29I don't need a backup plan.
26:30I chose you because you're the one I chose.
26:33Not because Ares threw me away.
26:34Not because Hermes didn't need me.
26:36Not because everyone else betrayed me.
26:37Because that night in the hallway.
26:39You.
26:39You healed my wrist and told no one.
26:42Because you could have left any time.
26:44You stayed three months.
26:45Because you never once asked what I could give you.
26:47I pause.
26:48You're the only one who just asked if I wanted to go with you.
26:51Hades is silent for a long moment.
26:53Then he reaches across the table.
26:55His hand covers mine.
26:57The one still dripping blood.
27:00His blood and my blood mix together.
27:03Falling into the ruins.
27:05The sky flips.
27:06The river of Oath flows backwards.
27:10A 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.
27:19I look at him.
27:20I 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.
27:38I've stopped counting time by light.
27:41Here, time moves differently.
27:44Heavy.
27:45Slow.
27:47Like the air itself wants you to see 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.
28:06Hades walks in.
28:07No announcement.
28:08No warning.
28:09His hand is behind his back.
28:11You're staring.
28:13Maybe.
28:13Creepy.
28:14Staring as 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?
28:31Why?
28:31He says it like a reminder.
28:33Close your eyes.
28:34I 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.
28:52I open my eyes.
28:54Stare at him in the mirror.
28:56How?
28:57Eris handed it over.
28:58His voice is flat.
28:59Casual.
29:00He just...
29:02Handed it over?
29:04After some convincing.
29:05What kind of convincing?
29:07I ask nicely.
29:09His mouth twitches.
29:10Hades!
29:11He asked for a jewel.
29:13I gave him one.
29:14He shrugs.
29:15It was short.
29:16Short.
29:17I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
29:20My hand is still clutching the necklace.
29:22Hades reaches out.
29:23I didn't even realize I was crying.
29:26You said you didn't need me to fight your battles.
29:28I didn't ask you to.
29:30No.
29:31You didn't.
29:32He tilts my chin up.
29:33Will you marry the Lord of the Underhill?
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.
29:46Warning received.
29:49Good.
29:49He leans down.
29:51Presses 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.
30:09Before the duel ended.
30:10I take the scroll.
30:11Unroll it.
30:13Three lines.
30:14Ares handwriting.
30:15Shaky.
30:16Like it hurts to write.
30:18I read it three times.
30:20Then I set it on fire with a flick of my fingers.
30:23Don't need it anymore.
30:25Hades watches me.
30:26His eyes burning in the dark.
30:29The summons comes three days later.
30:31Olympus calls for a formal severance.
30:34Old laws.
30:35Old rules.
30:36Before a goddess marries into another realm,
30:39all 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.
31:00Wants Olympus to see what it lost.
31:01Wants to remind everyone that the lord of the underhell didn't steal a dried.
31:05Olympus threw her away first.
31:07Up to you.
31:08We can ignore it or we can go.
31:11Let's go.
31:11His mouth curves.
31:13That'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.
31:23Where 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.
31:37Something like awe.
31:39Ares.
31:40Pale.
31:40His sword hand bandaged.
31:42The hand Hades broke in that short duel.
31:45Hermes.
31:46Eyes swollen.
31:47Red.
31:48He hasn't slept.
31:49He looks like he hasn't slept in days.
31:52Apollo.
31:53Arm in a sling.
31:54His face blank.
31:55But his jaw is tight enough to crack teeth.
31:58In chains.
31:59My 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.
32:10Laid bare in front of the court.
32:12And in the corner.
32:14Chloe.
32:14Not in chains.
32:15But her face is grey.
32:17I walk to the table.
32:19Hades stays at my back.
32:21The bonds shall be read.
32:24The severance shall be witnessed.
32:27Let it begin.
32:29Ares stands first.
32:31He looks at me.
32:33His mouth opens.
32:35Closes.
32:36Opens again.
32:37Thea.
32:38His voice cracks on my name.
32:40Actually cracks.
32:42I.
32:43Just read the bond, Ares.
32:45His hand shakes as he unrolls the scroll.
32:48I, Ares, god of war, do hereby acknowledge the severance of all bonds with Thea.
32:52Bonds of promise.
32:54Bonds of obligation.
32:55Bonds of.
32:55He stops.
32:56Swallows.
32:57Bonds of love.
32:59Unspoken.
33:01Unfulfilled.
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.
33:08I thought, I 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.
33:17It's not enough.
33:17I know it's not enough.
33:18But it's all I have.
33:19I say nothing.
33:21He sits down like his legs gave out.
33:24Hermes stands next.
33:26He doesn't unroll his scroll.
33:29He just stares at me.
33:31Tears running down his face.
33:34Thea.
33:34His voice is a ruin.
33:36You are my sister.
33:37My real sister.
33:38Not by blood.
33:40By everything else.
33:42You starved so I could eat.
33:44You fought so I could rest.
33:45You stood in front of me every single time.
33:48He 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.
34:12He can't finish the reading.
34:13He just signs the scroll with a trembling hand.
34:16And sits down.
34:17Crumples.
34:19I was jealous.
34:20The hall stirs.
34:21Jealous that Ares had you.
34:23Jealous that you looked at him and never at me.
34:25Jealous that you were stronger than all of us and you didn't even know it.
34:27I 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.
34:34He pauses.
34:35I'm a healer.
34:36I took an oath to do no harm.
34:37He looks at his own arm in the sling.
34:40Hades snapped it in two places.
34:44I asked him to leave it unhealed.
34:46A reminder.
34:48Finally he picks up the scroll.
34:50Reads it in one breath.
34:52Signs it.
34:53Sits.
34:54Doesn't ask for forgiveness.
34:56Doesn't deserve it.
34:58I turn to the hall.
34:59To Zeus.
35:01To all of them.
35:02Severance is complete.
35:04Witnessed.
35:05Signed.
35:05Signed.
35:06I walk back to Hades.
35:08He doesn't say anything.
35:09Just takes my hand.
35:11Lifts it to his lips.
35:13Presses a kiss to my knuckles.
35:15You done?
35:16How?
35:17Done.
35:18Good.
35:18He pulls me into his side.
35:20Let's go home.
35:21Home.
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.
35:31Behind 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.
35:44The story ends.
35:46And I'm finally free.
35:48And I'll step away.
35:48Bye.
35:49Bye.
Comments