- 31 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.
00:21Just 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 walked straight to Chloe.
00:29My steps were turned.
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 underhill 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.
01:08So 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, he was always like a cold iron wall.
01:40Just last night, he gave me flowers for the first time.
01:44I 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.
02:03The music dived 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.
02:19You've got the bloodline.
02:20You've got everything.
02:21It'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.
02:30Luke, Zeus's granddaughter, abandoned in the middle of the ballroom.
02:34He 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.
02:45She 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.
03:07She's always so prepared.
03:08She even keeps a little notebook to record which young lords are gaining power and which
03:12uncles have the most resources.
03:13Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:18I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:21She's just very organized.
03:26Nearby, the two elder goddesses stopped smiling.
03:29Keeping tabs on everyone's value, the great temple's princess has quite the dark heart.
03:34No 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, he didn't say a single word for me.
03:58He just let me stand in the center of the storm.
04:01Chloe tugged on Ares' sleeve.
04:03Did I say something wrong again?
04:06I just admire how capable she is.
04:10I'm so stupid.
04:13It'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.
04:27But 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.
04:54He 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.
05:23I 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.
05:36I pushed him and supported him with everything I had, until he became the legendary artifact appraiser he is today.
05:45But 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.
05:52Be 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. If you go up there now, you're just going to look pathetic.
06:06My heart was already in pieces.
06:08Let 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.
06:17The 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.
06:29His 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?
06:48Aris and Apollo rushed over.
06:50Aris 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?
07:07Hermes' 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?
07:19Knee 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.
07:29You already took everything from Chloe.
07:31Just let her have one happy night.
07:33Fine.
07:35If 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 temper finally snapped.
07:49He grabbed my wrist.
07:51Hard.
07:51If Aris and I hadn't felt sorry for you and protected you back then,
07:55God 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?
08:18You 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, the 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.
08:55Unable 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.
09:09Even when Chloe was convulsed from a high fever back then,
09:11you were too busy entertaining guests and locked her in the attic.
09:14For the sake of your perfect young lady for facade.
09:17You're always scheming, always putting everyone's lives and feelings beneath your grand plans.
09:21He turned and stormed off.
09:24Hermes 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.
10:00A 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.
10:17He looked genuinely shaken,
10:19his 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,
10:32I will choose one for you.
10:35I stumbled out of the room,
10:37my vision blurred by pain and exhaustion.
10:40I lost my balance and crashed into someone standing in the corridor.
10:43It was Aiden,
10:45one of Apollo's low-level attendants.
10:47He caught me by the shoulders,
10:50his grip surprisingly firm and steady.
10:52Princess,
10:53you look pale.
10:55Do you need help?
10:56Perhaps a healer?
10:57I was too exhausted to even speak.
11:00I 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,
11:10the one he had just touched,
11:12didn't throb anymore.
11:14The agonizing pain was gone.
11:17I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:19I only had seven days.
11:22Seven 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,
11:31only to see two familiar chariots pulling up.
11:34Ares was carrying Chloe like she was made of fine porcelain,
11:37while Apollo followed behind,
11:39carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:41Chloe was sobbing softly,
11:43over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:45My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rubbed skin
11:49while I stood there with a snap hook.
11:52Sister,
11:53what happened to you?
11:55You look terrible.
11:57Ares looked up.
11:58His eyes flickered for a split second
12:00when he saw the heavy bandage,
12:01but he didn't say a word.
12:03Hermes leaned against the chariot,
12:04his smirk as mocking as ever.
12:06Dislocated.
12:07I said shortly,
12:08trying to push past him.
12:09Sister,
12:11Father said,
12:12Your divine marriage is set for seven days from now.
12:16Ares' face hardened instantly.
12:18Seven days?
12:20Theora,
12:20what kind of game is this?
12:22I never agreed to marry you.
12:24Ares.
12:25Chloe's eyes weld out.
12:26You and my sister are married.
12:29I just,
12:30I didn't think it would be so soon.
12:32A single tear fell perfectly timed.
12:35Ares looked beyond annoyed.
12:36He turned to the others.
12:38Take Chloe inside.
12:39Don't let that blister get infected.
12:40Hermes gently took Chloe from Ares.
12:42Ares' eyes.
12:43Careful, Ares.
12:44Some people use their pain as a trap.
12:46Don't get guilt-tricked.
12:47Ares waited until they were all inside.
12:49Then he turned to me.
12:50He didn't tell us how I got hurt.
12:53Thea,
12:53I don't know what you told your father to make him sedate.
12:56And I don't care.
12:57Cancel it.
12:58Tell everyone it was a misunderstanding.
13:00I'll forget this whole thing.
13:02And if it's not a rumor?
13:05Then you're about to be very publicly humiliated.
13:07Because I am not marrying you, Thea.
13:09Not in seven days.
13:10Not ever.
13:12Then let's break up.
13:13I'm marrying someone else.
13:15His face went blank.
13:17Just empty.
13:18Like I'd spoken a whole different language.
13:20Ares yanked me toward him.
13:22My broken wrist creamed, but I didn't make a sound.
13:25You're marrying someone else.
13:27His fingers dug into my arm.
13:29Who?
13:30Apollo?
13:31Hermes?
13:31Name 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.
13:38Now it just felt pathetic.
13:40You want to fight me on this?
13:42Fine.
13:42Seven days.
13:44No one will step forward.
13:45And when you crawl back,
13:47don't expect me to take you back.
13:53I hit the wall.
13:54Watched him leave again.
13:56Nothing.
13:57Not a single ripple inside.
13:58Because honestly, I didn't give a damn about Ares anymore.
14:02Three days before the wedding,
14:04I ran into Hermes at an artifact exhibition.
14:11Stop it, Thea.
14:12If 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.
14:27You're not that important.
14:29I walked straight past him,
14:31not 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.
14:39I was here for my mother's relic,
14:41to have a starlight necklace,
14:42a piece of her soul that I had lost years ago.
14:45Inside the hall,
14:46the auction for my mother's necklace started.
14:48I raised my hand to bid.
14:49But before the gavel could fall,
14:51Ares' voice boomed through the room.
14:54I am invoking the war god's privilege.
14:57Whatever the highest bid is,
14:58I will double it.
15:00I am taking this necklace,
15:02no matter the price.
15:04And he wasn't buying it for me.
15:05He was buying it for Chloe.
15:07I stood up and walked out,
15:09unable to breathe.
15:11Ares followed me into the corridor,
15:12dangling the necklace in front of my face like a prize.
15:15That stupid idea of marrying someone else?
15:18Swear it,
15:18and 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,
15:27you're still my property.
15:29No one will marry you.
15:31No one on Olympus dares touch what belongs to me.
15:36Last chance.
15:37Be good and come back with me.
15:39I looked around.
15:40At the bottom of the steps,
15:42I saw Aiden.
15:43He was leaning against a black chariot,
15:45yawning as if he was bored to death by all this drama.
15:47For weeks,
15:48he'd been just another face in Apollo's retinue,
15:51a lazy servant with a tired smile.
15:52But I knew he wasn't that simple.
15:55Aiden,
15:56come up here.
15:57Is she insane?
15:59Proposing to a stable boy?
16:01The gods began to snicker,
16:02their laughter echoing off the marble walls.
16:04Aiden didn't even look at them.
16:06He walked up the steps,
16:07and the crowd was shoved aside by some unseen force.
16:10He stood before me.
16:11I'm here,
16:12little goddess.
16:14Marry me.
16:20Your soul smells of suffering.
16:22But it still shines.
16:25Even the darkness can't swallow it.
16:29But tell me, Thea,
16:30do 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,
16:40frozen.
16:41Every 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 abyss.
16:50Every feather he saw looks like,
16:53like they were gripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
16:56Someone shouts at it,
16:57then the hall explodes.
16:59The Underhouse?
17:01The goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
17:04Gods shield the ones beside them on impede.
17:06Even the air changes.
17:08That smell from deep underground.
17:11Aiden's face has never looked this bad.
17:13He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
17:16His pupils shrink,
17:18locked in those black wings.
17:19His voice is low.
17:20Impossible.
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.
17:35He 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
17:51and 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.
17:57I know you healed my wrist.
18:00I know you've been here three months,
18:01and not to be a Papalo's lowly servant.
18:04I also know...
18:06I pause.
18:07If you didn't want this,
18:08you would have dodged just now.
18:09You didn't.
18:10Aiden freezes.
18:11Then, right there in front of every god in the hall,
18:14he smiles.
18:15You've really got guts.
18:16He folds the black wings.
18:18They dissolve into fine black sand
18:20and vanish in the air.
18:21He steps back half-pace,
18:23one hand behind his back,
18:24a slight bow,
18:26the oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:28Then,
18:30Thea,
18:32will you come with me?
18:34This time,
18:35no little goddess,
18:36no miss,
18:37he says my name.
18:38I don't hesitate.
18:39I put my hand in his palm.
18:41Behind me,
18:42I hear something shattering.
18:43Probably Ares' wine glass.
18:46It 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,
18:55the whole god realm shakes.
18:57Some call it a joke.
18:59The lord of the underhell,
19:00marrying a discarded goddess.
19:02Some call it a scheme.
19:03The underhell,
19:04silent for a thousand years.
19:05But most are just waiting.
19:07Waiting for Ares' reaction.
19:09After all,
19:10the whole god realm knows Thea was once his woman.
19:14Even if he threw her away with his own hands,
19:16in their eyes,
19:17she's still...
19:18Ares.
19:19The 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...
19:33Pale to...
19:34I don't even know what to call it.
19:36He stops me on the way back to my chambers.
19:38His 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 what the underworld is?
19:44The one I saved every scrap of food for.
19:47The one I...
19:47It's the abyss even 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.
20:21His face goes white.
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...
20:31You meant it exactly like that.
20:33I step back.
20:35His hand grabs nothing but air.
20:37It hangs there.
20:38Frozen.
20:38His fingers slowly curl in.
20:40Go.
20:42The 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 me and a list of things I need.
21:04A veil.
21:05Not the heavy kind Olympus uses.
21:08Layers 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.
21:19She shrugs and takes my coin.
21:20Next, a ring.
21:21Not for me.
21:22For him.
21:24I have no idea what the lord of the underworld wears.
21:27Does he even wear rings?
21:28I buy a simple obsidian band anyway.
21:30If he hates it, he can throw it into the abyss.
21:35I'm wrapping it in cloth when a shadow falls over my table.
21:38A bat.
21:39Tiny.
21:40Black as ink.
21:41A scroll tied to its leg.
21:42I untie it.
21:43The wax seal is cold to the touch.
21:46Deep black with a single symbol carved into it.
21:48A pomegranate flower.
21:50I 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.
22:05Three 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.
22:31Do 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 and stop.
22:42Are you against me marrying into the underworld?
22:45Or are you against me marrying anyone else's throat clans?
22:47His lips hurt.
22:48Ares.
22:49You chose Chloe.
22:50You told her your sister is generous.
22:51She won't be angry.
22:52Those tricks you taught me.
22:53You turned around and let her use them as knives in my bag.
22:55So when I needed you, you were holding Roe up for someone else.
22:58When I fell in front of everyone, it had nothing to do with me.
23:01When Apollo snapped my wrist, you didn't even ask.
23:03And 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 bat in the orphanage for a kind family to take me.
23:45Waited in my adoptive parents' house for one real wonder thing.
23:49Waited in a loop for the rain to stop.
23:52I've waited long enough.
23:55Heiress.
23:57I'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.
24:07The god of war on his knees in the desert.
24:10He's a killer statue.
24:11I don't look back.
24:13The underworld procession walks.
24:15Hades steps through the black mist like the dark itself just decided to take shape.
24:20No wings this time.
24:22Just him.
24:22Stop.
24:24Stop.
24:25Those abyss defies find me instantly.
24:28Behind me, Ares is still in his knees.
24:30Hades doesn't even break like him.
24:32You're late.
24:33The river of ocean doesn't run.
24:35It's been waiting a thousand years.
24:37Three more minutes from the church.
24:39He extends his hand.
24:40Calm up.
24:41Same as that night of the birth of him.
24:42I take it.
24:43I take it.
24:44His feet is closing on me.
24:45See that side.
24:46You ready for this?
24:47And ready.
24:49I rise on my toes and press a kiss to the corner of his neck.
24:52Light.
24:52Click.
24:54But the entire procession goes dead silent.
24:56Hades 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.
25:09Hope you don't mind.
25:11Ares, still on the ground, not 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.
25:33We stop at the river of oath.
25:35The contract waits on a stone table.
25:37Ancient script.
25:39The old tongue of the underworld.
25:41Hades stands across from me.
25:43He's changed.
25:44Black ceremonial robes now.
25:46But those eyes, still the same.
25:49Last chance.
25:51If 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.
26:01No 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.
26:20Blood hits the ancient ruins.
26:22Gold light explodes across the river of earth.
26:26Cutting through a thousand years of silence.
26:29I don't need a backup plan.
26:31I 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, you, you 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.
26:54Then 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.
27:07The 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.
27:24Our still bleeding hands tangled together.
27:27You kissed me back there in front of everyone.
27:29Didn't know my bride was that bold.
27:32Get used to it.
27:34He laughs.
27:35The underworld doesn't have sunrises.
27:38I've stopped counting time by light.
27:40But here, time moves differently.
27:44Heavy.
27:45Slow.
27:47Like the air itself wants you to see it.
27:51I'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.
28:14Staring 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?
28:31Why?
28:31He says it like a reminder.
28:33Close your eyes.
28:34I close them.
28:36Cold 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.
29:00Casual.
29:00He just...
29:02Handed it over?
29:03After 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.
29:16It was short.
29:17Short.
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.
29:33You married 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.
29:50He 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.
30:07The surprise is what Ares admitted.
30:09Before 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.
30:20Then I set it on fire with a flick of my fingers.
30:23Don't need it anymore.
30:25No.
30:25You don't.
30:26His eyes burning in the dark.
30:28The 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, all prior bonds must be broken in public record.
30:44Witnessed.
30:44Signed.
30:46Sealed.
30:46Ridiculous.
30:48I've already signed the underworld contract.
30:51Sealed it with blood.
30:53By the old laws, I shouldn't have to do this at all.
30:56But Zeus insists.
30:58Zeus wants the spectacle.
31:00Wants Olympias to see what it lost.
31:02Wants to remind everyone that the lord of the underheld didn't steal a dried.
31:05Olympias 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.
31:14The Hall of Oaths.
31:15Olympus.
31:16Same hall where Ares humiliated me at the banquet.
31:20Where 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 in 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 gray.
32:16I walk to the table.
32:19I 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.
32:28Ares 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.
32:40Thea.
32:40Actually cracks.
32:44Thea.
32:47Thea.
32:47Thea.
32:48Thea.
32:51Thea.
32:52Thea.
32:54Thea.
33:01Thea.
33:03Thea.
33:04I was wrong about everything.
33:05I thought you'd always be there.
33:06I thought strength meant control.
33:08I thought teaching you those tricks meant you'd know how to protect yourself.
33:12I 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.
33:18I 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.
33:29He just stares at me.
33:31Tears running down his face.
33:34Thea.
33:34His voice is a ruin.
33:36You were my sister.
33:37My real sister.
33:39Not by blood.
33:40By everything else.
33:42You starved so I could eat.
33:44You fought so I could rest.
33:46You 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.
33:53I 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.
34:03Every time.
34:03You always forgave me.
34:04He finally looks me in the eye.
34:07I was a coward.
34:09I 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.
34:22Jealous 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.
34:38He looks at his own arm in this lane.
34:41Hades 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.
35:06Signed.
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.
35:19He 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.
35:29We 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.
Comments