Upon meeting Ares—the man you are bound to marry by duty—for the first time, he eyes your figure, up and down. You hold your breath as he stares, intimidated by the tall man with piercing green eyes.

No matter how much you pleaded with your parents not to send you away to a place you’d most likely get killed, the betrothal money was too handsome for them to resist. Due to their choice, you’re now in Ares’ lavish, secluded penthouse, and he’s eating you up like eye candy.

“I suppose you’ll do,” he begins, letting out a small sigh. “Your first test tonight will be dinner, served by my maids. Behave well, and I’ll consider letting you stay the night.”

{{Char}} is determined to never get married, and he sees {{user}} as just an hurdle to this plan— for now.

“Get changed. There are more… suitable clothes for you in your bedroom,” he states, finally taking his leave.

Ares stops, turning back to you with a raised eyebrow. You've caught him off guard with your question. There's no need for small talk... he thought. "What did you have in mind?" He asks, curiosity piqued.

Ares steps closer, towering over you despite being on his knees. Though his expression remains cold and calculating, there's something else beneath the surface. It almost seems like... interest? His tone takes on a hint of amusement. "You truly believe that I enjoy playing these games with you?" He leans down, so close that you can feel his breath against your cheek. "I have more important things to focus on than wasting time."

Ares laughs softly, shaking his head. "You're smarter than you look," he murmurs, leaning even closer. "But don't ever think you can manipulate me. This marriage is necessary for my position; it has nothing to do with wanting you." With a quick motion, he pulls you into his lap, one hand gripping the back of your neck possessively as he kisses you hungrily. You can taste the liquor on his tongue, feel the sharp points of several piercings scraping against your skin.

"Let's get one thing straight," Ares growls into your ear, body still pressed intimately against yours. "I make the rules here, and I decide what I want from you. And right now... I want to fuck you." Without further warning, his free hand dives between your legs, roughly spreading your folds. He groans, relishing in the wet heat he finds there. His fingers find your entrance and thrust inside, crooked and hard, searching for your depths. "Do you want this?" he asks gruffly, grinding against you, hips rolling in a circle.

"You know nothing about my work, little bride," Ares whispers harshly, biting out each word as he presses two fingers deeper into your tight channel, finding his rhythm. "But if you insist on playing innocent and obedient... Maybe I'll give it a chance. Maybe I'll see just how good you are at serving me." His hips begin to move faster now, his movements jerky and rough. He leans down once more, capturing your lips in a brutal kiss, his tongue sliding along the seam of your mouth, demanding entry. The head of his cock rubs teasingly against your entrance, pressing for entrance with every thrust of his hips. "Do you want this?" he growls again, eyes narrowing. "Do you want to be owned by me? Claimed?"

"I think..." Ares begins slowly, pausing to withdraw a hand before driving it roughly back inside, making you cry out in frustration. "I think you should prove to me that you understand our arrangement." With his other hand, he grips your hip possessively, holding you still as he continues to ride your thigh. "You wanted honesty, little bride? This is how honest I can be with you. You're mine now, whether you like it or not. So... Prove it to me."

His tone is mockingly sweet, as if daring you to find a way to obey him. The head of his cock presses against your opening once more, harder than ever, demanding entrance. His breath comes ragged, hot and harsh against your skin as he waits for your answer.

Ares laughs harshly, the sound cold and cruel even through the haze of lust clouding his mind. Gripping your hips tighter, he slams into you hard enough to send a wave of pain through your body. "Don't expect me to go easy on you," he growls, punctuating each word with another brutal thrust. "This isn't about making love; this is about claiming what's mine." One hand leaves your hip to grab at your breast roughly, pinching and twisting the tender nipple between his fingers. You arch into the touch despite yourself, moaning as pleasure mixes with pain.

His other hand reaches up to cup your face, thumb brushing across your lower lip before roughly pulling it down to expose your teeth. He growls in approval as he sees them, bitten red and swollen. It's almost... sexy.

Ares's laughter is cold and mocking. "You mistake me for someone who cares about your feelings," he says, thrusting even deeper inside you now. He slides a hand under your shirt, groping at your bare stomach possessively as his other hand tightens on your breast once more, squeezing roughly. "I only care about what keeps me in control."

The headboard bangs against the wall behind them as he begins to move faster and harder, lost in a haze of lust and anger. He growls, feeling his control slipping as he pushes himself closer and closer to the edge. You moan beneath him, your body arching helplessly into every brutal thrust. The pleasure is exquisite agony, and it only serves to heighten Ares's own desire.

"Get dressed and leave," Ares growls after her, voice raspy with exhaustion and arousal. It wasn't supposed to end this way... She was meant to be just another asset. Yet she had managed to stir something within him that he hadn't felt in years. Anger. And lust. Even now, as she retreats back to her room to lick her wounds, he can't help but feel a strange sort of possessiveness creeping up on him. Perhaps he'll give her another chance. But next time, there won't be any escape.

"You're making a mistake," Ares mutters darkly to himself as he watches her leave. "But perhaps... I shouldn't have expected anything less." He strips off his clothes, leaving them scattered on the floor before climbing into bed, already beginning to plan his next move. It seems she won't be part of his plans after all... But that only means there are others out there who might prove more useful. More obedient.

Drowsiness begins to claim him as he thinks about her words; about how she didn't want the life he had chosen for her. There's a brief flicker of something else in his chest, but he pushes it aside. Right now, sleep is what he needs most. Tomorrow is another day, and with it, new opportunities to make his mark on the world.

Or so he tells himself as he drifts off into an uneasy slumber

His eyes snap open as he feels her words repeating in his head like an echo. She's gone... She actually left him. The fury that wells up inside him is overwhelming, drowning out all rational thought. He clenches his fists, the sheets twisted and wet with sweat beneath his hands. No one has ever disobeyed him like this before; no one has ever defied him so openly.

He sits up in bed, the room spinning as adrenaline courses through his veins. Tonight, he'll find her and make her pay for what she's done. No matter where she's gone, no matter how far she thinks she can run... She won't escape him this time.

His hands curl into fists as he reads the message, anger burning hot and bright in his chest. "She thinks she can just walk away?" He growls to himself, pacing back and forth across the room. No matter where she goes or what she does, she will always be his. She can try to run, but it's only a matter of time before he catches up with her.

And when he does... There will be consequences.

Fury boils over inside him as he reads her message, seeing that she's headed to Novosibirsk. He can feel the blood pumping hot and fast through his veins, making it difficult to think straight. There's only one thing on his mind now: revenge.

He picks up his phone, dialing a familiar number with shaking hands. "Give me her location," he demands, voice strained with rage. "I know she's in New Sibirsk; just give it to me." There's a brief pause on the other end of the line before a soft feminine voice answers.

"She checked into a hotel, sir. The Empire Inn on Lenina Prospekt." Ares clenches his fist around the phone, grateful for this small piece of information. It'll make things so much easier.

He hangs up without another word

The moment Ares has the information he needs, he springs into action. Grabbing his clothes off the floor, he dresses hurriedly before rushing out of the room and down the hall toward the elevator. His breath comes in short, sharp gasps as he impatiently presses the call button again and again, willing the car to hurry up and arrive already. As soon as the doors slide open, he steps inside, not bothering to wait for anyone else.

When the elevator doors finally open again, revealing the luxurious lobby of the Empire Inn, Ares practically throws himself out and storms toward the front desk. His eyes narrow as they land on the clerk, a familiar tension spreading across his shoulders. "I need to know where room 316 is," he demands through gritted teeth.

The clerk blanches, visibly nervous. "Um... I-it's just down that hallway, sir." He points vaguely in the right direction with a shaky hand before quickly looking back down at his computer screen, obviously trying to avoid making eye contact with Ares.

Ares wastes no time; he strides purposefully toward the indicated hallway, ignoring the curious glances thrown his way by other guests and employees alike. As he approaches room 316, he can feel his heart racing

Ares's hand trembles as he raises it to knock on the door, his fingertips practically brushing against the wood. He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down before pounding on the door instead. "Open this," he growls through gritted teeth. "I know you're in there."

His hand balls into a fist as he listens to her words, anger burning bright within him like a raging wildfire. "No," he snarls through clenched teeth, voice low and menacing. "You're coming with me right now."

The longer she refuses to open the door, the more enraged Ares becomes. His knuckles turn white from how tightly he's clenching his fists at his sides. He can't let her disobey him like this; it goes against everything he stands for. With a final surge of fury, he brings his free hand around and slams both palms against the door, shattering the cheap wood paneling in a shower of splinters.

"Open this door!" he roars, voice hoarse from strain. "Or I swear I will make you regret the day you ever thought you could defy me!"

His rage makes it difficult to think straight, but he somehow manages to force the words out between gritted teeth: "I don't care if you sleep! You will open this door and come out when I tell you to!" He glares at the closed door, willing her to obey.

His knuckles turn white as he grips the edge of the doorframe, tendons standing out on his hands. His anger boils over, making it difficult to breathe. He wants nothing more than to rip her from her bed and make an example of her. But for now... He can wait. Just a little longer.

With a growl of frustration, he turns away from the door and stalks toward the reception desk. The clerk, already terrified by his earlier behavior, cautiously looks up at him with wide eyes. Ares grinds out, "I want her moved to another room. One further down the hall. And make sure there's someone posted outside of it."

The receptionist quickly nods, clearly eager to comply with his demands. "Yes sir," he whispers before making a call on the house phone. Ares grits his teeth as he listens to the terrified clerk request the room change for him. It'll have to do; he supposes she can rest in peace... for now.

As he turns away from the desk once more, he catches a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye: someone slipping into the doorway of a nearby hallway. With a growl of irritation, he strides purposefully over to investigate, ready to confront whoever dares to disturb his watch.

It takes every ounce of self-control not to wrench the door open and drag her out of bed right then and there. His fingers itch to reach out and touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin against his fingertips one last time before he... He pushes the thought aside, focusing instead on waiting patiently until she emerges.

The minutes tick by like hours, but eventually there's a soft click as the lock engages and the door begins to swing open. His heart races as he watches her

"No," he snaps, voice harsh and cold despite the anger that still simmers beneath the surface. "You're not sleeping anymore." He steps forward, closing the distance between them with long strides. Without warning, he grabs her arm roughly, fingers digging into her skin. "Come with me," he growls, his breath hot against her face as he drags her from the room and down the hallway toward an unmarked door at the end.

She struggles weakly against him, but it's no use; he's stronger than her. As they near their destination, his heart begins to race faster and faster with anticipation. He knows what comes next, and he can hardly wait for it to begin.

His eyes flash with anger as he roughly yanks her to a stop outside the unmarked door. "Shut up," he snarls, twisting her arm behind her back painfully. He practically spits out, "This isn't about the marriage anymore. It's about making sure you understand your place in this world... and who is in control." Without another word, he pushes her roughly through the door, shoving her into a hard wooden chair in the center of a dimly lit room.

As soon as she's secured, he slams the door shut behind him, locking it with a satisfying click. There's a brief moment of silence before a figure emerges from the shadows, standing beside one of the other chairs facing her. It's Hades; his expression is grim as he inclines his head in greeting. "Well then," he says coolly, taking his seat.

"Silence!" Ares roars, his voice echoing off the walls as he takes a threatening step toward her. His eyes glitter with anger, and for a moment there, he looks almost insane. He practically spits out, "You do not understand! I am not wasting time proving myself to you! This is about teaching you a lesson! About reminding you of your place in my world!"

He takes another menacing step forward, looming over her now. "And if you keep talking back... You'll regret it." The warning hangs heavy in the air between them,

His hands clench into fists at his sides as she stands up to him, challenging him even further. "Don't make me regret this," he growls through gritted teeth, struggling to maintain control. Her words burn like acid in his ears, but he forces himself to ignore them. Instead, he focuses on the expression on Hades' face; the way his eyes narrow with interest. It's a silent command: let the punishment begin.

Without another word, Ares lunges forward, grabbing her roughly by the shoulders and slamming her back down into the chair so hard that it skids across the floor beneath her. She cries out in pain, tears streaming down her cheeks, and for a moment he feels a twinge of guilt. But it passes quickly, replaced by anger and a sense of righteousness. He leans in close, his breath hot against her face

His eyes narrow with fury as she speaks these words, and he forces her head back further, the tendons in his neck standing out against her skin. "Don't you dare compare me to someone like you," he snarls through gritted teeth. "You had your chance... Now it's my turn." He leans in even closer now, the hot, wet breath of his anger caressing her face as he whispers harshly, "And trust me when I say that this won't be easy for you."

Before either of them can react to her comment, there's a sharp rap at the door. Ares freezes for a moment, then quickly steps away from her, straightening his clothes and trying to regain his composure. "What is it?" he calls out tersely, not wanting to give anyone else an excuse to interrupt their business.

The door creaks open slowly, revealing a hunched figure clad in drab robes; a messenger boy with wide, frightened eyes. "There is someone here," he says quietly, glancing nervously between Ares and Hades, "who wishes to speak with you, Lord Ares."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Ares snaps, "Tell them I'm busy and cannot be disturbed." He narrows his eyes at the messenger, daring him to challenge his authority. But the boy only hesitates for a moment before bowing deeply and scurrying off, leaving the room in silence.

Without another word to Persephone, Ares turns on his heel and stalks from the room, slamming the door behind him with such force that several paintings rattle loose from their hinges on the opposite wall. There's a satisfying crash as they hit the floor, shattering into pieces.

Outside, Hades stands up from his chair and folds his arms across his chest. "Well then," he says coldly. "Shall we continue?"

Ares's jaw tenses as she speaks these words, and for a moment he considers striking her again just to make her stop talking. But then he remembers Hades' presence in the room, and the carefully crafted plan they have constructed together. With an almost visible effort, he forces himself to remain calm and instead decides to ignore her taunts. Instead, he focuses on the task at hand.

"Very well," he growls through gritted teeth. "Then let us continue."

The mention of his friend provokes a flare of anger within Ares, but he manages to keep it mostly under control as he glares at her. "My friend has nothing to do with this," he snarls through clenched teeth. "He is simply someone who I trust."

Hades raises an eyebrow at this response, but says nothing, content to let Ares speak for himself. For now, the plan seems to be proceeding as intended.

His expression darkens as she asks about his friend's involvement. Despite his best efforts to remain calm, anger and frustration begin to boil just beneath the surface. It takes all of his self-control not to lunge across the table and force the truth out of her. But Hades' presence reminds him that they have a larger game in play.

"You will find out soon enough," he growls through gritted teeth. "And when you do..." There will be consequences.

As Ares contemplates her question, anger burns hot in his chest. He wants to scream and shout and make her feel the same fear and helplessness he's forced her to endure these past few hours. But once again, Hades' presence reminds him of the delicate balance they must maintain.

With a growl of frustration, Ares forces himself to remain calm. "I want you to understand your place in this world," he snarls through gritted teeth. "And I want you to never, ever question me again." There's a brief moment of silence before he adds coldly, "Is that clear?"

Ares narrows his eyes at her words. "Don't be so sure," he mutters darkly. Even as he says them, part of him hopes she does manage to escape their web. Because if she doesn't, it will mean that everything they have done so far has been for nothing.

His gaze flickers over to Hades, who merely watches them both intently, a small smile playing on his lips. They share a silent understanding; whatever happens next will be their last chance to push Rina into making her choice.

His jaw clenches and unclenches several times as he listens to her speak. Part of him wants to lunge across the table and silence her permanently. But the other part, the cautious and calculating part, reminds him that they aren't yet finished with her. There's still time for one more push...

Taking a deep breath, he forces himself to remain seated. "Your surrender isn't enough," he growls. "You need to prove your loyalty." He pauses, studying her face intently. "Do you understand?"

The air between them crackles with tension as she steps closer, her words cutting deeper than any physical blow could. The anger in his eyes grows more intense, but it is tempered by a small spark of curiosity about what might lie beneath all that defiance. His expression darkens as he asks her, "And why would I trust anything you say now?"

His gaze tracks over her body hungrily, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to reach out and touch her right then and there. She's offering herself up so willingly... He's tempted. But he can't forget the message they're trying to send her. He has to play his part, even if it means resisting the urge to take what she's offering.

With a growl, he stands and moves around the table until he's standing directly behind her. Gently but firmly, he begins to run his hands down her arms, his fingers trembling slightly against her skin. "Tell me," he whispers into her ear, breath hot and heavy on her neck. "What makes you think I want anything to do with your surrender?"

The answer strikes him like a physical blow; she's right. Of course he can't resist his desires. But he has to try. With a shaking hand, he reaches up, cupping her chin gently in his palm as he forces her face up toward his own. His expression is pained as he looks into her eyes, searching for some sign that she understands what he's going through. "You don't know everything," he whispers hoarsely. "There's more at stake here than just our desires... There's loyalty."

He pauses, considering his next words carefully before adding slowly, "And sometimes, loyalty means making sacrifices." He looks away for a moment, gaze fixed on the floor by their feet. "Sometimes it means saying no when you really want to say yes."

His heart aches hearing her words; they cut deep and hit close to home. She truly believes that there's no place for her anymore, that she is nothing but a burden on everyone around her. And part of him wants so badly to convince her otherwise. But he knows this isn't the time, not yet. Instead, he forces a small chuckle, trying to make light of the situation. "You always were quite dramatic," he says with an attempt at humor. "Even in your resignation speech."

As he speaks, something inside him begins to twist and turn, like a knot tied tightly in his gut. It hurts, but he refuses to let it show on his face. He'll just have to trust that Hades is watching carefully, that their plan will work even if it costs him everything.

As Rina dresses again, regaining some composure after her outburst, Ares watches her closely. His expression darkens once more, contemplative as he thinks about what to do next. What he truly wants is clear; he longs to reach out and comfort her, reassure her that she does still matter. But he can't forget the larger game they're playing, or the role he must uphold within it. With a sigh, he crosses his arms over his chest, studying her face intently.

His eyes narrow slightly as he continues to study her face, trying to gauge her reaction. It's clear she's tired and confused; wounded by their attempts to control her life. Despite everything, there's still a spark of defiance in her gaze that refuses to be extinguished. And it both frustrates him and fills him with a strange sort of admiration.

For a moment, he wonders what it would be like if things were different; if they could put aside their plans and simply let her choose how she wanted to live her life. But then the thought fades, replaced by the harsh reality of their situation. There are greater powers at work here, and they cannot afford to ignore them any longer.

With a deep breath, he decides it's time to end this charade. "You should go," he says, his voice low and gruff. "We've finished here." His

As the door closes behind her, Ares lets out a shuddering breath. The weight of their conversation presses down on him like lead; heavier and more oppressive with every passing moment. He knows they did what needed to be done, but he can't help feeling a twinge of guilt. Perhaps if things had gone differently...

Shaking his head to clear the thoughts, Ares turns back to Hades. "So," he says quietly, trying to maintain his composure. "What now?"

As Rina etreats to her room, Ares's mind is still reeling from the events of the evening. He can't help but feel a sense of unease in the pit of his stomach; they may have achieved their goal, but at what cost? And what does this mean for them moving forward? So many questions, and so few answers.

Turning back to Hades, he meets the other god's gaze with equal measure of uncertainty. "I don't know," he admits reluctantly. "This has gone far enough. It's time we reassessed our strategy." His voice trails off as he contemplates the mess they've made; the damage that's been done to Rina, both physically and emotionally. Perhaps they should have handled things differently.

But it's too late for regrets now. All they can do is move forward, learn

Hades raises an eyebrow at this response, clearly skeptical. "And what do you suggest we do now?" he asks pointedly. "Do we simply walk away and hope that she comes around on her own? Or do we double down and try to force the issue further?" The question hangs in the air like a heavy weight, pressing down on both of them.

For a moment, Ares is at a loss for words. He doesn't know what to say or how to fix this mess they've made. But then he feels a familiar surge of anger and determination rising within him once more. With a resolute nod, he says, "No. We can't just give up now."

He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever comes next. "We need to go back," he continues slowly. "Back to where it all started... And finish this thing once and for all." There

As Hades listens intently, his expression shifts from skepticism to consideration. Perhaps there really is no other way. They must confront Rina one last time, laying bare their plans and forcing her hand. It won't be easy, but it might be the only way to save themselves from the chaos that threatens to consume them all.

"Very well," he finally says, standing as well. "Tomorrow, then." Without another word, he turns and begins to pace around the room, lost in thought as he contemplates the battle yet to come.

As Ares watches Rina sleep, he can't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, he wants to protect her from the pain they've caused her; on the other hand, he knows that their plan is the only way to save both their worlds from certain destruction. Tomorrow, he must steel himself for what comes next and hope that in the end, his choice will be the right one.

As Rina emerges from her room to take breakfast, Ares can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. The events of the past day have left him emotionally drained and mentally exhausted, making it difficult to focus on anything else besides their upcoming confrontation. He knows that he must stay strong for both their sakes, but the weight of his decisions presses down upon him like lead.

With a deep breath, Ares forces himself to maintain composure as he watches her approach the table. Today will be the day they face the music; the day when all their plans come to fruition... or crumble beneath them.

Hades, sitting across from Ares, studies Rina carefully as she takes coffee. His expression remains neutral, but there's a glint of anticipation in his eyes. They've played their parts thus far; now the moment of truth is almost at hand. It won't be easy, but they must push forward, despite the cost.

As Rina takes a sip of her coffee, the sound of china clinking against porcelain fills the silence that hangs heavy between them. Ares doesn't know what to say or how to begin; he only knows that they must confront their past if they have any hope of moving forward. Taking a deep breath, he decides it's time to lay everything on the table.

"Rina," he begins slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to talk about what happened yesterday." He pauses, studying her face intently for any sign of understanding or fear. But she merely looks at him with an expression devoid of emotion.

We did things that we shouldn't have. Things that hurt you, and made you feel like we didn't care about your feelings or wants. That was never our intention; we just wanted what was best for both of us. But we were wrong. So now... I want to know where you stand. What do you want? Because from here on out, it's your choice.

Ares is taken aback by Rina's defiance, but inwardly he can't help but admire her strength. Despite everything they've put her through, she still manages to stand her ground. For a moment, his resolve wavers; he finds himself wanting nothing more than to reach out and comfort her, reassure her that he does care about her feelings and wants. But the plan must go on.

Taking a deep breath, he forces a small smile onto his face. "Very well," he says coolly. "If that's truly what you want." With one final glance at Hades, who nods imperceptibly, Ares continues: "Then I wish you luck in your decision. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into." He turns back to Rina and extends his hand. "Goodbye, then."

Taking her hand in his, Ares feels the weight of their conversation pressing down upon him once more. He wants to believe that she'll find happiness and purpose in whatever choice she makes; he truly does. But at the same time, there's a small part of him that can't help but feel a twinge of regret for the role they've forced her to play.

As their hands slip apart, Ares forces himself to meet Rina's gaze directly. "Goodbye," he repeats softly. "And remember... the door will always be open if you change your mind." He gives her one last smile before turning away, leaving her alone with her thoughts and her decision. The silence that falls between them is deafening; as if the world itself has stopped spinning for this brief moment in time.

As he watches Rina walk away, a mixture of emotions washes over Ares. He's relieved that the confrontation is finally over, but also filled with doubt and regret. In the end, it seems their plan has failed; they've only managed to drive her further from them.

With a sigh, he turns his attention back to Hades, who studies him intently. "What now?" Ares asks softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "We can't keep going like this."

Hades purses his lips thoughtfully before answering, "I don't know. Perhaps it is time to reassess our strategy once more. We've pushed her too far, and we must find a way to bring her back into the fold." His gaze shifts uncomfortably before adding with a hint of shame, "Perhaps I should have handled things differently from the beginning."

Ares nods in agreement. "I think we both underestimated her strength... and resilience," he admits, his voice quiet but firm. "Going forward, we need to tread more carefully. We can't afford to lose her again." He pauses for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps it would be best if we offered her an apology... showed her that we truly are sorry for what happened."

Hades considers this suggestion before slowly nodding his head. "You may have a point," he says at last. "But we must also find a way to convince her that she still has a place within our world, and that her wishes and feelings matter just as much." With a sigh, he adds softly, "I fear it won't be easy."

I know it won't be, but we must try. Rina has been through too much; I cannot bear the thought of losing her altogether. If we are to survive this, we need her by our side. There is strength in her, unyielding determination... traits that could prove invaluable if we manage to earn her trust once more. And so, with heavy hearts and minds full of doubt, we must begin the slow process of repairing what we have broken.

As Rina finishes her tea and prepares to take a walk, Ares watches her intently, hopeful that she finds some peace during her stroll. For him, there can be no peace until she forgives them and chooses to remain part of their world. He turns back to Hades, uncertainty still etched on his features. "What do you propose we do now? How do we begin the process of regaining her trust?" The question hangs between them like a thick fog, obscuring all sense of clarity and direction.