I JUST WANTED TO GET MARRIED!!!
EPISODE 10 - THE HALL OF TRIALS (2) - THE TRIAL OF FIRE
After Kallistrate's trial, Ariana, took some time to rest, while Theron prepared for his trial.
The sun was high, its golden rays slicing through the air as Ariana followed Theron to the Hall of Trials for the second time.
The Hall had changed its appearance again.
The area was now barren, scorched black from countless battles. A single brazier stood in the center, its flame dancing unnaturally high.
Theron leaned casually against a pillar, twirling a dagger that gleamed like molten lava.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
Alright, Princess. Here’s the deal. My trial isn’t about brains. It’s about guts and heat tolerance. Think you can handle it?
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*crossing arms* Try me.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
*grinning wide* Good answer. Here’s how it works: that brazier? It’s connected to the essence of my power—fire that feeds on fear and doubt. To pass my trial, you’ll have to walk through the "Flame of Valor" and emerge without hesitation. If you falter, it’ll burn you alive.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*stepping closer* And... If I don't??
Theron’s smile faltered for the first time.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
If you don’t, you’ll prove that you’re someone worth following.
The tension in his voice didn’t escape Ariana. This wasn’t just a test of her courage; it was a measure of whether Theron could trust her to lead him into danger.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
Let's begin.
As Ariana approached the brazier, the flames roared higher, transforming into a blazing corridor that stretched endlessly ahead.
She could feel the heat before she stepped in, like needles pressing against her skin.
Theron’s voice echoed behind her.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
The flames will test you, Princess. They’ll show you your deepest fears, your worst regrets. If you stop, even for a second, they’ll consume you.
Ariana took a deep breath and stepped into the fire.
TRIAL ONE - A LOVE IN PERIL.
The flames warped and twisted, forming a vision that made her heart lurch. Adrien stood at the edge of a cliff, his hands bound. Dark figures surrounded him, their laughter cruel and cold.
Adrien Velaryn / ML
You failed me. You left me to die.
Ariana froze, the words slicing through her like a dagger. She wanted to run to him, to break the chains, but she knew this wasn’t real.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
You’re not Adrien. *tears welling up* You’re a trick.
The figures and the cliff dissolved, leaving only fire.
TRIAL TWO - THE BURDEN OF A CROWN.
The flames shifted again, showing the throne room of the Medea Empire. Her mother sat on the throne, her face gaunt and weary.
Estelle Lysenthorne/ Empress of Medea
*disappointed* You abandoned your people for a man. You were supposed to lead, but you chose selfishness.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
I chose love. And I’ll choose it again, because saving Adrien isn’t just about us—it’s about saving Olympus, and the empire too.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
And I didn't abandon the throne. I'll be back... More powerful... And more wise...
The throne room shattered, the fire closing in tighter.
FINAL TRIAL - THE DEPTHS OF HER SOUL.
The flames dimmed, and Ariana found herself standing before a mirror. Her own reflection stared back, but it wasn’t her—it was a version of her twisted by doubt and fear.
“You’re not strong enough,” the reflection said. “You’re a princess playing at being a hero. You’ll fail, and everyone will pay the price.”
Ariana stepped closer, her reflection flickering like a dying flame.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*firm* You’re wrong. I’ve faced gods and prophecies. I’ve faced loss and love. I don’t need to prove my strength to you—or to anyone.
The mirror cracked, the flames roaring to life one last time.
When Ariana stepped out of the brazier, her body was drenched in sweat, but her expression was unyielding.
Theron stared at her, his usual cockiness replaced by something almost reverent.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
*quietly* You didn't flinch.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*meeting his gaze* I don’t have the luxury of flinching.
Theron grinned, the fire in his eyes blazing brighter.
Theron Kim / Son of Hephaestus
Alright, Princess. You’ve earned my respect. Let’s save Olympus.
Ariana Lysenthorne / FL
*nodding* Two down, one to go.
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