Irene's stepsister tricked her into a marriage swap. Instead of a wealthy noble, Irene was forced to marry a poor wandering bard. Her cruel family laughed. They pushed her to despair. They thought they'd won. They didn't know that the poor bard was Apollo—the Light God himself, hidden in mortal form. He watched as Irene's family tormented her. He saw every tear, every bruise, every broken promise. When Irene reached the edge of hope, Apollo's divine fury ignited. He unleashed holy wrath upon Athens' nobles, burning those who wronged his bride. Then he lifted Irene from the ashes—not as a victim, but as a queen. The wronged mortal bride ascended to the Light Queen's throne, crowned with supreme divine glory. Her family wanted her humiliated. Apollo made her a goddess. Some weddings are made in heaven. Irene's was made by one.
