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In Heaven Realm
The chamber of the Ancestors was unusually dim, the incense burned low, and silence pressed upon the walls like a weight. One of the three Ancient Ancestors lay upon a golden bed, his breath shallow, his once-radiant aura dimmed to a fragile flicker.
The other two Ancestors stood by his side, their expressions grim.
"Healer," one of them demanded in a heavy tone, "tell us… how is he?"
The Healer bowed deeply, trembling. "He is in a coma, Ancestors. His Heaven core has been gravely damaged. When he will awaken… I cannot guarantee. His divine veins are fractured beyond my healing reach."
The words struck the chamber like thunder. The two Ancestors exchanged troubled glances.
"This is Dylan's doing!" one growled, his staff shaking against the floor.
But the other lifted his hand, voice edged with sorrow. "No… This is not Dylan's fault alone. These are the consequences of our past sins." His eyes flickered. "Do you remember? We hid Mariano here."
The first Ancestor narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying?"
The second waved his hand, sending the Healer away with a spell of dismissal. Only when the chamber sealed shut did he continue, voice a low whisper.
"We had no choice back then. We threatened Mariano with the truth—that we would expose her son's identity to the worlds. To protect him, she submitted to our will. Otherwise, the Demons, with the support of the Goddess, would have crushed us all."
The words made the air tremble.
The other Ancestor clenched his fists. "Then there is no doubt… We must act. Dylan's power cannot be allowed to run unchecked. If he learns the truth of who he is… that he is the child of the Goddess and the Great Demon…"
The chamber seemed to shake at the revelation. "His very existence carries the power to annihilate everything."
Suddenly, a creak echoed. At the door stood Ren. His sharp eyes burned with fire as he stepped forward, his presence suffocating the room.
The two Ancestors stiffened. "Ren…"
Ren's voice was low, dangerous. "So, it's true. Dylan… is the son of the Goddess and the Great Demon." His fists clenched. "That silver strike in his chest… that's not a curse. That's the mark of her origin power, isn't it?"
The Ancestors hesitated but finally nodded.
"Before he learns of it, we must seal his power," one whispered gravely.
Ren's gaze darkened. "Seal his power? Why not destroy it?"
The Ancestor shook his head. "It is not that simple. To bind such divine-demonic essence… the ritual demands a price." He leaned closer, voice barely audible. "The blood of his true love."
Ren froze, his heart pounding. Irin… His mind spiraled with conflicting thoughts, and he turned away, hiding the storm in his eyes.
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In Blue Moon Kingdom
The kingdom was alive with celebration. Lanterns glowed across the night sky, filling the streets with golden light. Music echoed from every corner, laughter filling the air as the people rejoiced the news—a new heir to the Heaven King would soon be born.
Inside Dylan's private chamber, joy carried a softer, tender tone.
Irin sat on the bed, her cheeks glowing with happiness. Her maid, Xizi, brushed her long hair with gentle strokes.
"Your Majesty," Xizi said with a smile, "I've prepared a medicine to boost your strength. It will nurture both you and the little one." She winked playfully. "I'll bring it at once."
Irin laughed softly. "Thank you, Xizi."
As the maid left, Irin's hands instinctively rested on her belly. Her voice trembled with warmth. "My child… everyone is already waiting for you with so much love. Once you arrive, I know you'll be surrounded by affection… spoiled with care."
Suddenly, a hand covered hers over her belly. Irin gasped and turned toward the mirror—there stood Dylan's reflection, his silver eyes glowing faintly.
"Dylan…" she whispered, a smile blooming.
He leaned against her shoulder from behind, his arms wrapping protectively around her. "This time belongs to my baby," he murmured. He turned her gently, then knelt before her, placing a reverent kiss on her belly.
"Did you miss your father, my little one?" His eyes softened, and he rested his forehead there, smiling.
Irin pouted, teasing. "So… father only loves the child, not the mother?"
Dylan stood, cupping her cheeks with a deep smile. "Always, my first love is you. Isn't that right, little one?" He kissed her forehead and then her lips—once, twice, until passion overtook him.
"Dylan…" she breathed, pushing lightly, her cheeks flushed.
He smirked. "You were jealous earlier, weren't you? Then let me prove myself…" His lips captured hers again, deeper, hungrier, until the world outside vanished.
The door creaked. Ruther stood there, immediately turning his back. "Your Majesty… the council awaits you."
Dylan sighed, reluctantly pulling away. Irin smiled gently. "Go. Duty first."
"I'll return soon." He kissed her lips one last time and left.
Irin wandered to her table, slicing fruit with a small knife. Suddenly—a white smoke swirled behind her. She gasped, cutting her hand. Blood flowed down her fingers.
From the smoke, a figure emerged—Lia.
"Irin!" She rushed forward and hugged her tightly. "How are you? I feared for you every day!"
Irin's eyes widened. "Lia…?" She embraced her back.
Separated, Lia cupped her shoulders. "I tried so hard to free myself from Xander's trap. I thought I lost you forever."
Irin's eyes softened, though tears welled. "I'm fine now… but Fiona…" Her voice cracked. "She gave her life for me. Even though Xander was her husband, she chose to stand against him. I… I can't forgive myself."
Both women wept, holding each other.
"I miss her too," Lia whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Wiping her eyes, Irin asked gently, "How is Ren? He must be furious with Dylan…"
Lia hesitated but forced a smile. "Ren is strong. No anger can destroy the bond between us."
Then she noticed the blood dripping from Irin's hand. Alarmed, she tore a strip of cloth from her sleeve and wrapped it quickly. "You must be careful! Where is the healer's powder?"
Irin fetched it from a drawer. While her back was turned, Lia's eyes flickered. With a subtle incantation, she drew the blood from the cloth into a small glowing orb, concealing it within her sleeve.
By the time Irin returned, Lia had hidden the orb. They treated the wound together, and Lia tucked a rose into Irin's hair. "Beautiful, as always."
Their laughter lightened the air, but soon Lia sighed. "I must go. Ren will search for me."
"Stay a little longer," Irin pleaded.
"Next time," Lia promised, vanishing into mist.
At that moment, Dylan returned. He froze, sensing the faint traces of another aura. His silver eyes narrowed.
"Irin," he asked carefully, "were you speaking to someone just now?"
Her heart skipped. She forced a smile, touching her belly. "No… I was only talking to our baby."
Dylan stepped closer, his gaze piercing. He cupped her cheek, tilting her face toward him.
"Are you hiding something from me?"
Irin's breath caught.
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