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In BlueMoon Kingdom – Dylan's Chamber
Dylan suddenly stopped mid-pace. His eyes widened as if he had just remembered something.
"No… I forgot an important scroll." His deep voice rumbled through the chamber.
He walked to the shelf, picked up a black-rimmed scroll tied with silver thread, then turned to Irin, who was quietly arranging petals in a bowl. His gaze softened. Slowly, he stepped closer and cupped her cheek in his large palm.
"Tell me, Irin… are you hiding something from me?" His tone was calm but sharp, piercing through the silence.
Irin froze. Shock spread in her eyes.
"Hiding? No… nothing at all," she whispered. Then, forcing a smile, she asked, "Did you come here only to take that scroll? If you told the servants, they would've brought it for you."
Dylan's lips curved into a faint smile.
"It's important. That's why I came myself."
But before she could reply, his eyes caught a faint red cut on her finger. Dylan immediately seized her hand, his expression shifting from calm to panic.
"What happened to you?!"
Irin tried to calm him. "It's just a small cut while slicing fruits. Nothing else."
Dylan's voice roared, echoing through the chamber.
"Who's there! Come here!"
A maid rushed in, trembling. Dylan's glare pinned her.
"Where were you? Didn't I tell you to watch over our queen carefully?" His voice thundered, making the maid shiver.
Irin touched Dylan's arm gently. "I am fine… don't scare her."
But Dylan's tone was merciless. "Cut those fruits for her yourself. Don't let her touch them again."
The maid nodded quickly, took the fruit, and hurried away.
Dylan sat beside Irin, his hand still holding hers tightly. He examined the small wound as if it were a fatal injury.
"You're overreacting," Irin whispered with a soft smile. "Why are you so afraid of such small things?"
Dylan's eyes, sharp yet filled with emotion, locked on hers.
"Because I won't allow anything—anything—to happen to you."
Her smile deepened, but her gaze grew distant. "Then… tell me, Dylan. What will you do if I die before you?"
His pupils widened. His jaw tightened with fury.
"Don't ever say that again," he growled, turning away.
But Irin caught his hand and hugged him , pressing her face against his chest.
"I was kidding…"
Dylan's arm circled around her protectively, his voice low and trembling with emotion.
"If anything dares to harm you, Irin, it must face me first. Only over my ashes will danger touch you."
Her heart melted. She leaned against him, feeling the heavy beat of his heart.
---
In Heaven Realm – Council Chamber
Ren stood tall before two ancient ancestors, his silver robe flowing.
"Everything has been prepared according to plan," he declared.
One ancestor leaned forward. "Where shall we seal Dylan's power?"
Ren's voice darkened. "In the Dark Cloud Punishment Zone… the place where he killed my brother."
Another ancestor frowned. "But how will we bring Dylan there?"
The first one spoke quietly, "During your King's Crown Ceremony. It is the only way. At such a gathering, Dylan won't be suspicious."
Ren shook his head firmly. "No… I don't want to be king."
"It is the best way," the ancestor pressed. "All realms will attend. Allies from supportive realms will aid us in sealing Dylan's hidden power. Don't resist it, Ren. Accept it."
Ren's lips tightened, but finally, he nodded reluctantly.
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In Ren's Chamber
Later, Lia entered with a glowing orb. She handed it to Ren carefully.
"This contains Irin's blood… but I don't understand. How will this help you revive fallen soldiers?"
Ren's expression softened, almost tender. "Irin is a goddess. Her blood can awaken life again."
Lia grabbed his hand, her eyes trembling. "You're not planning something against her… are you?"
Ren gave a faint smile. "I told you before—I was angry with Dylan. But later, I realized… my brother's death was the result of his own karma. I no longer seek revenge. I only want peace between the realms."
Tears welled in his eyes. Lia, moved, wiped them gently.
Ren pulled her close, hugging her. "Don't worry. I'm not upset now. That's why I will invite even the Demon Realm to my crown ceremony."
Lia's heart skipped. She smiled. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." But as he said so, his expression darkened when she wasn't looking. A shadow flickered in his eyes—the buried vengeance he still carried.
---
In BlueMoon Kingdom – Royal Garden
Irin hummed softly while watering plants. Dylan came up behind her, silent as night. She turned, but he stopped her and clasped a chain around her neck.
She touched it with surprise. "This half-moon design… it's beautiful. I love it."
Dylan looked into her eyes seriously. "I need to tell you something. I've received an invitation… to Ren's Crown Ceremony."
Her eyes widened. "But… how? The Heaven Realm hates us."
"I know. That's why it feels strange," Dylan muttered.
He studied her face carefully. "I know you're from Heaven Realm. Ren is your friend… surely you want to go?"
Irin shook her head firmly. "No. I am Queen of BlueMoon Kingdom now. That is my only place." She smiled, but Dylan hugged her tightly, his arms fierce around her.
For a moment, her smile faltered, fading into silence.
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Two Weeks Later – Heaven Realm
In Ren's chamber, he stood in a pure white ceremonial suit. A hand gently tied the robe at his waist.
He caught the hand and turned, embarrassed. "I can do this myself."
Lia smiled, her cheeks warm. "It's my duty as your wife....."
She hesitated..."Sorry, I know....our marriage is an act...sorry...".
She adjusted his robe, her fingers brushing his chest. Ren's heart pounded. Beads of sweat slid down his neck. Lia blushed as she wiped it with a cloth.
He couldn't resist anymore. He pulled her close, his hand gripping her waist, and kissed her lips passionately. Lia gasped, stunned, but soon melted into the moment, her heart racing.
When the kiss broke, a maid entered abruptly. "Your Majesty, it's time."
Ren stepped back instantly, releasing Lia. Without a word, he left the chamber, but as he walked away, a secret smile touched his lips.
---
In BlueMoon Kingdom – King's Chamber
Dylan sat with Zerath, Ruther, and others, discussing rebuilding villages destroyed in war.
Suddenly, a guard entered hurriedly.
"Your Majesty, the spy has returned."
Dylan waved his hand, dismissing everyone else. The spy entered, kneeling.
"Speak."
The spy hesitated. "My lord… your sister… she was in Heaven Realm. But… now…"
Dylan's heart pounded violently. "Now what? Tell me!"
The spy's voice broke. "She is no more. Your sister… has died."
The chamber fell silent. Dylan's chest tightened, his eyes wide with shock, as if the air itself had abandoned him.
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