---
In the Heaven Realm…
In the quiet dimness of Xander's chamber, tension brewed thick in the air.
Xander slowly stepped closer to Fiona, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. His eyes searched hers, but before he could speak, Fiona flung his hand away. Her eyes were blazing with fury as she burst out, "How could you?! How could you hurt my Irin? She's innocent! Are you so blind in your thirst for revenge against Dylan that you can't see the truth?"
Xander's expression hardened. "Irin is not part of the Heaven Realm anymore," he said coldly. "She chose the demon side. She belongs there. You've forgotten her too."
"I didn't," Fiona whispered fiercely. "But I don't support you blindly. Not this time."
His temper flared. He grabbed a flower vase from the table and hurled it to the floor near them, shattering it into pieces. "You are my wife! Why are you standing on her side?!"
Fiona stood firm, voice unwavering. "Yes, I'm your wife. But that doesn't mean I'll follow you blindly. If you bring harm to my people… I will forget that I ever called you my husband."
Xander's eyes glowed with suppressed rage. "Fiona!"
But Fiona had already turned, her robes sweeping the floor as she walked out of his chamber, leaving silence and shattered petals behind.
---
Elsewhere in the Heaven Realm…
The Council of Ancestors had summoned Ren. Their ancient voices echoed with purpose as they entrusted him with a sacred duty.
"You must uncover the truth," one elder intoned. "Find the real goddess who was born 25 years ago. The balance of the realms depends on it."
Lia stood beside Ren, unwavering. "I'll go with him," she said. "This is too important to delay."
Together, they departed toward the Forbidden Frozen Hill—a land of biting winds and secrets sealed in ice. Hidden within its heart lay the Magic Pond, a mystical place said to reflect the ultimate truth to those worthy. Only there could they discover the identity of the true goddess.
---
In the BlueMoon Kingdom – Dylan's Bedroom…
Irin stood near the window when she felt soft arms wrap around her. It was Xizi, her old friend.
"I missed you so much," Xizi said, tightening the embrace.
Irin smiled, touched. "I missed you too."
But Xizi tilted her head curiously. "Why are your cheeks so pink?" she asked playfully.
Irin looked away, hesitating. "It's nothing…"
But Xizi smirked. "You love our king, don't you?"
Irin's eyes widened. "W-what? How did you—"
"I can see it in your eyes," Xizi whispered, nudging her shoulder. "Don't lie to me."
Irin blushed deeper, her fingers nervously twisting her sleeve.
Xizi giggled. "Did he propose to you already?"
Irin's smile faltered, turning soft and sad. "Not… yet."
"Why not?" Xizi gasped dramatically. "Did something happen?"
Irin opened her mouth to answer, but hesitated. Xizi raised her eyebrows. "Wait… did he kiss you?"
Irin turned bright red.
"Ah, I knew it!" Xizi clapped her hands. "But that doesn't count unless he says the words. Boys… tsk! Why are they all like this? Ruther is no better," she muttered with a sigh. "But you should've seen how our king missed you. When you were in the Heaven Realm, he used to get lost just staring at your garden."
Irin smiled softly, her heart fluttering—but a shadow passed her face. Xizi's words stirred a quiet worry inside her.
---
On the Balcony of BlueMoon Kingdom…
Dylan stood alone, his white hair ruffling in the soft wind as he looked over his kingdom. The moonlight cast a cold glow over his sharp features.
Ruther approached, breaking the silence. "Why didn't you stop Xander's wedding with Fiona? Why didn't you bring Goddess Fiona here?"
Dylan didn't turn around. "The Heaven people don't know Fiona is the true goddess," he said flatly. "So it's not important right now."
He paused, voice dropping to a whisper. "But… Irin…"
Ruther watched him carefully. "I know. You chose to protect Irin because she's in danger. But… we're running out of time."
Dylan said nothing. His gaze remained fixed on the horizon.
"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Ruther smirked. "Why are you smiling like that?"
Dylan's lips twitched faintly, then he turned his expression cold and changed the subject.
Ruther stepped forward, teasing, "Don't change the subject. Did you propose to her yet?"
Dylan frowned. "Propose? Is that necessary?"
Ruther rolled his eyes. "You don't get it. Xizi keeps telling me girls love words. Actions are good—but they want to hear it."
Dylan turned silent again. But this time, he was thinking more deeply than ever before.
Was he brave enough… to say those words to Irin?
---
To be continued…
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