---
In the Forbidden Frozen Hill…
The wind howled like a beast as Ren and Lia trudged through the icy landscape. Snowflakes danced fiercely in the air, and even Ren's magic cloak fluttered wildly under the storm's pressure.
"There," Lia pointed. "The Magic Truth Pond… I can feel its power!"
As they stepped closer, a sudden wave of magical energy surged from the pond, blasting toward them like a raging storm.
"Lia, be careful!" Ren shouted—but before he could shield himself, the wave struck him hard, and he fell to the snowy ground, coughing.
Lia, though shaken, pressed on. Her determination burned bright as she pushed through the blizzard toward the glowing pond. But suddenly—
A massive creature appeared from the shadows.
It was a magical guardian—a Bigfoot made of frost and shadow, with gleaming blue eyes and claws that shimmered with cursed ice. It roared and lunged toward Lia.
Before it could reach her, Ren rose, his sword ignited in golden flames. "Stay away from her!" he growled, blocking the creature with a powerful strike. The clash sent snow flying in all directions.
The creature struck back, and Ren fought hard—blow for blow, magic against monster. But time was running out. The pond's light flickered violently.
"Ren!" Lia called out. "You have to give me your power! I need Heaven magic to activate the truth!"
Despite the ongoing battle, Ren focused his energy and channeled it through the bond they shared. A golden light surged from him into Lia.
The Magic Truth Pond glowed brightly. The snow stilled. The surface shimmered, revealing layers of frozen time and hidden secrets.
As the golden magic awakened the pond, a beam of divine light shot upward—the creature let out a terrible cry and disintegrated into snow dust, vanishing completely.
Ren stumbled to Lia's side. "What… do you see?"
But Lia stood frozen, her eyes wide, fixed on the pond. Inside the glowing water, an image began to form—blurry, then clear.
Her eyes welled with tears.
"No…" she whispered, trembling.
"Lia?" Ren asked, concerned. "What did you see? Where is the Goddess?"
Lia turned her head slightly, her voice broken. "I… I saw it…"
Her eyes glowed red with magic, but she remained silent.
Ren's heart pounded. Something was wrong.
---
In the BlueMoon Kingdom…
The day had begun calmly. Dylan had invited Irin to go shopping through the kingdom—a rare moment of peace.
While getting ready in his chamber, Irin noticed a hidden room, slightly ajar. Curiosity guided her steps inside.
On the wall hung a photo—faded but untouched by time. A man and woman stood smiling, with two children beside them: a boy and a younger girl.
Her heart stopped.
When she returned to the room, she found Xizi dusting the shelves. Irin hesitated, then asked, "Xizi… can I ask something? I know Dylan's father died in the Great War… but what about his mother and sister?"
Xizi froze. "How… how did you know he had a sister?"
"I saw a photo… in his hidden room."
Xizi sighed deeply. "Yes… it's true. Ruther once told me… Dylan wasn't always like this. He used to be cheerful. His family was everything to him."
"What happened to them?" Irin whispered.
"His mother and younger sister were caught in the middle of the Great War… after Heaven's Ancestors attacked. No one knows what happened to them. They vanished."
Irin's eyes turned soft with sorrow. "No wonder he built this kingdom… to protect others. To never lose again."
---
Later that Day…
Dylan took Irin on a personal tour through the BlueMoon Kingdom. From the bustling markets to peaceful lakesides, Irin saw a side of the kingdom she had never imagined.
People smiled and waved at her.
"Lady Irin!"
"Is that the King's future Queen?"
Children gifted her flowers; elders bowed with respect. Irin's heart warmed—she was treated like family. Dylan walked beside her in silence, eyes watching her reactions with calm pride.
As the day dimmed, Dylan brought her to the lake. A small boat awaited, decorated in floating lights and lanterns. They stepped in together, and the boat drifted under the evening stars.
Each held a lantern with a personal wish.
Dylan finally broke the silence. "You know… after losing my mother and sister… I never spent time with anyone else. Only them."
Irin turned to him gently. "But… what about Ruther?"
"He's my friend. Loyal. But I'm still the King. My duty always came first… There was no room for anyone else."
Irin felt her heart clench. "Then… I'll accompany you every Lantern Festival from now on."
Dylan's gaze softened.
"What did you write on your lantern?" he asked quietly.
Irin smiled and lit the lantern. As she held it close, she whispered, "I wished… your mother and sister would come back to you."
Dylan's eyes widened. For a moment, his emotions betrayed his normally guarded face. He lit his own lantern and said, "My wish…"
He turned toward her.
"I want to be by your side. Always."
Irin's breath hitched, her cheeks heating.
As they let their lanterns float onto the lake, joining hundreds of glowing wishes, Dylan leaned closer.
"I love you, Irin," he said.
The world seemed to blur behind him—the stars, the lights, the sound of water.
Irin whispered, "I love you too."
Without another word, Dylan gently grabbed her waist, pulling her close, and kissed her—deeply, passionately, lovingly.
Irin melted into his embrace. She could feel it—his longing, his sorrow, his devotion—all pouring into that single kiss.
When they finally pulled apart, Dylan pressed his forehead to hers and gave her a soft kiss there, whispering, "You're my light."
Irin smiled, her heart finally full.
---
To be continued…