The skies above the Heaven Realm shimmered with celestial hues—silver, gold, and opal light rippling like waves of silk. The divine bells echoed across the floating islands, and flocks of radiant birds soared in elegant spirals. It was the Goddess Inauguration Ceremony, and every realm—Celestial, Earthbound, Underwater, even hidden realms—was invited.
The grand hall of Heaven was bedecked with glowing vines, floating lanterns, and a stage made of stardust crystal. Music flowed like mist, dancers moved with grace, and heavenly songs sung by choirs filled the air. At the highest seats sat the Three Ancestors, radiant and ancient. Beside them, King Xander and his Queen Fiona sat in their royal thrones, solemn yet regal.
The audience, thousands upon thousands, fell into a hush.
From the golden archway, Irin stepped forward.
She wore a long white and golden gown that trailed behind her like sunlight flowing on clouds. Her hair was braided with light, and she wore gold ornaments forged in the divine fires. Her eyes glowed softly with celestial grace. Murmurs surged like waves—every being present was enchanted. No one had seen such beauty—neither angel nor goddess could compare.
Lia, standing quietly among the audience, held her breath as Irin moved closer to the stage.
Ren emerged next, carrying a glowing Goddess Crown, set with starlight gems and lined with ancient runes. He walked forward solemnly and handed it to the Ancestors.
With divine chants and glowing hands, the Three Ancestors placed the crown gently upon Irin's head.
A divine light enveloped her. The crowd roared with divine energy.
But then, as the applause began to settle, King Xander rose from his throne.
He raised his hand. "As King of the Heaven Realm," he declared, his voice commanding, "I must make a joyful announcement."
Irin blinked. Ren stood still. Lia tilted her head in suspicion.
Xander's next words fell like thunder:
"On the next full moon… a Grand Royal Wedding shall be held."
The crowd gasped. Whispers surged. Fiona's expression remained calm, composed.
Xander raised his hand again. "Let me finish. The Royal Wedding of Ren, the God of War… and our beloved Goddess Irin!"
The audience burst into shock. Gasps. Murmurs. Even the air trembled. Lia's eyes widened. Ren's mouth parted in disbelief. And Irin… stood frozen.
"What…?" Ren whispered.
"I chose what's best for our Realm and for you, brother," Xander said smoothly.
The Ancestors remained silent. One of them finally spoke: "It is the will of Heaven. We support this union."
Irin stepped forward, her voice clear and sharp.
"How dare you prepare my wedding—without my consent?"
The hall went silent.
An Ancestor tried to soothe her, "Calm down, Goddess Irin…"
Xander stepped closer, still calm. "I merely wanted to surprise you. I apologize for the delay in telling you, but—"
"Surprise me?" Irin's laugh was bitter. "Like when you accused me of being a demon spy? Or tried to kill me?"
The entire audience was stunned. Fiona slowly stood from her seat, her hands clasped.
Xander bit his lip, holding his fury behind a tight jaw.
"I am not your puppet," Irin said, loud and proud. "I may be crowned your Goddess… but I will not marry Ren." Her voice carried like thunder, beautiful and fierce. "I do not obey rules forged without my will."
She stepped down from the stage, her gown trailing like the wind behind her.
Ren instinctively moved to follow her. "Irin—!"
The crowd parted as she walked away. All eyes followed. Ren chased after her.
In the crowd, Lia smiled slightly—not out of mockery, but admiration.
---
Heaven Garden – Later That Evening
High above in the vast garden of floating trees and glowing blossoms, Irin sat on the thick branch of an old sacred tree. She plucked a leaf gently, staring at the golden horizon.
Behind her, a voice startled her.
"Are you upset?"
Irin turned. Ren had climbed up beside her using his wind magic, now sitting next to her on the branch.
"I'm not upset," Irin said quickly.
"You still climb trees?" Ren chuckled softly.
"I might be a crowned goddess now," Irin said with a small smile, "but I haven't forgotten the old things I love."
Silence stretched between them. Irin thought about her outburst in the chamber. Did she hurt him?
Before she could apologize, Ren spoke first.
"I'm sorry."
Irin blinked. "Why?"
"I didn't know about the wedding," Ren said gently. "If I did… I would have refused. No matter who planned it."
Her shoulders relaxed. "Me too… I didn't mean to sound harsh. You've always been kind to me."
Ren smiled. "Forget it. We've always been friends."
Irin smiled back. "Always."
The breeze rustled the branches. Suddenly, the tree swayed, and Irin lost her balance. She gasped as she slipped forward—
Ren caught her, his hand around her waist.
Their faces were inches apart. Ren's heartbeat thudded. For a brief moment, he felt something flicker—an emotion he had long forgotten.
Just then—
"Irin."
The voice below was soft but sharp.
Fiona stood in the garden, gazing up at them. Ren and Irin jumped slightly.
Ren quickly climbed down and bowed. "Queen Fiona." Then, without another word, he walked away.
Irin floated down gently using her magic.
Irin approached. "Are you unhappy with what I said to your husband?"
Fiona said softly"No..., I want to ask you something,"
Fiona said seriously. "Why did you refuse the wedding?"
Irin looked down. "Fiona… you know about me. You know I—"
"No," Fiona interrupted. "I don't know everything. But I found something out."
Irin tensed. "What did you find?"
Fiona's eyes gleamed gently. "Did you love Ren before?"
Irin's breath hitched. Her eyes widened in shock.
Behind a nearby tree, hidden by vines, Lia stood, her eyes narrowed—listening.
---
To Be Continued...