---
In the Ruler's Chamber – Heaven Realm
The heavy golden doors creaked as Xander stepped into the ruler's chamber, his royal cape trailing behind him. The three Heaven Ancestors sat atop their high thrones, their expressions ageless and unreadable.
Xander bowed with calm reverence. "The Goddess has agreed to the marriage."
A heavy silence fell.
"Truly?" asked the first Ancestor, eyes narrowing in disbelief.
"The sacred union... it's happening?" the second whispered.
"Then begin preparations for a grand celestial wedding," declared the third, a thin smile forming. "It shall be held on the next full moon."
Xander inclined his head with a measured smile. "As per your wish." Then, turning away from the throne, his lips barely moved as he whispered to himself:
"It's a new game now, Dylan."
---
In Mariano's Chamber
Irin stepped quietly into the softly lit chamber. Mariano lay against the cushions, his face pale and eyes dull with fatigue.
"Why haven't you healed yet?" Irin asked, rushing to his side.
Mariano gave a weak smile. "I was fine until morning… but since then, the pain in my chest has grown."
"Come with me," Irin said firmly. "We need to find a healer."
As she moved to call for help, Mariano gently grabbed her wrist. "Wait. Irin… why are you so upset today? You're hiding something."
"I'm not," she said with a faint smile.
He studied her face carefully. "Is it… because of your lover? Dylan?"
Irin's eyes widened. She froze.
Mariano's voice was soft, but piercing. "Then why agree to marry Ren?"
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Because… it's good for everyone."
Mariano sighed. "Good for everyone, but not for you."
Irin turned her face away, silent. But her heart still echoed a name—Dylan.
---
In the Blue Moon Palace
Dylan lay motionless in his grand chamber, his skin clammy, and his breaths uneven. The old clan member Zareth examined the glowing line stretching across Dylan's chest—pulsing with dangerous energy.
"This mark… it threatens his life," the Zareth murmured. "Bring the Lunara Bloom. Only that herb can soothe the fire inside."
As guards rushed to obey, Ruther clenched his fists in guilt.
"It's my fault…" he whispered. "I should've stopped the King that night…"
"You should have," came a sharp voice. Xizi stepped forward, her expression stern. "You knew seeing Irin could endanger his life… but you still let it happen."
---
In Irin's Chamber
The maids fluttered around Irin, adorning her hair with moonflowers and delicate crystal beads. Her pink gown shimmered in the candlelight, and yet her heart felt heavier with every layer of gold.
Suddenly, Ren entered. The maids scattered, bowing before they vanished from the room.
"Ren," she greeted softly.
He looked at her, a flicker of conflict in his eyes. "Why did you tell Dylan you'd marry me?"
"Because… it's the truth. This marriage… is good for everyone."
Ren frowned. "But why now? Are you truly ready?"
Irin lowered her gaze. "Are you? Or do you still love someone else?"
Ren hesitated. "…Yes. I loved someone once. But not anymore."
Irin stared at him. "Fiona. I know."
Ren blinked, startled. Then nodded.
"And I know… you once loved me too," he said gently.
Irin stiffened, lips parting, but no reply came.
"Do you love Dylan? But, you said that's all lie... to him " Ren asked suddenly.
She froze. Her body trembled slightly.
Then, she nodded—just once.
Ren's expression became unreadable. "I don't want to speak of the past. But if you are truly willing… I'll marry you. Not for me—but for the sake of Heaven Realm."
She said nothing. Her heart was screaming, but her lips were sealed.
---
In the Blue Moon Palace – That Night
The moonlight filtered through the windows. Dylan lay unconscious, his chest rising weakly.
A shadow moved.
Irin stepped quietly to his side, her figure glowing faintly in the darkness. Her fingers trembled as she caressed his cheek.
"I didn't want this to happen to you," she whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks.
She bent down, placing a soft kiss on Dylan's forehead. Then, placing her palm over his chest, she summoned her divine light.
Golden energy seeped into Dylan's wounds, soothing the chaos within. His breathing steadied.
But the strain overwhelmed her.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "This is what's best for everyone… but not for us."
With one last lingering look, she vanished in a shimmer of light.
But behind the slightly open door, Ruther had seen everything.
"She still loves the King," he murmured.
---
In Heaven Realm – Wedding Day
Celestial music echoed throughout the realm. Flowers rained from above, and golden lanterns floated in the skies. The grand wedding had arrived.
Xander and Fiona sat upon their majestic thrones, watching with anticipation.
In Irin's chamber, maids fixed her veil and adjusted her long red gown. Lia, though visibly sad, smiled as she pinned a sparkling hairpiece in Irin's hair.
"You look beautiful," Lia whispered. But her trembling hands betrayed her heartache.
Ren, adorned in white and gold, stood in his chamber, silent.
The ceremony began.
Irin and Ren walked hand in hand along the star-strewn aisle, approaching the Ancestors and royal thrones. They bowed to each figure with grace, and then to each other.
As the auspicious moment arrived, Lia stepped forward, presenting the ceremonial wine.
Irin's thoughts drifted—to another man, another place.
She nearly dropped the wine.
Ren caught it, steadying her. He smiled gently.
"I'm with you," he said.
She raised her cup—yet as her fingers touched it, something glimmered.
Ren's ring.
Her eyes widened. That was not Ren's ring.
She looked at him—closer.
A small glowing butterfly fluttered down from his hair.
Magic flickered.
Gasps filled the air as Ren's illusion shattered—and in his place stood Dylan.
"Irin," he whispered.
Irin's eyes flooded with tears, lips parting in disbelief. "Dylan…?"
The crowd broke into chaos.
The three Ancestors rose in shock. Fiona's breath caught. Xander stood instantly, eyes darkening.
And from the grand entrance, the real Ren arrived, voice filled with fury.
"Dylan!"
---
To Be Continued…