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Mariano's Chamber
The quiet fragrance of white lilies filled the air. Mariano sat gracefully beside her bed, dressed in a flowing white gown that shimmered under the soft golden light. Her hair, just as white, fell in smooth waves over her shoulders, making her look almost ethereal.
The door opened with a faint creak. Ren stepped inside, his usual calm presence filling the room.
Mariano's lips curved into a warm smile.
"Welcome, Ren."
But before Ren could respond, another figure appeared behind him—Lia. Mariano's gaze shifted to her, her smile deepening.
"Ah… is this your wife?"
Ren nodded once, and Mariano's expression softened even further. She lifted her hand slightly as though in blessing.
"May your bond be strong and your days long. You have my blessings."
Lia hesitated under that kind gaze, then found herself staring. Mariano noticed instantly.
"Are you alright?" she asked gently.
Lia forced a small smile. "Yes… I'm alright. I just… I've never seen you before here."
Ren was about to explain, but Mariano reached forward and placed her hand softly against Lia's cheek.
"I have always been here," she said, her voice like velvet. "But outsiders are not allowed in this place. That's why you never saw me before. Now, you are my Ren's wife… of course you can come here every day."
Ren nodded. "Yes, Lia… she's like my mother. She's always supported me."
Lia's lips trembled slightly. "Then… can I…" She hesitated, her voice growing thick with emotion. "Can I call you… mother? My parents… they passed away when I was a child…"
Ren and Mariano froze for a heartbeat, their eyes meeting.
Mariano's face softened into a tender smile. "Of course… you are like my daughter. Call me mother."
Lia's eyes brimmed with tears. She whispered, "Mother…" and the word carried years of longing.
Trying to steady her voice, she asked, "Why didn't you come to our wedding?"
For a moment, Mariano's smile faded, shadows passing through her expression.
Before she could answer, Ren spoke calmly. "If Mother Mariano comes or not… it doesn't matter. I know she always loves me."
Lia looked between them, confused. Mariano's smile returned, though a little more restrained.
"Yes… you are in my heart. I always…" Her voice trailed off softly, and Lia, touched, gave her a grateful smile.
---
Heaven Realm – Ruler's Chamber
The grand chamber shimmered with divine light, but tension hung thick in the air. Xander sat upon the elevated throne, dressed in deep crimson robes that marked his authority. Before him stood three ancient ancestors, their aged faces carved with wisdom and pride.
A guard stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Majesty… our Heaven spy has gone missing."
Xander's gaze sharpened. "Missing…?"
Before he could say more, the doors opened, and Ren entered. He bowed low to all present.
"Majesty, if you permit, I will handle it."
Xander's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I already know who's behind this."
One of the ancestors leaned forward. "Who?"
Xander's voice dripped with venom. "The BlueMoon King… Dylan."
Another ancestor scoffed. "Always him… always behind everything."
"How do we settle this?" the third ancestor asked gravely.
"We stop him," said the second.
Xander's lips curled into a cold smile. "We can stop him… by war."
Ren stiffened. "War? But—"
One ancestor interrupted, "Ren, you are the goddess of war. Why do you fear it?"
Ren's voice was firm. "Because war will destroy both Heaven and Demon realms."
Xander's tone hardened. "We have no choice. This is the only solution."
Another ancestor nodded. "If the goddess is on our side, we have the possibility to win."
But Xander's voice rose like a blade. "I don't need a goddess to win this war! Did you forget? We won a war a hundred years ago—without a goddess." His smirk was chilling.
The oldest ancestor nodded. "Yes… this war is necessary. Only war can stop Dylan."
Ren stepped forward. "But brother… war will cost the lives of our people too. Please, consider—"
Xander's smile became dangerous. "Are you with me… or with that demon?"
Ren's voice rose. "Brother—"
Xander's roar thundered through the hall. "Did you forget… he sealed me in the Great Lava Underworld?"
Ren's jaw clenched, but at last, he bowed. "I will follow your order, Majesty."
The first ancestor nodded. "Then we must notify Dylan of the war."
Xander's voice turned icy. "He is a demon. He does not follow rules. We will not inform him… An unexpected attack is the best way."
The three ancestors and Ren stared at him in shock as his smirk deepened.
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BlueMoon Kingdom – Royal Garden
The sun was warm, casting gold over the blooming flowers. Irin knelt in the garden, watering the delicate petals with care.
She felt strong arms wrap around her from behind.
"You're here?" she asked, glancing back with a smile. "Isn't this the time for reading the people's complaints?"
Dylan chuckled. "It's done."
He reached for the watering jug, helping her. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he flicked a splash of water onto her face.
Irin narrowed her eyes. "Oh, really?" She scooped water with her hand and splashed him back.
Soon, they were laughing like children, droplets glistening in the air. Dylan caught her in his arms again.
"I want this moment forever," Irin murmured.
Dylan smirked. "Why? Are you planning a long trip away from me?"
Her eyes widened. "No!"
"Then why say that?" he teased. "Of course, you're always with me."
Their moment was interrupted when Ruther entered the garden, bowing slightly.
"Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report."
Dylan glanced at Irin. "Have you eaten?"
She shook her head.
He placed his hand on her cheek gently. "Don't wait for me. Eat. I'll meet you later."
She smiled faintly.
Dylan stepped toward Ruther, who leaned close and whispered something in his ear.
Dylan's eyes burned crimson in an instant, his jaw tightening.
Irin froze, sensing the change. She wanted to ask, but before she could, Dylan and Ruther were already gone.
She stood alone in the garden, heart pounding. Something was wrong… terribly wrong.
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