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Great War Land – Midnight After Day One of Battle
The battlefield lay eerily silent under the cold moonlight, littered with broken weapons and the blood of both angels and demons. Dylan sat alone on the sandy ground, leaning back against a dry tree, his long hair loose and messy, his sword buried halfway into the soil beside him. His powerful army, once fearless and massive, now shrank in numbers with every hour.
A few steps behind him, two demon guards whispered among themselves, unaware that their king could hear every word.
> "This war… it all started because of that Irin…"
"Yes… ever since she came to our kingdom, Heaven has been attacking us nonstop. They're punishing us because of that Goddess…"
Dylan's eyes turned blood-red with rage. He slowly stood up, his aura turning dark and suffocating. The guards immediately froze as Dylan turned to face them.
> "Are you really my soldiers…" Dylan's voice was low and terrifying, "or Heaven's filthy spies?"
The guards trembled. "F-forgive us, Your Majesty! We didn't mean—"
Dylan's glare silenced them. With burning anger, he turned and walked away, not wanting to hear a single word against Irin—his queen, his light.
Ruther quickly followed him.
> "Keep this matter away from Irin," Dylan said coldly. "If she hears this foolish rumor, she'll be shattered. And silence anyone who spreads it."
Ruther nodded seriously. "As you command, Your Majesty."
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BlueMoon Palace – Dylan's Chamber
Inside the grand royal chamber, Irin slowly opened her eyes. The ceiling above was familiar – Dylan's chamber. She tried to sit up but paused when she heard quiet voices.
Two royal maids were standing near the door, whispering with excitement.
> "Our king deeply loves Queen Irin…"
"Of course, all husbands love their wives—"
"No, you don't understand. The king has ordered everyone not to let the rumors reach the queen."
"Rumors?"
"Yes… the people say this war happened because of her. That Heaven became angry because Goddess Irin married our demon king…"
The maids sighed and walked away.
Irin's heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Her fingers clutched the bedsheets as tears flowed silently down her cheeks.
> Is all of this… because of me…? Is Dylan suffering… because of me?
She pressed her hand over her mouth to stop her sobs. She felt like she was drowning.
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Heaven Realm – Hall of Victory
Meanwhile, the Heaven Realm celebrated. The golden halls shone brighter with laughter and music. The Three Ancestors raised their goblets in joy. Xander walked proudly among them, praising the warriors.
> "This victory belongs to us!" Xander roared. "Tomorrow we will crush them completely!"
He turned to Ren with a firm smile. "Tomorrow, little brother, you will lead our army."
Ren, still holding his wine cup but slightly uneasy, asked, "What about you, Brother?"
Xander leaned in and whispered with a mysterious coldness, "I have something… personal to finish tomorrow."
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Ren's Chamber
Late at night, two guards helped a half-drunk Ren into his chamber. Lia was already waiting. She hurried forward, dismissing the guards and gently bringing Ren to his bed.
"Careful… you drank too much," she whispered, kneeling down to remove his shoes and crown.
Ren's eyes were heavy, but they suddenly focused on her. Before Lia could react, Ren grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his chest.
Lia gasped, her face inches from his.
In a sudden, heated moment, Ren pressed his lips against hers.
Lia's eyes widened, heat flooding her face. She froze in shock as his soft kiss lingered only a second. Then Ren's hand fell as he instantly drifted to sleep, mumbling her name under his breath.
Lia sat there stunned, cheeks burning bright red.
She touched her lips and whispered softly, "Ren…"
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