Whispers Of The Blue Moon

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Heaven Realm – Under the Full Moon

The moon bloomed to its roundest form, casting a silver glow upon the towering halls of the Heaven Realm. The wind was still, as if the stars themselves were holding their breath for the ceremony to come.

Golden banners danced gently from the white pillars as angels, sages, and divine beings prepared for the most sacred moment—the Ren King Ceremony. The name of a warrior honored for his unshakable courage… Ren, the chosen of Heaven.

Inside the ceremonial chamber, Lia adjusted the last string of glowing ivy across the marble arch. Beside her, Irin stood silently, hands clasped before her, her eyes vacant despite the beauty around.

"You should smile," Lia said gently. "It's a celebration."

Irin gave a small nod but said nothing. Her heart wasn't ready to celebrate. Not yet.

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in Heaven Realm – In Mariano's Chamber

Soft rays of moonlight spilled into Mariano's room, where she sat cross-legged in meditation. Her fingers danced through ancient scrolls, though her eyes were distant—somewhere between the past and a yet-unseen future.

The door creaked open.

Ren, dressed in ceremonial white robes trimmed with blue flame patterns, stepped inside. His hair was neatly tied back, his crown resting under one arm.

"Mariano," he spoke softly. "The hour is near. Will you come?"

She looked up, lips gently curved in a bittersweet smile. "I cannot attend, Ren."

He frowned. "Why not?"

"I'm not ready to stand beside the stars and pretend I no longer see the darkness," she said. "But… I will give you my blessings."

Ren stepped closer, knelt before her, and bowed his head.

Mariano placed her hand over his crown and whispered, "Rule with strength, but lead with heart."

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Gate of the Great Lava Underworld – Forbidden Lands

The ground was cracked and scorched where Fiona stood, her cloak whipping in the infernal winds. Before her towered the Gate of the Great Lava Underworld, sealed by divine blood long ago.

She held out a glass globe, glowing faintly with crimson fluid—Liora's blood. Her hands trembled as she whispered the forgotten incantation.

The blood within surged and shimmered.

Fiona's voice dropped to a whisper. "By the curse that never faded, and the bond that never broke… awaken."

She dropped the globe.

CRACK—BOOM!

A violent tremor shook the earth. Smoke and red-hot wind erupted outward as the seal shattered with a deafening roar. Fiona shielded her face, her heart racing.

Then… silence.

She lowered her hand.

Nothing.

Her hopeful smile began to fade.

But then—footsteps.

Through the clearing smoke, a tall man emerged—his armor cracked, his face caked with ash, beard thick, and eyes haunted.

Fiona's heart skipped.

"…Xander…"

He looked at her, breath caught in his chest. "Fiona…"

Without hesitation, she ran to him, throwing her arms around his worn frame.

"Finally…" she sobbed. "I saw you…"

He hugged her tightly. "Fiona… my girl… I never thought I'd feel you again."

Tears poured from his eyes. His arms trembled.

"I thought I'd never see you again," Fiona whispered.

He leaned down and kissed her—deep, raw, real.

"I knew you would be the one to break the seal," Xander said, eyes locked with hers. "You always believed in what others feared."

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you more," he replied.

They held each other as the last embers of the Underworld fire cooled around them.

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In Fiona's Home

Back in the quiet hills of the Heaven Realm, Fiona's family sat by the glowing lantern in the hall. Her mother wrung her hands, worry etched deep into her face.

"She disobeyed the laws… again. And now lightning punishment strikes her?" her mother said. "Why won't she ever listen?"

She glanced at a worn family portrait. "She was brave, even as a child. But now… I fear her courage will ruin her."

Her father sipped from his tea, silent for a moment. Then he said softly, "She's our only daughter. We must protect her—no matter the cost."

Her mother's voice cracked. "If she were truly ours, maybe… she would obey us. Am I wrong?"

The father stood, moved to her, and covered her mouth gently.

"Lower your voice," he warned. "And remember… Fiona is our child. That is the truth—nothing else matters."

They sat in silence, the wind whispering through the windows, unaware that somewhere, far from home… Fiona had just brought back a lost legend from death itself.

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To be continued...