Whispers Of The Blue Moon

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The sky shimmered with a soft white hue as the Heaven Realm gathered to witness a historic moment—the coronation of Ren, the youngest warrior of Heaven, now chosen to be their King. An enormous open chamber floated above the golden palace grounds, surrounded by celestial gardens and pearl-like pillars reaching into the clouds. The air was filled with sacred chants and divine flutes.

Ren stood tall upon the elevated stage, cloaked in flowing white robes embroidered with silver phoenix threads. A diamond-studded crown rested near the altar. Below, Lia's eyes sparkled with joy as she stood among the crowd, but Irin—beside her—remained silent, her eyes dim with unspoken sorrow. Fiona's parents stood nearby, unaware of the storm looming in the heavens.

Suddenly, three of Heaven's oldest Ancestors stepped forward. One raised his arms, and an ancient chant echoed across the skies. From the heavens above, a beam of brilliant white light shot down, illuminating Ren. The beam split, revealing a magnificent Ruler's Staff—symbol of divine authority. It floated gently downward, landing in the hands of one of the Ancestors.

But before he could pass it to Ren, a violent thunder cracked through the skies. The light vanished. White clouds turned black, and panic swept across the crowd.

A shadowy figure emerged at the chamber's entrance—his presence heavy like a storm.

Xander.

Ren's elder brother. The one believed lost forever in the Great Lava Underworld. His armor was scorched, his eyes glowing red with fury, his expression twisted in betrayal.

"Didn't expect me, did you?" Xander's voice thundered.

Ren's heart pounded. "Brother…"

"Are you so eager to wear the crown that you forgot it was mine?" Xander sneered. "My throne, my destiny... My betrayal."

Ren stepped down, but an Ancestor grabbed his arm. "It is not your choice, Ren. It is Heaven's Will."

Xander laughed—dark, mocking, broken. "Heaven's Will? Or your convenient excuse?"

With a roar, Xander unleashed a surge of magic. A red beam shot from his palm, striking the Ruler's Staff. It flew from the Ancestor's grip and clattered to the floor.

"I am the King," Xander declared. "No one else. And tomorrow—I take a Queen."

Gasps filled the chamber.

Then from behind him… emerged Fiona.

Lia's mouth parted in disbelief. Fiona's parents were frozen, unable to comprehend.

Ren whispered, "Fiona…?"

Xander took her hand. "She is my wife. My Queen. The one who freed me from the seal none of you dared to break."

"Impossible," an Ancestor snapped. "The King of Heaven must wed a Goddess!"

Xander's glare hardened. "She is a Goddess to me. We wed in secret. She risked her life to bring me back… while you left me to rot."

Silence.

Then he lifted Fiona's hand and walked toward the King's Throne. He sat with regal defiance, pulling her gently beside him. "Tomorrow, we marry before Heaven's eyes. Let them see who truly reigns."

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That Night – Heaven Garden

Ren sat alone beneath a silver-barked tree, the cool breeze rustling his robe. His eyes were heavy with disbelief and heartbreak. Fiona—his Fiona—was now his brother's bride. The girl he had loved quietly for years had vanished from his grasp in an instant.

Sebastien appeared beside him. "Ren… I know this hurts. But it's over. She's the King's wife now."

Ren shook his head. "No. I need to hear it from her lips."

Just then, Fiona arrived.

"I knew you'd come," Ren said softly.

Fiona looked at him with a mix of regret and determination. "Do you love me?"

Ren looked away, but nodded.

"I don't love you," she said quietly. "I never did. My heart belongs to your brother. It always has."

"Is this some lie to protect him?" Ren asked, eyes wide with pain.

"It's not," she said. "Please… don't mistake kindness for love. Don't let false feelings grow."

"False?" Ren whispered. "I loved you since the day I met you…"

"It was one-sided," Fiona said with finality, before turning away.

Ren's heart cracked. Tears threatened his vision as he slumped beneath the tree, broken by truth.

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Next Day – Bride's Chamber

Sunlight spilled into Fiona's room. A luxurious white and golden wedding dress lay across her bed. Lia carefully applied soft makeup on Fiona's face, her expression playful.

"I still can't believe it," Lia said with a laugh. "You kept this marriage secret from us? You're a queen now!"

Fiona smiled weakly. Irin stood silently at the back, helping fix the lace on Fiona's bracelet.

"Are you still angry with me?" Fiona asked gently.

Irin replied with icy poise, "How could I be angry with my Queen?"

"You're still my friend, Irin… not a subject."

Lia raised a brow, sensing tension. "Well then, Irin—help her into the wedding gown, won't you? I need to go finish the outside decorations."

As the door closed, Irin assisted Fiona silently. Once the dress was on, Fiona clutched her hand.

"Irin…" she whispered. "I didn't want to hurt anyone."

But Irin's gaze turned cold. "I can't forgive what you did to Dylan."

She pulled her hand away and walked out, leaving Fiona staring into the mirror with guilt in her heart.

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Groom's Chamber – Xander

Xander stood before the mirror, wearing a majestic robe laced with storm patterns and gold trimming. His crown rested nearby. Servants adjusted his cloak but were quickly dismissed when his assistant entered.

Xander's voice was calm, yet edged with venom. "Report."

The assistant bowed. "It's true, Majesty. Dylan… he loves the Heaven fairy. Irin."

Xander's eyes narrowed with satisfaction. "Then begin the next phase of our plan."

The assistant nodded.

Xander turned toward the window, watching Heaven's white clouds. "You will regret crossing me, Dylan," he whispered with a cruel smile. "Just wait."

To be continued in Chapter 18