Whispers Of The Blue Moon

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The morning sun streamed through the ethereal blue windows of the BlueMoon Palace chamber, scattering faint reflections across the white marble floor like a celestial mosaic. On the elevated throne sat Dylan, draped in his silver-threaded royal robe, his crimson eyes fixed in a thoughtful trance.

A knock echoed in the chamber. Ruther, Dylan's most trusted knight, stepped forward with a girl trailing silently behind him. Her tattered cloak barely hid her fragile frame and trembling hands.

"Your Majesty," Ruther bowed, "This girl… was rescued by our southern patrols. She was found in the Ashen Vale, running from… Purple Spider Demons."

Dylan's eyes flickered with tension. "Purple Spider Demons?" he muttered, his voice sharp. "They haven't crossed into our realm in years…"

He turned his gaze to the girl. "What is your name?"

The girl bowed her head. "Lia, Your Majesty."

"How did you end up in BlueMoon Kingdom?" Dylan asked, his tone calm but cutting.

Lia hesitated. Panic washed over her face. "I... I don't know. I just… appeared near the woods. I was running. Everything is a blur."

Dylan narrowed his eyes. She's lying. No one from the mortal world could just stumble into BlueMoon Kingdom—not without divine intervention or forbidden magic. Only immortals or those marked by the realms could pass the border, and his armies guarded it too fiercely.

Still, he spoke with a cold smile. "You may stay. Ruther, see that she has food, clothing, and shelter."

Ruther nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Just as Lia turned to leave, she hesitated. "Majesty, I… I wish to serve in the palace. I'll do anything. Just… allow me to stay close."

Dylan raised a brow at her boldness. He smirked. "Very well."

Ruther chimed in, "Xizi mentioned the kitchen needs help. We can assign her there as a cook's aide."

Dylan gave a single nod.

As Lia was led out, Dylan's expression darkened. He called out to a nearby guard, voice like frost:

"Follow her. Dig into her past. Find out who she really is."

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In the Palace Kitchen…

Lia stood over a steaming pot, her hands deftly preparing a dish. Her heart pounded—not from the heat but from the task ahead. She had managed to prepare a meal for Irin, and she was about to deliver it personally.

As she picked up the tray, Xizi stopped her near the door.

"Where are you going?" Xizi's tone was suspicious.

"I was asked to bring this to Miss Irin…" Lia replied, eyes honest but firm.

Xizi paused, searching her face. Then she said, "Fine. Give it to her. I have errands to run."

Lia smiled with gratitude and hurried toward the private wing.

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Irin's Room… Reunion of Souls

Inside the moonlit chamber, Irin sat by her window, her expression a storm of sadness and confusion. Her fingers traced the glass as if searching for freedom beyond the walls.

The door creaked open.

Irin turned, only to freeze.

"Lia?" she whispered in disbelief.

Lia dropped the tray and ran to her, wrapping her arms tightly around Irin. "I missed you so much…"

Tears slipped down Irin's cheeks. "I thought I'd never see you again!"

They embraced, overwhelmed, the world fading into nothing but warmth and familiarity.

"How did you get here?" Irin finally asked, breathless. "Did Dylan find you?"

"No," Lia whispered. "It's a long story… but Fiona helped. She planned everything. I'm here for you, Irin. I'll get you out."

Irin's smile trembled. "I tried. But… this place… it's not like the mortal world. No one gets out once they're inside."

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Fiona's House… Echoes of the Past

In a quiet corner of a distant land, Fiona opened her old treasure chest.

Inside were trinkets from her childhood—worn ribbons, faded photos, a cracked music box.

She reached in and pulled out a bracelet—a gift from Irin long ago. Her lips curled into a nostalgic smile.

But beneath it, something shimmered—a platinum diamond ring.

Fiona gasped.

Her eyes reddened. A tear fell onto the velvet lining as old memories surfaced—painful and sweet.

Suddenly, the door creaked. She turned, startled.

A tall figure stood in the doorway.

"Who's there?" she asked, heart racing.

The man stepped forward. Ren.

"It's me."

Fiona's breath caught. Ren strode forward and snatched the ring from her hand.

"Where did you get this?"

Fiona snapped, "None of your business!" and grabbed it back.

Ren stared at her, puzzled. "I've seen this ring before… but I can't remember where."

Fiona froze, panic flashing through her eyes. No… it can't be the same ring.

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Nightfall – Irin's Room

The moon had risen, casting silver light across the palace. In Irin's chamber, the two girls were laughing quietly, their bond rekindled like a flame.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Dylan entered, his steps heavy and presence darker than night.

Both girls turned, startled.

He said nothing at first—just stared.

Then, he walked forward, unsheathing his tall obsidian-bladed sword.

He raised it, placing the cold metal edge gently at Lia's throat.

"I know who you are," he said softly.

Lia's eyes widened in horror.

"Dylan—stop!" Irin stepped forward, panic rising.

But Dylan didn't move the blade.

His gaze was fixed on Lia. "You… you're not just some poor lost girl. Why are you really here? Who sent you?"

Lia trembled, caught in the storm of his eyes.

But she didn't speak.

Not yet.

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