The tension between Celestia and Freya was thick enough to cut through with a blade. Arin stood in the center, feeling the weight of two divine gazes pressing down on him.
"Enough," he finally said, raising his hand. "This isn't a battleground. Not for you two… and not for us."
Celestia's golden aura dimmed slightly, her expression softening. "Then say it, Arin. Say who you truly stand with."
Freya stepped closer, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "You've shared warmth with her, but don't forget—" she placed a hand gently on his chest "—you once sought refuge in my cold embrace. You weren't alone in that stormy night."
Arin's breath hitched. A memory resurfaced—of a distant battlefield cloaked in snow, where he had nearly died, and where Freya's icy touch had nursed him back to life.
"I haven't forgotten," he whispered.
Evelyn cleared her throat from behind. "Okay… so how many wives is that now?"
"Don't ask," Lilith muttered.
Seraphina, ever the calm one, gave a half-smile. "If he keeps this up, we'll need a castle with an east and west wing just for the wives."
Freya turned to them. "Don't worry. I'll only take up one glacier-sized room."
Celestia sighed, but a faint smirk tugged at her lips. "Fine. But don't think I'm stepping aside."
Suddenly, Arin grabbed both their hands. "You both matter to me. For who you are. Not your power, not your godhood. Just… you."
The hall shimmered with energy as both women's powers wrapped around him—not in conflict, but in harmony.
Outside, the skies parted, and a rare celestial event took place: twin moons aligning, a symbol of balance between fire and frost.
Later that night, in the quiet warmth of the castle chambers, Freya and Arin sat near a frost-lit balcony. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"You never truly belonged to the light," she said softly, tracing a finger on his arm. "You always had a piece of winter in your soul."
Arin smiled. "Then maybe you're the warmth that winter gave me."
She kissed him—slow, lingering, and full of unspoken promises.
Meanwhile, Celestia watched from the doorway, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes, but also something else… acceptance.
The journey wasn't over. But tonight, in this fleeting moment, love had made peace with fate.
[TO BE CONTINUED...]