Lost Love in the Moon Palace

The black crystal

The warning sirens blared loudly, breaking the tense silence. Now, everyone knew what to do. Endymion's generals would evacuate the population to safety, and Serenity's bodyguards would ensure her protection, as Venus had already set in motion.

Seiya helped Serenity to her feet, and in that moment, they exchanged an intense look. They both felt a strange connection at this moment.

"Take your hands off my wife," Endymion thundered, his voice vibrating with anger, and his gaze, filled with tension, was firmly fixed on Seiya.

Seiya, surprised by Endymion's sudden appearance, took a step aside. "I was just helping her," he defended himself.

"No way. Since you and your wife arrived here, there's been nothing but trouble. First, the Silver Crystal fades, and now this," Endymion continued, pointing to a large column of smoke in the distance. Frustration and worry echoed in his words.

Serenity stepped between the two, how could Endymion speak to a guest like that? Especially another king. "Endymion, that's enough!" Her voice was resolute, and she dared to shout at her husband in front of everyone. "You've been here just as long as they have. Ever thought it might have something to do with you too?" Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes, and she struggled to hide the pent-up hurt and disappointment in her words. "What do you mean?" Endymion finally asked, his voice now uncertain and confused.

Serenity felt all the pain, all the suppressed emotions, welling up within her. Her words had torn a deeper wound than she had expected. "You're still asking that?" Her voice trembled with emotion, and she fought back tears. "I saw you, Endymion. You and that woman at the ball... And now, of all times, you're playing the jealous husband?" Her words cut through the air like a sharp knife, and her tears blurred her vision.

Mercury and Venus, who looked horrified from their queen to their king, witnessed an unexpected outbreak in the royal relationship. Endymion's face reflected horror as he realized the significance of Serenity's words. She knew. "Serenity... I... I can explain," stammered Endymion, his voice filled with remorse, but Serenity wasn't ready to listen to his explanations at this moment.

Serenity swallowed hard, wiped away the tears with the back of her hand, and pressed her lips firmly together. "Not now, not here. I have to take care of the Moon's safety first," she declared with a determination in her voice that brooked no argument. She conjured the Moon Scepter in front of her and gripped it tightly. Her gaze turned to the Silver Crystal, which still glowed but with its radiance significantly weaker than usual. Concern for her kingdom and her duties as a ruler now took precedence. She had no time for these agonizing conversations, especially not in front of others.

Serenity turned her gaze to Venus, who looked at her with empathy. Serenity signaled that she wanted to proceed. "Shouldn't Mercury examine you first? Serenity, your health is already compromised," Venus asked with concern.

But Serenity shook her head firmly. "No, I want to see what's going on here. The safety of the Moon is our top priority."

The Queen and her warriors didn't get far before Mars and Jupiter approached them, delivering worrisome news. "A black crystal has fallen into the lake. A dark aura emanates from it," reported Mars, while Jupiter added further information. "And the water is beginning to change color."

Serenity nodded and said decisively, "Take me there. I will see if there's anything I can do."

Seiya and Endymion had followed them at a distance. An uneasy silence still hung between the two men, and they watched each other suspiciously, without exchanging a word. The impending threat required their full attention, and personal conflicts had to be set aside for now.