Thank you for reading on ! We provide free access to all our stories, but maintaining this platform requires ongoing costs. To keep the site running and continue offering free content, we display advertisements. You can close the ads anytime, or upgrade to premium membership ($5/month) for an ad-free reading experience while supporting our mission. You can also earn premium for free by completing simple tasks. We truly appreciate your understanding and support!Stories that hide the truth linger in the air, and though Sirius felt as if he had not truly left, within moments he found himself blamed for all the monsters that had emerged. "None remain," Abril declared, her flames extinguishing as she spoke. "There's nothing more we can do here. As soon as we leave, we must prepare for tomorrow," she added, her voice steady despite the chaos around them. When Sirius and Abril returned to the village, Taren rushed to meet them, his face a mask of concern. "Where have you been?I've searched everywhere for you!" Abril replied, "We were at the edge of the village. How is everyone?" "Yahan has awakened everyone. They've started asking questions about each other. I believe it's better if we leave soon," Taren said, urgency lacing his words. "Yes, we thought the same thing. We did everything we could before we go," Abril responded, her mind racing with thoughts of the villagers. Abril fell silent, reflecting on the weight of their actions. In that uncomfortable silence, she prayed for the villagers, hoping their lives would someday return to normal.noveldramaShe wished for them to overcome their pain or learn to cope with it, and she prayed they would never have to endure such suffering again. Sirius broke the silence. "Go check on the horses." "Why do you have to do everything yourself? Do you want me to force you to do it?" Abril asked, frustration creeping into her tone. "Forget it. Just come back," he replied, dismissing her concerns. After Taren left to fetch the horses, Sirius turned to Abril. "None of this is your fault." "Then why do I feel so guilty?" Abril asked, her voice barely above a whisper."Because you care too much for those who suffer," Sirius said gently. "You carry a weight on your shoulders that doesn't belong to you." "I wish I could believe that, but I could have closed the Hades Rift sooner. I didn't," Abril confessed, her hands trembling as she clenched them tightly. "When you do it," Sirius said softly, "you must remember that you chose not to use your power for yourself. You were afraid that using so much magic would harm your baby, that you might lose it. Your hesitation is not cowardice; it's love." "No," Abril insisted, shaking her head."I put my family first, but I should have acted sooner." "Sirius, you can't shoulder everything. Even with great power, you're not obligated to use it for others. Yet here you are, wanting to help thousands. You weren't the one who opened the rift or summoned those monsters. You must let go of that responsibility," he urged. Taren returned with the horses, visibly agitated. "We should leave immediately.The villagers saw me take the horses and tried to stop me, saying they have questions and that we need to do something about the dead." Sirius mounted his horse, shaking his head at the villagers' desperation. They were left with questions and doubts, unanswered as they rode away. --- In the middle of the day, a servant approached Maya, announcing that she had visitors. She was finishing her meal when she realized she couldn't go to greet them, feeling regretful that she had called for Cassian, who had brought news of Barto's legacy.Maya welcomed her brother with a bright smile, even though a long time had passed since they last saw each other. Barto entered, cradling a baby in his arms, and Maya felt a rush of joy. "Do you have a wife?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise. "Of course! This baby is Princess Lissana, the daughter of the king," Barto replied proudly. He approached her, kissing her cheek. "Hello, sister. It's so good to see you! How have you been? How is life with your fiancé?" "You know how I am. Why ask?" Maya replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone."Because I want to hear it directly from you," he insisted. "I'm happy, Barto," she said, though she sensed his skepticism. "But Maya says you're well," Barto pressed, sensing her hesitation. Maya felt as if she were lying, wanting to avoid the topic. "You don't have to come back to visit us. Our priest is very worried about you." "I'm sorry. I'll tell the priest I'll visit soon," Barto said, his expression softening. "I'd be happy to see you!" Maya exclaimed. Barto sat next to her, his eyes searching hers. "Who do I come to?Even if seeing you makes me happy, I know it's not just for that reason." "Is that why you always know everything?" Maya teased. "It's not everything, but I'm here for you. I've been avoiding you, which is why you didn't want to call me. You need something, don't you?" he asked, a knowing look in his eyes. "Don't be mistaken. I'm not the one who needs something. You are the king now," she replied, trying to deflect. "Has the king commanded me to love?" he joked. "Yes, I want you to find me a mirror that reflects a person who can speak as if they were the wind," she said, her tone serious.Barto paused, contemplating her request. "Haven't you been home to something like that?" "Don't forget to talk about it. It seems you know more than you let on," she urged. "Why?" he asked, genuinely curious. "Because you are not something a human can easily understand," she replied, her voice firm. Just then, the door swung open, and Alessandro and Cassian entered, intrigued by what they had just overheard. Alessandro fixed his gaze on Barto. "What do you want to discuss?" Barto stood, offering a respectful bow. "Long live your majesty, King Alessandro." "Don't ignore my question.What were you about to answer just now?" Alessandro pressed, his tone demanding.