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!Taren lay unconscious all afternoon, and when he finally woke, it was night. Abril stood nearby, concern etched on her face. "How are you feeling?" she asked softly. "Where are we?" Taren mumbled, trying to gather his senses. "In the royal capital," Abril replied, her voice steady. "We're in one of the lower neighborhoods." "I thought we were going to the royal palace," Taren said, frowning. "With you unconscious, that wasn't an option," Abril pointed out, her tone firm yet understanding. "You're right; it wasn't a good idea," Taren admitted."Was that the monster that attacked us in the woods?" "No, that was the first time I've seen a monster like that," Abril said, her expression serious. "The only time I faced one was when it was after me." Sirius, who had been listening quietly, interjected, "I believe there are stronger monsters out there. Just when we thought we had finished with them, it seems the battle is far from over." "I thought that once we sealed the rift to Hades, everything would end," Taren said, struggling to sit up in bed. Abril moved closer to help him.noveldrama"Although our victory seems like an illusion," she said, "our peace is a lie we cling to desperately." "Peace is never easy to obtain," Taren replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "What are we going to do now?" "For now, we need to seal the rift to Hades," Abril said decisively. "Then we can think about our next steps." Just then, a bird flew into the room, a messenger from the king. It wore a red collar shaped like a tear and clutched a small note in its beak. Sirius took the collar and the note, reading it aloud. "For Abril, when you think of me.Alessandro." He handed the note to Abril, who took it with a mix of hope and longing. "Is there anything else?" she asked. "Just that note and the collar," Sirius replied, offering the bird a small piece of meat. Abril approached the bird, her curiosity piqued. "How can you find us?" "This bird uses a magical stone embedded in its collar," Sirius explained. "It's so small that if it hadn't been marked, we wouldn't have realized it was there. It can send messages to anyone, no matter where they are." "I wish I could send a letter to Alessandro," Abril said wistfully."Could I send it with this bird?" "It can transport small objects, but your letter would require more magic," Sirius replied. "I can send a brief note, but I must also send my report." "Please, don't tell Alessandro about the new kind of monster we faced today. I don't want to worry him," Abril said, her voice trembling slightly. "Don't worry, I won't," Sirius assured her. "Thank you. I just don't want to add to his burdens," Abril said, her heart heavy. As she began to write a letter to Alessandro, she glanced at the necklace he had sent her."When you don't touch me," she whispered to herself, recalling the times she had held it tightly, yearning for his presence and the laughter of their daughter. "Aby," she murmured, repeating her daughter's name until she felt a connection, a reminder that it was not an illusion. She could hear Alessandro's voice, a comforting sound that broke through her despair. "Lesan, is that really you?" she asked, hope igniting within her. "The necklace acts like a communicator," Alessandro's voice echoed in her mind."I didn't imagine you would be able to hear me this way, but now the distance between us feels smaller." Tears filled Abril's eyes as she thought of the terrible days they had endured, filled with pain, guilt, and suffering. She had left her family to fulfill her duty, yet she had remained strong for them. "Alessandro," she whispered, feeling the weight of her emotions. "Abri! What's wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Alessandro's voice was filled with concern. Abril wiped her tears, trying to steady herself. "I'm fine.I miss you so much." "How is our little one?" he asked, his voice soothing. "She's doing well. Cassian and Maya are helping to take care of her. Lissana is always with Maya; she loves being with her." "Has there been any trouble?" Alessandro inquired. "No, everything is fine here," Abril replied, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're all safe," he said, his voice warm. "Just be careful. Remember, we're waiting for you," Abril urged, her heart aching with longing. "I will," he promised. "If you encounter any problems, use the necklace." "I would never misuse it," she assured him."Neither would I," he replied. Suddenly, a loud noise erupted outside, followed by chaos in the streets. "Go, we'll talk later," Abril said urgently, tucking the necklace into her pocket. Sirius moved toward the entrance to see what was happening, and Abril followed, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. She steadied herself, determined to face whatever lay ahead.