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Sirius, distracted by the chaos outside, finally opened the door.People were fleeing from the monsters, and the scene was utter pandemonium. "I won't let myself be caught by a monster, especially one that resembles a wolf," Sirius declared as he stepped out, positioning himself in front of the beast and conjuring a barrier to block its path. Abril grabbed Dovant's arm, urging him to move. "We need to get to safety," she insisted, her voice steady despite the fear swirling around them. Sirius returned to Abril, urgency in his eyes. "There are too many monsters. We can't draw their attention.noveldramaWhat do you propose we do?" Abril thrust her sword into the ground, the weapon trembling slightly in her grip. Though her handling was clumsy, she knew it was a blessed weapon. "We don't need to kill them," she said, determination in her voice. "We just need to fight back." "Search for weapons-anything that can help us defend ourselves," she commanded, her eyes scanning the area. Sirius looked around, but there were no weapons in sight. Then he remembered the decorative weapons adorning the walls of the inn-swords, bows, and quivers filled with arrows.He dashed back inside to retrieve them, annoyance bubbling beneath the surface. "What do you think you're doing?" someone shouted at him. "I'm trying to save us!" Sirius replied, brandishing his sword. "Let me help you," Abril insisted, her resolve unyielding. Sirius knew Taren's condition was precarious, but in this desperate situation, they needed all the help they could get. He handed Abril a bow and a quiver filled with arrows. "Come on, find a high place to defend ourselves." "Understood," she replied, determination etched on her face. Taren struggled to keep up, barely able to stand.She knew that if she fell behind, she would be a burden in her weakened state. As they prepared for the fight, Abril blessed the weapons they held, her voice steady as she whispered incantations. They fought hard throughout the night, even as the monsters continued to swarm. Despite their losses, the creatures would not relent until the sun rose, driving them back into the shadows. Abril surveyed their surroundings, noting the destruction wrought by the monsters.Many of the precarious houses lay in ruins, as if the beasts had torn them apart to hunt the people inside, treating them as mere prey. Once the monsters finally retreated, Abril searched for Sirius and Taren. When she found them, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. They had survived, but the laughter of onlookers echoed around them, their gazes filled with curiosity and expectation. "It would be best for us to leave before it starts again," Abril said, attempting to conceal her face with her hair, knowing its color could change easily, but her features were unmistakable.Sirius supported Taren as they moved, her strength waning. They turned a corner, hoping to evade the curious stares that followed them. As they exited the neighborhoods, they approached the guards stationed at the palace gates. "Move aside, don't block the path," Sirius ordered. "We request an audience with the king," he added. The guards exchanged glances, their laughter derisive. "The king has more important matters than attending to beggars. Be gone." Abril felt irritation flare at their disdainful attitude. "Tell him I'm here to fulfill my promise.If you wish to enter, relay my words." "Who would heed the words of a beggar?" one guard scoffed. "If you truly value your lives, I advise you to let us pass and inform him of my arrival," Abril shot back, her voice firm. The guards hesitated, their expressions shifting as they took in her words. They decided to announce her presence, though skepticism lingered in their eyes. "We'll announce you, but I doubt it will matter," one guard muttered as he turned away. The other guard, noticing his partner's change in demeanor, apologized to them. One of the guards led them into the palace.As they walked through the corridors, they encountered a few servants who regarded them with contempt. Yet, they held their heads high, despite their ragged appearances. The guard guided them to a room filled with color, but Abril, despite having lived in the palace, did not recognize any of the places they passed. Though she had once been a princess, she had never felt like part of the royal family. "Wait here. They'll be ready for you," the guard instructed before leaving. They sat in silence, the weight of their situation heavy in the air."Do you think we're ready for what's to come?" Abril asked, breaking the stillness. "I hope so," Taren replied, her voice barely above a whisper. A few minutes later, the door opened, and Enzo entered, looking weary and worn. When he saw Abril, he hesitated, not recognizing her at first. But as he studied her face, realization dawned. "Finally, you've come," he said, relief flooding his voice. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner," Abril replied."I received your letter, but I was overwhelmed by the guilt of the monsters' attacks and felt compelled to help." Enzo sank into the lone sofa in the room, completely ignoring Taren and Sirius. "The towns are silent, constantly under attack. We can't endure much longer; it will be the end for the kingdom of Laios." "Things were so dire, why didn't you ask for my help sooner?" Abril pressed. "I did. I've sent you messages, but someone has intercepted them-monsters disguised as nobles, hiding among us and wreaking havoc," Enzo explained, frustration evident in his tone.Abril recalled a time when her mother had shown her a scene of betrayal, where nobles had been assassinated, their humanity stripped away. Enzo continued, "The first few months after I took the throne were peaceful, but then the monsters began attacking small towns and cities. I left the cities to fight without rest."