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!A good king had always tried to keep his people safe, but as Alessandro knew all too well, there were monsters in the world that threatened them. He was the only one who could put an end to their terror. "I'm sure you know how to prepare for what lies ahead," he said, his voice steady. "I'm here to fulfill my promise." "Can you tell me that some of the creatures have been slain?" Enzo asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "These monsters are nothing compared to what you have created." "We were there when the monsters attacked," Alessandro replied, frustration creeping into his tone."I couldn't just stand by and do nothing when I could help." "You must close the Hades Rift immediately," Enzo insisted, but Alessandro shook his head. "I believe that may not be possible," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility. "I would like to rest with you, but we couldn't do that since I arrived." "Ask for housing preparations and an exchange of clothes," Enzo suggested. "I believe they have what you need." "Thank you," Alessandro replied, grateful for Enzo's support. Enzo knelt on the floor, his expression serious. "Are you ready to meet someone who can help us soon?noveldramaI have a lot of work to do." Before leaving, he turned to Abril. "The monsters returned to attack at night. Can you help us with weapons?" "Perhaps after I take a bath and rest a little," she said, her voice softening. Enzo opened the door and marched out. Sirius followed him, shaking his head. "I thought being a Venobich would make you a complete fool," he remarked. "And it does," Enzo replied with a wry smile. "But I believe it's necessary for this kingdom and for the people who inhabit it. We must help, even when we don't want to." Alessandro was consumed by worry.Abril had cut off communication abruptly, and he hadn't slept all night. He had tried to reach her countless times, but to no avail. As dawn broke, his messenger bird returned, weary from its journey. He needed to send a message to Sirius; he had to know that Abril was safe, or he would go mad. His heart raced with fear and anxiety as he worked in his workshop, lost in thought until Cassian arrived. "Lessan, are you alright?" Cassian asked, concern etched on his face. "Cas," Alessandro replied, his voice strained. "I've been calling at the door for a long time.When you didn't respond, I had to come in. What's wrong?" "It's Abril," Alessandro said, his voice breaking. "Did something happen?" Cassian's eyes widened. Alessandro ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of dread. "No, I was talking to her yesterday using the collar Maya gave me, but then there was a loud noise and chaos. Communication was cut off, and since then, I've heard nothing from her." "Have you tried to reach her again?" Cassian pressed. "Yes, all night. She hasn't responded. She must still be wearing the collar; I'm terrified something has happened to her, Cassian.I can't lose her." "Don't worry, brother. Taren and Sirius are with her. I'm sure she'll be fine, even if she didn't know how to use the collar and for that reason, she didn't seal it. Did you explain how to use it?" Alessandro recalled that he had been vague in his instructions, and Cassian noticed his doubt. "It seems to me that you didn't say it clearly," Cassian pointed out. "I wasn't very clear about how it worked," Alessandro admitted. "Maybe she was in a place where she could speak, and that's when communication was cut off.I'm sure she'll be in touch soon." "But-" "Lessan, I understand your anxiety. I feel it too. The woman I love is in danger, and it's not easy. You always think of the worst, but try to think positively. She is powerful, and the monsters are no match for her. If she starts attacking, she'll turn them to ashes with her silver flames." "I know, but the monsters aren't the only thing that worries me. She'll see her brother and sister again, and we don't know when they might attack again." "You have a point, but I don't believe Enzo is incapable of doing anything.If he prevents it, the bond they share will protect them. Abril has defeated Cira before; if she crosses her path again, I'm sure she can do it once more." Cassian's words eased some of Alessandro's anxiety. "Thank you, Cas. You always know how to calm me down." "That's what brothers are for," Cassian replied with a reassuring smile. Shortly after Enzo left the room, a servant entered to guide them to their quarters. The three of them were close together, and their shared presence was a comfort in enemy territory; they did not think it wise to separate.Before entering his room, Sirius turned to them. "If you need anything, don't shout unless you're dying. Right now, I just want to take a good bath and rest." He said it jokingly, but Abril and Taren understood the underlying seriousness of his words. "If anything unusual happens, just shout," Taren said. When the servant opened the door, Taren and Sirius entered first, checking the room for any signs of danger while pretending to admire its beauty. "I hope our rooms are as lovely as this," Sirius remarked.Abril entered confidently, and Taren and Sirius began to praise the room with exaggerated compliments, ensuring they all felt at ease. After that, the servant informed them they could request anything they desired; they only had to call for assistance. As the servant left, Abril felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She sat on the bed, which was so soft that for a moment she contemplated lying down, closing her eyes, and sleeping like a log. But she remembered how abruptly their last communication had ended, and she knew Alessandro must be worried.She took the collar from her pocket, placing it around her neck, and began to call for Alessandro, thinking of him as she spoke his name. "Alessandro, are you there?" Alessandro had been wearing his collar all the time. When he heard Abril's voice, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted, allowing him to breathe again. "Aby, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with relief. "Yes, I'm fine." "I was so worried. I tried to reach you, but you didn't respond. What happened?" "We were caught up in a commotion in the streets, which is why I couldn't communicate.And don't argue with me about why I had it in my bag instead of wearing it." "Listen," he said, feeling relieved that nothing terrible had happened. "Thank God you're okay. I thought something had gone wrong." "I'm sorry for worrying you." "I believe it's partly my fault. I should have made sure you knew that the collar only works if you wear it. I'll keep it on at all times from now on." "Good. By the way, I'm in the palace of Laios." "How did it all turn out?" "Everything is fine on my end. Please have faith; I trust you completely." "I do too, but right now, I don't know what I can do.You need me to secure your kingdom." "Just be careful. We don't know if you could be helping your sister." "Don't worry, I will." "I hope to see you soon." Abril longed to be with her family in Laios, but she knew it would take a little longer to reunite with them. Feeling melancholic, she replied, "I hope to see you soon, my love."