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!Alessandro was deeply worried about Lissana. Her fever showed no signs of abating, and it seemed to worsen with each passing moment. Maya had been caring for her all day, and although she felt exhausted, it was nothing compared to what Abril had endured before. Abril had infused Lissana with her magic, though she hadn't thought much of it at the time. It surprised her that Lissana still clung to life, as if it were merely an illusion, knowing their health could deteriorate at any moment.Maya was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice when Cassian entered the room until she heard him exclaim, "Alessandro! We have a problem!" "What's going on?" Alessandro asked, his heart racing. "There's an army surrounding the palace!" Cassian replied, urgency lacing his voice. "But how? Why hasn't the alarm been sounded?" Alessandro demanded. "I believe they're using stealth," Maya interjected, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Take care of Lissana, Cassian. Stay with her and protect her. I'll handle this," Alessandro instructed, his tone firm. "Are you crazy?noveldramaIt's an army!" Cassian protested. Alessandro placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "That's exactly why I must go. If there's anyone who can deal with them, it's me. Promise me that if the palace falls, you'll flee without looking back." "I promise," Cassian replied, though uncertainty flickered in his eyes. Alessandro approached Lissana, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Papa is back," he whispered, hoping to soothe her. Maya joined him, her expression serious."We need to find a safe place for her." They both nodded in agreement, and Alessandro moved toward the entrance, where the elven army awaited. On his way, he encountered Taren, who looked equally troubled. "I heard we're being attacked. Who dares to assault us?" "They haven't attacked yet; they're just surrounding the palace," Taren replied, his brow furrowed in concern. "But who would do such a thing?" Alessandro asked, his voice low. "It's the elven army," Taren confirmed. "Why are they here? What do they want?" Alessandro pressed, his mind racing."I believe they wish to demonstrate their readiness for war, hoping to negotiate our surrender. But those are just assumptions. We'll find out soon enough," Taren replied. Alessandro summoned the wind to create a barrier around himself, stepping forward to confront the elven forces. "I am Alessandro Veriatte, King of Cosset. Are you surrounding my palace? Should I take this as a declaration of war?" A red-haired woman stepped forward from the ranks of soldiers, her weapon poised and ready. "I am Enora Babette, Queen of Arkala, the elven kingdom.And I am here for the mestiza." "Why should I believe this is anything but an attack?" Alessandro challenged, his voice steady. "Because you know I'm here for the mestiza," Enora replied, her tone icy. "There's no mestiza here," Alessandro shot back defiantly. "It's useless to deny it. Dantriel has already revealed her presence. Don't try to deceive me," Enora warned, her golden eyes glinting with determination. Alessandro felt a surge of anger. "You can return to where you came from. She isn't here." Enora's expression hardened. "I can sense her magic.It's strong, and it's here in the palace." Alessandro hesitated, feeling the weight of her words. "You're mistaken. Lissana's power hasn't awakened yet." "Then you're in trouble," Enora replied, a smirk playing on her lips. "If you refuse to hand her over, it will end badly for you." Alessandro's heart raced as he realized the gravity of the situation. "I won't hand her over to you or anyone else." With a swift motion, Enora summoned a gust of wind, lifting Alessandro slightly off the ground. "I don't want to spill unnecessary blood, King Pumbpo.Just give me the mestiza, and we can avoid further conflict." "Where is she?" Enora demanded, her voice sharp. Alessandro felt sweat bead on his forehead, realizing the truth in her words. "You're lying." Enora shrugged, her confidence unwavering. "I came to find the mestiza because I cannot allow someone with the power of light to dwell among humans. If she dies, it will be on your conscience. The choice is yours: save her or let her perish." Alessandro clenched his fists, uncertainty gnawing at him. He didn't know if Enora spoke the truth or if it was merely a ploy.But the fear of losing Lissana was overwhelming.