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!Ethan listened intently to Dantriel's words as he made his way down the corridor. At the end, he spotted two guards stationed at the door and knew he had to find a way inside without being detected. He slipped into the shadows near the princess's quarters, but the guards quickly noticed his presence. He climbed onto the balcony of the princess's dwelling, hoping to catch her attention. Kiara stood on her balcony for a moment, contemplating whether to alert the guards who lingered at the door. If she called out, they would surely apprehend him.As she opened the door, she kept her voice low, ready to call for help if Ethan attempted to harm her or take her away. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the baby cradled in his arms. Ethan hesitated, glancing at the child. "Please forgive me for this, but I need to ask you a favor." "A favor?" Kiara echoed, her brow furrowing. "You want me to hand over the girl?" "That's not what I'm asking for," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension. "Then what do you want?" she pressed, crossing her arms."I need your help to cross the barrier without being seen," he explained, desperation creeping into his tone. "My mother has forbidden me to leave Akala. Do you think I'll just sit idly by?" Kiara's expression softened slightly, but she remained cautious. "You know that's exactly what my mother wants, don't you?" "Yes, but I'm worried about you," he insisted. "I wish you would come back with me." Kiara shook her head. "My mother has disobeyed me. If you're a risk, I can't help you." "Where is my daughter?" Ethan suddenly demanded, his voice rising with urgency.Kiara's heart raced as she recalled the necklace she had left behind. "You need to find it. It will guide you through the barrier." Ethan's eyes widened. "The compass?" "Yes. The golden needle will point you to where the noise is coming from. If you don't return it, I'll tell everyone you stole it, and the guards will hunt you down." Ethan nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I promise to bring it back. I'm not as reckless as I seem." As he glanced at the baby, Kiara took a step back, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty. She had helped him, but trust was a fragile thing."Calm down, little one," she whispered to the baby, trying to soothe her as Ethan prepared to jump from the balcony. "Everything will be fine. You'll be with your mother soon." Ethan leaped down, landing softly on the ground below. He glanced back at Kiara, who had closed the balcony door, her trust still wavering. "Where is my daughter?" he murmured to himself, scanning the area for any signs of danger. After a moment, he saw that the door was unguarded and seized the opportunity to slip out of the palace, moving stealthily through the shadows.noveldramaHe felt the compass Kiara had given him in his pocket, the golden arrow pointing the way. When he finally reached the barrier, he hesitated, unsure if he should touch it. But as he extended his hand, he felt a strange pull, and the barrier shimmered, revealing an opening. He stepped through, finding himself in the woods, cloaked in darkness. Ethan took a deep breath, orienting himself. He knew he had to head north, away from the palace and into the city of Farell. He needed information, a guide to help him navigate this unfamiliar territory.Meanwhile, in the palace, Abril awoke to find Alessandro sleeping beside her, his presence a comfort as the first rays of dawn broke through the window. She rose from the bed and walked to the corner of the room, where her daughter's cradle stood empty. Panic gripped her heart. "Where is Lissana?" she cried, her voice laced with desperation. Alessandro stirred, sensing her distress. "She's not here," he said, his tone heavy with regret. "I was waiting for her protector to bring her back." Abril's heart raced as she turned to him, fear and anger flooding her. "Where is she?Is she with Maya?" Alessandro shook his head. "No, Lissana is not there." Abril grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, her eyes wide with terror. "Where is my baby?" "They took her," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't stop it. I'm so sorry." "No! My baby, no! Tell me it's a lie! She's fine, isn't she?" Abril's voice broke, her heart feeling as if it had been struck. "I'm sorry, Abril. I'm so sorry," he repeated, his own voice trembling with sorrow. "Who took her? Was it Cira?" she demanded, her mind racing. "No, it was the king. He took her.I tried to intervene, but I couldn't stop him," Alessandro confessed, his face pale. Abril felt a wave of relief wash over her at the thought that Cira hadn't taken Lissana, but the knowledge that it was the king who had done so filled her with dread. "He promised me he wouldn't harm her. Lissana must be safe." "Before letting her go, he swore he wouldn't regret it. He wanted to protect her, even if it meant taking her away from us," Alessandro said, his voice heavy with the weight of their situation. Abril felt a flicker of hope amid her despair.She had to believe that Lissana was safe, that the king would keep his word. But the uncertainty gnawed at her, and she knew they had to act quickly to bring their daughter home.