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!Abril had not slept all night. She rose with the first rays of sunlight streaming into her room, calling for the servants to prepare the bath. She needed a good soak before embarking on her journey. "Leave me be; I can choose my own clothes," she instructed one of the servants as they exited. Once alone, Abril approached the bed to check on Alessandro, who was still sleeping soundly. She hesitated to wake him, opting instead to head directly into the bathroom. The hot water enveloped her, soothing her weary body.When she returned to the room, she found Alessandro awake, looking a bit agitated. Relief washed over her as she saw him. "What's wrong, Lessan?" she asked, concern lacing her voice. "I thought you had left without me," he replied, his brow furrowing. "Don't worry; I just didn't want to wake you too early." "You should have told me," he said, shaking his head to clear the sleep. "You were sleeping so soundly; I didn't want to disturb you," she countered gently. Alessandro studied her face, noting the dark shadows beneath her eyes.She hadn't slept much, but despite her exhaustion, she looked well. The color had returned to her cheeks, and her lips, once pale, now bore a healthy hue. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice softening. "I'm alright. I can feel my magic flowing through me again, so there's no need to worry. I'm fine," she assured him. As he finished drying her hair, Abril caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She had changed into a white tunic and black pants, cinched at the waist with a gold belt-comfortable attire for her journey. She also carried a water bag embroidered with intricate designs."I want to check on Maya before we leave," she said. "Then I'll meet you at the entrance. I'll send someone to fetch Ethan so he can join us," Alessandro replied. "That sounds good." He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before departing. After he left, Abril donned her tunic and prepared to see how Maya was faring. As she approached the door, Cassian emerged. "Aby! What are you doing here? You should be resting," he chided gently. "I'm fine. I've regained my magic. I suppose it's not just me; he's here to take us to the elven kingdom, and we'll be leaving soon." "Good.noveldramaI need to take care of a few things first. I assume one of those things is to speak with you. You should seek him out if you have something important to discuss." "Yes, it would be better to find him now," she agreed. "I wanted to see Maya. Is she awake?" Abril asked. "Yes, she's awake. You can go in if you'd like. I don't think she'll mind," Cassian replied. As she entered the room, Abril found Maya lying on the bed, her condition evident. "Hello, Maya," she greeted softly. "Hello, Aby. It's good to see you," Maya replied, though her voice was weak."You don't look well," Abril observed, concern knitting her brow. "I feel worse," Maya admitted. "I can't muster the strength to get up." Abril sat beside her, taking her hand. "I wish you could feel better." "You used your magic to save Lissana," Maya said, her voice trembling. "Yes, but using my magic on you would never be a waste. You're my dear friend, and I can't bear to see you suffer," Abril replied, her heart aching for her friend. Maya's eyes filled with tears. "What's wrong, Maya? Does something hurt?" Abril asked, alarmed. "It's my heart.You know I'm sick, and I don't have much time left," Maya confessed. In that moment, Abril understood why Cassian had looked so worn. She resolved to calm her friend. "Don't talk about your illness. I understand how you feel, Maya. I have something similar with Lessan," she said, trying to reassure her. "Was it because of Lissana?" Maya asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, if I had been true to Alessandro, perhaps things would be different. But there's no use in regretting what has happened; it cannot be changed," Abril replied. "You're right," Maya said, her expression softening.Abril took Maya's hands in hers, infusing her with warmth and magic. With each passing moment, she could feel Maya's sadness lifting, the weight of despair beginning to fade. "Don't laugh, but you're all I have left," Maya said, a hint of determination in her voice. "I had accepted my fate and surrendered, but not anymore. I won't go down without a fight." "That's the spirit," Abril encouraged. Maya wrapped her arms around Abril in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Aby. I wish I could be there to support you, to comfort you in this moment.Forgive me for not being able to prevent this, and for taking Lissana away." "Don't worry. I could never stop you from being there, and I appreciate you looking after her while I was in the study," Abril replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. "She's a wonderful girl. While she cares for you, I hope to have children of my own someday," Maya said wistfully. "I'm sure you'll find a way to heal. You're sick, but you may still have those children you dream of," Abril reassured her. "That would be wonderful," Maya said, a glimmer of hope in her eyes."I can do something more for you," Abril offered. "Don't worry; this is enough. You've given me the strength to seek a way to save myself," Maya said, determination returning to her voice. "I must be strong." "Take care, Aby, and good luck!" Maya called as Abril prepared to leave.