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!The entrance to Arkala was bustling with activity when Cassian found Alessandro in his workshop. As he turned around, he was struck by the sight of his brother's weary face. "I'm tired," Alessandro admitted, rubbing his eyes. "Looks like you had a rough night," Cassian remarked with a hint of concern. "I used your bed to get some sleep," Alessandro replied, a faint smile breaking through his fatigue. "I'm glad you did. You looked like a walking dead man," Cassian said, crossing his arms. "I felt like one.Maybe someone thought I was," Alessandro replied, his tone lightening despite his exhaustion. "Though you look quite well, I must say." "I suppose it's because I don't feel very good myself," Cassian confessed, his brow furrowing. "Are you sick?" Alessandro asked, his concern deepening. "No, brother, but I didn't want to worry you. Waiting for news about Maya hasn't been easy either." "I'm still worried about her," Cassian said, his voice low. "Don't be. I'm not just sick," Alessandro reassured him. "I promise." "Then go with me for a while. I wish..." Cassian hesitated. "I know.I'll take care of everything while you're gone," Alessandro replied, his tone firm. "I asked Gabriel to help you with whatever he can," Cassian added, grateful for the support. "It's good to know," Alessandro said, his expression softening. "And forgive me for always leaving you alone, brother. You're already a person of importance here; taking care of this kingdom is also my obligation, as our priests taught us." "Yes," Cassian sighed. "It weighs heavily on us." Alessandro nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility. "How do they stay here?" he asked, glancing around."I know it would hurt if they were here," Cassian replied. "It would be simpler if they were." "Yes, it certainly would be," Alessandro agreed, handing the royal seal to Cassian. "If you need help with the workload, don't hesitate to ask Gabriel." "I might take you up on that," Cassian said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Take care, Lessan. Watch over my niece," Alessandro instructed. "I will," Cassian promised. "Try not to do anything foolish. Keep your head clear, given the circumstances." "I'll do my best," Alessandro replied with a smirk. "Thank you, Cassian.Thank you for always being there when I need you most, and forgive me for the trouble I cause." "That's what brothers are for, right? To support each other when it matters most," Cassian said, his voice warm. "When you need me, I'll be there for you, wherever you are," Alessandro assured him. "I know," Cassian replied, his expression serious. Alessandro moved toward the door, pausing to turn back. "Take care, Cassian." "Until next time, Lessan," Cassian called after him. As Abril reached the entrance, she spotted Ethan waiting for her. "Can we go now?" she asked, her voice steady."Yes, my lady," Ethan replied, gesturing to the guards to prepare their horses. "Why did you decide to go now? Did you lose track of time?" Abril inquired, a hint of frustration in her tone. "Because I couldn't enter the elven kingdom," Ethan explained. "What do you mean?" "There's a barrier to the elven kingdom. Only those with elven blood can enter," he added. Alessandro appeared beside Abril, his brow furrowed. "When did you think you couldn't enter the elven kingdom?" he asked. "I was told I can't enter, but I can't believe it," Ethan replied, looking conflicted.noveldrama"Can you enter?" Abril pressed. "Yes, I'm waiting at the entrance," Ethan said, his tone firm. Alessandro took Abril's hand, his grip reassuring. "I'll wait for you to return with our daughter. This time, I won't just sit in the palace waiting for you. I'll go with you and accompany you wherever I can. I won't leave you alone, Aby." Once they mounted their horses, Alessandro turned to Abril. "We must go; there's no time to waste." He helped her onto her horse, then climbed up behind her, noticing Ethan was already mounted and ready. "What are you waiting for? We should go," Ethan urged.As they set off, Alessandro felt a twinge of worry. Abril had been very sick just days before, and he feared the teleportation parchment might be harmful to her. "Aby, are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "Don't worry about me," she replied, trying to sound reassuring. Ethan pressed ahead. "Where is the entrance to the elven kingdom?" "We won't use the main entrance," Abril answered. "Then how will we get there?" Alessandro asked, his brow furrowing. "There's a hidden one in the forest that we can use," Ethan explained."How will you find it?" Abril questioned, her curiosity piqued. Ethan pulled out a compass he had kept in his pocket. "This compass will guide us to the right place." "Is this a magical compass?" Alessandro asked, intrigued. "This compass isn't mine; it belongs to Princess Kiara, so I can't be sure," Ethan replied. "How is she?" Abril asked, her tone softening. "You couldn't ask for better allies," Ethan assured her. "Why don't you act like it?" Alessandro teased. "She's someone willing to help you," Ethan said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "That's kind of you," Abril replied."If you can do it," Alessandro added, nodding in agreement. "I've never been close to the princess. She's someone who fights against injustice and opposes the absurd archaic rules we face," Ethan explained. As they rode, the needle of the compass pointed steadily toward the forest. "We should hurry; the Norton Forest is a difficult place to navigate at night," Ethan urged. Alessandro quickened his pace, feeling the urgency in the air. When they finally reached the Norton Forest, it was already late. Abril looked around, but she saw no sign of an entrance."Are you sure this is safe?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt. Ethan dismounted and extended the compass toward her. "Your brother is where he should be; this is it." Suddenly, the air shimmered, and Ethan explained, "The barrier that covers the elven kingdom is invisible. You can't see it in plain sight, but I assure you, it's there."