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Chapter 270

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 beautiful gift," Abril thought as she gazed at the scenery around her. "Of course, I thought you would stay longer." Kiara had shown her several places in the kingdom, all of them stunning. If it were another time, perhaps she would have wanted to linger. But this was not just any moment. Dark times were approaching, and there was little time to rest. Abril hated the truth of it; the darkness was indeed coming. It grew stronger in difficult times, enough to conquer all in its path. "This war will be different from anything we have faced before," she warned."This time, all clans must unite and fight with everything they have. Otherwise, nothing will remain-only darkness." "Are you with us?" "What does it matter?" Enora replied. "That's what your husband asks me. He wonders what your life will be like in the future and if someday you could have that beautiful future you've dreamed of." When Enora set Abril down, she continued, "Let me show you something." She led Abril to a high vantage point, a place from which they could see the entire kingdom of Arkala. Enora crossed the threshold and urged Abril to follow. "Don't be afraid; it won't harm you.Just follow me." Abril took a deep breath and crossed to the other side. The portal behind her closed, and she felt a surge of power as she stepped into the new realm. "I can't keep it open for long," Enora said. "I will open it again when we leave. That's when your frightened expression will change." Abril felt calmer with Enora's reassuring presence. Before her lay the kingdom of Arkala, more beautiful than she had imagined. She wished for more time to learn about every detail of this place. Yet, she had made the decision to leave, and there was no turning back.The wind tousled her hair, and as she took in the view, she noticed a gold cameo glinting in the sunlight. "What's that?" Abril asked, curiosity piqued. Enora smiled. "It's a gift for you." "Another gift from your majesty?" Abril replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Yes," Enora said softly. "I thought you would enjoy seeing your mother's face." Abril had only seen her mother in dreams, and the thought of finally being able to see her face filled her with joy. "Thank you so much for this beautiful gift." Just then, Alessandro entered the room, his eyes adjusting to the bright light.The first thing he saw was his mother's warm smile. "There's no need for faith to believe," she said gently. "There are things left untouched." "I'm here for that," he replied, feeling a familiar ache in his heart. Every time he saw her, it was as if she returned to offer him wise counsel. "It's about the keys of Hades. I possess one, but I don't know where the other is. Could you help me find it?" "If you know where the loop is that opens the door to Hades, then you must not go there," she cautioned. "Why not?" Alessandro asked, frustration creeping into his voice."Because the two keys cannot meet. They were separated for a reason. When they come together, darkness surrounds them, and those nearby are affected by it. So, do not seek Lessan; you won't find him in the darkness of the kingdom." "But I could try to protect it..." "The second key is very dangerous. It's better to leave it where it is." "But..." "Lessan, the doors of Hades will open regardless of what you do. It is written. What isn't written is the ending-what happens after they open. That is what you can change." Alessandro clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.Soleia placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to offer support. "Lessan, I'm sorry you feel this way. I know it's frustrating, but there are things we cannot avoid. They are necessary. Even if you try to alter your path, you will find another way. There's no use in bottling it up, for what will be, will be." Gia looked at her mother, her voice trembling."Do you mean to say that my brothers and I are part of this destiny?" "Even if it seems so, our dead were part of this destiny, and you and your wife could find yourselves in it." Alessandro fell silent, guilt washing over him for the loss of his family. "Don't feel guilty for our dead, Lessan. Destiny is not something we can change, except for a few moments." "There is an exception to opening the doors of Hades and unleashing all the demons that dwell within." "That's it. When you reach the end of a world, that's when you can create something new.That's when you can forge your own path and challenge your destiny." "I suppose there's nothing that can happen in these moments, then." "No, in these moments, enjoy your family while you can and prepare for what comes next." "So that's what I'll do." Meanwhile, Maya sat in the garden, basking in the sweet aroma of blooming roses. She closed her eyes, letting the warm breeze play with her hair, the songs of birds filling her ears. She was so absorbed in the moment that she didn't notice when her father approached until he called her name.noveldrama"Maya, sweetheart." "Daddy, yes?" "What are you doing?" "I'm enjoying this." "The gardens of Alacio must be even more beautiful." "Yes, but this one has something special. This one has you. Here, the roses are vibrant, and it seems like even the birds sing more beautifully." Maya leaned against her father's side, a content smile on her face. "I love being here." "I love being here too, even if it seems dizzying at times. This place, this garden, and being with you all makes me feel at home." "It reminds me of the past," Maya said softly."That's why we love the gardens so much, even if you and your brother never cared for them much." "It's true. I preferred books, and Barto..." "Your brother has always been a bit eccentric. Sometimes I believe he's part human and part fairy." That comment struck a chord with Maya. "You're absolutely right." "Since I returned, I feel like something has changed inside me, as if everything is different."

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