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She looked pale and weak, and the sight shattered his heart."Maya!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with concern as he noticed the pain etched on her face. Maya caught sight of Cassian approaching and felt a pang of regret for not being able to muster the strength to greet him properly. Before returning to the palace, she saw the anguish and helplessness reflected in his eyes, and it broke her heart. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "You're not well," he replied, worry lacing his tone. "I'm fine. I just need to rest a bit," she insisted, trying to reassure him.Barto, who had been nearby, stepped forward to ensure that Maya was alright. She playfully nudged him on the arm, though her intention had been to give him a stronger jab. "Just go, I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. Barto hesitated, seeing that his sister was improving, but he still felt the urge to stay close. Cassian hurried to Maya's side, wrapping his arms around her waist to support her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency. Maya leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I'm fine, just don't look so worried." "You're very pale.You should see Abril," he urged. "Have they returned? How were they?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern. "They returned yesterday and are well. Lissana has recovered," he replied, relief washing over him. Maya let out a sigh of relief. "That's good." Cassian noticed the unease still lingering in her expression and pressed further. "What happened to you?" "Just a bit of sickness from using the teleportation parchment. My stomach was churning, and that's why my brother had to carry me," she explained. "Are you lying to me?" he asked, searching her eyes for the truth. "No, this time I'm not.I felt better after resting," she reassured him. "I still think Abril will laugh at you," he said with a teasing smile. "I'd prefer to rest a little before I go see her. I feel like everyone is watching me," she admitted. "Alright," he said, holding her close as she settled against his shoulder. "Sorry for being such a burden," she murmured. "Don't say that. I'm here for you, through thick and thin, in health and in sickness, until..." Cassian's voice trailed off, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Until death separates us," Maya finished, her heart heavy with the thought.noveldramaCassian continued walking in silence, feeling that these words, once romantic, now felt like a curse. He could see the pain and sadness etched on her face. "When he dies, he dies with them," she said, her voice trembling. "With white hair and a hunched back, it's terrifying to even think about." "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, concern deepening in his gaze. "No, but I won't give up," she replied, her determination shining through. Meanwhile, Kiara had followed Barto, but when she saw him running away, she hid, not wanting to be seen.As he passed, she remained concealed, ensuring she wouldn't be discovered. From her hiding place, she could see the tension between him and Cassian, and she couldn't help but overhear their conversation. Once they were gone, Kiara heard Barto's voice behind her. "After what you've seen, do you believe me now?" Kiara jumped at his voice, startled but not entirely surprised. "Don't scare me like that!" she exclaimed. "Then don't act like it bothers you," he replied, though he didn't quite understand why he felt the need to push her. "Don't get too close.You still think that girl from before is my sister, Maya?" she said, her tone defensive. The truth was undeniable; she felt something for him that she had never experienced before. Barto, noticing her avoidance of eye contact, gently took her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Why won't you look at me?" he demanded, frustration creeping into his voice. Kiara felt like a fool, staring into his deep, red eyes that sparkled like precious jewels. "Do you really think I don't love you?" she asked, her heart racing. The trance she had been in shattered, leaving her feeling exposed.She loved him so much that she was willing to defy her mother for him. With a sudden burst of strength, she pushed him away. "Forget it! You're the only one who seems to have forgotten me," she snapped. Barto held her hand firmly, refusing to let go. "I haven't forgotten you. My feelings for you haven't changed. I'm still the same lover I was before, and my love for you only grows." Kiara turned to face him, her eyes locking onto his, understanding the depth of his words. They spoke of love and longing, of how much he had missed her. Barto released her hand to wrap his arms around her waist."Come back to me, Kiara. I'll return to you like a shadow," he whispered, caressing her skin with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. "Will this be a hardship?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you really think I cheated on you?" he replied, his tone earnest. "Every moment you weren't by my side," he confessed, his words soothing her initial disgust. Kiara ran her hand along his strong arms, feeling the warmth of his skin as she climbed up his spine, drawn to him. "I missed you too," she admitted softly.Barto brushed a finger along her cheek, and with his other hand, he pulled her closer, closing the distance between them. "Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.