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Maya asked, her brow furrowing in confusion."Now you have it with me," he said, his hand brushing against the mark of marriage that peeked out from the neckline of her dress. "The brand of marriage has linked your life to mine." Maya's heart raced as she felt the weight of his words. "I understand why I have it in my chest and not in my hand. Although marriage marks are valid, it is different for the fairies. You are bound to my mother." Cassian took Maya's hand, placing it over his heart. "Now our hearts beat in unison. When one stops, the other will follow.noveldramaIt's hard, knowing that I'm here to pass by..." Maya leaned in and kissed him gently. "I chose this with you. I chose this, so change that face, my friend. It looks romantic." "Yes," Cassian replied, a hint of a smile breaking through his earlier distress. "In the end, it feels like we're doing the same thing that confines us, limiting your freedom." "This is not a prison," Maya insisted. "At least not for me." Meanwhile, Barto sought out his priest, who stood in the garden where Maya had vanished. The portal to the fairies was open, and Ryan appeared withdrawn, lost in thought.A tense silence enveloped them, and Barto could only recall how his priest had been when his mother was alive. "Daddy, are you alright?" Barto asked, concern etching his features. "I can't stop thinking about your sister," Ryan admitted, his voice heavy with worry. "Will she be alright?" "I didn't seem willing to help her," Barto replied, guilt gnawing at him. "I believe she will be fine," Ryan said, though doubt lingered in his tone. "This is my fault," Barto murmured, anguish flooding his heart."I knew she was united with the fairies, but I still couldn't stop you..." "What do you mean, Daddy?" Barto pressed, confusion clouding his mind. "Maya was fine until we severed the bond," Ryan lamented. "Her pain is my fault." "I have meaningless questions," Barto said, determination igniting within him. "I will seek more answers. I will go to the fairy realm and bring Maya back." "No, you mustn't do anything reckless," Ryan cautioned. "Don't you think I can do anything to save Maya?" Barto retorted, frustration boiling over."No, you're misunderstanding me," Ryan replied, placing a calming hand on his son's shoulder. "I care about her, but whatever you do, there will be no happiness for Maya if you act rashly." Ryan continued, "If you're wise, Cassian will find a way to bring her back. But if you go, you may not return, and I cannot lose you too." Barto clenched his fists, feeling overwhelmed by helplessness. "I promised I would take care of Maya." "I know," Ryan said softly. "But sometimes, it's time to wait." "Papa, can I ask you a question?" Barto ventured, his voice tentative. "Of course," Ryan replied."Did you love Mama?" Barto asked, his curiosity piqued. "Why didn't you ever marry her?" "Out of fear," Ryan admitted, his gaze distant. "I feared losing her." "Just like you lost her?" Barto pressed. "Do you regret not marrying her?" "Maybe a little," Ryan confessed. "But we cannot go back in time. I must look forward to living, because I'm sure that's what she would have wanted." After saying goodbye, Abril sought out Kiara, her expression a mix of annoyance and worry. "Is something wrong?" she asked. "No," Kiara replied, though her tone betrayed her unease."I've already spoken to Alessandro; we can leave whenever you want." "Then let's go. There's nothing left for us here," Abril said, her resolve firm. Kiara returned to her room, gathering her belongings into a bag. "Let's go," she said, her voice steady. "Have you spoken to Barto?" Abril inquired. "Why should I say goodbye?" Kiara shot back, her frustration evident. "Have you two fought?" Abril pressed gently. "No, it's just clear to me that he doesn't want me to choose him," Kiara said, her eyes narrowing."We should leave." Kiara looked like a basilisk, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Despite her words, it was clear she had had a strong argument with Barto. She didn't want to be angry with the man who loved her. "Before you go, you should stay here with him," Abril urged. "If you disappear without warning, you'll only suffer." "Why would suffering matter?" Kiara retorted. "It matters," Abril insisted. "You know what I have endured." "Yes, I'm safe, so let's go," Kiara replied, her voice resolute. Abril and Kiara met with Alessandro in the garden where Maya and Cassian had vanished.To Kiara's surprise, Barto and his priest were also there. "Is everything alright?" Kiara asked, her concern resurfacing. It was Abril who responded, her voice steady.