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!"Don't blame yourself for this, Cassian. You have always helped us, and the kingdom is protected. But in moments like these, you should be here, next to your wife. Besides, thanks to those who are taking care of Lissana, I can feel at ease." Lissana had started reaching for the mirror, as if wanting to speak to him, even in his absence. Abril and Alessandro watched her closely, offering sweet words to their daughter, but the connection was abruptly cut off. Abril stared at the mirror, her heart heavy. She lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of the silence.Alessandro remained quiet, fully aware of how Abril felt. He shared her pain, standing resolutely behind her, offering his support so she wouldn't feel alone in this moment. The next day, just before his departure, Alessandro noticed Abril's distraction. "Aby, are you alright?" he asked gently. "Yes, don't worry. I'm fine," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. "I don't believe you. You look tired. Today, try to rest unless it's absolutely necessary," he urged. "It's easy for you to say. I'm lost in my thoughts," she admitted. "Don't apologize, Aby. I understand how you feel.Just remember that you're not alone, and you won't be without me for long. Soon, we'll have our little trip back, I promise." Abril wrapped her arms around Alessandro, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I'm sorry. I've been thinking about everything," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "Even when you maintain your composure, you have to learn to stay strong in the face of pain, Aby. I know it's not easy. During the war, I lost so much, but I had to remain steadfast. The entire kingdom depended on me. But you don't have to carry that burden alone.You don't have to force yourself to be alright, because you have me," he reassured her. Abril had never been involved in the war that had consumed Alessandro, a darkness that had taken more than she could imagine. She squeezed his hand, trying to stay strong. "You don't have to bear this alone, Lessan. I am your wife, your companion. You can lean on me," she insisted. "Thank you, Aby," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. Meanwhile, Cira struggled to reach Hades' key once more, but her body was too weak to make it to the cave.She had attempted to strengthen herself by consuming darkness, but with Hades' realm sealed, she could only use it as a channel. The depth of the cave was too much for her to open a temporary door, and there, in the darkness, monsters lurked. They were there for her, but her body was failing her. When she finally emerged from the cave, Liona rushed to assist her, but could only help her remain upright. "I could reach the key, Your Majesty," Liona said, her voice steady. "No, this body is too weak. I can't get there yet," Cira replied, frustration evident in her tone."It will continue consuming monsters," Liona warned. "I have to keep trying until I can reach it or find a stronger body to assist me, one that can withstand her power," Cira insisted. Liona often remained silent about Cira's decisions, speaking of her body as if it didn't belong to her. It intrigued her, but she had learned during her service that sometimes it was better to ask fewer questions. So, she kept her thoughts to herself, wishing only for the day Abril would return. Cira ordered Liona to take her to the pool, as she felt herself fading, needing to recharge her strength.Liona complied, leading her to the edge of the water, where Cira began to absorb the energy, regaining her power. Meanwhile, Barto took three days to reach the royal capital of Laios. He had never encountered so many monsters along the way, but he pressed on without issue. When he finally arrived at the palace and requested an audience with the king, he explained that he carried an important letter meant to be delivered in person. Eventually, he was granted entry, and the king's assistant led him to Enzo's workshop.Upon entering, Barto saw a young man with red hair seated behind a desk, engrossed in reviewing documents. "Greetings, Your Majesty," Barto said respectfully. "Don't mention my title. I prefer to speak to my priest without formalities," Enzo replied, his tone dismissive. "I didn't mean to offend," Barto said quickly. Enzo scrutinized Barto, sensing he was a messenger, perhaps even a skilled horseman. "What brings you here? Is this the letter?" he asked, gesturing to the bag. Barto retrieved the letter and placed it on the desk in front of Enzo.noveldrama"This letter was sent to your sister, Abril." Though Enzo did not have a good relationship with his sister, he knew that in times of war, it was advantageous to have her on his side. He opened the letter, reading: "Hello, brother. I write this to inquire if the situation has improved or if you are still facing problems. Is Hades still sealed? In Cosset, we are under attack, with monsters emerging everywhere. Please let me know if the same is true in Laios and if you have any information about our sister, Cira. Sincerely, Abril Venobich. P.S.Times are approaching; prepare." Enzo felt a pang of anxiety. He had no news of Cira, who was waiting for revenge, arms crossed after being betrayed by her husband. But for some reason, there was nothing left, and that frightened him, even though his situation with the monsters had improved. "Are you one of the knights in service to my sister?" Enzo asked. "No, Your Majesty. I am merely a messenger," Barto replied. A silence fell between them, and Enzo regarded Barto with curiosity. "I've never seen a human with red eyes before," he noted."It's true, I encountered some monsters, but I managed to evade them. I'm not here to fight," Barto explained, shaking his head. "Then, I'm interested in your skills. If you're not placed in my royal guard, I have no use for you," Enzo said, his tone firm. "Thank you for your offer, Your Majesty, but I am not interested in serving anyone," Barto replied, his resolve unwavering. "Your journey here must have been arduous. Rest tonight; you can leave tomorrow morning. I'll ensure you receive the letter before you depart," Enzo said, dismissing him."Thank you, Your Majesty," Barto replied, bowing slightly. "If you ever reconsider my offer, you may come to me," Enzo added, watching as Barto turned to leave.