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!In the afternoons, Abril found herself reflecting on the past as she watched Otis and Joe. There was no trace of the little things she had once rescued from the streets. She caressed her head, feeling a swell of happiness at seeing them grow. The brilliance in their eyes hinted at a joyful life ahead. "I'm glad to have this receipt," she said, her voice warm. "They always ask me to invite you, but I know you're busy." "They look well," Alessandro replied, his tone proud. "He has done a lot of work taking care of them.They've returned to this duchy, and everyone in the mansion adores them." "My men are hungry and tired," he continued, his brow furrowing slightly. "I hope you can give them a place to rest." "Forgive me for not suggesting it sooner," Abril replied, her heart heavy with concern. "I would like to be with the children." "Then I'll see you later," Alessandro said, his voice firm yet gentle. Otis and Joe beamed at the news that Abril would not be leaving them. Each of them took one of her hands and said, "Let's go to the garden!We have a dog named Son." Abril followed them outside, and as they entered the garden, Otis shouted for Son. A huge, furry creature came bounding toward them, shaking its coat and playfully nipping at Otis's face. "This dog was a gift from the duchess when you were away," Joe explained, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Abril knelt to pet the dog, who leaned into her touch, wagging its tail with joy. "I've missed you, Koda," she murmured, recalling the last time they had been together. "Did you feel lonely?" Otis asked, his voice filled with concern."I don't believe so," she replied softly. "I wanted to play with you both." "But I promise that someday I'll return and bring my daughter so you can play together," she added, her heart swelling with hope. "Do you have a daughter?" Joe asked, his curiosity piqued. "She would enchant you," Abril said with a smile. "You'll have all your toys waiting for you." "And you'll never miss the next time you win, I promise," she assured them. "Why hasn't she come to see you now?" Joe pressed, his innocent question striking a chord in Abril's heart."She must feel lonely without me," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the ache it caused. "I'm on a mission before I can be with her," she explained, her determination shining through. "It's important for her growth, and I'll return as soon as I can." "Don't delay too long; she should be with you," Otis urged, his concern evident. "I won't," Abril promised. "I'll be back by afternoon." As they spoke, the duchess explained everything that was happening in the duchy. Alessandro listened attentively, his expression serious. When she finished, he said, "We will take action.We'll clean the villages surrounding us." "Count me in," the duchess replied. "Don't hesitate to tell me what you need." "Let's hope we can put an end to this quickly," Alessandro said, his voice firm. "I don't want any more victims from these attacks. The monsters are getting closer, so stay inside the mansion." "I won't leave it unguarded," Abril assured him, her heart racing at the thought of danger. "I'm afraid there will be an attack while I'm gone." "We'll leave now and return before sundown," Alessandro promised.noveldrama"You should eat before you go; you'll need your strength," Abril insisted, calling for a meal to be prepared immediately. After Alessandro left to gather his men, he sought out Abril in the garden, where she was playing with the children. They had made a crown of flowers, and she was adjusting it on Joe's head. "That makes you very happy," he noted, a soft smile on his lips. "Thank you. I just finished talking to the duchess," she replied. "Yes, we'll leave after we eat. You should take the chance to rest as well," he said, glancing at her with concern."I want to take a good bath first," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mariana plays with us," Otis chimed in, his face lighting up. "If I have time, I'll join you," Abril promised. Alessandro took her hand gently. "Come on, I'll take you to your room." "Once everything is over, let's come back here again," she said, her voice filled with hope. "We can go to the beach, to the mountains-wherever you want." "We will do that," he replied, his eyes shining with affection.As they parted, Alessandro said, "I'll see you at mealtime." "Is there anything else?" Abril asked, her brow furrowing slightly. "I have something to discuss with Sirius," he replied, his tone serious. "What did the duchess tell you?" "She informed me about the areas affected by the monsters. Luckily, it seems there have been no attacks on the villages, just on paths and small forests," Abril said, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank God," Alessandro said, pressing a kiss to her forehead."I'll see you later." Abril took a quick glance around the room, noting the trunk filled with belongings in the corner of the house. She felt a mix of anticipation and dread as she prepared for what lay ahead.