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!Abril took a moment to gather herself before heading to the bathing room. She was ready to wash away the fatigue that clung to her after spending so much time outside the palace. The warm water felt like a luxury, a rare opportunity to indulge in a moment of serenity. As she soaked, her thoughts drifted to Cira, who seemed to be lost and without purpose, still lingering in the palace. "It is said that he wants to gather the keys of Hades," she recalled, her mind racing. "Haven't you come to her, who is within our power?" Suddenly, everything clicked into place: April."To get what she wants, she needs another key," she murmured to herself. Determined, she sought out Alessandro. As he approached the prison, she called out to him. "Aby, what's going on with the attacks from the monsters? They are provoking chaos." "But you don't want to," he replied, his brow furrowing. "What do you want to decide?" she pressed. "If I wanted to attack us, I wouldn't have sent the monsters down little-used paths. I would have targeted the royal capital or the largest cities to cause significant damage. When I was in Laios, I sensed the darkness closing in.I believe you want to strengthen yourself in some way." "What you say has merit, but we don't know where they are," she countered. "No, but if she's going there, she's searching for the second key to Hades. If we find the key, we will find Cira," Sirius interjected. "You have a point. We have only the faintest idea of where it might be without Hades, so we are in the same predicament," Abril acknowledged. "This will not be possible," Alessandro declared. "Why not?" she asked, frustration creeping into her voice. "Both keys cannot be used! That's why they were separated.When darkness surrounds them, those affected by it suffer. My mother warned me not to seek them out; we would only attract more darkness. Besides, the place where the second key is located is perilous. It's best to stay where we are." "But if Cira doesn't have the other key..." Abril began, her voice trailing off. "I don't know when we will be attacked, but we will be ready when it happens. This situation cannot continue indefinitely," he replied. "I understand, Aby, but Cira still hasn't recovered the key.My mother warned me it was a dangerous place; she might not reach the end where the key lies." "But you will find a way," she insisted. "My mother says that the doors of Hades will open. This is inevitable, written in destiny. If that is true, the best course is to let it happen and prepare for the battle that awaits us." Abril hated to admit it, but Alessandro was right. At that moment, their priority was to cleanse the kingdom of the monster attacks that plagued it. "I will go later," she said, determination in her voice.As the afternoon sun began to set, Abril, Alessandro, and the horsemen set out to cleanse the duchies. They worked tirelessly, knowing that the kingdom was suffering from the relentless monster attacks. For days, they had repeated this task, returning late and exhausted. The monsters had devastated agricultural fields, turning them into swamps of mud. Abril had tried to purify the land, but it drained her magic and left her weary. In the city of Zathier, Abril sought out Duchess Mollin. "Many weapons have been forged to combat the monsters.Use these to fight; they are our only hope," she urged, handing over the weapons. The duchess took Abril's hands, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, my queen. You have always been there for us." "You have nothing to thank me for; it is my duty as your queen," Abril replied, a hint of warmth in her voice. "You have changed so much since the last time I saw you. I am glad to see you have become a good queen," the duchess said. "You were the first to treat me like a queen, even when everyone else despised me for being the enemy's daughter.I will never forget that." "Now, no one dares to question your majesty. You have become our savior," the duchess added. Alessandro wrapped his arms around Abril's waist, a teasing smile on his lips. "But it's worth it this way, unless you want to lose your head." "We must go. Take care of yourself, Duchess, and keep looking after the children," Abril instructed. "I will, Your Majesty. When this is all over, I promise to win," the duchess replied. The horsemen were ready to leave, and Sirius approached. "We should go." Abril embraced the duchess one last time.noveldrama"It is done." "I wish you a safe journey, Your Majesty," the duchess said, her voice filled with concern. As Alessandro and Abril returned to the palace, Kiara awaited them at the entrance. The first thing she did was scan the area, her gaze settling on Barto, who seemed to be alone. She turned her attention back to Abril and Alessandro. "How did it go?" "It was chaotic. There was nothing we could do," Abril admitted, her worry evident. "I was more concerned about the palace than anything else, especially if Cira attacked." "And how did it go for you?" Alessandro asked."There were many attacks, but everything is under control," Kiara assured them. "You must be exhausted," Abril noted. Kiara turned on her heel and began to walk away, Barto following closely behind. As they moved out of sight, Abril felt a sense of foreboding settle over her.