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!Lissana had lost his job, but he was not very good at offering consolation and was uncertain about what to decide. Meanwhile, Abril and Maya had gone to the throne room, where important matters awaited discussion, leaving him with no one to turn to. "Princess, Tarik has always been my only friend," he recalled, feeling a sense of distance growing between them. He had not fully understood everything the priest had said about Tarik, yet somehow, he felt comforted. "Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope."Now Tarik has more responsibilities as a prince, but I'm sure he's managing well," she replied, trying to lift his spirits. "So don't be sad." In the throne room, the queen settled into her seat, adjusting herself comfortably before inquiring, "What did you want to discuss?" "Your Majesty, the war cannot be waged yet. It is as violent as any other war, wars of Hades. You know what horrors await if we unleash it. How many screams will echo from such devastation?" Abril knew better than anyone what happened when the gates of Hades were opened.She had witnessed the darkness consume everything, leaving only despair in its wake. "It's because you're not stopping them from being opened. What do you expect this country to become? Don't you think you can halt the darkness? You are strong, but you don't know what lies behind those doors-absolute darkness and monsters that dwell in the depths of Hades. The true horrors remain trapped there, and I assure you, you won't want to face them." "How do you know what lies behind the gates of Hades?" he challenged. "Because someone saw it," she replied, her voice steady."How can you be sure?" he pressed. "I've lived long enough to know. I wish I didn't have to acknowledge their existence." "Have the gates of Hades opened in the past?" he asked, curiosity piqued. "Yes, but I am good in this world and in others. What lies behind those doors is destruction-killers that consume everything they touch." "Like other worlds?" he asked, intrigued. "It may surprise you to know that destruction is not the only outcome. There are those who fought fiercely against the darkness.noveldramaEven your kind, with the power of light, could not stop the dark king-neither the fairies nor the elves could prevail." "So these guardians are not an exception?" he inquired. "If this is true, how can everyone ignore it?" he wondered aloud. "The magicians broke the barriers between worlds and fled before their realms were completely destroyed," she explained. "And the fairies and the elves?" he pressed. "The elves did not arrive as we expected.I laughed as we were taken to another place, where eight princesses and four princes surrendered all their power, perishing to grant me the strength needed to save the times we cherish." Maya was so taken aback that she didn't know how to respond, but Cassian seemed unfazed, his intrigue palpable. "And the guardians? How did they arrive here?" he asked. The queen regarded Cassian, her expression neutral, as if waiting for a decision to be made. "The guardians come from a world beyond ours," he stated, surprising her. "Did you know them?" she asked, her curiosity piqued."By assumption, he was an idiot who couldn't stop flirting with me," Cassian replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "But I believe that's why you're my friend." Judging by their reactions, it was clear they were eager for answers. "I'm asking if you want to respond," Abril pressed. "Many of the races that inhabit our world have been defeated by darkness, but that was because they fought alone. If all the clans unite, we can win and save our world.That's why I'm so eager to help us in this battle-to defeat the darkness once and for all." "Will you be our protector?" Abril asked, her voice filled with hope. The queen listened intently to Abril, recalling her own naive belief that she could save her world through sheer will. "This war affects us all. Your kingdom will not be safe if Silas and Hades are open." "You charge me with saving my kingdom, yet you expect me to save yours as well?" he countered. "Your Majesty..." he began, but she interrupted. "If that was your intention, you should understand that nothing good will come of it.So, remove that thought." Abril had not expected to give up on seeking help from the queen, but she knew that if she continued to insist alone, it would only lead to frustration. "Thank you for your kindness, but I must go," she said, turning to leave the throne room. "Are you thinking of giving up?" Cassian asked. "No, but if I keep insisting, I'll only bore you," she replied. "Yes, the queen has little patience, especially at your age," Cassian joked, eliciting laughter from Abril and Maya. "You have a point," Abril conceded."Go and fetch Lissana." "Do you want us to trust you?" Maya asked, skepticism lingering in her voice. Abril was accustomed to training, and she was quick to respond. "There's no need for you to accompany me. I'll be fine. If I arrive, it's better than going with Uzziel. We'll see you later." When Abril arrived, she found Lissana speaking with Fay. As she approached, Lissana rushed into her arms. "I thought you would be with me!" she exclaimed. "I saw him, but... he's busy," Abril replied. Fay was grateful for the company and took her leave. "Thank you for keeping Lissana company," Abril said."You're welcome," Fay replied before departing. After Fay left, Abril turned to Lissana. "How did you meet Tarik?" "Tarik has grown a lot; he's much taller than you," Lissana said, her eyes wide with admiration. "What's going on with Tarik?" Abril asked, concern creeping into her voice. "He's the only one Fay mentioned who feels the same way. Wait..." Lissana hesitated. "I've only been here for a couple of months."