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!Cira stood at the door, her expression serious as she addressed Liona. "Does that bother you?" "No, Princess! I just want to see the doors of Hades open," Liona replied, her determination evident. "I'm tired of being just a girl." "It's ready, I assure you," Cira said, her voice steady. Liona felt a flicker of hope as she thought of the moment they would reach the doors of Hades. But when Cira stepped away for a moment, Liona's heart sank.She had marched forward without looking back, and now, as she fell onto her bed, the weight of Angel's blood coursing through her veins felt heavier than ever. The same question echoed in her mind, but she had no answer. In the darkness, she felt her strength wane, and at times, she questioned why she was enduring all of this. By stealing Alessandro's memories, she had created a rift that divided her family and left her in fear. She knew she was about to face another blow, one that would bring her to the brink of despair. A voice resonated in her mind."Opening the doors of Hades is our greatest desire. When the dark king is free, we will always be by your side, ruling in the new world as one of its generals." Those words repeated in her head, as if trying to convince her of their truth. Cira's presence faded, leaving her with a severe headache, the knowledge of her situation weighing heavily upon her. Suddenly, Liona opened her eyes, but she was not in her room. The darkness inside her felt like a force controlling her body. She rose from the bed, leaving the mansion behind, and ventured into the forest.There, she called upon the monsters that lurked in the shadows, hidden in the water, and devoured them. "This blood is from an ancient time," she thought, feeling it weaken her and rob her of control as she struggled to recover her memories. Hades had another container, and just then, Liona appeared, tears streaming down her face. "Princess, is everything alright?" she asked, concern etched on her features. Cira's gaze scrutinized Liona, as if examining her closely. "Why have you followed me?" "It didn't seem like it was very important that I needed help," Liona replied, her voice trembling.Cira stepped closer, lifting Liona's chin with a hand. "You don't have much power; you don't serve me." With that, Cira turned and left, leaving Liona seething with anger. She had been the one who cared, yet now she felt weak and unrecognized. "Damn it," Liona muttered under her breath. "Someday you'll regret belittling me." The same dark figure that had appeared before her emerged from the trees. "I suppose you're bothering me," it said, its voice low and menacing. "I'm tired of being belittled. I could kill you," Liona snapped."I tell you to wait; this is not the moment," the figure replied, its tone dismissive. "Why? Because you don't have to serve that person?" Liona shot back. "We need her to open the doors of Hades. Until that happens, I'll help you kill her, but I will make sure my master rewards you for it." "Your master?" Liona asked, her curiosity piqued. "I told you before, only a few have managed to escape from Hades. My master, however, is still trapped in this place," the figure explained. "Are you speaking of the one in hell?" "No, in hell there is a hierarchy. You may enter, but you must be strong.The power of those who follow him will be greater, so do not despair. In the new world, you will have a place where you will not be treated as a servant again." After Abril and Alessandro left, Cassiel asked one of the servants about Tarik, who had just entered his room. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange light that flooded the space. "Why are you here?" Tarik asked, his brow furrowed. "I have a message for you," the servant replied. "Are you sure you received it?" Tarik pressed.noveldrama"You sent it astray along the way." "There's little I can do if there's no response to the letter I sent to Lissana. When you ask if you haven't read it, I say to deliver it, but-" "Are you safe?" Tarik interrupted. "We did not lie. If I say that you delivered the letter, then you must trust that it was done," the servant insisted. "I don't want to be seen as a fool because of this," Tarik muttered. "You said Abril looks magical. Ask me to give it to you," the servant urged. "Why not? Why didn't you ask for it sooner? I never requested it," Tarik replied, frustration creeping into his voice."Because I am the only one with the letters, but I still don't understand why there was no request made." "I don't have a choice until I want to. At the moment, I can't walk freely, but you fail me with your legs while walking," the servant said, trying to maintain composure. Tarik could see the tension in the servant's posture, but he pressed on. "Even if she gives you the letter, the queen had to be the one to talk to you. Say it again." "Why do you think my letter hasn't been answered?" the servant asked, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe she forgot about you," Tarik replied bitterly.That thought stung. She would forget him, just as he had tried to forget her. "Don't bother me," he said sharply. "I'd rather not see you again until you bring a reply to my letter." "I tell you that I can't come back yet. You must wait patiently for the queen's response," the servant insisted. Tarik began to turn away. "Where do you think you're going?" the servant called after him. "I can't help you, so there's nothing left to do here. I will return when the queen sends a reply to your letter," Tarik said, his voice firm. Darkness attracts darkness, he thought as he walked away.Cassian wasn't worried about how tired he was until he finally collapsed onto his bed. His eyes closed immediately, and he fell into a deep sleep. When he woke, the first thing he thought of was Cassiel, and a flood of questions filled his mind. After touching the door of the room and receiving no response, he entered without an invitation. Cassiel was sleeping soundly, and Cassian called out to him repeatedly, but his brother didn't stir. "Can the snoring be that heavy?" Cassian wondered aloud, shaking him until he finally woke. Cassiel opened one eye and groaned."What are you doing here?" "I want to talk. I have some questions," Cassian replied, urgency in his tone. "Fine, but wake up before you throw a jar of water at me," Cassiel grumbled, sitting up. "What do you want?" "I want you to talk to me about the doors of Hades." "Yesterday, I spoke to your brother and Abril. Talk to them and let me sleep," Cassiel said, trying to settle back down. Cassian persisted. "What did you say to my brother?"