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!Their union together... The Unlone of Souls Abril's words only heightened Cassian's anxiety, but he understood that she hadn't intended to cause him distress. He had not been prepared for the possibility of war, yet he remained alert to the signs. When Abril saw the expression on Cassian's face, she spoke softly. "It is inevitable that the doors remain open. It's not something we can avoid, so there's no point in worrying about what has not yet come to pass. Now go, return to the third place and spend a few days with your family. You deserve it." "I'll be back soon," he promised."Rest, recover your strength, and please send my regards to Lissana." "I will," he replied. Alessandro chimed in, "Make sure you return quickly. I want to clash swords with you again, just like we used to." "But I warn you, when we meet again, I'll be much better with the sword. Next time, we won't lose." "I look forward to it," Cassian said, a smile breaking through his tension. "Everything is ready," Alessandro confirmed. Cassian left the room, heading to find Tarik before departing. He was training with his sword at the training camp."I'm glad to see you haven't been neglecting your training," Cassian remarked as he approached. "If Jo were here, the fairy queen, she would be furious with me for not being ready when I return. I'm sure I'll receive a good reprimand." "I suppose you don't have it easy," Cassian replied. "Do you want to return to the land of the fairies?" Tarik asked, pondering the question.Tarik hesitated before answering, "I think I'll stay here a little longer." "You, Father, want this too, because you want to think clearly and be the king of the fairies." "I have nothing to think about; this is a decision you've made." "You know your father has his doubts. That's what you think, but I believe you're not taking it seriously." "Of course I am, but no matter how much I think about it, I still want to be the king of the fairies. Even though it won't be easy, this is the path I want to take." "Then why don't you go back?If you've made a decision, there's no reason for you to hesitate." "Yes, but..." "Is it for Lissana?" "I want to give it a little more time, but I don't know if I'll be able to see the kingdom that will be Lissana's home. I want to appreciate what she will see when she returns." "It wasn't just because you wanted to shorten the time between you two, was it?" "At first, it was like that, but since I arrived, we have been communicating through letters. She tells me about her adventures and the places she visits, making it feel as if she's right here with us.But when she returns, everything will be unfamiliar to me, so I decided to see this place before I go. Besides, there's something else I need to think about, so I can't go back just yet." "Do you want to read a message to Lissana?" "I wrote a letter. I thought I'd wait for one of the pixies to come by to take it, but if you're going, you could deliver it." "Of course. After I find it, I'll be in the garden where the entrance to them is located." "I'll wait for you there." "Of course. You should also speak to her when you arrive. Cassiel keeps asking about her.Would you like me to bring her the letter I send?" "If I say so," Tarik replied. "Thanks." Tarik went to his room to retrieve his letter and soon met up with Cassian to deliver it. "I would also like it if you told my mother I'm well," Cassian said. "I will. Could you open the door for me?" "Yes." Tarik opened the portal that led to the realm of the fairies. Cassian crossed it and disappeared in an instant. Tarik wanted to return at that moment, but he had many things to ponder before he could go back, one of which was his true feelings for Lissana.He wanted to ensure he was clear about them before reading her letter again. When Cassian arrived in the land of the fairies, he spotted one of them tending to the garden and asked, "Do you know where Maya is?" "She's in the training field at the moment." Cassian hurried to the training camp. It had been weeks since he had seen her, and he felt as if time had slipped away. There had been so much turmoil that he hadn't had a moment to spare for her.Maya was training with one of the fairies, a tall and slender figure with long silver hair cascading down to his waist, piercing eyes, and a striking face. But despite all that, it was Maya who radiated joy, and Cassian felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her. "MAYA!" he called out. At the sound of Cassian's voice, Maya turned quickly. Upon seeing him, she ran into his arms. "Why didn't you tell me you would come back?" she exclaimed. Cassian gave her a questioning look."What is this?" "Aéles Elrond," she replied, "I was just appointed captain of the palace guard." Elrond approached and greeted Cassian. "It's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful couple," he said, glancing at Maya. Cassian felt a surge of irritation at the way Elrond spoke about Maya. "I'm not your couple; I'm your husband," he asserted. "For us fairies, that's the same thing-a couple, a life companion. Humans limit it to the word 'husband,'" Maya explained, her gaze steady. Maya could see the intensity in Cassian's eyes as he regarded Elrond. She took Cassian's arm and began to pull him away."Today we finish our training. My husband is leaving soon for a long time, and I want to be alone with him." "I understand. I'll see you later, Maya," Elrond said, stepping back. Once they were far enough from the training camp, Cassian asked, "Why were you with that fairy?" "We were training," she replied. "I don't like that you're close to him. I believe his interest in you will only grow." "It doesn't matter what interest he has in me, since I only have eyes for you," Maya said, leaning in to kiss him. That kiss soothed Cassian's anger.He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, and responded to her kiss with fervor. "You don't know how to let go," he teased. "I know, but I feel it too. It's just that I forgot how much I missed you, which is why I was so jealous just a moment ago." "The mere thought of someone else stealing you away makes my blood boil," Cassian confessed, his voice low. Maya continued to plant gentle kisses on his lips, coaxing him to relax. "I know that enchants you. It shows how much you care for me." "You're incorrigible," he said, taking her face in his hands.Even in that moment, she seemed to defy time, still looking as youthful as ever, despite the years that passed swiftly in the land of the fairies. "You're beautiful," he murmured, caressing her cheek. "I know, but you don't have to be anxious. I'm yours, my love." Cassian kissed her again, whispering against her lips, "I love you, Maya. I love you madly." "That's also true," she replied, placing her hand over his heart. "And I feel it too. Even if there's a moment when I stop feeling you, I would think that I had stopped loving you." "Was it when Cassiel took my body?" he asked. "Yes.He kissed the queen and broke my heart when I saw you, because I couldn't feel you. After he left, I asked the queen, 'Why had I lost that feeling?'" "What did she say?" "That our bond is not merely physical; it's our souls intertwined. When the first guardian takes your body, your soul is lost, which is why I couldn't feel your emotions, only the pain from the blow I received." Cassian sat beside Maya, feeling overwhelmed. "I'm scared," he admitted. "Yes, but you won't do it again." "I won't, I promise." Maya wrapped her arms around Cassian's waist."But it's worth it if the pain you feel brings you back to me." Cassian kissed her again, his voice earnest. "Forgive me for my sorrow. I never imagined the first guardian would do such a thing when I gave my body." "You know there will be challenges, but a kiss to please me is true, isn't it?" "Yes, I'm prepared for it."noveldrama