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 felt restless, as if a great power had just awakened-one dark and malevolent. She sought out Kiara, hoping to confirm whether her friend felt the same ominous presence. They met in the countryside, where the air was thick with tension. "Does it make sense?" Kiara asked, her brow furrowed. "I'm not sure," Abril replied. "But it doesn't seem like a monster. It feels like something else, a presence that is even more malevolent and dark." Cassiel appeared suddenly, his expression grave. "That's the key to Hades you sense.It's been uncovered." "Why are we only understanding this now?" Kiara questioned, her voice tinged with urgency. "The key was hidden and protected by a barrier. If you can perceive it, it means it has been taken," Cassiel explained. Abril's heart raced. "Here we have one of the keys to Hades. Is that why you feel so different?" "Yes," Cassiel confirmed. "One of the keys was created with divine power, while others were forged from darkness." "Why did you create them like that?" Kiara asked, her curiosity piqued."Because good cannot exist without evil, just as light cannot exist without darkness. The two keys complement each other, even though one of them can only be wielded by a guardian," Cassiel replied. "The queen had one of those keys in her possession, but she is not a guardian," Kiara pointed out. "She may not be a guardian, but she has an essence that must remain within it," Cassiel clarified. "What does that mean?" Abril asked, confusion clouding her thoughts. "We were a pair. What do you think I'm referring to?" Cassiel said, his gaze steady."I believe this is not something I want to know," Kiara murmured. If the other key of Hades was in Cira's possession, it was only a matter of time before she sought to reclaim the key that lay within their grasp. Abril remained silent for a moment, weighing the implications. Finally, she spoke. "Cira will soon recover the key that is in our power. Keeping it here is dangerous; the city would turn into a battlefield. We should move it to a place where the citizens are not exposed to conflict." Cassiel nodded in agreement. "You're right. The best time to transfer it is now.Darkness hates sacred places, so moving it to a temple would be wise. There, many powers will be more effective." "We should talk to Alessandro to prepare everything. Cira will soon attack us," Abril insisted. "I doubt she will strike immediately. Last time, she had three dragons with her and the element of surprise. Now she knows we are prepared for battle, and she will have to prepare herself as well," Cassiel countered. "Even so, we shouldn't wait any longer," Abril urged. "Have you regained all your power?" she asked Cassiel."Not yet, but I have recovered enough to travel to the land of the fairies and speak with Leriana," he replied. "I hope you can convince the fairy queen. We will need her in the final battle," Abril said, her voice steady. "When do you plan to leave?" Kiara inquired. "I'll think about departing after receiving further treatment," Cassiel answered. Abril and Kiara exchanged glances before Abril spoke again. "I don't think we can give you all our magic. We are about to face a war; we cannot afford to be left vulnerable." "I understand. Just tell me what is necessary," Cassiel replied."In the Fae kingdom, there is another light magician who can lend a hand," Abril added. "Are you talking about me, Mother?" Kiara asked, her eyes wide. "Yes, she is part of the alliance. She cannot refuse to help," Abril insisted. "That may be true, but you don't know my mother. While she is willing to assist, I doubt she would accept weakening herself at such a critical moment, especially if war breaks out in the human kingdom. We know when to unlock the doors of each realm," Kiara pointed out. "Nevertheless, you need me if you want to win this war, so you will have to accept help.There is no other option," Cassiel stated firmly. Abril and Kiara took Cassiel's hands, both infusing their magic into him. It wasn't as much as it had been before, but Cassiel assured them that it would be enough. They then made their way to Alessandro's workshop. Cassiel suggested that the best course of action was to transfer the key to a temple on the outskirts of the city. It was large and isolated, making it the ideal place to protect the key to Hades. "Are you sure this will work?" Alessandro asked, concern etched on his face."Cira could attack the palace, thinking the key is still here." "The keys will call to one another. They will sense where the other is hidden," Cassiel explained. "Then I will ask the horsemen to relocate the villagers and request the magicians to strengthen the barriers around the city. I'll also consider creating refuges for the citizens to protect themselves during the attack," Alessandro said, determination in his voice. "That seems like a good idea to me. The less exposure, the better. Talk to Cassian and ask him to assist with that as well," Abril suggested.Cassiel moved toward the door, pausing before he left. "I must go ahead. Use your guardians to reach the Fae kingdom. I will lead the way to the land of the fairies." Abril continued to harbor doubts. Cassiel might convince the fairy queen to join their side, but she kept her thoughts to herself. "We will stay in contact through the mirrors. When you manage to convince the fairy queen to join the battle, let me know through Maya. I will be waiting for your answer, so don't get distracted," she instructed. "It's true that I want to be with my beloved Leriana, but this is not the best moment.We have priorities right now," Cassiel said, his voice firm. "Believe me, it might be better to separate from her for now." With that, Cassiel bid them farewell and left. Soon after, Kiara followed, leaving Abril and Alessandro alone. Abril felt as though time was slipping away, that the moments she had left with her husband were dwindling. Soon, they would face a war, and she feared for their survival. She approached Alessandro and wrapped her arms around him, seeking solace. He embraced her tightly, running his fingers through her fiery red hair. "Are you alright?" he asked softly."No, I'm not. I'm afraid we won't win this war," she admitted, her voice trembling. "Everything will be fine. We will be victorious," he reassured her. "I repeat those words over and over, but fear and anxiety consume me. I'm terrified that we might be facing our last moments together. I'm afraid we won't see our daughter again. I'm scared of dying," Abril confessed, her voice breaking. Alessandro held her close, his grip firm and protective. "Nothing like that will happen. I will ensure that we prevail.noveldramaI will protect you, protect our world, and when all this is over, we will embrace our daughter again. I promise you."