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"At thirteen, you're still just a girl." "Aunt, I want to return to the human kingdom." "Don't say foolish things, Lissana." "Listen to my conversation with Uncle Cassian. I want to get started. This is my kingdom, my home. I want to work with my priests to protect it." Maya placed her hands on Lissana's shoulders, speaking directly to her. "Listen to me, Lissana.noveldramaI leave you here because I don't want you to get involved in this war, which is less than inevitable." "What do you mean by inevitable?" "When the time comes, you will understand." "But..." "No 'buts,' young lady. Go back to your room." Lissana stomped her foot in frustration against the dirt floor. She returned to her uncomfortable room, hating that everyone treated her like a child. She despised that they made decisions about her life without considering her opinion. Climbing into bed, she hugged one of her pillows tightly."How long will they keep ignoring what I want?" Uzziel, her cousin, entered and responded to her question. "Until you stop being a girl." "Uzziel! Close the door." Uzziel stepped back and shut the door behind him. "Happy now?" "You have to touch the door before entering, remember?" Uzziel ignored Lissana's complaints and sat on the bed, looking thoughtful. "I saw you arguing with your mother. What was that about?" "I want to return to the human kingdom, but she says I can't.I have to hide here while so many priests face danger." "If they've betrayed us here, Lissana, don't be upset about that. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." Lissana took a deep breath. "That's true, but I'm not weak, Uzziel. They've protected me all my life, and now I want to protect them. But they insist on keeping me aside. Besides, they say the kingdom isn't safe, but Tarik writes in his letters that the kingdom is under attack. Sometimes I even wonder if they don't want me there." "Your priests care about you, Lissana.Don't say otherwise." "Yes, but I haven't stopped questioning things lately." Uzziel didn't know how to encourage his cousin, so he simply offered her a small stone from his pocket. "Here, I'll give you this, as long as you promise not to be sad. I'm sure we'll return to the human world soon, and you can be with your family." Lissana looked at the small stone in Uzziel's outstretched hand. It was almost transparent and had a special shine. "It's beautiful! Where did you find it?" "I found it next to the water tank some time ago. It's my treasure.When I hear my daddy's voice, it makes me feel much better." "Thank you, Uzziel." As Leriana and Cassiel returned to the palace at dusk, Maya waited at the entrance, her eyes scanning for their arrival. "I thought I would save my roots from so much waiting." "You shouldn't have waited for us," Cassiel replied, his tone serious. "Is there something you want to ask this man? That's why I'm not waiting for you." "And what is it that you want?" Cassiel asked, intrigued. "I want to know why you have come to the land of the fairies." "That was just one of the many questions I have for you.I need answers about what's wrong with you." "Come and see my beloved Leriana." "Cassian worked hard to get him out of the dead. I doubt this is the only reason you came." "You're right, but that's not something to discuss at this moment." "Cosset will be attacked at any time. You're here wasting time. Come back now and return to the kindness they showed you." "But it doesn't seem like it. That's what I'm doing." "But it's worth it if that's the case. Otherwise, my body will return to the place where I came from." Cassiel began to respond harshly to Maya's words when Leriana interjected."Maya, now is not the moment. We will talk tomorrow." "But..." "We will talk tomorrow." Leriana stood firm, watching as Cassiel did not follow her. "What are you waiting for? Let's go." Cassiel followed Leriana to her room. After crossing the threshold, he embraced her tightly. "You can't imagine how much I want to be this way with you." "I didn't betray you to come home for that reason. I want you to answer the question I asked you, Maya, a moment ago." "But you said we would speak tomorrow." "Talk to Maya tomorrow. You will speak with me today.Even though I'm happy to see you, you know my feelings have never interfered with my position as queen. So right now, I'm setting them aside to talk." "You have always known what your priorities are. That's what I love about you." "Stop with the flattery and speak, Cassiel. What have you really done?" "I came because I was motivated to see you. Do you doubt my feelings?" "No, but it has never been your priority, just as you have never been my friend." "I believe this is what we lacked-prioritizing ourselves instead of others.I wouldn't be dead, and I wouldn't have suffered if I had been like this." "Stop beating around the bush, Cassiel." A serious expression took hold of Cassiel's face. "You know why I'm here. The war is at our doorstep, and I want you to join the battle." "Is this something I should think about carefully?" "Why? You said that if you came back, you would join the battle." "If I returned completely, but you have returned in pieces, Cassiel. I can understand that. You don't have all your power." "I know, but I would give my life if it's necessary to protect you.So don't run away." "You told me once that you would do anything for me. I don't want to lose you for even a second, Cassiel." Cassiel embraced her, knowing that in those words there was no hint of deception. The pain reflected in them was real; it was the pain they had both endured. "I feel it. I won't say more words without thinking. This time, in death, I will remain by your side forever. I promise I won't make you go through that pain a second time."