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!The Medglanoone V8 Middle Wing Cira had put Liona in contact with the mercenaries and assassins they had hired. However, Liona was unable to infiltrate the city due to the barriers that repelled the darkness surrounding it. They would have to wait for Cira to return before launching their attack. "Are you all ready?" Liona asked. "Yes, Princess Cira. The people we hired are in the city, waiting for your orders." "Call Mariana.The attack will begin late at night; this time, it will be difficult for them to see us approach." "I will wait for your arrival." After finishing the communication, Liona informed one of the assassins who had delayed sending a message to the others. "You heard her. Tomorrow we will attack, so get some rest. When the princess signals, I want you ready." "Yes, Miss Liona." Abril stood on the balcony, gazing into the distance when Alessandro approached and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "What is happening here? The wind is cold," he murmured."I spoke with Lissana." "Is that good?" "I want to return." "This is not a good time to go back." "That's why I want to return. I want to fight by our side and defend our kingdom." "You want to talk to her." "She was very upset; we should let her calm down." Alessandro tightened his embrace around Abril, sensing her distress. "I'm sure it will pass soon. Don't worry." "It's not the only thing that troubles me. Ever since Cira recovered one of the keys from Hades, I feel a heavy presence, as if something dark has been released into this world.At first, I thought it was my imagination, but Kiara told me she felt the same way." "Today we finish the preparations for the temple. Tomorrow we will carry the key; the cavalry will be responsible for protecting it." "I will help as well. I don't think Cira will take long to attack us. She has one of the keys, and it will take time for her to come looking for the other." "What a surprise that will be. This time, we won't be an easy target." "It's late; we should get some sleep. Tomorrow we will move to the temple, and we need to be alert.Let's rest while we can." "Yes." The next day, Abril and Alessandro rose early. While Alessandro organized the horsemen, Abril headed to the temple to ensure there would be no issues along the way. In the meantime, Alessandro met with Cassian in his workshop to transfer the key from Hades to the temple. As they descended the stairs, Cassian asked, "Are you sure transferring the key is the best option? You probably don't know what's best for hiding it, but it will be better for the citizens.We will try to keep the battle away from the city to minimize casualties." "I hope you're right." "Maybe until we can recover the key that Cira holds onto for her power." "Let's hope everything goes well." "You will lead the horsemen." "Of course." "Let's hope this doesn't escalate too much. Waiting can wear you down, but that's what war is." "I know." When they left the palace, everything went smoothly. Upon reaching the temple, Abril approached them, and they were guided inside to the chamber where the key of Hades would be guarded.The chamber had windows, but only one door, making it easier to protect. Cassian placed the key in a safe, believing a small barrier would be enough to protect it. "Do you think this will be enough to safeguard the key?" Abril asked. "No, but it will buy us some time until help arrives." Outside, Cassian joined the other horsemen. Sirius returned to the city to organize the magicians, ensuring they would protect it. Abril and Alessandro settled in the temple.Throughout the day, everything seemed calm, but a palpable tension hung in the air as everyone directed their gazes skyward, anticipating the danger that loomed. Cira met with Liona outside the city just before midnight and handed her a bottle containing the seeds of darkness. "When we enter the city, distribute these seeds. Make sure everyone eats one. They will be our offensive." Liona glanced at the young assassin waiting for orders. "Gather everyone together." Liona tossed a bag filled with octopuses to him."When the attack begins, the hum they emit will be red, signaling their location." "And don't even think about betraying us, because if you do, I will find you, and I won't hesitate to kill you." "There will be no betrayal. We will be ready for battle." The young man galloped off at full speed toward the city. Meanwhile, Liona felt a sense of unease; she couldn't sense the presence of the key of Hades and wondered if Cira had hidden it somewhere before their arrival. Fearful of asking, she kept her doubts to herself. Cira and Liona waited until midnight to launch their attack.The barriers surrounding the city were strong, but they had ten dragons ready to break through. Abril stood in the temple courtyard, staring into the darkness of the night, her heart heavy. Kiara joined her shortly after. "I think our wait ends today." "Are you aware of it too?" "Yes, it's almost here. Are you ready?" "I hope so." Fay approached them, trying to discern what was coming.Abril asked, "Where is Tarik?" "He's in the palace." "I don't think this will be a peaceful night; I should go back." "I tried, but it's too important." "Do you think the palace will fall when the attack begins?" "I hope so." As the bell towers of the temple tolled midnight, Abril felt a great surge of darkness approaching at full speed. Kiara sensed it too, readying her weapons and letting out a thunderous scream. "Prepare yourselves! Ready your weapons for battle; it starts now!" Abril drew her daggers, feeling the weight of the moment.noveldramaThe battle they had all been waiting for was finally here.