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 darkness inside her Abril had woken in the middle of the night. It had been just a moment, but it felt like an eternity. A dark energy had flickered within her barrier, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "What's going on, Aby?" she whispered, her heart racing. "I sensed something dark inside the barrier," came the reply. "But it was fleeting. I can't feel it anymore; it's gone." "Do you want us to check it out?" Alessandro asked, concern etched on his face. "Yano can feel it too.Maybe it was just my imagination, considering everything that has happened lately," she replied, trying to shake off the unease. Alessandro wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort. "We've had a difficult day. You need to rest." Abril settled into his embrace, attempting to find solace in his warmth, but her mind remained troubled by the strange energy she had sensed. That night, sleep eluded her as she remained vigilant, searching for any sign of danger lurking within the barrier. When morning arrived, Abril rose early, her thoughts consumed by Lissana.She approached the door and knocked gently with her knuckles. "Lissana, are you awake?" she called softly. "Yes," came the sleepy response. "May I come in?" "Of course," Lissana replied. Abril entered to find Lissana still dressed in the same clothes she had worn the day before. It struck Abril that the garments were the same ones Lissana had worn six years ago. "How are you?" Abril asked, her voice filled with concern. "I'm fine. Are you all well?" Lissana responded, her eyes brightening. "Yes, forgive us for coming to see you so early.We didn't want to wake you," Abril said, her heart swelling with love for her daughter. "Don't worry, I understand." "I suppose you didn't bring any clothes from the fairy realm," Abril noted. "No, I had other things on my mind and didn't think to pack anything," Lissana admitted. "Let the servants fetch you some clothes. Your father and I decided to let you stay here, if that's what you want, of course." Lissana hugged her mother tightly, her excitement palpable. "Of course I want to stay! Thank you for allowing me to." "But I don't want you to leave that room unless absolutely necessary.We love you too much, Lissana, and that's why we can't take any risks." "I know, Mama," Lissana replied, her voice steady. Abril stroked Lissana's hair gently. "You've grown so much since the last time I saw you, and your powers have blossomed too, haven't they?" "I suppose so. Now I can do things on my own," Lissana said, a hint of pride in her voice. "How do you do it?" Abril asked, curiosity piqued. "I don't know. When I have a legacy, I just own it and release my magic, just like you taught me," Lissana explained, her brow furrowing in thought.Abril noticed a flicker of worry in her daughter's eyes. "What's wrong, Mama?" "Nothing, nothing is wrong," Abril reassured her, though doubt lingered in her heart. "Mama, yesterday I felt something strange, but it disappeared quickly." "Did you feel it too?" Kiara suddenly appeared, her expression serious. "I thought it was just my imagination at first, but I sensed something dark within the barrier as well. It was only there for a moment." "Do you think there's a monster?" Lissana asked, her voice trembling. "If it's not in Cosset, it's better that we focus on what truly matters.We're preparing for war, and Cita already has both keys to Hades. Nothing can stop him from opening the gates," Kiara said firmly. "You're right. We can't waste any time. We should inform the other kingdoms so they can prepare," Abril agreed. "I'll go home and tell my mother. But we need to get ready soon; it's for the best," Kiara replied. "Will you return?" Lissana asked, her eyes wide with concern. "I don't know. It all depends on what my mother says," Kiara answered, her voice heavy. "I hope you can come back," Lissana said softly. "Me too.I don't want to be apart from Barto when war is looming," Kiara admitted. "You're an excellent warrior. I don't doubt you'll be safe," Abril said, trying to reassure her. "That's what I hope. I'll come back and let you know what's happening," Kiara promised. "Thank you for everything you've done for us, Kiara. I truly appreciate it," Abril said, her heart full of gratitude. "Family looks out for one another," Kiara replied with a smile. Abril embraced her tightly. "Thank you for considering me part of your family." "Always," Kiara said warmly. She turned to Lissana, her expression softening.noveldrama"Take care, little one." "I hope to see you again," Lissana replied, her voice hopeful. "I hope we see each other again too, and that you're in better condition next time," Kiara said before departing. After Kiara said her goodbyes, Abril sought out Barto, who was waiting for her in the garden. The thought of parting with him filled her with dread, but she knew this day would come, sooner or later. She hugged him tightly. "Come back, I promise," she said, her voice trembling. Barto leaned in to kiss her. "I will return. I'll go to the door now." Kiara kissed him again. "You must come back.I couldn't live without you, so don't even think about looking at another woman while I'm gone." "I wouldn't dare," he replied, a teasing smile on his lips. "Unless she had your face." "Then I'd rip out your eyes," she joked, her heart lightening. "I love you," he said, sincerity shining in his eyes. "Why do you say that?" she asked, a smile creeping onto her face. "I just wanted to remind you, so you wouldn't forget," he replied, his tone playful. "I won't forget, no matter how much time passes. I will always love you," she promised. Barto smiled, his expression softening."I like this farewell better." "This isn't a goodbye; it's just a 'see you later,'" she said, her heart swelling with hope. "True," he agreed. Kiara leaned in for one last kiss before opening the portal to the elven kingdom, her heart heavy yet determined. As she stepped through, she promised herself she would return as soon as she could. Meanwhile, Cira awoke with a pounding headache. Since she had touched the keys of Hades, their power had begun to pull at her, demanding she approach the gates of Hades. She rose from her bed, feeling the darkness within her take control.It was as if Hades himself had seized her body, compelling her to leave the house. She struggled against it, but it was futile; she felt as though she had lost all control. Liona, noticing Cira's distress, approached cautiously. "What's wrong, Princess Cira?" A raspy voice escaped Cira's throat as she replied, "If I'm to reach Hades, prepare us. We must go." With that decision made, Cira joined forces with the spirits of Hades, merging their power into one. She felt the path to the gates of Hades calling to her, guiding her forward.