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!Fay ventured into the garden where the entrance to the kingdom of the fairies lay hidden. She was there to meet Tarik, who appeared hours later. "We can go back," he said. "Open the portal," she urged. Tarik opened the portal, but before crossing the threshold, he heard Lissana's voice. "I will write to you." Tarik turned halfway, and Fay stopped him, saying, "We should go." "It will only be a moment," he replied. Fay let him go. Tarik approached Lissana, who had thought he had forgotten her.noveldrama"I wanted to tell you everything, but I'll see if I can explain that it wasn't like that," he said, embracing her. "I won't forget you, Lissana." "I won't forget you either," she replied softly. Fay returned to Ilamar and Tarik, eager to share the news. He kissed Lissana gently before stepping back. They crossed the portal, and in an instant, they found themselves at home. The portal behind them closed with a soft thud. Tarik paused, glancing back at the spot where the portal had opened, as if he wished to cross it again. Fay placed a hand on his shoulder. "We must go to the queen.Come on; she knows we're here and must be waiting for us." As they entered the palace, they were met by the queen, who had summoned them to her throne room. She looked at Tarik, who appeared unchanged since their last meeting, though she had grown considerably. She had died and returned, her body transformed; her figure was curvier, and her presence more commanding. Tarik was taken aback by how much she had changed, and he wondered if Lissana had experienced the same transformation when he had first returned from the human kingdom. "A lot has changed," she said, offering a slight bow."Welcome to the prince's house," she added. Before they could continue their conversation, Fay interjected, "We don't need to wait for the queen; we have time to discuss matters later." The queen accompanied them to the doors of her chamber. Before entering, Fay turned to Tarik. "Are you sure you want to follow him as the successor to the kingdom?" "Yes, that is my decision, Father," he replied firmly. "Then let's go in," Fay said. Tarik and Fay stepped through the doors, but the queen remained outside, standing beside the entrance.They approached the throne where the queen sat, with Cassiel standing beside her. Fay and Tarik bowed before her. "Your Majesty, we must return," Fay said. Leriana regarded them in silence for a few moments. Then she knelt before Tarik, examining his face in silence, ensuring he was content with his choice. "Are you my successor?" she asked. "Yes, this is a decision I have made," he affirmed. "I'm glad you feel this way. Tonight, we will have a celebration to honor your return." "This is not the best time to celebrate, Your Majesty," Tarik cautioned. "Why not?" she asked, her brow furrowing."Cira has the keys to Hades in her possession." The queen's expression hardened. "Have the doors been opened?" Cassiel responded in Fay's stead. "Only the doors to Hades are open now. We had already accounted for this. When they open, the entire earth will tremble; nothing will be spared." "Your Majesty, the doors have not yet opened, but I am certain you will be prepared," Tarik said. "We must ready our army for battle," he added. The queen ignored Tarik's comment. "Leave us; we will talk later. Right now, adults must speak." "I will not go.I am the heir to the throne, and I deserve to know what you have to say," Tarik insisted. The queen shot him a piercing gaze, one that sent a chill down his spine. "Do not repeat that, Tarik. Leave and let us speak in private." Tarik hesitated, knowing that disobedience would lead to severe punishment, something he dreaded. "Forgive me for my immaturity, Your Majesty. It was not my intention to offend you," he said before stepping back. Leriana returned to her seat and instructed Fay to explain everything that was happening in the human kingdom."The war will soon begin, Your Majesty," Fay said, "especially with the power of the keys to Hades. When united, their power is overwhelming." Cassiel, who had fallen silent, spoke up. "The power of the keys is nothing compared to the horrors that lie behind those doors! We don't have time, Leriana. You must make a decision: will you join the war or not?" Leriana hesitated, unsure if fighting was the best course of action or if she should unite with her entire kingdom. Cassiel took her hand, reassuring her. "This time, you are not alone, Leriana.I am here by your side." "If it were just my life at stake, I wouldn't hesitate to decide. But it's not just my life; it's the lives of everyone in my kingdom," she replied, her voice heavy with the weight of responsibility. "My decision will affect them all." "I know it's not easy to make this choice, but you must understand, Leriana. If we do not stop the dark king, he will continue to devour worlds, and one day he will reach us. There will be no one left to fight beside you." "Are you threatening me?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. "No, I'm merely stating the truth.The dark king seeks to consume and destroy all creation, all life," Cassiel said, his gaze intense. "There is no point in hesitation, Leriana. Please, make your choice."