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!"Don't surrender to me, sir," she insisted. "I won't surrender." Leriana had watched her world collapse into darkness, which was why Cassiel had created his own dimension-a realm filled with life, light, and color-so that his people could live in brightness and not in shadow. But she understood that whatever Cassiel decided would be the truth, no matter how much she tried to escape it. There would come a moment when the darkness would reach her. Fear gripped her, a fear of witnessing everything she loved turn to ash. "I assure you that we will win!" Cassiel declared, his voice steady."I can't assure you of that; this is a gamble you must take," she replied, her tone laced with uncertainty. "Don't give me false hope," she added, her heart heavy. "I don't want to give you false hope either, but I want you to make a decision based on the truth, not my lies." "This isn't something I can decide right now," Leriana said, frustration creeping into her voice. "Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty, but I don't believe we have much time," Fay interjected. "That's why, Leriana, you must make a decision," Fay urged."I will not make a hasty decision; I need to think carefully," she insisted. "Fay, I think you should encourage him. The queen needs to make a choice," someone suggested. "I have a message from the king of Cosset for the first guardian," Fay announced. Cassiel turned away from Leriana and focused on Fay, eager to hear what she had to say. "I say you should return to Cosset to participate in the war; you cannot deny your duty," Fay stated firmly. Leriana felt a surge of annoyance."You say you will stay with me, yet you would leave!" "If I must, Leriana, I am the first guardian; I cannot abandon my post." She knew this to be true, but it only fueled her anger. Cassiel glanced at Fay, confusion etched on his face. "Why are you telling her this?" "I think she needs to know," Fay replied. "No, she doesn't need to know," Cassiel countered. "You claim you don't want to lie, but you either want to tell the truth or you don't. For me, it's the same.You cannot stay on the sidelines; you should know now." Cassiel dashed after Leriana, feeling that continuing the conversation with Fay was futile. When he caught up to her, he grasped her arm gently. "Please stop; we need to talk." "I don't want to listen to you. Anything that comes from your mouth is a lie," she shot back, pulling away. "Don't lose your temper; just listen," he urged, locking eyes with her. "You know that I want to be with you, and that's why I'm asking you to stay with me. I don't want to fight this battle alone; I want to do it with you.When it's all over, I want to stand by your side and never let go." Leriana could see the sincerity in his eyes, and despite her reservations, she felt a flicker of hope. "I told you that this is what I want, but you keep avoiding the truth. What is it that you truly desire, Leriana? What does your heart dictate?" "I'm not sure," she admitted, her voice softening. "Believe that you can't lie," he pressed. "I don't lie, not if that's truly what I want to do. But I can't give you an answer, Cassiel." "Do you love me?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.noveldrama"What does that have to do with anything?" she replied, trying to deflect. "Don't avoid my question. Do you love me?" "Yes, I love you," she confessed, the weight of her feelings crashing down on her. Cassiel leaned in and kissed her, his lips brushing against hers. "That's your answer. Stop second-guessing yourself. You've always prioritized your kingdom over your own desires. Now, think only of us. Don't hesitate; fight by my side, be with me." "I will fight beside you, but I hope I won't regret this decision," she said, uncertainty still lingering. "I'm sure you won't regret it.Together, we will find happiness." "But what if it's not worth it? I don't want to lose you again." "You won't lose me this time, because I choose you. I choose us." "I believed you had to protect the world," she said, her voice trembling. "My world is you, and I will protect you," he vowed. --- Enzo was at the training camp when Hans rushed in, visibly agitated. "What's wrong, Hans?" Enzo asked, concern etched on his face. "A letter has arrived from the kingdom of Cosset," Hans replied, urgency in his tone. Enzo hurried to open the letter.The expression on his face confirmed Hans's worst fears: the great battle was about to begin. "Is it time?" Enzo asked, his heart racing. "Yes, the war is imminent. We need to convene a meeting with our generals. We must organize our army and march to the Shurt Desert," Hans instructed. "Do you know anything about Cira?" Enzo inquired, anxiety creeping into his voice. "Only that she has two keys in her possession, and the doors of Hades will soon open," Hans said grimly. "She's still there. We must save her," Enzo insisted, determination igniting within him."We will save her, I promise you that. We just have to hope it's not too late. If she doesn't want to be rescued, there's nothing we can do," Hans replied, his voice heavy with despair. Hans couldn't accept that. Cira was the woman he loved, and he couldn't imagine a life without her. "I believe she wants to return. Assure me that she wants to come back," he pleaded. "Are you really considering going to war?" Enzo asked, astonished. "I would go to the depths of Hades if it meant I could bring her back.Don't question my love for her; I will do whatever it takes," Hans declared, passion igniting his words. Enzo had never heard Hans speak with such fervor, but he knew that his friend's words were empty promises unless he was willing to act. "If you ever doubt yourself, you won't succeed. If you want to accompany me to war, I won't stop you," Enzo said, resolute. Hans bowed before Enzo, a gesture of respect and gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Hans departed to fulfill Enzo's orders. The meeting was prepared swiftly, and Enzo relayed commands to his generals to ready their forces.As the sun dipped below the horizon, Enzo marched with his army into the Shurt Desert, where he would unite with Elisha's forces. They had been in contact; she had informed him of the dangers threatening her kingdom. That was why Enzo was determined to have everyone prepared to march to her aid. Even though he felt selfish, Enzo couldn't help but feel a surge of joy at the thought of reuniting with Elisha. He awaited her with eager anticipation.