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!Tarik had left his army behind to search for Lissana. His heart raced, and he felt the weight of his brothers' concerns. He was afraid; the person he cared for most was in serious danger. Why had no one stopped her? He pondered this as he crossed the desert and approached the camp where he had landed. Lissana was taken aback when she saw Tarik descending from the sky on his winged horse. To her, he looked like a prince coming to rescue his princess, though in truth, she did not need rescuing. "Lissana! What are you doing here?" Tarik exclaimed.Lissana was growing weary of this question, but seeing him pale and trembling with fear-fear not of the army behind her, but of what might happen to her-softened her irritation. She took his hand, knowing that in moments like this, a simple touch could convey more than a thousand words. No matter what he said, he wouldn't truly listen. "I'm fine, Tarik." "You should be in Cosset! What are you doing on the battlefield?" he demanded. "I could ask you the same question. What are you doing here?" "Don't avoid my question, Lissana." "I think I'm doing the same thing as you.I came to fight for my family, my kingdom, and for those I love." Tarik felt his heart weaken, especially after casting a quick glance at the battlefield and witnessing the horrors unfolding there. "You've gone mad! This is far too dangerous." "I know, but I couldn't stay home like a coward while my priests risk everything for me." "Just like that..." "Tarik, if I tell my mother and repeat it to you, I will stay. This is where I belong." Cassiel interrupted them. "She's made her decision, don't try to convince her otherwise." Tarik shot him a warning look.noveldrama"Stay out of this; it's not your concern." "What a bad temper you have. You remind me of Leriana," Cassiel retorted. Leriana appeared behind him. "Is that what you say?" Cassiel turned around, realizing there was no point in arguing. Leriana approached, but her presence didn't seem to matter much at that moment. Tarik tried to kiss her, but she playfully covered his mouth with her hand. "I thought you had lost your wings?" she teased. "Yes, well, I convinced the priest to let me stay. I'll return, though I believe it will only be temporary. But what are you doing here?Didn't you say you wouldn't fight?" Leriana sighed. "I didn't plan on it, but Tarik convinced me to come." Cassiel glared at Tarik, feeling annoyed and jealous that this boy had managed to persuade her when he had tried so hard and failed. "It bothers me a little that you're here for nothing but me, but I'm glad you're here," Leriana said, directing her gaze toward the battlefield, where a fierce and bloody battle raged. "No matter how many centuries have passed, the view remains the same-a battle where the Dark King holds the advantage." "As simple as it seems, it may not be as it appears.I assure you that this time we will win. This time, victory will be ours." "You promised me that in the last battle, and we lost," Leriana reminded him. "That's not true. In the last battle, I promised you I would stop him, and I did. This time, I promise to defeat him once and for all." "Don't make promises you can't keep." "I can keep this promise; that's why I'm here." Lissana felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. She cleared her throat to regain their attention. "A great battle is being fought against us. Aren't we supposed to be there?" "You're not going anywhere!" Tarik replied."I thought you made it clear that you wouldn't stop me." Cassiel interjected. "Lissana is right; this isn't the time for discussions." She looked at Cassiel, her eyes fierce. "You say you'll end this, then prove it. You know I'm about actions, not words." "My moment hasn't arrived yet, nor has Lissana's. We must save our strength to fight against the Dark King, though I still lack a piece of my strategy, so I have to go find it." "What are you planning, Cassiel?" "You don't need to know; just trust me and buy us some time." Leriana kissed Cassiel and said, "This time, you better not die.I can't wait for you a second time." "Don't worry; I haven't thought about dying, not until we fall like our moon." Lissana and Tarik overheard this, wishing they could cover their ears and avoid watching the adults display their affection. It was something that made them uncomfortable. Leriana turned to Tarik. "You dressed me up here; I didn't think you would fight as well." "But..." Tarik was taken aback by Lissana's kiss, feeling slightly annoyed. She was upset with her brother, who couldn't openly show his feelings like Queen Hada and Cassiel did.She doubted her brother would approve of her relationship with Tarik. "See? I'll be fine." "Promise me you won't do anything reckless." "You sound just like my mother." "Lissana!" "I promise not to do anything that could kill me." Tarik, though skeptical, could see the strong determination in Lissana's eyes. "Think of me and your family before doing anything foolish." "I'm not foolish; I'm rational." Tarik looked at her, his expression saying he doubted that, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Once alone, Lissana turned to Cassiel."Is the piece you mentioned in your strategy the one you lack?" "I need guardians to fight. Now I must go find them." "I thought my family were the last guardians. Is there another?" "Yes, but I need to give you the same thing I gave you before, and time is running out." Cassiel headed toward Cira, who had always insisted on staying with him at camp until necessary. She stood at the edge of the camp, watching the battle unfold in the firelight. When she felt someone approaching, she was surprised to see the little girl who accompanied Cassiel, resembling Abril when she was small."Are you Abril's daughter?" Lissana asked, looking at Cira, astonished to see someone with the same hair color as her mother. "Are you who I think you are?" "I'm your aunt." Lissana's expression hardened, for she knew Cira was guilty of everything-the attack on her kingdom and the opening of Hades' doors. She looked at Cassiel, her eyes filled with questions. "What is she doing here?" "She is the other guardian. She will help us defeat the Dark King," Cassiel explained, hoping to ease her distrust."She will be your companion in battle." "What?!" "I also want to destroy the Dark King, so I hope we can cooperate," Cira added. Lissana turned to Cassiel. "How can you ask me to trust her? She's our enemy!" "No, that's not it. She is now our ally, and she will help us to destroy the Dark King."