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!Together they were stronger. Cassiel hated Cira for the same reason he had once given her his affection. Lissana and Alessandro explained how to wield this power in battle. But it was useless if one didn't know how to use it, like a ring in the hands of a musician who couldn't play. Lissana felt a lingering suspicion; Cira had ample reasons not to trust her. "I can feel it," Cira said, her voice distant as she remained on the battlefield. "Why are you apologizing?" Lissana asked, still standing nearby.noveldrama"For all the support I've given your family and for the harm it has caused you." "Me?" "If you saw how fasting from your priest would grow..." In truth, Lissana did not regret spending most of her childhood in the land of the fairies, for it was there that she had met Tarik and fallen in love with him. She remained silent for a few moments, wondering if it was wrong that she didn't hate Cira for that. "Why do you hate my mother so much?" Lissana finally asked. "Our father taught us to face each other, to hate for the simple reason of not being the same.I believe this is why he hated her; he wanted to please my priest, who had recognized me." "It's dizzying," Cira replied. "You can't imagine what people are capable of when there's a lack of love. They will do anything to gain attention, even though I don't believe that's your case." Even though Lissana had grown up by her own standards, she often felt alone, doubting whether anyone truly loved her. As he shouted orders across the battlefield, Alessandro felt his insides twist at the sight of the dark army gaining ground. He yelled at the front lines to hold firm.Arrows flew through the air, imbued with light magic, each finding its mark as if guided by an unseen force. Abril and Enora unleashed the strongest attacks, creating chaos in the dark king's army. Yet, it was not enough; the soldiers of darkness pressed forward, undeterred by the onslaught. Alessandro watched intently, wondering how an army could remain so relentless, no matter how many attacks were launched against them. As the battle intensified, a new army appeared on the horizon, waving the flag of the fairy kingdom, led by the fairy queen herself.Fay was surprised to see her reign join the fray, though she was not the only one; others were momentarily disturbed, but they had more pressing matters to focus on. Each warrior concentrated on the fight, leaving their questions unanswered. Fay launched a powerful attack against the dark king's forces, momentarily halting their advance. Alessandro hadn't expected more help, but having such a formidable ally as the fairy queen changed the tide of battle. She was like a whirlwind of death unleashed upon the battlefield. When they arrived, the difference was palpable.The dark king scowled at the loss of ground and retaliated with an attack that was intercepted by the mages, who conjured a barrier to block his strike. The dark king advanced toward the front lines, unleashing a powerful assault that shattered the barrier. Alessandro summoned a wind barrier to mitigate the attack; though it wasn't enough, many soldiers fell, and Abril took on the task of healing their wounds. Panic began to spread among his army in the face of the dark king's might.Alessandro needed to regroup; he had to go to the Vaizel Mountains to close the gates of Hades, but how could he leave when he was the only one holding his army together? Lissana felt a knot in her stomach, anxious about when they would finally attack. She glanced at Cassiel, who remained impassive. "We need you; we should be there," she urged. "Not yet." "How much longer must we wait?" "When the moment tells you." "When we're all dead and it's just us?" "In war, the first to attack does not always win. It's the one who knows how to seize opportunities.So calm down and don't hesitate." Cassiel continued to observe the battlefield. Alessandro and Cassian fought hard to support their lines. Enora and Enzo pressed the northern flank while the dark king's army targeted the air legion that had just been summoned. But it wasn't enough. The dark army was pushing them back, slowly gaining the upper hand. Suddenly, a part of the remaining army began to falter. Alessandro felt his heart race in his chest. They could NOT let the army before them win. How could they defeat a second army?For a moment, Alessandro was paralyzed, unsure of what orders to give to change the tide of battle. Abril soared above the battlefield and landed beside him. She seemed to sense his turmoil, her own senses clouded. Abril cupped his face and kissed him, grounding him in the moment. "Lessan, this is not the time to doubt." Feeling her warm skin and the softness of her lips, he was reminded of why he couldn't give up-he was fighting for her, for their future. He would continue to battle until his last breath. "Thank you, Aby. I needed that," he said, his resolve strengthening."What are we going to do?" she asked. "Fight and don't surrender." Alessandro leaned in to kiss her again. "I love you." "I love you too." "Let's win this battle and go home." "That sounds like a good plan to me." "I have a plan, and I need you." Alessandro wrapped his arms around Abril's waist. "Just tell me what to do; I'm ready." "We will have it together, as one-fire and wind." Abril placed her hand over Alessandro's, where the mark of their marriage glowed brightly, never dimming.It was often said that this mark represented their union, but it was in this moment that they unleashed their true power, proving that together they were stronger and more powerful than they could ever be apart. In an instant, they obliterated a portion of the dark king's army, shifting the tide once more and igniting hope and courage in their own ranks.