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!Abril was exhausted after a long day, having ensured that everything was in order before finally allowing herself to rest. Lissana accompanied her, not wanting to be alone with her mother. After some fussing, Abril lay back on her bed, her damp hair clinging to her forehead. Lissana settled beside her, using her magic to dry Abril's hair. "Thank you for staying by my side," Abril murmured, caressing her daughter's cheek. Lissana hugged her mother tightly. "You know you can count on me for anything you need." "Really?" Abril asked, her eyes softening."Yes, really." Abril gazed at Lissana for a moment, then closed her eyes, surrendering to a deep sleep. All the exhaustion she had accumulated seemed to wash over her like a wave. The next day, Lissana woke up around midday, while Abril continued to sleep soundly. Not wanting to disturb her, Lissana quietly left the room. As she made her way to the dining hall, Lissana encountered her uncle Cassian in the courtyard. "Good morning, Lissana. How are you?" he asked. "I slept deeply. I didn't want to wake her," she replied. "She must be exhausted. Even if you tried, it would be hard to rouse her.noveldramaWhen her magic runs out, she'll sleep for days," Cassian said, a shadow of concern flickering in his eyes. "Don't worry; she'll be fine. She just needs rest." "I hope so," Lissana said, her voice tinged with worry. "I was going to visit the guardians' room. Your priest's spirit should be there. Do you want to come with me?" Lissana hesitated. She wanted to ask her priest why he had sacrificed himself, but confronting his spirit felt like accepting that he was truly gone. "Don't you want to see your priest?" Cassian prompted gently."I do want to see him, it's just..." "What's going on, Lissana?" "I feel that talking to his spirit means accepting that he is dead." "He will return, I'm sure of it. If you don't want to come, I won't force you. I'm sure your father would understand." "Is that true? Do you really believe that?" "Yes, and if you change your mind, I can take you whenever you want." Lissana fell silent for a few moments before finally asking, "Can you ask Papa why this happened?" "Are you talking about his death?" Cassian inquired. Lissana nodded."If you want, I can ask, but I believe he did it for a reason." "Why?!" "Because he knew you wouldn't attack while he was in the middle of it." "How could I do that? He was my priest." "That's why I say it, so you don't have to choose between saving him or the world." "I hate everything. I hate that I couldn't save him," Lissana said, tears welling in her eyes. "I understand what you're going through. I felt the same way when I couldn't help my brothers. This kind of pain can only heal with time." Cassian placed a comforting hand on Lissana's shoulder."There are things you might never forget, but remember that you are not alone. You have your family to help you through this." "Thank you, Uncle Cassian, for understanding me." "You've felt like you're growing up too fast and losing too much. But now it's over. We're home, and it's time for you to live your life, Lissana." "I'll try." "I must go see your priest. I'll see you later." Cassian headed to the guardians' room, and upon crossing the threshold, he encountered his brother. "How is everything?" Cassian asked. "Sad because you're not here," Alessandro replied."I know." "Cassiel took your body to the village of the guardians. He doesn't know when you can return." "I didn't expect it to be ready." "Lissana is very upset about what you did and blames herself." "That was never my intention. I wish I could apologize to her." "You'll have to wait until you return to do that. If you refuse to see her as a spirit..." "I suppose I deserve it." "How is Abril?" "She's more affected than anyone.She tries not to show it, but she has a kingdom to rule and a daughter to care for." "You're placing too much on Abril." "Yes, it's too heavy a burden for her, but she remains strong. You can help them when you return." "I would have done it without being asked." "Thanks, brother." "Just know, that's what brothers are for. You can always count on me." Cassian spent a long time talking with Alessandro in the guardians' room, sharing everything that had happened since his death. Finally, he said goodbye, feeling the weight of his brother's absence.The world outside continued to move, and he knew he had to stay strong. As Cassian headed for the door, Alessandro called out to him. "Cassian." "What is it?" "Tell Abril to forgive me for leaving her with all of this." "I will." "And tell her that no matter how long it takes, I will return to be by her side." Cassian nodded solemnly and left. When he exited the guardians' room, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. He sought out Abril, but she was still asleep. He could only deliver his brother's message to Lissana. Abril finally woke up three days later.It was on the fourth day that Cassian was able to convey his brother's message. After hearing his words, Abril felt a deep sense of loneliness. At that moment, she didn't want to see anyone. Alessandro had promised he would return, but doubts gnawed at her. Would she ever see him again? That night, as she slept, answers to her questions came to her in a dream. She found herself lying in bed with Alessandro, feeling blissfully happy because her beloved was with her.She intertwined her fingers with his and felt the familiar warmth of their bond, the mark of their marriage glowing brightly once more, as if the broken union had been restored. "I'm so grateful you waited for me," Alessandro whispered. Abril nestled closer, the dream so vivid that when she awoke, she instinctively reached for him, only to find the space beside her empty. Yet deep down, she knew that one day he would return, and they would be whole again.From that day forward, she focused on her responsibilities as queen and cherished her time with Lissana, determined to have everything in order for his eventual return.