Chapter 280

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Cassian stood before the hidden passage, a sense of urgency coursing through him. “Of all the clans that are in our debt, who will obey?” he asked, his brow furrowing in thought. “The fairies, the elves, the humans, and the wizards,” came the reply. “The fairies have sworn obedience,” Cassian noted, a spark of hope igniting within him. If the fairies were to surrender their loyalty to the guardians, they could not refuse to help him find a way to free Maya from their grasp. “Then they must decide how to release Maya,” he continued, his voice steady. “Release her?
What do you mean?” “Maya is suffering from having left the land of the fairies. Her vital energy seems to be fading. Soon, if she doesn’t return, she will perish.” “Isn’t there anything you can do?” Cassian’s voice was laced with desperation. “I’ve tried. My magic can only alleviate her symptoms, no matter how much I wish it could do more.” “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner, Cassian?” “I didn’t want to worry you, especially after Lissana had disappeared.” “That explains why you looked so troubled. You should have told me.
It’s the things you keep to yourself that worry me the most.” “Well, now I have more hope of not losing Maya,” Cassian said, a determined glint in his eyes. “We mustn’t waste any more time. Let’s find this door.” — When Maya met Abril, she rushed forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace. “I’m so glad everything turned out well and that you were able to recover your health.” “I’m happy to see you too, Maya, even if you look a bit pale,” Abril replied, concern etched on her face. “I went to visit my family.
I used teleportation parchment to go and come back, but it took a toll on my body.” “I understand how you feel. I felt terrible the first time I used it,” Abril said, placing her hand over Maya’s, infusing her with a gentle warmth. “Thank you,” Maya whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “We discovered something intriguing among the elves. I believe it can help you,” Abril continued, her eyes brightening with the revelation. “What is it?” Cassian asked, leaning in closer.
“I still don’t fully understand it, but all clans are obliged to obey the guardians, including the fairies.” “What?!” “You don’t need to ask Laxeina for help. Cassian can compel her,” Abril explained. “Yes, but I didn’t have to convince the elf to help me,” Cassian interjected, his tone defensive. “That’s why you’re prepared to go,” Abril said, her voice steady. “We are willing to fight to recover Lissana in the end if necessary.” A smile spread across Maya’s face. “You can take her to the land of the fairies and recover her.” “Wait,” Abril interrupted.
“Let’s hear what Cassian has to say first.” Abril sat beside Cassian, inviting Maya to join them. “Tell me, how have you been?” “To be honest, not very well,” Maya admitted, her eyes downcast. “Is it still weakening you?” Abril asked, concern deepening in her voice. “Yes, but I still feel I should try to recover without fear.” “When you return to the fairy realm, I would like you to do me a favor,” Cassian said, his tone serious. “What do you want?
I owe you so much.” “It’s selfish, but I need you to take Lissana with you and look after her.” “You want to send her to the land of the fairies now?” Maya’s eyes widened in disbelief. “It’s not what you think, Maya. I don’t want to be separated from Lissana. I would never want that.” “Then why send her to the land of the fairies?” Maya pressed. “Lissana possesses great power, too much for her small body. She must grow quickly, and this is the only opportunity for her to survive.” “Is Lissana smiling?” Abril asked, her heart aching for the child.
“You risk losing control and dying if she doesn’t grow quickly enough to manage her power,” Cassian explained. “Time passes differently in the fairy realm, and if you don’t see her grow, it could be disastrous.” “I’m sure that’s why you care for her,” Abril said, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips. “I asked you, can you deny yourself if you truly want her to thrive?” Cassian’s voice was firm. “How much longer does Lissana have to grow?” Maya asked, her voice trembling. “I can’t say,” Cassian replied, his expression grave. Maya sighed heavily.
“It’s a grave mistake to keep her away.” “Thank you,” Cassian said, his voice softening. “The land of the fairies may seem beautiful, but I don’t believe it’s the best place for her to grow,” Abril cautioned. “I know, but if she doesn’t go to the land of the fairies, she won’t grow,” Maya insisted, determination shining in her eyes. Abril caressed Maya’s hands gently. “I prefer to always choose the path that leads to safety.” “Before sending her, you must speak to the queen of the fairies. She doesn’t take kindly to foreigners in her lands,” Cassian warned.
“Lissana is bound to her priest and must connect with the guardian of their realm. They are obligated to help her,” Abril added. “I suppose you’ve thought this through,” Cassian said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “If my time with Lissana is short, I can lose her by refusing to let her go,” Maya replied, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. Cassian led Alessandro to the place described in the book. Before them stood a gray wall adorned with the drawing of a curved door. Alessandro fixed his gaze on it, curiosity piqued. “How do we open it?” he asked.
Cassian approached the wall, determination in his stride. “I will try to open it. There must be a way.” “In the book, how did the passage open?” Alessandro inquired. “It doesn’t mention it, so we need to find a way to unlock it,” Cassian replied, scanning the letters etched into the drawing. Alessandro noticed hidden letters behind the door. “It’s true.” “Why didn’t I see it before?” Cassian murmured, piecing together the letters until their meaning became clear. He recalled the story his mother had told him, the name she had given to the guardians.
“I believe it means ‘guardian,'” he said, a sense of purpose igniting within him.