# Chapter 94: The Cave of Dreams – Facing the Unthinkable
Hello everyone, my dear readers, it's me again! How are you all doing today? I hope you're ready for another emotional journey through the intricate world of "Forgotten Wife: Let the Traitors Kneel Down." Today, I will continue to walk with you and review Chapter 94, a chapter filled with agonizing sacrifices, heart-wrenching farewells, and a terrifying descent into a place where one's deepest fears come alive. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's explore this captivating chapter together.
---
The air in the fairy realm was thick with the scent of blossoms and the weight of unspoken truths. Maya lay upon a bed of flowers, the petals soft beneath her weary body, yet she could not find peace. Her blood, her very essence, was in turmoil. She felt as though she were trying to separate something vital from herself, to protect it from an unseen threat. Cassian's words echoed in her memory like a haunting melody: "I intend to kill her without severing ties with her." She had watched him weaken day by day, his strength ebbing away as the bond between them shifted and changed.
"It's a bond that a fairy has created," he had told her. "If it can break, it can change, since it is tied to my heart and her life."
But what did that mean for them? What choice lay ahead? His voice had been heavy with resignation when he spoke of his daughter, of the life that was entwined with a "damned human." He had confessed that with Maya gone, there was nothing left for him. He had tried to protect his daughter, to spare her from the fate that had befallen his own mother. But destiny, it seemed, had its own cruel plans.
The fairy queen had told him to choose for himself. And now, here Maya was, waking in the land of the fairies—a place that felt both foreign and intimately familiar. She tried to rise, but her body refused to cooperate. Her legs felt like lead, her limbs heavy and unresponsive. When she finally managed to reach the door, it swung open to reveal the fairy queen, her presence commanding.
"You are not well; you should be resting. Go back to bed," the queen insisted, her tone brooking no argument.
"Where is Cassian?" Maya asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"He is resting in bed. You are weak and exhausted. You need to return to bed," the queen replied.
Maya's legs threatened to buckle beneath her, and the queen stepped forward, catching her before she could collapse. Maya didn't feel comfortable lying in that flower bed, despite how inviting it looked.
"I don't feel well. I thought I would recover if I returned here," she murmured.
"That was before you married. Now your recovery will be slower," the queen explained.
"Why?" Maya questioned, confusion etching her features.
"It doesn't matter. You must rest," the queen said, leaving no room for argument. "You cannot leave here."
"Do you want to see Cassian?" the queen asked, her tone softening slightly.
"I want to see him," Maya replied, her heart aching.
"You will see him soon," the queen assured her.
As the queen moved toward the door, Maya thought of reprimanding her for so many things—the secrets, the manipulations, the tangled web of fate that had ensnared them all. But instead, she simply said, "Thank you."
The queen paused for a moment before continuing on her way, leaving Maya alone to wait. Soon, fairies entered carrying clean clothes and jugs of water. They prepared her, ensuring she would be presentable for her reunion with Cassian. When at last they led her to him, Cassian rushed forward, his eyes filled with a desperate concern.
"Maya! Are you well? Is there anything wrong?" he asked, his gaze scanning her body anxiously.
"I'm fine; nothing hurts, just a bit tired," she replied.
Cassian hugged her tightly, his embrace fierce and protective. "Thank God. You don't know how worried I was. I feared something terrible had happened to you."
"We're fine, even though I thought I might die," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Cassian opened his mouth to explain what had happened, but the queen interrupted them. "Maya, you should rest. You need to recover."
Cassian held onto Maya fiercely. "I don't think I can be separated from her."
"You can't stay in this room. People are sick; you can wait outside," the queen insisted.
Cassian refused to let go, but he asked, "How long will she have to stay in this place?"
"A few days or a few weeks. It depends on the person," the queen replied.
Cassian looked at Maya, his expression filled with concern. "It will be a while, if it's something you don't know," he said softly. "Stay a little longer, just a little more," he pleaded.
The queen simply turned to leave. "Whatever you want, just try not to spend too much time together," she warned before exiting.
Once they were alone, Maya asked, "What happened while I was gone?"
"Nothing, just waiting for you to wake up," Cassian replied.
"Why do you treat the queen differently? I thought you hated her," Maya inquired.
"I don't hate her; I just hate that she tried to take you away from me," he confessed, his eyes darkening with emotion.
Maya touched the mark of marriage that peeked out from the neckline of her dress. "I understand why I have it in my chest and not in my hand. Although marriage marks are valid, it is different for the fairies."
Cassian took her hand and placed it over his heart. "Now our hearts beat in unison. When one stops, the other will follow."
Maya leaned in and kissed him gently. "I chose this with you. I chose this, so change that face, my friend. It looks romantic."
"Yes," Cassian replied, a hint of a smile breaking through his earlier distress. "In the end, it feels like we're doing the same thing that confines us, limiting your freedom."
"This is not a prison," Maya insisted. "At least not for me."
---
Meanwhile, in the human world, Barto sought out his father, who stood in the garden where Maya had vanished. The portal to the fairies was open, and Ryan appeared withdrawn, lost in thought. A tense silence enveloped them.
"Daddy, are you alright?" Barto asked.
"I can't stop thinking about your sister," Ryan admitted, his voice heavy with worry. "Will she be alright?"
"I didn't seem willing to help her," Barto replied, guilt gnawing at him.
"I believe she will be fine," Ryan said, though doubt lingered in his tone.
"This is my fault," Barto murmured. "I knew she was united with the fairies, but I still couldn't stop you..."
"What do you mean, Daddy?" Barto pressed.
"Maya was fine until we severed the bond," Ryan lamented. "Her pain is my fault."
"I will seek more answers. I will go to the fairy realm and bring Maya back," Barto declared, determination igniting within him.
"No, you mustn't do anything reckless," Ryan cautioned.
"Don't you think I can do anything to save Maya?" Barto retorted, frustration boiling over.
"No, you're misunderstanding me. I care about her, but whatever you do, there will be no happiness for Maya if you act rashly. If you're wise, Cassian will find a way to bring her back. But if you go, you may not return, and I cannot lose you too."
Barto clenched his fists, feeling overwhelmed by helplessness. "I promised I would take care of Maya."
"I know," Ryan said softly. "But sometimes, it's time to wait."
"Papa, can I ask you a question?" Barto ventured.
"Of course," Ryan replied.
"Did you love Mama? Why didn't you ever marry her?"
"Out of fear," Ryan admitted, his gaze distant. "I feared losing her."
"Just like you lost her?" Barto pressed. "Do you regret not marrying her?"
"Maybe a little," Ryan confessed. "But we cannot go back in time. I must look forward to living, because I'm sure that's what she would have wanted."
---
The tension in the garden grew thicker as Kiara and Abril prepared to leave. Kiara's expression was a mix of annoyance and worry. She had already spoken to Alessandro; they could leave whenever they wanted.
"Then let's go. There's nothing left for us here," Abril said, her resolve firm.
Kiara returned to her room, gathering her belongings into a bag. "Let's go," she said, her voice steady.
"Have you spoken to Barto?" Abril inquired.
"Why should I say goodbye?" Kiara shot back, her frustration evident.
"Have you two fought?" Abril pressed gently.
"No, it's just clear to me that he doesn't want me to choose him," Kiara said, her eyes narrowing.
"Before you go, you should stay here with him. If you disappear without warning, you'll only suffer," Abril urged.
"Why would suffering matter?" Kiara retorted.
"It matters. You know what I have endured."
"Yes, I'm safe, so let's go," Kiara replied, her voice resolute.
They met Alessandro in the garden where Maya and Cassian had vanished. To Kiara's surprise, Barto and his father were also there.
"Let's go to the land of the fairies," Barto urged, his voice filled with determination. "Did you think you could leave without deciding anything?"
But Kiara remained silent, resisting the urge to respond.
"Kiara, please! Talk to me!" Barto implored.
"You made it very clear that my decisions don't matter to you," she said.
"Barto, I..." she began, but he interrupted her. "Before you say anything, you should know that I'm not following you for that reason. Yesterday, Abril asked me to accompany her to the gathering."
"Barto isn't going to the land of the fairies," Ryan interjected, standing protectively beside his son.
Kiara brushed past Barto, her resolve hardening. "I thought I'd tell you to go back home," he said, desperation lacing his words. "But it doesn't matter; it doesn't change what you think of me."
"Kiara..." he started, but she cut him off. "I don't care if you have to decide right away. I won't be the one to make you think that I belong to you."
Barto stepped closer, trying to take her hand, but she pulled away. "Don't touch me," she said firmly.
"I love you, Kiara," he confessed, his voice softening. "I was willing to leave everything behind for you. I was ready to fight anyone who stood in our way. But for you... your family is everything."
Kiara turned away, her heart heavy as she began to walk forward. Barto rushed after her, grabbing her arm. "Please stop!" he pleaded.
"I don't want to continue talking to you. Can't you see how they are dueling?" Kiara snapped.
"Sleep," Barto murmured, his voice faltering as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Pain washed over him, and despite his efforts, he succumbed to exhaustion and fell to the ground.
"Everyone has fallen," Kiara said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "It's fine; I'm just sleeping," she added, glancing at the tree.
After uttering a few words in an unknown language, the portal began to shimmer back into existence. "Come on, let's go through the portal," Kiara urged Abril.
Alessandro gave her a nod, his expression serious. "Be careful, Aby, and take good care of our little one," he said, concern etched on his face.
Abril kissed him gently on the lips. "Until we meet again, my love," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
---
When Kiara, Lissana, and Abril crossed the portal, they found themselves surrounded by guards. The portal had opened directly into the fairy queen's garden.
"I am Kiara B., princess of the Fairy Kingdom, requesting an audience with your queen," she announced, her voice steady.
The guards led them to the grand hall where the queen sat upon her throne, radiating beauty and tranquility. "Do we want to know how Maya is?" the queen asked, her gaze piercing.
"You cannot enter without permission," one guard warned.
"Yes, we must see her!" Kiara insisted.
"Maya is currently recovering in a special dwelling, away from prying eyes. My daughter must grow up quickly; her magic is too powerful for such a small body. Here, time works differently," the queen explained.
"I suppose that's the favor you wish to ask. Forget it; she stays here. But I still don't know what you will gain from this," the queen continued.
"I believe your majesty has already received a reward from me. I fought to protect your kingdom," Kiara replied earnestly.
"Of course, as long as your request is not denied," the queen said, her expression softening. "Take as much time as you need."
"I can't afford to take too much time," Kiara insisted.
"Do you wish to accelerate your daughter's growth?" the queen inquired.
"Is that possible?" Kiara asked, hope flickering in her heart.
"In some realms, it is possible, but I must warn you. I can hasten her body's growth, but her mind would remain that of an infant. She would have only the faintest memories of our lives; it would be an empty shell," the queen cautioned.
"I understand. So I ask you to take care of my daughter," Kiara said, determination in her voice.
"I would like to give her a chance. I wish to never have to arm her again. I have a duty to fulfill," Kiara replied, her heart heavy with the weight of her responsibilities.
"Do you know anything about your sister?" the queen asked.
"Yes, she has regained her strength and power. She has not attacked yet, but she is contemplating the right moment," Kiara explained.
"I understand. Take good care of your daughter," the queen said, her expression softening. "Prepare a home for our guests," she commanded her attendants.
As the queen rose from her throne, she turned to Kiara. "What you need can be arranged," she said.
"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality, your majesty," Kiara replied, gratitude filling her heart.
After the queen departed, Abril cried out, rushing to Cassian, who was slumped against a large white door adorned with colorful flowers.
"What are you doing here? Lissana, why have you betrayed us?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.
"It's a long story. Why are you on the ground? Are you alright?" Lissana asked.
"I'm fine. Maya is in this room. I can be inside but not firm; that's why I decided to stay close to the door," Cassian explained.
"The queen told us we wouldn't see her, yet Maya remains weak. It seems she will be confined to that room for some time," Lissana said.
"Did you finish the ceremony?" Cassian asked. "It's because you don't have the marriage mark."
"Yes, I do," Lissana replied, determination in her voice.
Cassian opened his shirt to reveal the marriage mark on his chest. "It's because you have it in your daughter," he said, his eyes narrowing.
"I had never heard anything like that," Kiara mused. "This must be because it reigns; it has to do with the marriage between humans and fairies."
"What does it mean?" Kiara asked.
"That's what the fairy queen told me," Abril replied.
"Do you believe it?" Kiara pressed.
"They cannot lie, so I believe it was true," Abril said.
Cassian gently stroked Lissana's head. "Lissana has great power, too great for her small body. If she isn't ready to unleash all her power, it could be dangerous."
"This shouldn't be anything for you," he added.
"It isn't," Abril said, her voice heavy with emotion. "Since I brought her to this place, I felt like my heart was breaking. But I still have to support her. Why would it hurt me more to lose her? There is nothing I wouldn't do to protect her, even until my last breath to keep her healthy!"
Cassian understood perfectly how Abril felt, for he felt the same way about Maya. He would rather let her go than lose her completely, preferring to ensure she was well, even if it meant being apart from her.
---
The Cave of Dreams was a place of secrets and whispers. Cassian began to see Maya after the queen had left. When she spotted him, she tried to escape, but Cassian was quick to stop her.
"I won't take you," he insisted, his voice firm.
Maya sighed. "I'm just sitting here, surrounded by flowers."
"But why is the bed full of flowers? It doesn't seem comfortable," he replied, puzzled.
Maya caressed the delicate petals and smiled. "The flowers are soft and comforting. They don't break easily, and they help you feel more connected to nature. Even if you don't use them, some people find that they bring revitalization."
"Then you can hold on a little longer," the queen said, her tone encouraging. "You've improved a lot."
"Yes, tell me that again," Maya said, a hint of hope in her voice. "I hope to be ready soon."
"Are you not surprised that Lissana is here?" Maya asked.
"To be honest, no. You had told me about Lissana's situation and how she needed care. I knew she would still be here," the queen replied.
"It doesn't matter now," Maya said softly. "Maybe it's too late to leave this room. After I left, the first thing I did was go to find you."
After an emotional reunion, they began to talk. "How long do you think you'll be here?" Abril asked.
"Actually, I was going to leave Lissana behind," Maya said, touching her belly gently. "I haven't been born yet, but if I were to leave him behind, it would feel like tearing out my own heart."
"I'm afraid that darkness will overtake us before my baby is born. Time flows differently here; what would be mere months in the human world could stretch into years here," Maya said, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
"We decided that it would be best for our child to be born here," Abril said, her voice steady.
"Are you not afraid that the queen of the fairies will come for you?" Maya asked.
"My son, just like Lissana, will have a guardian. She cannot keep him from us," Abril reassured her.
"You're right," Maya said, her resolve strengthening. "We will take care of Lissana while we are here."
"Thank you," Abril replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. "My family will be kind to her. Please tell Lissana when you return."
"Are you leaving too?" Maya asked, her eyes wide.
"I can't bear the thought of going to her without seeing my little one grow. I'll be calmer knowing you're there to care for her," Abril confessed.
Maya recalled mentioning mirrors—rare objects that could connect them across realms. If they could find one, Abril could see how her daughter was growing. But she hesitated, wondering how to approach the queen about it.
---
The next day, Maya rose early and went to find the fairy queen, who was in the garden practicing archery. "Your Majesty, may I have a moment of your valuable time?" Maya asked.
The queen paused, lowering her bow. "I haven't had breakfast yet. Shall we eat together?" she suggested.
Afterward, they sat at a table adorned with fruit. "What do you want?" the queen inquired.
Maya took a deep breath. "I would like to ask for permission to spend more time in the land of the fairies."
"Has that been decided?" the queen asked.
"Yes, at least until my baby is born," Maya replied, her heart racing.
"Very well. I suppose the human prince will also remain," the queen said.
"I would like to ask you some questions that would help us communicate. My brother mentioned that staying here could be beneficial," Maya continued.
"Yes, they are rich in resources, more so than our kingdom. Abril needs to share her burdens with everyone," the queen acknowledged.
"Could you lend me those mirrors? Just for the time we are here, and I promise we will return them," Maya pleaded.
The queen thought for a moment before responding. "It's fine, but if you want them, you'll have to come with me."
"The Cave of Dreams," Maya had said—a name that sounded beautiful, but the place itself would not be easy to navigate.
When Alessandro found out, he was concerned. "Why didn't you give me time to accompany you?" he asked Abril.
Maya had given him a kiss and said, "I feel tired."
"Why do you need to talk to the queen?" Alessandro pressed.
"I went through yesterday's conversation. Remember that I have magic mirrors? We can use them to stay in contact when you return to Cosset, so you can see how Lissana grows, even though you're not with her," Abril explained.
"Did the queen agree to give them to us?" he asked.
"We agreed to offer them, but we will have to be careful," Abril said.
"Why?" Alessandro asked, intrigued.
Kiara had come sometimes at the end of the day, and the stories she shared seemed interesting to Abril. The queen, however, had warned that this place was not what its name suggested; it should be filled with dreams, not nightmares. The horrors she had seen in that cave tormented her.
"I'm literally gone forever; I'm sure I'll be fine," Abril said.
"You left him in danger," Cassian warned.
"I suppose you're right. I would like to accompany you, but I don't think I can ever return to that place," Cassian admitted.
"Oh, I feel it. I don't care. I'm thinking of a way to see a young child, even though I'm not close to her, and I don't think I'll let her pass," Abril said.
"I wish I could accompany you, but..." Cassian began.
"The site is dangerous; something will affect Maya. You must take care of her," Abril insisted.
Abril was more than determined to find the mirrors that Maya had mentioned. She hated leaving her daughter behind; she hated not being able to see her grow. The mirrors represented a way to lessen the pain of their separation.
"What was it you saw in that cave?" Abril asked Kiara.
"My worst nightmares," Kiara replied.
"What?" Abril asked.
"In this place, you see your greatest fears. If you fear a terrifying monster, it will materialize. If you conquer it, you won't see it again for a few days. That's what I was trying to do in the cave. Don't go in; forget those mirrors. Believe me, it's not worth it," Kiara warned.
"No way. My daughter is my greatest treasure. I won't pass up the opportunity to watch her grow just because you're scared," Abril insisted.
"You're very determined," Kiara remarked.
"I've made my decision. There's nothing that can change my mind," Abril said.
"So I can accompany you to the Cave of Dreams, but I don't think I'll enter," Kiara said.
"I appreciate that so much. When shall we go?"
"Today," Kiara said. "Aby, don't run so much. You'll be here for a few days. The mirrors won't go anywhere. Enjoy your daughter."
"I suppose you're right; there is still time," Abril said. "We can go in a few days. That way, you'll have time to think about it."
---
The day changed, just as Abril had promised. Kiara led Abril to the entrance of the Cave of Dreams, where two guardians stood watch.
"What is this place?" Abril asked.
"I want to enter the cave," Kiara said.
"Nobody can enter this cave without the queen's permission," one guard stated.
"Then you are welcome to have her permission," Abril said, producing a small golden seal and holding it up. She burned it, watching carefully as the guardians stepped aside.
"Be very careful and remember that nothing you see there is real," Kiara warned.
"Yes, I will remember," Abril said.
After entering, Abril felt a strange sensation, as if the cave was both absorbing and pushing her away at the same time. As she ventured deeper, the darkness grew thicker and the cold more biting. Abril conjured a ball of fire in her hand to light the way, but the light seemed to be swallowed by the shadows. Determined, she took another path in the dark, using her light magic to create little sparkles that illuminated the cave.
When she finally reached a clearer area, she thought she saw a human figure addressing her. Abril shouted, trying to get a response, but the figure approaching her remained silent. A moan echoed in her heart, a sensation like lightning striking, ignited by the secret actions hidden in her unconscious.
"Wait," she thought, recalling Kiara's words—the very thing she feared most. The creature before her was slender, completely naked, and in human form. Its sharp claws tore through the cave walls, leaving deep gashes in the stone. Abril had faced many monsters, even those larger and more terrifying than this one, but she had never felt fear like this. She knew how to defeat them with ease, yet this creature was different.
"They're not real," she repeated, trying to convince herself. But as the claws of the creature flew toward her, she instinctively dodged, feeling something hot and wet slide down her cheek. It was blood.
"This is not an illusion! This is real! This creature is real!" Abril's heart raced as she attempted to attack the creature with her fire, but nothing happened.
The creature lunged at her, and she barely tilted her head in time to avoid its claws. They grazed her skull, and a warm trickle of blood ran down her neck. The creature turned to strike again, its claws arcing dangerously close to her head.
A harsh voice emerged from the creature's mouth, chilling her to the bone. "Today you will die in the light. I will make you pay for all the blood that has been spilled."
"I am real because you believe it, and I will prove it to you," the creature taunted.
Abril searched for something to fight with, desperate to survive. She sprinted toward the golden daggers she knew were nearby, her heart racing as she reached them just as the creature's claws scraped the ground behind her. She snatched them up, rising like lightning.
"Why can't you defeat me?" it taunted, its voice dripping with disdain.
Abril gritted her teeth, feeling the weight of its strength. Then the creature's words echoed in her mind: "I'm real because you believe it." This monster was a manifestation of her own fears. If she could change her thoughts, perhaps she could dispel it.
With all her strength, she focused on that fear, willing it to disappear. In an instant, the creature vanished, leaving only a faint echo of its presence.
Still clutching the daggers, Abril pressed deeper into the cave, which opened up into a vast expanse filled with scattered treasures and jewelry. Suddenly, a voice called from the shadows.
"Hello, sister," it said, and Abril turned to see Cira emerging, wrapped in dark garments, Lissana cradled in her arms.
"I didn't expect to see you so soon, my capable niece," Cira said, her voice dripping with mockery.
Lissana's cheeks were wet with tears, but she had stopped crying. A surge of anger overwhelmed Abril, a poison coursing through her veins, igniting a fierce desire for revenge. She hated her sister more than ever at that moment.
"I told you I would make you suffer, that I would take everything you love. I know you want to keep it all, but I will take it from you," Cira hissed.
Cira squeezed Lissana tightly, and the child squirmed, beginning to cry once more. Abril lunged at Cira, driving both golden daggers into her chest, yet Cira continued to strangle Lissana as if nothing had happened. Abril pressed on, attacking Cira until it was over. Cira didn't let go until Lissana lay lifeless on the ground, the light in her eyes extinguished completely.
Abril rushed to her daughter's body, feeling as though something had shattered inside her. She pressed the small, lifeless form against her chest, a scream tearing from her throat. "No more! This isn't real! This can't be real!"
Anger and pain consumed her, a fierce hatred that threatened to overwhelm her. She released Lissana's body and turned towards Cira, her heart pounding with rage. "You will pay for what you've done to my daughter!" she screamed.
But Cira seemed unfazed. Abril retreated, not out of fear of Cira, but of herself and the darkness that threatened to consume her. "Don't come any closer! Stay away from me!" Abril shouted.
Cira ignored the warning and continued to approach. Abril pressed her back against the wall, feeling cornered. She was acutely aware that if she didn't stop, she would be consumed by hatred and would never escape its grasp.
Taking a deep breath, Abril tried to calm herself, to quell the hatred that surged within her. The crimson flames that surrounded her began to shift to a silvery hue—a light that could purify rather than destroy. She had to use this power to free her sister from the darkness that consumed her.
Since Cira had appeared, Abril had known that love was the answer. She wished with all her heart that her sister could be freed from the danger that had taken hold of her. Cira was gone, leaving no trace behind, just like Lissana's lifeless body.
Abril found herself sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall, lost in thought. Memories echoed in her mind from the past, when Cira had been cruel to her. She had hated her sister, but deep down, she had also loved her. That hatred had only revived more hatred.
"I won't continue with this," Abril declared, rising to her feet. She refused to play this game of hate that would turn her into a monster. In that moment, she resolved to stop hating Cira and instead save her from the darkness.
As she looked at Lissana, she no longer saw a baby but a six- or seven-year-old girl running joyfully before her. Abril chased after the vision, finding herself in the palace garden. There stood Lissana and Alessandro beneath the shade of a large tree, preparing a picnic together.
"Is this real?" she asked, resting her head on Alessandro's shoulder.
"Of course it is. Can't you see?" he replied softly.
"Please, let me see you," she urged.
Alessandro remained silent. Lissana ran toward them, arms outstretched. "Mami, I asked for a new song! Can I sing it?"
"Of course, sweetheart," Abril replied.
Lissana began to sing, her voice beautiful and melodious. "When the sun rises, your light will shine on all, and the darkness will fade away. The afternoon breeze will carry away fear and sadness, and the moon will bring rest."
Abril listened, feeling a bittersweet nostalgia for the song she couldn't quite remember.
---
As night fell, Kiara began to worry about Abril, who had yet to leave the cave. "She's fine," Kiara reassured herself, though anxiety gnawed at her. She made several trips to and from the cave, her heart heavy with concern.
"Why don't you go for her?" one of the guardians suggested.
"We can't just go in after her," another replied. "If she chooses to enter that place, she must also decide to leave on her own."
The next day, Kiara returned to the cave. "Is she still in there?" she called out.
"Yes, we must wait for her," came the reply. "Her desire to live in the real world is stronger than whatever she sees in there."
"Too much time has passed," Kiara murmured.
Meanwhile, Abril was living a blissful winter, surrounded by her family and enjoying peaceful days. Lissana sang for her, a melody that felt both familiar and distant.
"If you ask me," Alessandro had said, "don't forget anything."
"I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something important," Abril admitted.
"It's nothing," he reassured her. "Just enjoy this moment. Everything is good here."
But Abril couldn't shake the sensation that something was amiss. She began to panic, searching frantically for signs of her family. Alessandro took her hand, but his touch felt cold and distant.
"What's wrong, Aby?" he asked.
"Let me go! You're not really here!" she cried, pulling away.
"Why do you want to leave? Here, you are happy. You have everything you've ever wanted—a family," he said.
"That's exactly why I must be strong," Abril insisted. "My real family is waiting for me."
Lissana approached, hugging her leg. "Mami, don't go! Sing for me!"
As the darkness enveloped them, Lissana's voice rang out, lifting the weight of fear and sadness. Abril recognized the song; it was one she had sung long ago, when the palace had been in ruins.
"I can't do this," Abril said, pulling away from her daughter. "There are still people waiting for me."
Flames began to engulf the vision, consuming the dreamlike world around her. Abril pressed on, determined to escape the cave, until at last, she saw a glimmer of light. She found herself in a grand chamber illuminated by torches, filled with gold and precious stones. Among the treasures lay the golden daggers she had once wielded against the creature.
Finally, she discovered the mirrors, lined up on a pedestal. They were small and round, not at all what she had imagined. After a moment of hesitation, Abril took the mirrors, feeling as if they were trying to draw her back.
"I don't believe the queen would be pleased if I took them," she muttered.
As she turned to leave the cave, the golden daggers followed her. "I can do this on my own," she insisted, determined to escape.
Just as she neared the exit, she felt the weight of the daggers at her waist. "If you don't think you'll ever stop following me!" she shouted in desperation.
No answer came, and deep down, Abril knew she wouldn't receive one. She pressed on, just steps away from freedom.
"ABY! ARE YOU OKAY?" Cassian and Kiara called out in unison as she emerged into the light.
Relief washed over Abril as she stepped out of the cave. "Yes, I'm perfectly fine," she replied, her heart finally at ease.
---
It would be better if they returned to the palace; Abril must be very tired. "How long have you been in the cellar?" Alessandro asked, concern etched on his face.
"I thought you wouldn't come back," Abril replied.
"I never wanted to return to this place, especially not when I see you," Alessandro said. "This place is terrifying. You shouldn't even think about going back."
Cassian felt a surge of anger at finding Abril there. "What were you doing in that cave?"
"It's selfishness," she replied, shaking her head. "It's a horrible place, and you should never enter it."
Abril felt exhausted and hungry. All she wanted was to see Lissana. As she walked back to the palace, the guards intercepted her.
"The queen requests your presence," one of them announced.
In the throne room, the queen observed the two daggers at Abril's waist. "How did you acquire those daggers?" the queen inquired.
"I found them in the cave," Abril admitted. "I'm sorry for taking them. I thought I could leave them behind, but they wouldn't let me go."
"No, you can't leave them behind," the queen replied sternly. "Those daggers are bound to you. No matter how much you try to abandon them, they will always follow you."
"Is that even possible?" Abril asked, bewildered.
"These daggers are eternal, created long ago. They have a consciousness; they choose their bearer and will remain with you until you die. They will only seek a new bearer once you are gone. They are now yours," the queen explained.
"In truth, I can let them go," Abril said.
"If you can, then do so. But I believe they will remain with you," the queen replied. "I see you also acquired the mirrors. I don't think you should keep them; you'll have to return them when you come back for your daughter."
"Take good care of them, and if you return, I will expect them back," the queen said.
"But it's worth it anyway," Abril said. "I just wanted to see how you would have escaped the cave. I thought you might have lost your mind, but I see that's not the case."
"There is something I would like to ask," Abril said. "Everything I saw there felt like an illusion, but it seemed so real."
Abril touched her side, where she still felt the sting of the creature's claws. She felt sore, as if she had truly battled that beast.
"Honestly, I wasn't really there," the queen explained. "I am here in my domain, the only place where my magic works. That cave exists in multiple realms."
"Thank you for answering my question," Abril said.
"The daggers adapt to their bearer; they can transform into whatever you need," the queen added.
Abril's eyes widened. "This is very important to me."
"Yes, but they don't help me at all," the queen replied. "They disappear every time I try to touch them. If you want, I can ask them to fill you with their power."
"I would be grateful for that," Abril said, resigned.
She left the throne room and headed directly to the chamber where her daughter lay. Upon entering, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She rushed to embrace Maya, holding her tightly.
"I take good care of her," Maya said, smiling.
"Thank you," Abril replied, her heart swelling.
"Did you find the mirrors?" Maya asked eagerly.
"It was difficult," Abril admitted. "It was, but you should never enter that cave again."
"I admit that the cave always piqued my curiosity, but I won't go back. Just seeing the expression on your face tells me that place is worse than anything," Maya said.
"You look terrible," Maya continued. "You should rest and eat something. I'll stay with Lissana while you do."
Abril hesitated to separate from her daughter for even a moment. After leaving Lissana in good hands, she made her way to Alessandro's workshop when Barto burst in suddenly.
"Your Majesty, I must speak with you!" Barto exclaimed.
"What's going on?" Alessandro asked.
"Apparently, monsters have been sighted in the kingdom," Barto said.
"What? Where?" Alessandro demanded.
"Near the border. Some towns were attacked, and others were completely destroyed," Barto replied.
"Are they crossing the barrier?" Alessandro asked.
"Your Majesty, a miasma has appeared suddenly. Everything it touches dies, barely alive," Barto replied, his voice shaking.
"A new threat," Alessandro muttered. "Gabriel, hold back the horsemen. Tell them to prepare. We will use the blessed weapons and armor to fight these monsters."
"It is necessary," Barto agreed. "We cannot rely solely on Abril's power. We will do what we can. We will also summon Sirius to bring the mages."
"As Your Majesty orders," Barto replied, bowing slightly before leaving.
Just then, a little pixie appeared suddenly, blocking Abril's path. "You can't go!" she insisted.
"What are you doing here? How is my sister?" Abril asked.
"Maya is fine, but that's not what matters right now. You cannot go and fight these monsters. You must come with me to the land of the fairies; the fairy queen wants to see you," the pixie urged.
"Stop! You said you would agree to be her successor. You promised her," the pixie insisted.
"She accepted my proposal," Abril replied, her heart racing.
---
## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
Oh my goodness, what an absolutely intense chapter! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! The emotional rollercoaster of watching Abril confront her deepest fears in the Cave of Dreams was both heart-wrenching and empowering. The way the chapter illustrates the battle between hate and love, fear and courage, illusion and reality is beautifully crafted. I found myself gasping when Cira appeared with Lissana, my heart breaking at the lifeless image of the child. And the moment when Abril chose love over hatred, transforming her crimson flames to silvery light—that was truly powerful symbolism! The tension between Kiara and Barto, the desperate plea of Cassian to stay close to Maya, and the looming threat of monsters crossing the border—everything builds toward an epic climax. The cliffhanger with the pixie telling Abril she must go to the fairy queen as her successor left me breathless! This chapter deserves every bit of praise.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.9 / 5 Stars
---
## Next Chapter Prediction
Based on this electrifying conclusion, the next chapter promises to be explosive! With monsters being sighted at the border and a deadly miasma destroying everything in its path, Alessandro is preparing for war. But the sudden appearance of the pixie, demanding Abril come to the fairy queen as her successor, suggests that Abril's destiny lies elsewhere—perhaps in a role that will require her to harness the full power of those golden daggers and the silvery light she discovered within the Cave of Dreams. I predict that Abril will be torn between her duty to protect her kingdom alongside Alessandro and her newly accepted role as the fairy queen's successor. Meanwhile, the threat of Kiara's sister looms larger than ever, and Maya's recovery in the fairy realm may hold the key to stopping the coming darkness. And what about Kiara's decision regarding her daughter? The queen's warning about the empty shell of accelerated growth weighs heavy. Will Kiara accept the queen's offer? With so many threads converging, the next chapter is certain to deliver heart-pounding action and devastating choices!
---
To listen free the next reviews chapters, please access website novelsaudio.com and search keyword: Forgotten Wife: Let the Traitors Kneel Down or click the link in the description of this video or if you want to listen or read full the Forgotten Wife: Let the Traitors Kneel Down please access website novelsaudio.com