CHAPTER 108: INTERRUPTION

Beatrice stood at the doorstep, looking at the distant back of her daughter, heading toward the lands that were filled with unimaginable dangers.

Beatrice had not heard a single good thing about that realm.

In the past, she had planned so many things about Peri’s future. She wanted to secure a peaceful future for her daughter. That’s why she had decided to find a groom from the same tribe so that her daughter would remain close by.

However, their fate twisted in such an unnatural way that now, her daughter was wedded to a dragon and she was going far away from her home.

"Well, if you are that worried, you could have gone with them." Said a familiar elf who appeared out of nowhere.

Beatrice sighed, "I can’t possibly abandon my people, Ralph. And not like Hades would have agreed to bring me along too."

The younger elf hummed, "Is that so? Well, from how I saw things, he cared about you a lot. And you also said you wanted to have another heir to the throne anyway."

Beatrice blushed and then glared at him, "This is not an appropriate manner to tease your sister."

Ralph shrugged, "I am not teasing, just letting you know that you aren’t chained to your past. If you find a man who loves you and cares about you, you shouldn’t needlessly think too much."

Beatrice heaved a sigh. Ralph’s eyes said that he wasn’t joking here.

Her gaze was drawn towards the direction they went as she muttered under her breath,

"An old lady like me...shouldn’t be dreaming of her own happiness."

....

They were close to crossing the border of Torseque, the land that touched the Dragon Realm.

Permission from the Sage meant there would be no trouble on this side—the Torseque side.

They walked toward the checkpost on foot. The Queen had provided a carriage, but for the driver’s safety, they had gotten off a few hundred meters earlier.

Peri let out a quiet sigh. Luna caught it and asked gently, "Nervous?"

Hades walked a few steps ahead, eyes fixed on what looked like a map.

Peri gave a small grimace. "I just escaped death a few days ago, reunited with my mother, and now I’m walking into the land of death."

Luna chuckled softly. "You always knew this day would come. I’m sure you’ve prepared yourself for it."

The elven princess glanced sideways at the silver-haired girl. "You don’t look worried at all. Is that your way of showing how blindly you trust him?"

Luna tilted her head. "Don’t you trust him too?"

Peri stiffened at the question, but quickly replied, "The bond I feel toward him...it was forced onto me. To be honest, I hardly know him. Or you."

"You’re right about that," Luna admitted. Her hands were clasped behind her as she added, voice calm yet honest, "If it weren’t for the being inside you—and her hatred for Hades—he would never have asked you to come along."

Peri’s lips curved in a faint, bitter smile. "Do you think I don’t already know that?"

Her gaze drifted to Hades. His broad back filled her vision, and for a moment, her chest tightened. She had known him only for a short while, and yet... it didn’t feel wrong to trust him, to let her safety rest in his hands.

She lowered her eyes and shook her head.

"Forget it. I’ll just face whatever comes."

Luna’s smile softened. She didn’t press further, quietly matching Peri’s pace as they walked on.

Soon, they arrived at the border—a looming fortress stretching for miles on either side. The walls rose high and unyielding, a tower perched above them with soldiers stationed like watchful hawks.

Hades stepped forward, calling out to a guard near the entryway. "Excuse me. Who should I speak to about crossing the border?"

The soldier’s brows arched. "You want to go to the other side?"

Hades blinked, a little taken aback. "Yes... is there a problem?"

The soldier’s lips curved into a smile, though it carried more pity than warmth. "In my three years here, I’ve only seen people run from the other side—never toward it. You’re the first who’d give up peace to walk into flames."

Hades said nothing. His silence was answer enough.

"Do you have a permit?" the soldier asked at last.

The redhead nodded and handed over the parchment.

"Wait here," the soldier said before disappearing into the tower.

Hades turned back to the two women waiting behind him. One was smiling faintly. The other quickly averted her eyes.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

Luna shook her head, her voice calm but carrying a subtle warmth.

"I had plenty of rest last night—thanks to you."

Her words made Peri stiffen. A sharp blush spread across her cheeks as she snapped her gaze toward Hades, glaring at him with flustered fury.

"Y-You... You’ve done nothing but cause me trouble!"

Hades tilted his head in confusion. Then the realization dawned on him.

The bond.

It didn’t just share pain or fear.

It shared the desire too.

Hades sheepishly smiled...well, how can he help in that?

Peri scoffed as she crossed her arms on her chest, "As I thought, every man is a wild beast."

Luna was silently panicking, turning toward both with her hands raised.

Hades was about to say something when suddenly,

"You may pass." The soldier returned with the parchment in hand.

"It was quick," Hades said, a bit surprised. He thought they would be questioned for their visiting purpose and their belongings would be checked.

However, they weren’t even brought to the senior officer, and received the clearance.

The soldier, as if reading Hades’s thoughts, grinned, "Well, Chief said whoever is going to the other side is already dead meat—no point in investigating."

Hades wryly chuckled, "Thanks for the farewell." He turned toward the two girls and fortunately, they were completely unaffected.

Soon, two soldiers began to move the wheel attached to the huge gate and slowly the doors to the other side began to part.

Hades heaved a sigh before raising his hands toward the two, "Let’s go?"

Luna held his hand without a moment of delay. While it took a few moments, Peri softly rested her hand on his as well.

Under the glaring sunlight, the three of them advanced toward the gate.

No one stopped them as the trio finally crossed the border...only to be interrupted on the other side.

"You are coming with us for interrogation."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you believe the story is enjoyable then please drop a review for future readers.