It was getting late. Silas tucked Emma into bed, pulling the blanket gently over her. "I won't bother you anymore. Get some rest," he said softly. When he turned to return to his flower pot, Emma caught his hand. "How long until you're fully recovered?" she asked. Silas brushed his fingers across her cheek, his touch tender. "When I bloom for the first time, I'll be whole again." That meant just three more days. Emma smiled and closed her eyes, feeling a rare lightness in her chest. Silas' form faded from sight, and soon, a soft vine reached out from the pot, curling around her wrist. Emma laughed quietly and stroked it. The vine twisted playfully in response, almost as if it were ticklish. … The next morning, half-asleep, Emma felt something brushing against her wrist. Still with her eyes closed, she tugged lightly and mumbled, "Silas, quit it… Let me sleep a little longer." There was no sunrise aboard the starrail; without checking the lightcore, no one could tell what time it was. Her words did nothing. Whatever it was kept rubbing faster against her wrist. When she opened her eyes, she saw a small, violet-black snake coiled around her waist, its tail teasing the inside of her wrist. "Edric? When did you get in here?" She tried to sit up, but before she could, the little snake transformed into a man—pressing her gently back down. "Emma," Edric murmured, sounding hurt, "you called me by the wrong name." He looked at her with wounded eyes. "I knew it. You think my beast form is ugly. You've found other males, and now you don't like me anymore." "Don't be ridiculous. How could I ever not like you?" Emma said quickly, wrapping her arms around him. Oh no. Her sweet, sincere little Edric had learned to pout. "It's just—last night, Silas' vine wrapped around my wrist. I was still half-asleep and thought it was him just now," she explained hurriedly. She glanced toward the table—only to find it empty. "Where's Silas?" While handing her some clothes, Edric said, "Corvin took him to water him." "What?" Emma blinked in disbelief. "Silas needs watering?" Edric chuckled and handed over the clothes he'd picked. "Not with regular water. It's a special healing solution for plant-type therians. Helps them recover faster." "Oh, that makes sense." She nodded, relieved. Emma took the clothes, ready to dress herself, but Edric stopped her. "Helping a huntress get dressed is part of our duty. You're not going to turn me down, are you?" He looked at her so earnestly that she couldn't bring herself to refuse. It seemed every one of her companions was competing for her attention these days. "Of course not," she said with a grin. "I'd never say no to my Edric."… Outside, Aria quietly approached Lucien. "Lucien, are you sure you're not coming back with me?" she asked softly. "I don't feel right leaving you out here alone." Lucien could speak again now, though he still avoided talking in front of Emma—afraid she'd see how weakened he really was. "You don't need to worry," he said. "I'm fine. In a few days, Emma and I will head back to Aurelia together." "All right." Aria smiled, nodding. "I'll go on ahead and wait for you. And make sure you bring Emma with you, okay? I'm rooting for you—turn her into my sister-in-law soon." Before Lucien could respond, Corvin's voice rang out nearby. "Coalball! Where'd you run off to this time? Get out here already—we're leaving the starrail soon!" He grumbled as he searched. "If you don't show up, I'll leave you behind! You're so ugly no one else would even feed you." Lucien was speechless. Aria tried not to laugh as she picked up Lucien—currently in his Coalball form—and walked over. "Coalball's here," she said. "It flew off just now, so I brought it back before it got lost." Corvin looked relieved. He took Coalball from her and apologized politely. "Thanks." "No problem," Aria said cheerfully. "Emma's my friend, and her bird's my bird." She even gave Coalball's head a playful pat. "Right, Coalball?" Lucien froze. He'd never allowed anyone to touch his head before. But this was a rare chance for Aria—she couldn't resist another quick pat or two.Both Lucien and Corvin fell silent. Who would've guessed? That scruffy-looking bird was actually popular with the females. "Ms. Veynar, everything's packed," one of Aria's mates called out. Unlike their cold, guarded demeanor yesterday, both of Aria's companions looked relaxed today—almost gentle. Corvin, being a gentleman, didn't linger around another female. He thanked Aria again and hurried off, holding Coalball by the wings. "Coalball," he muttered under his breath, "be honest with me. Where exactly did you go just now?"