"I've noticed something," Corvin said, narrowing his eyes. "Ever since you met Ms. Aria Veynar yesterday, you haven't been acting right." He squinted suspiciously at the small black bird perched on his hand. "Don't tell me you've fallen for her just because she's a bird too?" "Chirp!" Lucien pecked him hard on the finger. This guy was getting more ridiculous by the second. But Corvin only looked more convinced. "Oh, so I did hit a nerve, huh? You really do like her! "Coalball, come on—you're just a regular bird. Ms. Aria Veynar's a therian. You're not even the same species. She's completely out of your league."He shook his head with mock seriousness. "And let me remind you, you're Ms. Tibarn's bird. If you ever dare to betray her, I swear I'll roast you myself." This ugly little thing—how dare he even think about Ms. Aria Veynar that way? Must be out of his mind. … "Corvin, what's going on?" Emma stepped out from the lounge, freshly dressed, just in time to hear Corvin scolding Coalball again. The moment he saw her, Corvin grabbed Coalball and held him up like evidence. "Ms. Tibarn! Coalball's gone rogue!" He jabbed a finger toward the indignant bird. "He's fallen for Ms. Aria Veynar!" "What?" Emma and Edric said at the same time."I… Chirp! Chirp!" I didn't! That's not true! He's slandering me! Coalball darted straight into Emma's arms, shaking his head so hard his feathers puffed up. "Chirp, chirp…" Emma, you've got to believe me. "Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp!" She's my sister—my real sister! Emma watched him flailing in panic and immediately realized Corvin had misunderstood. She smiled and asked gently, "Coalball, are you trying to say you don't like Aria? That Corvin is mistaken?" "Chirp. chirp!" Coalball nodded so fast his head blurred. "Chirp, chirp!"Emma, you're the only one I like. Then, he rubbed his little head affectionately against her palm, a picture of loyalty and devotion. Absolutely no betrayal here. None at all. Realizing it was a misunderstanding, Edric sighed, half amused. "Corvin, stop picking fights. Look—you've got him so worked up he almost started talking. That 'I' just now was pretty clear." He wasn't wrong. For a second, it had almost sounded like real speech. Corvin still looked unconvinced. "But ever since we met Ms. Aria Veynar, he's been disappearing all the time. I had to go looking for him twice. And this morning, she was the one who brought him back!" "Chirp, chirp!" Coalball puffed up angrily and squawked twice. Would you just shut up already?He couldn't believe Corvin was digging his grave like this. Emma stroked his glossy black feathers and stepped in. "Maybe Coalball was just curious. It's his first time riding the starrail, after all. He probably wanted to explore a bit. As long as he doesn't get lost, it's fine." Then, she handed the bird back to Corvin. She understood that Corvin was just concerned about the little bird. "If you're worried about him wandering off, tie a little chain around his leg. That way, even if he tries to run, he can't get far." Corvin's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! I'll make one right now." "Chirp, chirp…" Please, no. "Chirp, chirp!" Coalball looked at Emma pleadingly, eyes full of misery. How could she betray him like this? But Emma only smiled and patted his head. "Coalball, don't give me that look. You know you shouldn't have run off. If you really got lost, Corvin and I would both be heartbroken." Coalball went quiet. Alright, fine. If getting chained up made Emma feel better, he'd tolerate it. Besides, with his rank, breaking free from Corvin's little chain would be child's play. … The starrail was nearing Central Planet when Aria came by to say goodbye. "Emma, we're almost there. Are you sure you don't want to come straight to Aurelia with me?" She really wanted to take Emma along—partly because she liked her so much, and partly because of Lucien. "No," Emma said with a warm smile. "I've got some things to take care of on Central Planet first. But once I'm done, I promise I'll come find you." She had given Lucien her word—she'd go to Aurelia and bring him home. "Alright, then." Aria sighed, clearly disappointed. "But once you finish up, you have to visit me. I'll be waiting." "You have my word." As Emma spoke, her gaze drifted to the conspicuous marks on Aria's neck, then casually to the two very cheerful mates standing beside her. She smiled knowingly and waved her off. Once Aria was gone, Emma leaned close to Edric and whispered, eyes wide with mischief, "Edric, Aria and her two mates… last night—was it what I think it was?" She knew gossiping wasn't very noble, but she just couldn't resist.Edric nodded solemnly. "Emma, yes. It's exactly what you think." Emma's jaw dropped. Aria is something else! Edric watched her stunned expression, not quite understanding why humans made such a fuss about pair bonding.