That must have been why he didn't know. Silas also only found out he was her match when he overheard her and Edric talking. "I forgot you lost your lightcore. Maybe you didn't see the news." She pulled up her own lightcore and turned the screen toward him. "Look." Lucien stared at the glowing display. His name was right there beside hers, shining quietly. For a long second, he couldn't move. It felt unreal. Like the universe itself had just whispered that all his suffering had been worth it. Every scar. Every sleepless night. Every moment of doubt. All of it. He broke into a smile that looked almost boyish. "Emma."He pulled her close, holding her like he never wanted to let go. "I can't believe this. I'm so happy." He was actually her match. "I thought I'd have to start as your follower," he said with a shaky laugh. "I figured after earning your trust and your other matches' approval, maybe I'd finally be worthy of you." Emma smiled up at him, warmth filling her chest. "I'm happy too. I couldn't have asked for a better match." Lucien cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. It was something he'd dreamed of countless times but never dared to do. Her lips were soft—just like he imagined—warm and sweet. He didn't kiss her like Silas did. Silas kissed like a storm, trying to claim everything.Lucien kissed like a whisper, patient and careful, letting her respond however she wanted. He gave her space, but she could still feel his heartbeat against her skin. When he finally pulled back, her lips were flushed and a little swollen. He looked at them once, then leaned in again. This time, he bit his tongue and pressed his mouth to hers, letting a single drop of his blood slip between their lips. A phoenix's cry echoed in Emma's mind. Heat exploded inside her body, flooding her veins with wild energy. Lucien held her tight, one hand against her chest. "Don't panic, Emma. Just breathe. Take it slow." He guided her, using his own power to steady hers. The energy rushed through her, bright and fierce. In the blink of an eye, her strength rose to Rank 5. The rest of the power pooled in her chest, glowing hotter and brighter until it felt like her heart was on fire. Emma's chest felt like it was on fire. The heat throbbed deep under her skin, spreading until it felt like something was clawing to get out. When it finally eased, she ripped her shirt open in alarm. A fiery red phoenix spread its wings across her chest, glowing faintly like molten gold against her skin. She looked at Lucien, eyes wide. "What is this?" Lucien smiled weakly. "Emma, that's my beast mark." Her brows knitted. "Beast marks only appear when a pair is officially bonded. How did this happen?" He had only given her a single drop of blood. Lucien's voice dropped low. "It's a bonding method unique to my kind—the Aurelias." He looked drained as he sank down onto the bed. He reached for her, pulling her gently until she was sitting on his lap. "Emma," he whispered, his voice strained but tender, "I know about your promise to Edric. I never meant to take anything from him." He drew in a shallow breath. "Edric's ability is close to collapsing. He has to level up this month. When he does, you'll need to help him stabilize." Lucien's strength was fading fast. Giving her his blood had emptied him completely. He could barely stay in his human form. He slumped against her shoulder, his breath unsteady. "Even if you absorb cores faster than anyone else, you'll barely reach early Rank 5," he murmured. His tone softened to a whisper. "But helping a Rank 10 male ascend while you're only Rank 5… that's suicide." His hand brushed against her arm, his touch trembling. "My blood carries my power. It's already brought you to Rank 5's peak. If you keep training, you might reach Rank 6 before the month ends." He smiled faintly, his eyes dimming. "That way, when Edric needs you, it won't destroy you." "Emma," he breathed, voice almost gone, "I'll probably turn back into Coalball soon. In a few days, take me to the Aurelias. And… one more thing. Aria is my sister. My real sister." So don't get the wrong idea, he thought. Before Emma could say a word, his form shimmered. His body shrank in an instant, feathers replacing skin as he fell limp onto the bed."Lucien!" Emma leaned forward in panic. She pricked her finger and let blood drip into his tiny beak. She knew exactly what had happened. Giving her his blood had drained him dry. His wounds were still open, and his energy was gone. That was why his ability healed slowly. His breathing steadied after a few moments. Relief flooded her chest. Her blood worked like medicine for him. Without thinking twice, she drew a small blade and cut her palm, pressing it to his beak to let him drink. Her blood was a miracle for therians. After just a few mouthfuls, the tiny Coalball shimmered again. His body grew, feathers melting into skin until he lay before her once more—a tall, breathtaking man. But he was still unconscious.She gave him a few more drops, then stopped when she felt his energy surge back, bright and strong. She sealed her wound with a healing potion and downed a vial of the same potion. Her head spun, her limbs heavy. She stumbled toward the bathroom. The water helped a little, washing away the faint traces of blood and heat. Afterward, she slipped into one of the silky nightgowns Silas had prepared. It clung to her body like liquid light, far too revealing, but she didn't care. She climbed into bed beside Lucien and closed her eyes. Her body felt light, her mind fading. She needed sleep more than anything. Downstairs, Corvin stood near the staircase, his eyes flicking up toward the third floor every few seconds. Silas stepped out of his room, catching sight of him lurking there. He frowned. "It's the middle of the night," he said coolly. "Why aren't you asleep? What are you watching?" Corvin grabbed his arm, pulling him close. His voice dropped to a whisper.