"If you plan to live here long term," he added, "I can take you in a few days to choose a team of therians to guard the place. Or maybe hire some ordinary females to take care of your daily needs." He paused. "Robots can't move or think like therians." "That's alright," Emma said with a small laugh. "Robots are better. I'm used to them." She'd lived with high-end androids for years. They followed orders exactly once programmed. Therians, though, always made her uneasy now. "This is amazing," she said, smiling wide. "Thank you, Silas. I love it." She started up the stairs, her excitement bubbling over. She had never lived anywhere so beautiful. Silas followed after her. "Your room's on the third floor," he said. "It's designed just like the one you had back in the Alliance. Come on, I'll show you." "Alright!" she said brightly. She turned as Corvin stepped off the ship. Coalball perched on his shoulder, feathers fluffed. When he noticed Emma's gaze, he straightened his tiny body like a soldier under inspection. Silas, it seemed, hadn't told her the truth yet. Emma glanced his way once, then looked off again. She spoke calmly. "Corvin, my room's on the third floor. Pick whichever room you want." "Yes, huntress." Corvin studied the layout of the manor. He was already choosing the one closest to hers. At least, she didn't seem to know who he really was. Silas had finally done something right. Coalball let out a tiny breath of relief. Corvin lifted him off his shoulder. "Coalball, you're staying in my room tonight."Before he could move, Emma's voice came from ahead. "Corvin, let Lucien pick his own room." Corvin froze. "Lucien?" He blinked, confused. "Where?" Coalball stiffened like a statue. So she did know. Of course Silas couldn't keep a secret to save his life. Battles were the only thing he was good for. Emma wasn't disgusted by him, right? Corvin still looked lost. "Wait, huntress, His Highness Lucien's here too?" He didn't even see anyone else. Then the bird in his hand began to glow. A bright flash filled the room, sharp enough to sting his eyes. When it faded, a tall man stood before him.His face was sharp, flawless, and cold—beautiful enough to make the air feel thinner. Corvin just stared, speechless. "Prince Lucien?" Corvin managed to choke out. "You…" Lucien's lips curved slightly. "It's me." His voice was deep and rough, smooth like smoke, yet it hit with the weight of command. He locked eyes with Corvin. "You enjoy toying with me all this time?" Corvin's mouth opened, but nothing came out. Toying? He'd been taking care of him. Lucien's tone eased a little. "My mistake. You took good care of me, Corvin. I owe you for that." That one word—owe—made Corvin's skin crawl.He looked at Lucien like a man staring down a loaded weapon. Prince Lucien was born for battle. He was decisive, merciless, and terrifyingly calm. No creature who crossed him ever walked away. "Your Highness," Corvin said quickly, "we both belong to the huntress now. You can't hurt me." Without his mech, he wouldn't stand a chance. Lucien gave him a faint look. "Why so scared? I said thank you, not that I was coming for you." But Corvin remembered every detail—the first time he met him, he'd swallowed him whole by accident. He'd even tied him up afterward. And this man was grateful? Not killing him was blessing enough. Corvin forced a shaky smile. "No need for thanks, Your Highness. We're the huntress' therians now. One family. Just, uh, take it easy on me from now on." "Of course, I'll take care of you," Lucien said with a nod. A hundred thousand warships. A million mechs. That was his way of showing care. Without another glance, he walked off toward the third floor. The second he disappeared, Corvin let out a shaky breath. He pulled up his lightcore and typed fast. Edric, huge news. You know who Coalball really is?' The two level-ten maniacs from the Violet Obsidian Clan were already dead. Edric was busy sorting through their property. He was picking the best pieces to bring back for Emma and saving the rest for his brother. He saw Corvin's message and replied without emotion.I know.' Corvin asked, 'You know? You actually knew?' That guy knew and didn't bother to tell anyone? Edric answered, 'I found out during the Alliance disaster. Didn't I mention it?' No you didn't!' My mistake. I forgot.' Corvin was speechless. Forget that? Seriously? Upstairs, Silas had just finished showing Emma her room. He scooped her up and placed her gently on the bed. Then he picked up the nightdress he had prepared.