"Emma, I'm heading to the lab now. I'll come back in a few days." Corvin didn't even bother changing. He darted out the door like a man escaping death. He was terrified that if he waited another second, Lucien would toss a warship order straight at his head. That was one job he refused to touch. Once Corvin was gone, Lucien turned his attention to Silas, who was still half-slumped against Emma. "You shouldn't just sit here," Lucien said quietly. "The outer battlefield war is over, and both of us disappeared at the same time. There's a pile of unfinished work waiting for us. "You're a commander. You need to go back." Silas let out a long sigh. He opened his eyes and tilted his head toward Emma.Then he brushed a kiss across her cheek, his voice low and smooth. "Emma, I might not have much time to be with you these next few days. "But if you miss me, you can call me anytime through the lightcore. Or come see me whenever you want." Emma gave him a soft smile. She doubted she'd have the time to miss anyone. Still, she couldn't shake the worry in her chest. "How's your injury? Are you sure you're okay to go back?" Silas smiled faintly and shook his head. "Don't worry. I know you'll always be thinking about me. I'll rest when I need to." Emma frowned. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself. If anything happens, contact me right away." She couldn't stop him from doing his job. He was a commander. His duties meant the safety of the entire Empire. "Alright," Silas said with a nod.He stood and leaned down, pressing a kiss between her brows. "Emma, I'm leaving now," he whispered. "Don't forget to text me. I want to know what you're up to." "I will," she said softly. "I'll keep in touch." Silas smiled, though it looked reluctant. Then he finally turned and walked out, each step heavy, as if he didn't want to leave. He knew Lucien wouldn't let any of them stay idle for long. When the door closed behind him, Lucien's gaze slid to Edric. Emma followed his eyes. Edric looked worn out, his face pale from exhaustion. "Lucien," Emma said gently, "Edric's tired. Let him rest a little." Lucien smiled, calm and steady. "Emma, I'm not asking him to work. I just want to talk to him alone for a bit." Edric opened his eyes and sat up straight. He met Emma's gaze and gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Emma," he said softly, "I need to speak with Prince Lucien too. Don't worry about me. I'm fine." Emma hesitated but didn't push. She could already guess what they wanted to talk about. The bond between them wasn't as simple as she had imagined. She thought it wouldn't matter if Lucien bonded with her another way, as long as Edric was her first. After all, they were supposed to be one family. But Lucien's explanation had changed everything. She'd been thinking about how to talk to Edric since the moment she saw him. But now that the two men wanted to settle it themselves, she decided to stay out of it.Sometimes pretending not to know was the smarter move. "Alright then," she said, standing up. "You two talk. I'm going to make breakfast." She brushed her hair over her shoulder and smiled faintly. "Lucien, help me once you're done. "Edric, when you finish talking, go get some rest. You haven't picked a room yet. You can take mine for now—it's on the third floor." The lake was silent, its surface as smooth as glass. Edric stood across from Lucien, his expression firm. "I've wanted to thank you for saving my life back then. I never got the chance to say it." Years ago, two elders from his clan had planned to use him for experiments. His brother, Ethan, had begged Lucien to intervene. Because of that, Edric had escaped the Violet Obsidian Clan alive. Lucien had protected him afterward, made sure no one dragged him back. He'd even gone on to found the Interstellar Hunter Alliance. Lucien waved a hand lightly. "It was nothing. That's not what I came to talk about." His eyes met Edric's, calm but sharp. "Edric," he said slowly, "I owe you an apology. I took your place as her first bond." Emma never understood what that really meant. She thought being Edric's first bond was just about love, or who she cared for more. But Lucien—and every therian across the stars—knew better. It didn't matter how the bond formed. The first always stood at the top. That mate became the leader among all the huntress' partners. Every other male answered to him. It sounded powerful, but it wasn't easy. Therians respected strength above all else.Each one was proud, fierce, and stubborn. None of them liked taking orders. If the leader couldn't hold them down, his authority was meaningless. They might obey in front of the huntress, but behind her back, they'd all follow their own rules. That kind of chaos could destroy the family. It could even put the huntress herself in danger. Edric's fists tightened at his sides. He stayed quiet. Lucien's voice remained even. "I'm apologizing for Emma's sake. But if I had to choose again, I'd do the same thing. "Edric, you can't control them. Not Silas. Not even Corvin. He wouldn't listen to you."