"Mr. Smith," Thero said carefully, "you're the one who said you didn't want to get attached. Maybe this is how it's supposed to end." Honestly, that seemed like the only logical outcome. Their proud commander simply wasn't built for love. He should be single. Drake's gaze darkened even more. "Over?" he muttered. "She said she owed me one mental comfort session." Thero froze, staring at him like he'd lost his mind. He was really hung up on that? Was he suffering? Good. He deserved it. Before Emma, he'd lived perfectly fine without a female.Now he wanted her again but refused to admit it. Typical. Thero didn't bother replying. Drake suddenly stood up, his chair scraping the floor. "We're going to the estate," he said coldly. "I want to see her." Thero's eyes widened. "Mr. Smith, I don't think that's a good idea. Ms. Emma Tibarn probably doesn't want to—" He froze when Drake's icy stare cut him off. That look could've frozen the suns themselves. Thero immediately shut his mouth. … At the estate, Lucien was in the middle of sorting through a pile of newly delivered clothes for Emma. "This one's ugly. Throw it out." He picked up another and frowned."This fabric feels cheap. Trash it." He paused at a third piece and nodded. "This one's decent." He pointed toward several others. "These too. Keep them." He turned to his attendants. "Send for another shipment. And call the best designer on Central Planet. I want a set of gowns custom-made for Emma." "Yes, Your Highness!" The staff hurried off, arms full of rejected garments. Moments later, another servant rushed in, slightly out of breath. "Your Highness," he reported, "Drake has arrived." Lucien's hand stilled above the paper. "He arrived sooner than I thought." He closed the file and looked up, his voice calm but cool. "Take him to the front lounge. I'll join him soon."He paused. "Tell the guards to stay out of sight. I don't want Emma disturbed." "Yes, Your Highness." The captain bowed and left quickly. Lucien rose from his chair, straightened his collar, and walked out of the study. At the top of the stairs, he saw Edric coming down. "Drake's here," Edric said quietly. Lucien's expression didn't change. "I know. Where's Emma?" "She's asleep," Edric answered. "I didn't wake her. Should I? Considering… her history with Drake?" Lucien shook his head. "I'm aware of their history. This isn't something Emma needs to handle. I'll deal with it myself." He glanced toward the hallway. "Go back to her." Edric hesitated for a moment, then nodded and went upstairs. …In the lounge, Thero stood behind Drake, looking around with an approving grin. "This place might be smaller than I expected," he said, "but the decor's tasteful. Warm colors, soft light. Definitely the kind of place a woman would love. Commander Silas clearly knew what he was doing." Drake leaned back, scanning the room with a lazy, detached look. His eyes flicked over the furniture and curtains. "It's too plain," he muttered. Thero went still. Seriously? He clenched his jaw. This man had never decorated a single room in his life. No wonder Ms. Emma Tibarn deleted him. Even he wanted to walk out after hearing that. A voice cut through the air from behind them. "It's plain for a reason." Lucien stepped inside, his stride confident and deliberate, his eyes locked on Drake with quiet amusement. "My huntress doesn't like gaudy palaces," he said smoothly. "She prefers places that feel soft and peaceful. Like this one." Thero blinked, his eyes widening as recognition hit him. "Prince Lucien?" he said, stunned. "You vanished! What are you doing here? Wait—are you also Ms. Emma Tibarn's match? You're Rank 11 already? Hold on… you bonded with her?" He nearly choked on his own words. Yesterday, Lucien hadn't even been part of the picture. Now? Overnight? He'd bonded with her? That was insane. Thero's thoughts spun, but Lucien looked perfectly at ease. He sat down across from them, every movement controlled, every word measured. "I was late getting to my huntress because of work," he said with a faint smile. "Thankfully, she's kind. She forgave me. She didn't want me suffering through my mental power instability, so she agreed to bond with me." Everyone knew there were two ways for a huntress to provide mental comfort. The first was the simple kind—the one Emma had once given Drake. The second was a real bond. A permanent one. The second way worked better when it came to mental comfort. Lucien's calm tone made it clear which kind he was talking about. He wanted them to think it. And it worked. Drake's relaxed posture disappeared. The air around him grew cold, heavy, and tense. His eyes darkened like a storm as he glared at Lucien. Every inch of him wanted to strike. To wipe that smug look off the prince's face. "Where's Emma?" Drake said, his voice sharp. "I want to see her." Lucien's laugh came out sharp and cold. So he's mad already? Lucien thought.The guy had some nerve. After everything he'd done to Emma, he still thought he could just show up and demand to see her? Lucien's expression turned to ice. "Mr. Smith, who do you think my huntress is?" His voice cut through the air. "She already ended the match with you. You don't get to see her just because you feel like it." He slipped a hand into his coat and pulled out the black crystal Emma had given him. It hit the table with a heavy thud that echoed through the room. Lucien's tone dropped lower, colder. "She said since the match is done, there's nothing left between you. No meetings. No contact."