He leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp enough to freeze fire. "You don't get another chance to see her." If Drake had any pride left, he'd have taken that crystal and walked out. But he didn't move. Thero's chest tightened. He hadn't expected Lucien to be one of Emma's matches. That changed everything. And with Lucien at Rank 11 now, things could turn bad fast. The Aurelias had another Rank 11 fighter too. If this went violent, their Mr. Smith wouldn't stand a chance. "Mr. Smith," Thero whispered, his tone nervous, "Ms. Emma Tibarn doesn't want to see you. Maybe we should just go back." Drake didn't even blink. His jaw flexed. "Emma said she still owes me one mental comfort session."Lucien's laugh came again, louder this time—cold and furious. "Drake, do you even realize what you're saying?" His words hit like blades. "You made my huntress—a Rank 4 female—risk her mind to stabilize you, a Rank 11 male. I let that go once. But you still have the audacity to bring it up again?" He took a step forward, his eyes dark and cruel. "You have no shame." Drake's throat tightened. That wasn't what he'd meant. He didn't want the session. He just wanted to see her. But that was the only reason he could give. "I just—" Thero clamped a hand over his mouth before he could finish. "Mr. Smith," he hissed, desperate, "if you ever want to see Ms. Emma Tibarn again, stop talking about mental comfort. And for heaven's sake, don't tick off Lucien." He turned toward Lucien, forcing a polite, shaky smile. "Prince Lucien," Thero said softly, "my lord didn't mean it that way. He only wants to see Ms. Emma Tibarn for a moment." He bowed his head. "It's true he acted carelessly before. That was his fault. We apologize." His tone grew earnest. "Please, just let them meet once. I promise this will be the last time. He won't bother her again." Lucien studied him quietly, the sharpness in his eyes easing for a moment. Thero did help them deal with the Violet Obsidian Clan. "Second Elder," he said, "I'm grateful for your help with the Violet Obsidian Clan yesterday. You have my respect. If you ever need assistance, I'll return the favor." Then his voice hardened again. "But this matter isn't negotiable. I won't let my huntress see Drake. Both of you should leave." He didn't spare Drake another look. Lucien turned and walked away, the sound of his boots echoing across the marble floor. A moment later, a male attendant stepped into the room and gestured toward the door without a word. The meaning was clear. Thero's throat felt dry as he looked at his master, still sitting frozen in place. "Mr. Smith," he said quietly, "maybe we should leave. Ms. Emma Tibarn's angry right now. Let's wait until she cools off before coming back." Thero bent down and picked up the black crystal Lucien had thrown. He turned it over in his hands, then carefully held it out to Drake. Thero's eyes flickered as he stared at it. The crystal shimmered faintly in the light, dark and heavy like a trapped night sky. His fingers curled around it, his chest tightening with every breath.Thero's thoughts raced. Drake had sworn up and down that he didn't care about Emma. He'd said he didn't want to bond with her. But this—this was his essence. He had given her his essence. That was his very life. A dragon's essence was born from his mental power. And he could only create it once in his lifetime. If it broke, his mental consciousness would shatter with it. Thero's throat went dry. If Emma hadn't been merciful, Lucien could've crushed this thing the moment he walked in. Drake wouldn't have survived it. If he wasn't dead, he would've been destroyed beyond saving. Drake finally took the crystal from him, silent and rigid. Then, with one sharp motion, he hurled it back onto the table. "Let's go." The sound cracked through the room like a whip. Thero flinched. His eyes went wide. Was he out of his mind? He just tossed away his essence like it meant nothing. "Mr. Smith…" Thero muttered under his breath, rushing forward to scoop it up again before it rolled off the edge. He clutched it tight and hurried after him. Even if Drake wanted to leave it for Emma, Lucien wouldn't hand it over. That man was too cunning for that. If it had been Silas instead, Thero was sure he'd have crushed the crystal without a second thought. … When the afternoon came, Emma finally opened her eyes. Her strength had returned. Her skin glowed with warmth. Edric appeared in the doorway, holding a folded set of clothes. "Emma, look at these," he said with a smile. "They're beautiful." The fabric shimmered under the soft light, smooth as water and softer than silk. It seemed to glow when she touched it. She slipped into the dress and twirled, the hem flowing around her like a silver mist. It felt so light, she could barely tell she was wearing it. Edric's voice was gentle. "Lucien sent them this morning. He picked them himself and made sure everything was cleaned and pressed." Emma looked down at herself and smiled. "He has good taste." Better than Silas, that was for sure. She grinned and added, "But you have good taste too. Out of everything, you still picked the one I love the most." Her words made him laugh quietly. He brushed his fingers through her hair, his smile warm. "You don't have to butter me up. I'm not that petty. I don't get jealous over stuff like this." Males were possessive creatures. Every one of them wanted to be their huntress' favorite. But their competition was never with her. It was always with each other. Emma reached up and stroked his cheek. "That's why I adore you." She leaned in and kissed him softly, her lips warm against his. Then she pulled back. "Oh, right," she said suddenly. "I forgot to tell you this morning. When you level up, I want to give you some of my blood."