Emma met his gaze, calm and sure. "Don't worry. I'll keep it small. I'll be fine." Her tone was gentle, but Edric's chest tightened painfully. He was touched, but he couldn't accept it. "Emma," he said slowly, "if I take your blood when I ascend, what about Corvin? What about Silas?" His voice grew strained. "When it's their turn, are you going to do the same for them?" He hesitated, his breath uneven. "And when Marcus and Malrik return—if they want to bond with you too—are you planning to bleed for them as well?" "I…" Emma froze, caught off guard by Edric's question. Her mind went blank.Because deep down, she had considered it. She knew how rare her blood was. She also knew it wasn't the right thing to do. But once something started, it was hard to end. If she gave her blood to one and refused the others, it would never feel fair. The first time she'd given Silas her blood, it had been a mistake. She hadn't known who he was. She thought he was just some quiet sacred tree that couldn't even speak. When Silas woke up, everything changed. After that, it didn't feel like much to give him a few more drops. But Lucien was different. They were bonded now. Through the beast mark, she could feel every trace of his affection for her. If she wanted, she could even control his life or his death through that bond. And then there was Edric. He wasn't like the others. She gave him her blood because she trusted him.Edric's voice broke through her thoughts. It was steady, but there was emotion underneath. "Emma, I know you care about me. About all of us." He held her gaze, his expression soft. "We love you, and you just want to love us back the same way." He took a slow breath. "But love isn't equal, Emma. It's never been. We don't need you to prove it. We just need you safe." His voice deepened, firm and serious. "If we all have to depend on your blood to rise, then we're no better than the beasts who used to hurt human women." Emma's chest tightened. His words sank in like cold water. She hadn't thought of it that way before. Edric lowered to one knee, his eyes full of determination. "Emma, I'll level up with my own strength. You just have to believe I can do it." Emma's eyes softened, her voice gentle. "I believe you, Edric."She realized now she had been wrong. She wanted to repay their kindness, to treat them all with the same warmth. But some things weren't meant to be repaid like that. She was lucky Edric stopped her before she made it worse. A sharp knock came at the door. Lucien's voice followed. "Emma, it's dinner time." He still wasn't much of a cook. He probably didn't even know what she wanted to eat tonight. He'd have to learn as he went. Edric stood and reached for her hand. "Emma, I want to help," he said with a smile. "I can't let Prince Lucien handle the kitchen alone." He chuckled softly. "If I learn, I can cook for you whenever you want." Emma laughed, her eyes lighting up. "Then I'll teach you both. Might as well make it a group lesson."Outside, Lucien waited, watching them walk out together. He smiled, but his voice was careful. "Emma, Edric hasn't picked his room yet. He should do that first." Edric shook his head. "No need. The rooms closest to Emma are probably already taken by Corvin and Silas. I'll take the one right behind theirs." That way, he'd still be close to her. Lucien's smile stiffened for a moment. This kid really had too much time on his hands. "Then let's start cooking," he said calmly. Emma pretended not to notice the faint irritation in his tone. She just smiled and walked toward the kitchen. Edric followed right behind her, refusing to fall behind. Lucien walked behind them, his lips curling into a quiet smirk.If Edric had that much free time, then tonight he was definitely training until dawn. Dinner filled the air with warmth and spice. Emma had spent the evening teaching them how to make good meat and great seafood. She squeezed a pitcher of fresh juice. Then she reached into her storage band and pulled out a small, glowing bottle. The glass shimmered faintly under the lights. It was her last bottle of fruit wine. Lucien and Edric both leaned forward, their curiosity written all over their faces. Lucien tilted his head. "What's that?" Emma smiled proudly. "Fruit wine." The words meant nothing to them. The interstellar empire didn't have anything like it. Therians could cook. Some of them, of course. The food wasn't the best, but at least it was edible. For all their brilliance—their advanced weapons, glittering cities, and luxurious living—alcohol was nonexistent. People here drank water, fruit juice, or sometimes exotic teas brewed from alien plants. But wine? That was something lost to time. "This one's homemade," Emma said. "Want a taste?" Edric blinked. "Fruit wine?" He thought it was just juice. Sweet. Harmless. "Sure," he said easily. Lucien went to grab three cups from the shelf. They weren't wine glasses, but they were beautiful, carved from glowing crystal. Emma poured a little into each one. She knew these therians never had alcohol, so she did not give them much. Not too much. Just enough for a sip. Then she filled her own glass almost to the top. She knew she could handle more than they could. "Alright," she said brightly, raising her glass. "Let's make a toast."