"Mm." When Silas mentioned food, Emma realized she was starting to get hungry. She tugged him up with a grin. "Come on, let's make something before we starve." "Sure," he responded. "You teach, and I'll cook." They entered the kitchen together. She peeked into the cold storage field in her Stasis Band, eyeing a slab of beast meat that looked perfect for grilling. She asked, "How about some barbecue?" "Sounds good to me." Silas then pulled out the meat she pointed to and followed her instructions exactly. He was quick to learn, focused, and calm. Emma leaned against the counter, watching him slice and season. He was handsome on any given day, but there was something about seeing him work—quiet, precise—that made him look even better. "Silas," she called suddenly, "are you going back to work once we finish eating?" Even though he'd chewed out Lucien and Edric earlier, she knew him well enough to know he wouldn't leave duty hanging. She'd caught him earlier, juggling messages and orders on his lightcore in between breaths. "Yeah," he admitted, pausing for a moment. His voice softened. "Emma, I'm really sorry. I disappeared out there on the outer battlefield, and now that I'm back, there's a mountain of reports waiting. I just can't seem to stay still these days." He frowned, guilt flickering in his eyes. "It's fine," Emma replied gently. "You've got real work to handle. Don't fret about me. Lucien and the others keep an eye out, and I can handle myself. Just focus on your work. I'll be here when you get home." He was a commander—his responsibilities kept the whole Empire safe. She wasn't about to make him feel torn between duty and her. "Thanks, Emma." He smiled for real this time. He washed his hands and took out four small glowing leaves, setting them carefully in her palm."Keep these. If I'm not around and you get hurt or start feeling off, eat one. Same goes for Lucien or the others—just one each." Emma recalled last night when he used one of those leaves on Drake. The healing had been unreal. Each plant he grew produced seven leaves before blooming a single flower. After his last recovery, only one flower had blossomed—seven leaves total. Drake got one. Edric and Lucien each got one. That left four. Now he's handing me all of them? What's he trying to do—pluck himself bald? Emma frowned and pressed one leaf back into his hand. "If you give me everything, what do you have left? Keep one." Silas chuckled, his dark blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "Leaves I grow don't work on me," he explained. "They're useless to their creator. I'm fine now. As long as I don't burn myself out again, I heal fast enough." That made sense, and the reassurance eased her chest. She carefully stored the leaves away.Just then, Edric came in right as Silas set down the knife, the last slice of meat done. "Barbecue, huh?" He flashed a grin, rolling up his sleeves. "Step aside, I've got this one." He headed straight for the sink, washed his hands, and started mixing the marinade like he'd been born doing it. The movement was so smooth it almost looked like muscle memory. "Emma, go chill for a bit," he spoke over his shoulder. "Silas and I can handle this. We'll call you when it's ready." She smiled. "Alright, I'll be in the living room." Honestly, Edric's barbecue had already outclassed hers. Leaving the kitchen to them felt like a good deal. She sank into the couch, opened her lightcore, and started scrolling through the news feed. One name dominated the trending list—Evie. Since arriving on the Central Planet, Evie had been everywhere—photos, events, and interviews. Wherever she showed up, people followed like moths to a flame. Her mates had also changed—none of the ones Emma remembered.Then a new headline flashed across the screen, 'Breaking: Evie Graham, the female saved by the Divine Flame, is to bond with the young heir of the Suncrest Lineage.' Emma blinked. The Suncrest heir? Oh, come on—that's Kael Auris, no doubt. The blond one. Used to be one of mine. Guess patience is never his thing. We haven't even wrapped up the dissolution, and he's already wagging his tail after Evie. Figures. She smirked a little, shaking her head. Typical male. Still, she didn't think much of it. Since Kael wasn't Evie's equal in rank, he'd have to start as her follower. That process alone took a year. By the time he qualified, her dissolution papers would be long done. No big deal. Emma kept scrolling, half-interested, until a chill crept up her arms. Why does it suddenly feel colder? The energy stones keep the place steady—Silas always sets it right between 72°F and 77°F, just how I like it.Her gaze wandered, and she caught sight of Marcus' room door. Every muscle in her body went tight. She dropped the lightcore, heart hammering, and bolted straight for Marcus' door.