"Perfect. I want your match. Let's make a bet. If I win, you give me Corvin. If I lose, I'll give you Kael," Evie said, giving Kael a shove. Kael had wanted to refuse, but the moment his eyes landed on Emma, he froze. He didn't even know this stunning female, yet a strange familiarity tugged at him. His heart raced, impulsively urging him to step forward, to speak, to stay by her side. Could this be love at first sight? Evie, sensing Emma's reluctance, went all out praising Kael. "You probably don't know who Kael is, do you? He's the young heir of the Suncrest Clan, one of Central Planet's elite. A level eight peak male, the same rank as your match. Betting against you with him is perfectly fair." Kael stood beside Evie, eyes locked on Emma. Would she actually agree to this gamble? A spark of hope flickered in his chest. If she accepted, he wouldn't let Evie win. Corvin wouldn't be taken, and Kael could finally justify staying by Emma's side.Emma had heard Kael's name plenty of times before, and she'd even saved him once. But she had never really seen him like this. Golden hair framed a striking face, with sharp, sculpted brows casting shadows over deep-set, pale blue eyes. His lashes, slightly darker than his hair, were long and curling, fluttering like butterfly wings when he blinked. But the complexity in his gaze made her chest tighten. There was far too much hidden there. Emma turned to Evie, her gaze icy. "Corvin is my match. He's not some toy to gamble with. Who do you think you are, daring to make a play for him?" Today was Amara's birthday. Emma didn't want a scene spoiling the celebration—otherwise, Evie would have gotten a real fight. But this wouldn't go unanswered. Later, after the banquet, Emma vowed to deliver a proper punishment to these people. Ignoring Evie, she grabbed Corvin's hand and stepped toward the exit.Corvin's heart soared. He knew Emma would never bet him away. Seeing Emma try to leave, Evie snapped, "Kael, stop her!" Kael hesitated, then stepped forward, hand reaching out to block her. "Female… you should consider Ms. Evie Graham's offer. I'm no worse than Corvin. I—" He couldn't say everything in front of Evie. He just hoped Emma would understand. She didn't. She glared at him, voice sharp and cutting. "Who do you think you are, comparing yourself to Corvin? You don't even come close." This blond really has a screw loose. Kael's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected her words to sting this hard. "You… You misunderstand. I meant—" Before he could finish, a frozen hammer smashed into him, sending him flying. Bang!He crashed into a pillar, leaving a huge crack along its surface. Before he could get up, a purple-black snake tail lashed him again. Bang! Kael hit the ground, coughing up blood. Edric watched, frowning. He didn't know how Kael had gotten tangled up with Evie, but there was no way someone like him should be near Emma. Marcus leaned against Emma's shoulder, nodding toward the injured Kael. His voice was weak. "Ms. Tibarn… I didn't go all out. I didn't kill him." Emma nodded. "I saw. You did well." Rank 11. This half-dead, barely-standing Rank 11 male was one of Emma's matches. Evie's envy boiled over, nearly driving her insane. Emma had started as a Rank 4, already blessed with matches like Edric and Corvin. And now, the Beast God had given her a Rank 11 as well?Had the Beast God gone mad? Evie shot a glare at Emma, voice sharp. "Emma, your matches just injured my man at the Queen of Aurelia's birthday banquet. You owe me an explanation." Aria's eyes narrowed, disbelief and fury flashing. Evie had no shame. First, she caused trouble. Now, she had the audacity to demand compensation. "You want to cause trouble at my mother's birthday banquet and threaten my sister-in-law?" Aria's gaze cut through Evie like steel. "Aurelia doesn't welcome females like you, nor your mates or followers. Leave now." As she spoke, her own mates appeared with a squad of guards, surrounding Evie, her mates, and her followers.