"Yes, sir!" The subordinates respectfully stepped forward. "Mr. Malrik Ashen, this way, please." Merlin knew Lucien didn't trust him. He nodded with quiet gratitude. "Ms. Tibarn, I'll go rest for now. I'll be with you again tomorrow." Emma nodded. "Rest well." Merlin was helped away by the subordinates, but his heart burned with rage. Just wait. Before he formed a bond with Emma, he would take them out—one by one. Silas glanced at Emma. "Emy, are you heading to training now?" Emma nodded. "Give me two hours. In two hours, I'll come find you." Silas smiled and leaned close to whisper in her ear, "So… tonight, still want the little room?" Emma's face flushed instantly. Seriously? Hadn't this guy been running around all day without a break?"Emy… why's your face red? I only meant… sleeping in the little room, not…" "Shut up." Emma yanked his mouth closed with her hand. She'd always suspected Silas was the real Enchanter. "I'm off to training. You all should get some rest too." She avoided looking at Lucien and the others, shot Silas a glare, and left. Marcus watched her go, then turned to Silas. Silas raised an eyebrow. "Want to learn? Promise to do me a favor, and I'll teach you a move." Marcus lowered his head, silent. "I want to learn," Corvin said earnestly, stepping forward. "Silas, teach me. I've got a Level 11 mech—I can help you out too." Silas paused. Not that he didn't want to agree; it was just that he wasn't sure Corvin could actually handle it. Seeing Silas hesitate, Corvin pressed on. "I'll even give you a Level 10 mech. Please, just teach me.""All right!" Silas nodded briskly and whispered something in Corvin's ear. Marcus, Lucien, and Edric's ears twitched, but the words were too low for anyone else to catch. Only Corvin heard them, looking uncertain. "Will this really work?" he asked. Silas patted his shoulder. "Trust me. It will." Lucien spoke up. "Clean this place up, then come to my study. Corvin, stay upstairs with Emma." Corvin raised an eyebrow at Lucien, a spark of suspicion lighting up his mind. "Wait… why do they get to go to your study while I'm stuck guarding Ms. Tibarn? Are you guys hiding something from me?" It wasn't that he didn't want to watch over Emma. Corvin felt like Lucien and the others were trying to isolate him—and that wouldn't do. They were all Emma's therians. They were family. No one got left out. Lucien rubbed his forehead. "This isn't about Emma. It's an Aurelia matter. I need Silas and the others' help." Corvin knew the Merfolk king had run into trouble in Aurelia today. He quickly asked, "Do you still need my help?" Lucien shook his head. "Not for now. When we do, I'll come to you." Corvin nodded. "Then you go ahead. I'll stay with Ms. Tibarn." With that, Corvin headed to the third floor, and Lucien led Silas and the others to the study. His mental power cloaked the room, ensuring no one could eavesdrop. Lucien settled into his chair and addressed Edric. "Edric, tell me again, in detail, about what happened today—Emma's encounter and Malrik showing up." Silas leaned against the desk, casually spinning a small model in his hand while keeping his eyes on Edric. Edric nodded and recounted the events carefully. When he finished, he looked at Lucien and Silas. "You think Malrik had something to do with it?" Silas spoke first. "He showed up way too conveniently. Like he was prepared." Lucien said, "Before I returned, I got reports that several females on Central Planet were attacked today. The attackers were stray therians, the same kind that ambushed Emma." "Stray therians? Aren't most of them out on the outer battlefield? Why were so many on Central Planet today?" Edric's expression darkened. "Did any of the attacked females get hurt?" Lucien shook his head. "No. Most of the stray therians weren't strong—either killed or captured themselves in self-destruction. Only at Emma's place did a Rank 10 show up." Silas added, "They seemed organized, like they were trying to target females, but none of it worked. The plan… looked like there was no plan at all." Marcus, leaning against the bookshelf, spoke up. "That Rank 10… It's like he was controlled. When he attacked me, he got feedback and didn't want to continue—but he couldn't stop himself." Edric frowned, confused. "What are you trying to say?" Silas patted his shoulder. "We're saying… Malrik is suspicious." Edric's eyes widened. "You think Malrik orchestrated the stray therians?" Lucien nodded. "He had the strays attack other females to distract us, keep us from suspecting him—but his timing was far too perfect."