Edric's throat tightened as he finally gave in. His control snapped like a bowstring, and his lips found hers—slow, hungry, claiming. Outside the bedroom, the air changed. Something pulsed through the rest pod, heavy and electric, like the hum before a storm. Marcus and Corvin both froze. That wasn't just energy—it was Rank 10 pressure, raw and unfiltered. They rushed toward the door. Knock. Knock. Knock. Corvin rapped fast, nerves on edge. "Emma! Did Edric wake up?" That power's way too strong. He's not even trying to hold it back. If Edric just woke up, his energy's got to be unstable. Come on, man… Please don't let Emma get caught in that, Corvin thought, jaw tight. Inside, Emma—dizzy and breathless—heard his voice and came crashing back to reality. She pushed Edric away on instinct.Her palm stayed pressed against his chest, feeling the heat radiate through his skin and the uneven rhythm of his heartbeat. "I almost forgot... we're still in the rest pod." The soundproofing here was garbage. One wrong move and everyone outside would know exactly what was going on. Her cheeks flushed deep red. Perfect. Now I officially want to die. Edric's dark eyes still burned with hunger. His thumb swept across her lower lip, firm and deliberate, leaving her pulse in shambles. His voice came out rough. "Emma, can we leave first thing tomorrow morning?" He couldn't wait anymore. She nodded quickly. "Okay!" He gave her a quick kiss on the lips before hesitantly pulling back and wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. Straightening his clothes, he opened the door. ...Corvin nearly jumped. "You're really awake? Wait—did you two... bond yet?" Seriously, who just said that out loud? Edric shut the door behind him and leveled a quiet look at both men. "I just woke up—Emma's sleeping. We're heading home tomorrow. We'll talk about the bond once we're back." Corvin quickly nodded. "Yeah, definitely. This place is too rough for bonding. You can stay on the couch with me tonight." "Sure." Edric nodded. Marcus stood silent until Edric sat down on the couch. Then he spoke flatly, "Hurry it up." Edric blinked once, unamused. He wasn't in a rush to bond. Marcus clearly was. The man was acting as if he were waiting for his turn in line. Edric leaned back, choosing silence over conversation. Talking to Marcus was like talking to concrete—cold, hard, and going nowhere. Marcus didn't linger either. After throwing out his one-liner, he turned and headed back to his crystal coffin.Corvin perched on the other end of the couch, fingers flying across his lightcore keyboard. He couldn't wait to share the update with the group. Corvin: Good news, people! Edric's awake! Everyone thought Edric wouldn't be up for another few days. The replies came in seconds. Silas: When did he wake up? Silas: Did they bond? Silas: Did Emma mention when she'll return? Corvin stared at the screen, three messages stacked like bullets. Corvin: Just woke up. No bond. We're heading back first thing tomorrow. Lucien: Got it. Keep Emma safe. Edric looked up and saw Corvin smiling as he typed. Curious, he activated his lightcore but frowned at the display. A string of unfamiliar links sat in his inbox. "Corvin, what's with all these links you sent me?" His brows pulled together as he scrolled through them. Why would he even send me all these right now? Corvin froze mid-scroll. Oh, hell. I completely forgot about that. He cleared his throat and leaned closer, whispering fast, "Those are tips for bonding—stuff to help you take good care of Emma. Got them from Silas—cost me a fortune. There are, uh... videos too." He gave a sly grin. "Sent them only to you. I didn't share with anyone else. I'm a solid bro, right?" He lowered his voice even more. "Seriously. Don't tell anyone." Edric looked unconvinced. Only to me? Sure. Still, he nodded once. "Thanks. I won't tell." Corvin's grin widened. Uncle Jimmy's advice is golden—it works every time. Then he entered the Lightcore Mall to look for new furniture. He thought, If Edric and Emma are bonding soon, my shot's next. I need that room perfect—warm lights, fresh sheets, the kind of setup that screams comfort. She'll step in, take one look, and smile… yeah, that'll be my win. ... Across the room, a small pink blur peeked from the shadows. Malrik crept toward the bedroom. He just wanted a little cuddle time with Emma. He didn't get far before Edric's hand swooped down, pinching him gently by the ear. "Not tonight, buddy. You're sleeping on the couch. Don't even think about waking her." Malrik froze, dangling midair. Got it. Loud and clear. In this house, the hierarchy is simple—Emma rules, Corvin gets a pass, and every other male is trouble. ... Morning sunlight spilled through the blinds, golden and soft. Emma stirred, eyes fluttering open. Her breath caught. All she could see was warm skin and sharp lines—muscles shifting gently with each slow breath. Her cheek rested against a broad chest, steady and solid, the heartbeat beneath it deep and rhythmic.For a moment, she didn't move at all. The world outside the rest pod didn't exist—just the sound of that heartbeat and the faint scent of him in the air.