"Kieran, Silas, why are you two together?" Corvin froze, disbelief flickering across his face. Kieran had just stepped out of Silas' room, as if they already knew each other. Everyone knew Silas' room was strictly off-limits to anyone except Emma. After speaking, Corvin noticed Kieran's eyes—red and swollen. "Kieran, what happened to your eyes?" He looked like he'd been crying. But that was impossible—he shouldn't have been able to cry anymore. "I'm fine." Kieran smiled faintly. "I came to ask Silas for help. It's all settled now. It's late—get some rest. I'll head back." He left in a hurry. Walking around with eyes like that definitely wasn't a great look. Corvin watched him go, confused, then turned toward Silas. "What did he ask you to help with?" Silas' lips curved as he flicked a pink pearl toward Corvin. "He asked me to treat him." Corvin stared at the pearl, his eyes widening. "So Kieran can cry again?" Silas was incredible. Silas reached out and pinched Corvin's gaping mouth shut. "I saw you coming down from the third floor," he said casually. "You went to see Emma?" Corvin, unable to speak with his mouth held, nodded quickly. Silas released him, and Corvin finally said, "I wanted to stay with Emma and let her rest, but Edric beat me to it. When I got there, he was already in her room." He was frustrated for being a step too late, having missed his chance to bond with Emma. Quietly, he vowed that tomorrow, he would make up for it and bond with her. ... The next day, near noon. Emma stepped out of her room looking refreshed and radiant. She went to find Corvin, who was in the kitchen preparing lunch.When he saw her, his eyes brightened instantly. "Emma, you're awake! I made something special. Go wait outside a bit—it's almost ready." "Smells amazing," Emma said, inhaling deeply. "Corvin, your cooking's gotten even better. You're killing it." The kitchen was filled with a rich aroma. Among everyone at home, Corvin was easily the most talented cook. Her praise made him beam. "As long as you like it, I'm relieved," he said. He'd worried it might not turn out well enough for her taste. Emma stepped closer and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. "After lunch, come out with me for a stroll. When we get back tonight, we'll bond." Bond... bond? Emma had brought it up first. He had assumed that since Edric was with her last night, she wouldn't bond with him until tomorrow. The thought hit him like a jolt of electricity. "Emma, hang on—food's almost ready!" he blurted, suddenly energized.Move faster, Corvin. Cook faster. A walk with Emma in the afternoon, bonding at night... What a perfect plan! ... Outside, after mentioning the bonding to Corvin, Emma settled onto the living room couch and sent Laura a message. The Celestara Gala was drawing near, and she wondered if Laura had arrived on the Central Planet yet. Emma texted: 'Laura, when will you get to the Central Planet?' After sending the message, Emma thought of what Kieran had said last night—someone sent by Malrik was planning to attack Alaric. After the queen of Aurelia's birthday party, Alaric had messaged her several times. Emma had replied politely each time. Is he really beaten? Concerned, she typed another message. 'Mr. Wynn, I heard you were injured?' At that moment, Alaric—still receiving treatment for his facial wounds—read her message. His eyes narrowed, cold and dangerous.Who told Emma about my condition? D*mn it. Looking like this, how am I supposed to face anyone? He thought quickly, then replied. 'Emma, glad you reached out—and thanks for your concern. I'm not injured. I've just been away from the Central Planet these days. I'll contact you when I'm back in a few days.' Since he claimed he wasn't hurt, Emma felt reassured. Emma texted: 'Okay. Let's talk when you're back on the Central Planet.' Right after sending that, Emma received a reply from Laura. 'Emma, I'm already on the Central Planet. I've just been feeling unwell these past two days, and I'm at a hospital getting treatment. That's why I haven't contacted you.' Hearing that Laura was hospitalized, Emma grew anxious and immediately asked: 'Laura, what's wrong? Are you hurt?' Laura had always been healthy. If she were suddenly in the hospital, Emma could only think something serious had happened. Emma sent another message: 'Laura, I'm on the Central Planet right now. Which hospital are you in? Send me your location—I'll visit you this afternoon.' Laura replied: 'Emma, don't worry about me. I'm not injured. I just gave birth yesterday. I'll be discharged in a month.' Emma stared at the glowing lightcore in shock, eyes wide. Laura has cubs now?