Emma's heart skipped as Silas' reply appeared on-screen. She typed back immediately, 'I saw him in my dream, Silas. He was crying and begging me not to leave him. He's so sweet and looks just like you. I want to keep him. Can I?' The light from the screen flickered across Silas' face. The warmth in his eyes drained away, replaced by something dark and heavy. Mommy, Daddy, I'm here… The voice echoed in Silas' head like a haunting melody. His breath caught. No. Don't come closer. Stay where you are. He pressed his fingers against his temples. Impossible. An unborn cub—already awake? And that ability… dream-walking? Just like mine. The realization chilled him. No Crescent Vine cub has ever awakened before birth. Not once. He leaned back, eyes dark. I never wanted to be a father. The thought alone feels like a chain around my throat. Yet that flicker of awareness, that spark of life calling to him—it refused to fade. If this little one truly has that kind of power… then what have I brought into this world? He hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen. Then he replied, 'If you truly want to keep him, we'll need to bond before I bloom. I can't leave my post yet, so you'll have to come here.' The war's almost over. Getting Marcus to bring her here won't be a problem. But the cost… d*mn, the cost. Three years without touching her. Ugh! Three years. Not three days. Not three months. Three whole years—stuck, waiting, tangled in vines like some kind of punishment. Every time the thought crossed his mind, the vines inside his chest wilted like a dying plant. Even the air felt gray. Emma's response came through almost instantly. 'Okay. I'll come before you bloom.' There wasn't much time left. She needed to move soon. Corvin entered, carrying a steaming bowl of beast meat noodles.When she finished the noodles, Emma told the males she had decided to keep the cub and go to Silas. Both Corvin and Marcus froze mid-step. Corvin blinked. "Wait… you're keeping the cub?" Emma nodded. "Yes. I promised him in the dream. I won't go back on it." He was also hers, and he was utterly adorable. She couldn't possibly let him disappear. Marcus didn't look surprised. "If he already has a mind of his own and can enter dreams, that's an incredible gift." Corvin sighed, feeling both awe and jealousy. "Silas really lucked out. He hasn't bonded with you yet, and he already has a cub with incredible talent." He had no idea that keeping the child meant Silas wouldn't be able to touch Emma for three years. Marcus did. Hearing Corvin call Silas lucky nearly made him choke on laughter. "Lucky? I'd say cursed. He's probably weeping inside." Emma remembered Silas mentioning that the fruit would cling to his vine for three years before it turned human. She couldn't help feeling a little sorry for him. Marcus helped clear the dishes, then asked, "Ms. Tibarn, when do we deal with the rabbit?" Since she needed to reach Silas before blooming, there wasn't much time left. Emma's answer came without hesitation. "Tonight." She messaged Edric, telling him to stick to the plan—bring the family doctor and meet her in her room. She hadn't seen the doctor before, though Marcus had mentioned Edric brought him by twice while she slept to keep up appearances. After sending the message, Emma looked at her reflection. No smudges, no flaws—she was perfect. Then she lay back down and settled back into position. Marcus approached and allowed her to lean on him, then gave her the bloodstained handkerchief he had prepared. Moments later, footsteps echoed down the hall. Edric appeared with the doctor, and Cotton Candy was hopping behind them."Chirp, chirp!" Malrik jumped onto the bed, rubbing his head against Emma's hand. Emma smiled warmly. "Cotton Candy! You came!" Then she lifted the handkerchief and started coughing. "Cough, cough—" Marcus played his part perfectly. "Ms. Tibarn! There's blood on your handkerchief!" "What?" Edric rushed forward, grabbed her wrist, and blanched when he saw the red stains. "Doctor! Hurry, she's coughing blood!" If Edric hadn't briefed him beforehand, Dr. Jamal Fowler might have panicked for real. Still, he'd already been paid, so the act had to be convincing. The doctor stepped in quickly, unpacking his instruments with practiced speed. He was among the leading private doctors on the Central Planet, with a flawless reputation. Even when faking it, his performance was impeccable. After a brief but careful inspection, he straightened, his expression dark with professional regret.