"By the time I returned, your two mates had already taken down Merlin," Malrik added quietly. "But he doesn't really die, not completely." His gaze dropped. "I was afraid that if I showed up out of nowhere, you'd hate me for sharing his face. That you'd turn me away before I could explain." Emma listened in silence, the faintest sigh escaping her. So I was right after all. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tibarn," Malrik went on. "I never meant to deceive you. I just... didn't want you to reject me." He reached out as if to take her hand, but halfway there, his courage faltered. He knew how much she despised dishonesty; he'd crossed a line that couldn't easily be undone. His shoulders trembled. His eyes were rimmed red, full of regret and longing. "I received your dissolution notice, but I still wish to stay beside you. Even if that means only as a follower." He hesitated, then added softly, "Please, believe me. I'm nothing like Merlin."Emma's answer was calm, her tone steady. "I know." Judging from everything he'd done recently, it was obvious—Malrik and Merlin couldn't be more different. "You… really believe me?" The disbelief in his voice was almost fragile. He'd expected her to lash out, to condemn him, maybe even banish him. Instead, she'd given him trust. He inhaled sharply and gripped her hand before she could react. "Thank you, Ms. Tibarn. I'll find a way to heal you. Just wait for me." "Malrik—wait—" Before she could finish, his body flashed with light and vanished into the air. Emma stared at the empty space in front of her. "Seriously?" She pushed herself upright and shouted toward the door, "Malrik! Get back here!" The only reply was silence. Moments later, the door flew open. Edric and Corvin burst into the room. "Emma! Are you alright?" Edric asked, scanning her quickly.She shook her head, exhaling. "I already know who Cotton Candy really is. It's Malrik Ashen." Edric nodded. "We heard. Don't worry, Marcus went after him." They had been standing just outside, catching every word. Malrik's promise to heal her and his sudden disappearance said enough. He'd gone searching for something that might save her. Emma's lips curved into a faint sigh. "He's too impulsive. Didn't even let me finish before bolting." Corvin chuckled. "Better that way. If he'd stayed any longer, Marcus might've torn him apart." Edric smirked. That was exactly the plan. Marcus had been waiting just outside, the air around him thick with barely contained fury. The murderous aura rolling off him was so strong it felt like the whole corridor might freeze. Emma blinked, a dry laugh escaping her. So Malrik really escaped death by running fast.Edric shifted the topic. "Since we've confirmed who he is, shouldn't we prepare to leave for Silas tomorrow?" Malrik could wait. Silas and the unborn cub couldn't. Emma nodded firmly. "The sooner we move, the safer. I'll start packing; go get your things ready, too." "I'm ready," Corvin replied at once. "I'll help with your things." He didn't have much—only a few clothes and his gear. This time, though, he'd come prepared, armed with his most advanced mechs built for high-level defense. With those at his command, he was certain he could protect Emma from any danger. "Then I'll handle the supplies," Edric added, already heading out the door. "We'll need enough to last the trip." After he left, Emma wiped the faint makeup from her face, then began folding her clothes with Corvin's help. "How long will it take to reach Silas?" she asked. Corvin did a quick calculation, his expression serious. "Five days, three hours, and six minutes."Emma blinked. He actually counted that? She shot him a grin and a playful thumbs-up. "Corvin, your brain's a supercomputer." Pleased, Corvin broke into a wide smile. He hugged her suddenly and kissed her cheek. "Hearing that from you makes it worth it." Emma chuckled and returned a playful kiss on his cheek. "When we're back from Silas', I'll go with you to the Ravaryn. Promise." She had once promised Corvin she'd return to Ravaryn with him. Yet trouble kept piling up, and she still hadn't found the chance to make that trip by his side. "Sure." His eyes lit up instantly. He'd thought she'd forgotten about it. Hearing her say it again filled him with joy so strong he almost shifted right there. As Corvin packed the last of the gear, Emma took out several small blocks of wood and crystal stones from her drawer—the ones she'd bought days ago. She traced her fingers over them thoughtfully. They were meant for Silas, a handmade gift she'd wanted to finish before seeing him again.Five days on the road—just enough time to make it perfect.