Happiness hit Kieran so suddenly that he barely had time to process it. Corvin's back was already slick with sweat. "Em-Emma, isn't this... a bit too many people?" he stammered. Are we doing this with Marcus and the others too? Can Emma handle it? Edric glanced at her. "Emma, are... are you sure we're all doing this together?" Hasn't she said these things should be done one at a time? What's happening tonight? Marcus was so stunned that he forgot to slacken his posture. "Ms. Tibarn, can you handle it?" Usually, even one of them would tire her out, leaving her in need of a day or two of rest. Facing all four at once seemed almost unimaginable. Kieran didn't dare speak, yet the excitement in his eyes betrayed him—he was really about to bond with Emma so quickly. The surprise came too fast, and it felt unreal—like a dream. Emma swept her gaze over them, yawned, said nothing, and strode into the room. Corvin followed immediately, so nervous he nearly tripped over his own feet. Edric clenched his fists, tension coiling through him. He had to impress Emma tonight—there was no way he'd allow the others to outshine him. Marcus cast a cool glance at Edric, Corvin, and Kieran. With the three of them here, is Ms. Tibarn still going to chain me tonight? Kieran trailed behind Marcus, thoughts racing. He had to perform well and make Emma happy. Emma liked his pearls, and he wondered if he should cry later—he hoped she would like that. Once everyone had entered, Kieran, the last to step through the doorway, turned and closed it behind them. Corvin was closest to Emma. He reached for her hand, cheeks flushed, and whispered, "Emma, who goes first? Or all together?"Emma smiled and brushed her face against his. She pointed to the far left side of the bed. "Corvin, lie down there." That was where she usually slept. Corvin obeyed instantly, settling where she indicated. He even adjusted his collar slightly, slyly. Being placed there by Emma meant he was first—clearly, she favored him. Once Corvin was in place, Emma turned to Edric. "Edric, you lie down there." She gestured to a spot roughly three feet from Corvin. Edric's Adam's apple bobbed nervously as he hurried over and lay down. Emma's plans for tonight were a mystery, and it looked like it was going to be a wild ride. After positioning Edric, Emma faced Marcus. "Marcus, go lie down on the far right." Marcus nodded, obeying promptly. He cast a pleased glance at his designated spot. Ms. Tibarn is definitely planning to chain me—hence the special placement.Finally, Emma looked at Kieran. Kieran straightened under her gaze. "My... my lady..." His face flushed crimson as he spoke. Emma offered a warm smile. "Kieran, do you prefer sleeping in water or on the bed?" He was from the Aquadome, after all. Habits differed. "I'm fine on the bed," he replied without hesitation. Emma was accustomed to sleeping on beds; he wouldn't make her use water. Emma nodded and indicated the last available spot. "Then sleep between Edric and Marcus." Kieran nodded. "Okay." He moved quickly and lay down between them. Emma surveyed them, satisfied, then walked over and switched off the lights. Click—a crisp snap. The room plunged into darkness. "Alright, time to sleep." "Sure!""Okay!" "Ms. Tibarn, I'm ready." "My lady, I'm ready too." In the darkness, four voices arose from the bed. Emma nodded, pleased. A big bed was a blessing; a few more could fit without crowding. "Now close your eyes." She instructed them, watched briefly, then moved to the couch and lay down. She didn't squeeze onto the bed with them—the couch would suffice. Of course, Emma knew Corvin and the others had misjudged the situation. That was intentional. Their eager lining up to demand her attention was far too unpredictable, too chaotic. It was far more efficient to impose a clear schedule—one at a time, each in their turn. No fighting. Corvin shut his eyes, wound tight with anticipation. One second, two, three... A minute, two...Three minutes slipped by. Corvin frowned behind closed lids. Why hasn't Emma come? Has she gone to someone else first? There is no sound. She seems to remain by the couch. Edric was equally puzzled. Why isn't Emma approaching? Kieran squeezed his eyes shut, nerves coiling in his chest. Though confused, he didn't dare peek, fearful Emma would interpret it as disobedience.