Edric nodded thoughtfully. "It's lovely." He thought, Anything Emma made was beautiful. She was speechless for a moment, and now she understood. "Edric, do you want one as well?" she asked. She thought, That must be Corvin—he's probably the one who told Edric about my plan to make a puppet for Silas. "Can I have one?" He looked at her eagerly. "Of course you can." She agreed, and she had already promised Corvin one—if she didn't make one for Edric, he would surely be unhappy. Since she was already making them, she might as well create one for everyone. "However, I currently don't have any wood. I'll need to buy more when we return before starting yours," she explained. "That's alright, Emma. I can wait. I'm in no hurry," he assured.Sure, he was in no hurry. But he was obviously eager. Yet, because he mentioned he wasn't, Emma found herself believing him. Not that it made a difference—being hasty wouldn't change anything. Once she finished her meal, he promptly cleared the table, cleaned everything up, and ensured everything was tidy before returning to her. "Emma, I discussed it with Marcus and Corvin. We've decided—tonight I'll remain with you, tomorrow night Marcus will, and the following night it will be Corvin's turn," he declared. This way, she wouldn't just lie in bed quietly and fall straight to sleep anymore. Emma didn't mind their little plan. She had poor decision-making abilities anyway—if they had asked her to choose, she honestly wouldn't know who to select. "If you've already sorted it out, that's fine with me. I'm going to take a shower first," she insisted. As Emma headed into the bathroom, Edric quickly pulled out the clothes he had brought and changed into them.When she emerged again with a light nightgown, she halted. There was Edric—half man, half snake—reclining on Emma's bed beneath a sheer violet veil. The moment he spotted her, he sat up straight with his tail swaying as he effortlessly lifted her onto the bed. "Emma, I've learned a new dance. May I perform it for you tonight?" He had actually grasped it some time ago, but hadn't found the right moment to showcase it for her. She leaned back against the headboard, her gaze following the shimmer of his dark purple tail as it shifted beneath the veil. Unable to resist, she reached out to touch it, then quickly nodded. "Sure!" She thought, Whoever claims Edric lacks charm clearly hasn't met him. He's remarkably skilled at it. Let the music play. Let him dance. As soon as he released her, the delicate veil rippled like moonlit water disturbed by a gentle breeze.The snake's tail swayed, causing the sheer fabric to ripple along with it. Beneath the delicate veil, the dark purple scales shimmered subtly in the light—each scale capturing the glow like pieces of a celestial sky, reflecting an enchanting, mesmerizing sheen. She was captivated. It felt as if she had succumbed to a spell. His intense, alluring gaze fixed on her. The cool, finely textured tip of his tail grazed her calf. Gradually—painfully gradually—it traced upward along the curve of her leg, little by little. The contrast was almost overwhelming: the coldness of his sleek scales against her warm skin sent waves of shivers throughout her body. Edric leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing against her ear. His deep voice was filled with a dangerous warmth, every word caressing her sensitive skin with his breath. "Emma… do you enjoy it?" "I do. I adore it." Emma raised her arms, wrapping them around his neck. Her lips were just about to connect with his—when a sudden wave of weariness washed over her.His heart raced, eagerly anticipating her kiss. But just before Emma could reach him, she froze. "Emma? What's happening?" His low voice was hoarse, laced with confusion. "Edric… I suddenly feel so sleepy, I don't think I can—" Before she finished, her eyelids fluttered shut, and she fell asleep in his embrace. Edric was speechless for a moment. Outside, the starrail darted through the stars, traversing the vastness of space—no indication of day or night, only the gentle hum of movement. … In the warship. After four sleepless days, Silas finally breathed a sigh of relief as the battle concluded. He thought, Emy should be nearly there by now. Perfect timing. I can finally unwind with the fighting finished—and spend time with her. He issued a few swift orders to finalize the battlefield logistics.He headed directly to Lucien without changing out of his combat attire. Lucien was still in the medical bay. During the last battle, the Chitinid had unexpectedly sent out three Rank 11 males. Lucien and Drake, at the helm of their army along with the Four Domains forces, had managed to secure a victory—but only just. Both were injured. When Silas arrived, Lucien was just emerging from the recovery pod. "How's your injury?" Silas inquired, offering him a small pouch of his own leaves and three blossoms. "I'm alright," Lucien replied. He had already used some of Silas' leaves and flowers earlier; combined with the recovery pod, his wounds had mostly healed. "Drake's in worse shape than I am. You should give him a few of your flowers," he suggested. "Already sent them," Silas responded. He didn't need Lucien to remind him—he had considered that the moment he received the report. Then he added, "I came to inform you—Emy is almost here. I'm planning to take her to the Frostveil." The reason was straightforward: Frostveil was Marcus' homeland. It was a safe location—and it would also allow him a chance to visit his family.