He wanted to smile, to give Emma that bright, carefree grin from before, but no matter how he tried, his lips wouldn't move. He wanted to speak, to tell her his feelings ran far deeper than simple affection, but his throat burned, choked by something hot, and no words would come out. All his composure, all his control, all his effortless confidence, shattered in that instant. "What's wrong, Silas? Do you not like it?" Emma's voice carried a hint of uncertainty as she watched his reaction. Silas closed the gift box and carefully set it aside, as though it were a priceless treasure that might break with the slightest touch. Then, suddenly, he lifted his head. His eyes were bloodshot, wild with a tidal wave of affection, locking onto Emma as if he could never let go. The next moment, he lunged, crushing her into his arms with reckless abandon. The hug was fierce, trembling with an intensity he could no longer contain, as if he wanted to melt her into his bones and never let her go. He buried his face in the hollow of her neck, greedily and urgently breathing in the calming scent of her. Hot tears finally slipped from the corners of his eyes. After what felt like an eternity, Silas found his voice again. "Emma…" His voice was rough and low, each word sounding like it was dragged out from deep inside, thick with emotion as it trembled slightly. "Can't I keep you to myself forever? What am I supposed to do?" By now, Emma's body had recovered significantly. After a restless night, she woke up at noon the next day. The evening's bonfire feast that Maurice had arranged for them would carry on as decided. During the day, the wolf clan's orcs had swept all the snow off the plaza early.By the time evening fell, the bonfires around the square were lit. Next to the flames lay whole, cured beast meat, ready to be roasted once the feast began. Tonight, the wolf clan prepped the beast meat according to Corvin's methods. The aroma wafted through the air, teasing the noses of every orc present. The little wolf pups had gathered early, circling the cured beast meat, their mouths watering at the sight of what looked like mountains of meat. Emma, dressed in the outfit Marcus had prepared for her, walked past. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of a dozen or so snowy-white wolf pups wagging their tails and sniffing hungrily at the meat. She wanted to take one home and let Marcus raise it. Soon, the bonfire feast began. Maurice, brimming with happiness, introduced Emma to the clan and proudly announced that Marcus' mental powers had finally stabilized. In other words, his abilities would no longer spiral out of control. The announcement was met with a chorus of wolf howls from the plaza. Marcus immediately reached out to shield Emma's ears, looking somewhat displeased. "Ms. Tibarn, their howls are unbearable. You wouldn't want to listen to that." Emma didn't understand what the wolves were saying. But judging by Marcus' expression, she realized it was something he didn't like. She looked at him and nodded seriously. "Okay, I won't listen." Marcus' face relaxed considerably at her response. Soon, the enormous pieces of beast meat were placed on the bonfires, and it smelled delicious. The wolf clan's orcs gathered in the plaza, performing their traditional hunting dance. Some of the wolf clan's females came over and invited Emma to join.Emma loved lively gatherings, and once she was sure there was no danger, she didn't hesitate to join them. Watching Emma dance with the other females, Silas opened his lightcore and sent a message to the group. Silas: Quick discussion, everyone. While Emma hasn't fully blossomed yet, can I stay by her side for now? Silas: Let me know if you have any favors, and I'll try my best to fulfill them. If not, I'll find a way. Corvin had already realized that once their fruit arrived, Silas would be busy raising the little cub for three years, leaving no chance to compete for her attention. Since Silas had once helped him, Corvin felt he had to return the favor and responded. Corvin: Go ahead. I don't need anything for now. Edric: Same here. Marcus: Me too. Lucien: I'm not returning anytime soon. Silas looked at the replies on his lightcore, then glanced at Emma happily dancing in the distance, and smiled to himself. Silas: Thanks, brothers! After roasting some beast meat, Silas cut some of the best pieces and placed them in front of Emma. "Emma, you must be starving from all that dancing. Here, have some." He even thoughtfully brought her some juice. Beast meat in Frostveil was incredibly tender, and roasting made it taste even better. Emma ate until her stomach nearly popped. The feast continued late into the night. Emma turned to Silas. "I think I ate too much. Why don't we take a walk?" "Of course." Silas didn't hesitate, for what he wanted most right now was to be alone with Emma. After all, he wouldn't have another chance like this for the next three years.