The stars in his eyes churned restlessly before settling into a deep, gentle calm. "Daddy's here," Silas whispered. Drake stood frozen, staring as the tiny fruit left him, just like that. A hollow ache swallowed his chest. He couldn't understand why the hatchling he'd raised with his own claws would run toward someone else. The light in his eyes dimmed. He turned to Emma, wounded. "Emma… my baby's gone." Emma glanced at him. He was so tall, so pitiful, eyes shimmering with confusion and hurt. And yet, she had no idea what to say. "Drake, don't be sad. Remy was never really yours. He's Silas' child. You only thought he was yours because your mental power collapsed. Once you recover, you'll understand." "Not mine?" Drake looked at the tiny fruit resting in Silas' palm. He believed Emma. He always did. But the heaviness in his chest refused to fade. "Emma." His voice was small, trembling. "I want a child too." My own child. A dragon hatchling. "If you want a baby, have one yourself. Why drag my huntress into it? You think that's your right?" Marcus' mocking voice cut in, sharp as a blade. A second later, he was at Emma's side. Drake ignored him and tugged at Emma's sleeve, looking utterly wronged. "Emma, he's bullying me." "Emma?" Marcus gave a low, incredulous laugh, slumping lazily against Emma as he looked Drake up and down with open disdain. "Did I hear that right? A dragon pushing forty, calling my barely-twenty huntress by her first name?"Drake, have you no shame? An old dragon acting like some weanling beast, pretending to be pitiful for attention? What's your skin made of? Dragon scales? So thick and tough, I bet no ability can pierce it, huh?" Drake's eyes reddened, but Marcus showed no mercy. "Not only are you playing the victim, but you even dare ask my huntress for a kid? My female cut ties with you ages ago. Why would she bear your child? Because of that tear-streaked old face?" Marcus gave him a slow, deliberate once-over, his smirk curling. "Do yourself a favor. Look in a mirror. Do you even deserve her?" Savage didn't begin to cover it. Corvin, standing off to the side, rubbed his arm, goosebumps prickling. He silently thanked the stars he'd never pissed Marcus off. His mouth was more dangerous than his ability. If Marcus ever tore into him like that, he'd probably dig a hole and stay in it for life. Edric looked conflicted—half admiration, half despair. He glanced at Marcus, whose ability alone was monstrous, and now this tongue that spared no one. A sigh welled up inside him. How is anyone else supposed to compete? It wasn't just strength or ability. Marcus even dominated in arguments. The man was an all-around weapon. Who could ever win against him? Lucien raised a brow. Marcus wasn't just a lethal fighter; he was a born spokesperson. Next time those old generals at the Empire Army started chewing him out, he'd just bring Marcus along. Let them taste what it felt like to be on the receiving end. Silas, meanwhile, acted as though none of it existed. He used his mental power to cocoon the fruit in his palm, sealing out the world. Kieran, who had just arrived, heard Marcus' voice and froze on instinct, ready to turn right back around. What had Drake done this time to offend that demon? Are they really about to fight again? He glanced carefully at Drake.Drake stood there, still as stone, his massive frame trembling. Those dark eyes brimmed with tears. He didn't say a word. He has no excuses and no defense. He just stared straight at Emma, gaze drenched in sorrow, as if silently saying, "Emma, he yelled at me. He bullied me. Please, say something." That look—wet, pitiful, heartbreakingly sincere—was enough to soften even the hardest heart. Will Emma scold Marcus for him? Of course not. All she felt was a headache. Marcus' words were cruel, yes. But every one of them came from instinctive protection. How could she possibly side with a mentally unstable "patient" over her own mate? Emma looked away from Drake's pleading eyes and changed the subject entirely. "All right, the matter with Remy is settled. It's getting late. We should call the Elders of the Drakonid to discuss what happens next." She had promised the Second Elder, Thero, to provide mental comfort to Drake. Thus, she couldn't just walk away. But staying in the Aquadome forever wasn't an option either. She still had to return and bond with Lucien. She didn't want to keep him waiting. Hearing her decision, Lucien turned to Kieran. "Kieran, you know the Thalassian Palace best. Please invite the Elders of the Drakonid over."