But Malrik trusted her completely. "If you say so, then I must have remembered wrong." He looked at Emma, suddenly feeling wronged. "Ms. Tibarn… Daddy says we can't sleep together yet. Is that true?" Emma nodded. "Yes, we haven't bonded yet." So it is true. Daddy doesn't lie to me. Malrik clutched his chest, eyes dimming. "Is it because you don't like me? Is that why you won't bond with me?" Emma shook her head, flustered. "No, no. You're adorable—how could I not like you?" "Then why not bond with me?" Malrik pressed. Emma was speechless. Is he actually stupid… or pretending? His logic was way too clear for someone mentally impaired."You're not answering. Is it because you never planned to become my mate? You don't like me at all, do you?" Tears suddenly started dripping down his face, one drop after another, falling onto the back of her hand. Emma froze. She didn't expect him to cry. He looked like a pitiful little puppy who'd been abandoned. Her heart softened instantly. "Malrik, I like you. I'm not refusing. But the doctor says your condition isn't stable yet. Once you're better, I'll bond with you, okay?" She wasn't lying. Lucien had asked the doctor, and the doctor indeed said Malrik couldn't bond yet. Malrik's eyes brightened. So it wasn't because Ms. Tibarn doesn't like me. He immediately wrapped his arms around her. "I'll take my medicine… if you promise me one thing." "What is it?" Since she didn't know what he would ask, she didn't dare promise immediately. Malrik thought his request was simple. "I want to join the drawing lots too. Next time, include me, okay?" Even without bonding… I want to stay with you like the others." A voice cut in. "That's my arrangement. Asking Emma won't help—you ask me." Lucien didn't know how long he had been listening. He walked over and pulled Emma out of Malrik's arms. "Emma, it's late. Go rest. I'll talk to Malrik." Emma nodded. Lucien managed the schedule. She didn't want to interfere. "Malrik, this matter is up to Lucien. Let him talk to you, okay?"Lucien gave Malrik a reassuring smile. Malrik looked at him, then nodded to Emma. "I'll listen to you." Only then did Emma leave. … Back in her room, she saw that Marcus was already lying on her bed. His last piece of clothing was nowhere in sight. The golden chains on his wrists were attached to the headboard. "Ms. Tibarn, you're finally back." He lifted his wrists slightly, and the chains gave a soft, crisp jingle. Emma yanked the blanket over his hips. She lifted his chin with one finger. "Who taught you to dress like this?" Or rather… not dress at all. Marcus gave a seductive smile. "Silas picked clothes for Corvin with so little fabric…I thought this would be easier. You'd prefer it—" Before he could finish, Emma released his chin and leaned in close. Her breath brushed against his ear, voice dangerously amused. "And what makes you think I prefer this?" The warm tease instantly froze Marcus, his ears turning bright red. I plan to seduce her. How am I the flustered one? He tried to kiss her, but she dodged. "Ms. Tibarn…" He looked at her, devastated. She doesn't like it? His ears drooped slightly as he asked softly, "You promised to make it up to me tonight." Emma almost laughed, but held it in. "I did," she murmured. Her fingers slid lightly across the cold golden chains around his wrist, her eyes playful."But I never said I'd make it up to you this way." Marcus looked even more wronged. So Ms. Tibarn isn't planning to compensate me this way? He gazed at Emma, aggrieved. "Then… how do you want to compensate me?" Emma looked at his pitiful expression, reached out, and stroked the wolf ears peeking out from his hair. She held back a laugh, leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek. Then she pretended to answer seriously. "I've been thinking about that all day."