Alaric lifted a single strand of Emma's hair and carefully placed it inside the transparent slot in the middle of the device. The moment it settled inside, the intricate markings encircling the groove burst into light. A heartbeat later, the two drops of Lucien's blood were pulled toward a rune on the opposite end. The droplets stretched into a thin ribbon of crimson light, racing along the etched pathways. "Alright, it's starting," Alaric murmured, his attention narrowing as he poured his ability into the device. As his energy pulsed outward, the crystals built into the device erupted with brilliant radiance. Threads of light crossed, twisted, and wove together above them, shaping a vivid, lifelike Phoenix that enveloped Emma and Lucien under its wings. Its feathers didn't burn in fiery red; instead, they shimmered in soft, silvery hues—gentle, pure, almost sacred. At that moment, the device split its power into two rays.One beam was a pale, moonlit white resting lightly against Emma's forehead. The other was a deep violet tinged with a bloody glow, sinking straight into Lucien's chest. Emma felt a warm, calming pressure against her brow. The rolling nausea that had been tormenting her dissolved instantly, and the weakness draining her body faded away like a tide retreating. Color returned to her face, and for the first time in hours, she could breathe comfortably. Across from her, Lucien's body jerked sharply. All the color drained from his striking features, leaving him pale as blank paper. A violent surge of nausea tore up from his stomach to his throat, twisting his insides in relentless waves. Cold sweat gathered along his temple, and his brows drew tight with strain. "Emma, give me a moment." He pressed a hand over his mouth and made his way toward the bathroom as quickly as he could manage.He refused to run. He didn't want her to see him falling apart. He didn't want her to worry. Seeing Lucien force himself to maintain composure, Alaric's gentle expression softened with a faint smile. He shifted his focus back to Emma, his tone mild. "Emma, how do you feel now? Any discomfort at all?" Emma checked in with her body. For the first time, everything felt light and normal. The last traces of nausea and exhaustion were gone. "I feel fine now, not the slightest bit unwell." Her gaze drifted to the bathroom door, her brows pinching slightly. Lucien must have used his ability to block sound. She couldn't hear anything inside, but she recognized the symptoms too well. She knew exactly how miserable he was. She looked at Alaric. "Is there anything you can do to relieve Lucien's pain?" Hearing the concern in her voice, Alaric's reply softened. "Don't worry. I'll mix a special potion for Prince Lucien. It won't take the pain away entirely, but it'll help ease it a lot." "Thank you." Emma nodded. Even partial relief for him was enough. Seeing her relax slightly, Alaric stepped naturally to her side and took her hand. A clear, soothing energy flowed from his palm into her body, steady and warm like a gentle stream. "Although the nausea has shifted to Prince Lucien," he explained softly, "your body still endured strain." His voice was calm as he continued, "My ability can speed up your healing." As Alaric continued channeling ability into her, Emma felt a surge of vitality spark through her entire body. Strength poured in—so much she almost didn't know what to do with it. When Alaric finally released her hand, she offered him a sincere thanks."Thank you." "This is simply a doctor's duty," he replied. After packing the device away neatly, he asked, casually but considerate, "How long will you be staying here? If you're not leaving immediately, I can visit every day to reinforce your health. It's good for you and good for the cub. And I can check on Prince Lucien regularly, to help lessen his symptoms." Every reason he gave was impossible to disagree with. Emma thought it through. "Silas said he can get here tonight. We'll probably leave tomorrow or the day after." With her pregnancy confirmed, returning to the Central Planet quickly was the smarter choice. "You're heading back to the Central Planet?" Alaric asked. Emma nodded. "Yes." He smiled lightly. "Then let me travel with you. You're pregnant now. A private doctor is absolutely necessary." He didn't voice his feelings, but every word hinted at them. Emma looked at him, a hint of conflict tightening in her chest. She understood his intention clearly, and the thought of agreeing to let him travel with them while being unable to accept him felt unkind, but she already had several mates, she truly couldn't take on another.