"Let's just say you did the right thing. Thanks for that." With that, Calum spun on his heel and began walking back. He still had fruit to deliver to Emma. Clap, clap, clap! The sound of applause came from behind. Silas glanced over his shoulder. Alaric was standing a short distance away, smiling faintly. Who knew how long he had been lingering there—or how much he had overheard. Silas didn't bother to care. "Mr. Wynn, since when did you start eavesdropping?" "I wasn't eavesdropping intentionally," Alaric replied. "I came to bring potion to Prince Lucien and happened to notice you talking with Marshal Calum. I didn't want to interrupt, so I stayed quiet." He walked closer, shaking the vial in his hand."Silas, honestly, there's no need to stay on guard with me. We've faced life-or-death situations together. Aren't we on decent terms? You already know my beast nature." "That's what you assume. I've fought alongside many people, but that doesn't mean I'm close to all of them," Silas snapped back without hesitation. Alaric paused, realizing nothing had changed—Silas was still as tough as nails, and sweet talk would never work. "Fine, whatever makes you happy," he said with a sigh. "Here's the thing," Alaric continued. "From what I know, Emma currently has five mates with her. If you include Calum and Malrik—they haven't bonded yet—and Kieran, that follower, that makes eight males in total. Adding someone like me would be just right, wouldn't it? "And I'm a doctor. If Emma falls ill, I can treat her immediately. I no longer rule the Emberfox; I can stay by her side and protect her. You, Lucien, and Calum all know my abilities. "Staying close to Emma only has benefits, no downsides. Even the Beast God approves."Alaric understood that Emma wouldn't be the obstacle if he wanted in. Her other mates could be negotiated with. The real problem was Silas. Silas was a tough nut to crack. Alaric could have revealed Emma's secret—that she was a human female—to win Silas over, but he didn't. He wouldn't risk himself like that. He also considered it beneath him. Silas waited until Alaric finished speaking, then smiled. "You got two things wrong. First, Emy has Drake too. That makes nine. Whether she bonds with him or not, who can say? The future is unpredictable. "Second, Emy has a suitor—the same fox as you, Damian. You know him. That fox has far more patience than you ever could." Alaric blinked in surprise. "I'm not shocked you take Drake seriously; he rules over three domains. But Damian too? That's unexpected." "Why wouldn't I?" Silas replied sharply. "He's Emy's suitor. Their bond may have been dissolute, but the term isn't over yet." "If you really took Damian seriously, wouldn't he have no chance to get close to Emma?" Alaric almost laughed. "Patience? Isn't it just you and Lucien pulling the strings so he can't approach her and has to wait?" Using Drake as an excuse made sense, Alaric thought, but dragging Damian into it was a twist he hadn't expected. "You're not seriously giving Damian a chance. So why bring him up now as a reason to block me?" Then Alaric leaned closer, lowering his voice near Silas' ear. "Or... Silas, are you afraid?" Silas' body tensed slightly, a cold flash appearing in his eyes. Alaric didn't seem to notice and whispered on. "Look, in raw strength, I'm above you. In strategy, we're even. So you're worried that if I become Emma's mate, I might challenge your position as her primary mate." Silas turned his head, locking his cold gaze with Alaric's. They were close enough to see reflections in each other's eyes. "You're wrong," Silas said quietly, his voice soft yet sharp. "I don't fear anyone's threats." He stepped back with calm ease, putting a little space between them. "Whether it's Calum, Lucien, Marcus, Edric, or Kieran—even you—anyone who wins Emy's favor with sincerity deserves it. The primary mate position isn't claimed through scheming or pressure. It's Emy's choice." Alaric had misread him. "I'm not afraid of threats to my position. I'm afraid of people... who are full of themselves." Silas' gaze stayed fixed on Alaric's face, his tone laced with a sharp, mocking edge.