Emma replanted the tiny wildflower Coalball had dug up, settling it into a fresh pot. She programmed the smart robot to water, fertilize, and loosen the soil at the correct times. She handed Coalball and the stick to Edric, then went back to packing. He stood nearby, unsure how to help. He hesitated for a long moment, anxious, before finally speaking. "Emma, about the Divine Flame. Damian and I acted on our own. Are you sure you're not angry?" He had already braced himself for her anger. They had indeed acted wrongly—they should have consulted her first and followed her lead. Emma paused, looked over at him, and spoke seriously. "I'm not exactly angry—you were only looking out for me. Still, I'm not exactly happy either, though I have no real reason to blame you. "Edric, remember, if anything like this happens again, tell me first. It's my life. I have the right to know. As for what comes after, I want us to decide together." She understood they cared for her. That didn't mean they could hide things or act in her name. There was always the chance their choices weren't what she wanted. "Emma, I understand. From now on, no matter what happens, I'll tell you right away. I'll follow your wishes. I won't act on my own again." Emma smiled, leaned in, and kissed his cheek. "Good. Knowing your mistake and fixing it—that's my Edric. I'll be watching." The kiss made his lips lift all on their own. He nodded hard. "I'll do well." She kissed him again! She's so good to me! Emma packed quickly—there wasn't much to bring—and in less than half an hour, she was ready. She and Edric stepped outside, eager to set off. …Meanwhile, Damian soon met with Kael, who had just returned from the forest. "Mr. Auris. Long time no see." Damian lounged casually inside the Gravicar's rest pod, smiling at him. Kael already knew Damian was one of Emma's matches and had stayed close to her recently. Seeing him now, his excitement spiked. "Did Emma send you?" Could it be that Emma saw the statement I made to clear things up for her and deliberately sent Damian to find me? The more he thought about it, the more thrilled he became. Could it be that Emma isn't mad about me sending someone to handle the dissolution back then, since she had Damian come to find me? Within seconds, his imagination sprinted away. He even had names ready for the children he and Emma would have someday.Damian had no idea Kael was already naming imaginary babies. He simply watched, a mocking smile spreading. His following words crashed down like ice water, freezing Kael's fantasies solid. "In your dreams. Ms. Tibarn wants you dead right now." "She wants me dead?" he asked, stunned. "Why?" "Because of the mess you made." Damian tossed the statement Kael had posted toward him. "Edric and I worked hard to pull Ms. Tibarn out of this situation, and you went and dragged her back in. Kael, are you out of your mind?" "I… I didn't…" Kael stumbled over his words, denying everything in a panic. He tried to explain. "I did it for Emma. Evie is lying. The Divine Flame clearly saved Emma. If Evie gets away with it, she'll steal Emma's chance to go to the Central Planet. She'll take all the top-tier resources promised to her." "A chance at the Central Planet? Top-tier resources? Spare me." Damian snorted. He pointed at Kael. "You and I grew up on the Central Planet. We've seen the highest circles there. "Tell me—do you really not know what kind of life the females saved by the Divine Flame live once they arrive? You honestly think that life is good?" "I…" Kael pressed his lips together, unsure how to answer. Of course he knew what those females went through. Emma is different. I'll protect her. Clinging to that thought, he lifted his chin and said sincerely, "I'll protect Emma. I won't let her end up like that." Damian actually laughed, a mix of irritation and disbelief. "Kael, try growing that walnut-sized brain of yours. You think you can protect Ms. Tibarn? With what, exactly? You only came to F-268 because your sweet brother set you up, didn't he?"