"I went to Emma's villa, only to find she's been gone for several days. Did you hide her somewhere? Damian promised he'd speak up for me in front of her. I know the only suitors around her now are you and him. Since I can't reach Damian, I had no choice but to come find you." Edric hadn't rested in days. His bloodshot eyes glowed faintly red, and the dark scales along his serpent body shimmered with irritation. As he listened to Kael's endless rambling, he could barely stop himself from snapping his jaws and swallowing the man whole. Kael pressed on, oblivious. "Is Emma doing well? Can't you at least tell her I want to see her? I just need a few minutes—to apologize face-to-face. That's all." He wanted to explain everything in person, to beg for another chance. Edric's tongue brushed the tip of his fangs. He'd had enough. Without another word, he flicked two small vials toward Kael. "You want to see Emma? Fine. Drink this—with your subordinate—and I'll take you to her." Damian had already taken his dose. It was only fair that Kael did too. Edric had been waiting for this opportunity. "What is it?" Kael asked, turning the vial in his hand, suspicious. "Poison," Edric replied curtly, his patience wearing thin. "My poison. Do you dare? Drink it, and I'll let you see her." He had far more important things to deal with than listening to Kael's nonsense. The sooner this fool cooperated, the sooner Edric could get back home to Emma. "Sir, you mustn't!" Adam went pale the moment he heard what it was. This snake is ruthless, Adam thought in horror. Knowing Mr. Auris is desperate to see Ms. Tibarn, he's using it as an excuse to poison him! "I'll drink it." Kael's expression was firm, resolute. "If that's what it takes to see Emma—even if it kills me—I'll do it." Edric gestured at Adam. "Not just you. He drinks too." Adam froze. Why me?! "Sir, I-I…" he stammered, trying to protest. But Kael had already shoved one of the vials into his hand. "Drink it." But I have nothing to do with this! he wailed. Still, meeting Kael's sharp, commanding gaze, he uncorked the vial and drank it in silence. So be it. If this kills me, I'll die repaying the life he once saved. Once Adam had finished, Kael followed suit. He drained the vial in one gulp and hurled the empty container to the floor. "I drank—" He never finished the sentence. Darkness flooded his vision, and both master and servant collapsed. Edric looked down at the two unconscious men, his voice dripping with disdain. "Pathetic. Truly pathetic." The Suncrest lineage had never been known for intelligence, but their obsession with imitating the Enchanter Clan's endless scheming and infighting made them even worse. Whatever little wit they had was wasted on family feuds. With a sharp crack, Edric's dark purple tail struck the ground, leaving a deep crater six feet wide. He coiled it around Kael's limp body and tossed him into the pit. He wasn't completely merciless, though. He left Kael's head exposed above the ground, ensuring that when Adam woke, he'd see his master and dig him out himself. This poison wasn't the same as the one he'd given Damian. Damian's had only erased memories of the Divine Flame. Kael's, however, would make him forget Emma entirely. Once everything was done, Edric left without hesitation. It's been days now. I wonder if the messages I sent to Frostveil and beyond have arrived. As the sky dimmed, he rubbed his brow in exhaustion, found a quiet place, and injected himself with a restorative serum. Within seconds, the red veins in his eyes faded, and his pallor softened. When he was sure there was no trace of fatigue left in his appearance, he finally dared to call Emma through her lightcore. He couldn't let her see him looking so worn—it would only worry her. … Emma had just stepped out of the training room when Edric's holographic call came through. The moment she saw his name, her calm eyes brightened. She answered immediately, and his familiar figure appeared before her. "Emma, did you have a good day? Did you eat? Rest properly? What about the fruits and vegetables I sent—did you like them?" The barrage of questions didn't annoy her. In fact, it made her smile. It felt good—being thought of, being cared for. "I had a wonderful day," she said warmly. "I ate well, and I got plenty of rest. I loved the fruits and vegetables you sent. I even made some jam and dried fruit. I stored them away, so when you come back, we'll eat them together."