Sensing the change in his body, Thora gave a mischievous little smile. Then, in one swift move, she climbed off Darius, opened the car door, and jumped out through the yacht's sunroof. "Ms. Green," Carl called out respectfully, sneaking a glance upward—wondering why Darius still hadn't come out of the car. Thora nodded. "What's the situation? Give me a report." Carl immediately started to give Thora a detailed report. Back in the car, Darius was stunned speechless by Thora's actions. He glanced down at his own very obvious situation. Did Thora just tease him and run off? Did she really expect him to get out of the car like this?She was definitely doing this on purpose! She could be really heartless sometimes. He grumbled in his head, but despite that, the corners of his mouth couldn't help curving up. Watching Thora listen intently to Carl's update, Darius actually felt a little pleased. Thora finally seems to want me physically, too. That's definitely a good sign. Sensing Lorcan about to butt in, Darius cut him off via mind-link. You'd better shut up. Don't even think about saying anything, or I'll curse you out even when I'm in a good mood. Lorcan flicked his tail and gave a cold huff but kept quiet. He just thought Darius was hopeless at seizing opportunities. It was the perfect chance—even Thora was tempted. Why didn't this blockhead take things further? "Ms. Green, that's all." Carl had just finished his report when he saw Darius jump down, too. "Alpha," Carl greeted him at once, looking him over carefully. The Alpha looks fine—aside from slightly flushed ears and a not-quite-satisfied look, he's obviously not hurt. Carl felt relieved. Darius slipped back into his usual cold persona and nodded. "I'll deal with the Hawthornes when I'm back." "Yes, sir." By now, all the yachts and Phantoms had started heading back. Thora stood tall at the edge of the deck, hands clasped behind her. She gazed out at the horizon with a solemn expression, clearly deep in thought. "Carl, bring a Lightning F35 over here right now." Darius gave the order in a low voice. Carl froze for a second, then quickly went to carry it out, secretly wondering why Darius wanted a jet.This so-called Lightning F35 wasn't a real military jet, but a custom-built aircraft they'd developed themselves. It had some fighter jet features and could cross international airspace without setting off alarms. It was privately owned, limited production, and the top of its class for speed. Since it would take hours for the cruise ship to return, Darius had everyone stop at the nearest island. Thora checked the time. She'd been separated from Wolffang Unit for five hours now. She hoped they'd make it safely to Tohmont. "Why did we stop here?" Thora asked. Darius smiled, eyes fixed on the sky. Thora looked up, too. "What are you waiting for?" "You'll see soon," Darius teased. Suddenly, a distant rumble caught Thora's attention.A dot in the sky grew larger, flying their way. Her first thought was a fighter jet. But as it got closer, she saw it only looked somewhat similar to a fighter jet—it was a modified model. It wasn't quite as fast as a real jet, but way faster than a regular plane. After circling once, the jet landed, and a pilot climbed out. "Alpha." The pilot saluted. Darius turned to Thora. "Thora, can you fly a jet?" Thora nodded. "Yes." Darius smiled, not at all surprised. He looked at the jet. "If we don't leave now, we'll miss the Blue Star Military Academy's recruitment." Thora glanced sideways at Darius, her gaze lingering for about ten seconds before she strode to the plane. No more words were needed—she knew what she had to do. Just as Thora reached the plane, Darius called out to her. "Thora!" She stopped in her tracks. Darius said earnestly, "I'll wait for you to come back." Then he added, "When you return, we'll have our bonding ceremony, okay?" It wasn't a fancy promise, but the gravity in his voice made it feel sacred. He waited for Thora's answer, feeling nervous for the first time in his life. He needed her confirmation. It was the one thing in his life he couldn't be sure of. He cared so much about her that even his usual confidence turned to nerves. Would Thora agree to his bonding request?For a moment, it felt like time froze. Darius could hear his own heartbeat. Even Lorcan held his breath. But Thora stayed put, giving no reply. When Darius couldn't hold back any longer and was about to rush over for her answer, she finally spoke.