**Chapter 222: Unexpected News**

“Why are you two together, Kieran and Silas?” Corvin’s voice trembled with disbelief, his heart racing as he took in the sight before him. Kieran had just emerged from Silas’ room, a place that was strictly off-limits to everyone except Emma. The very notion that Kieran had been there sent a wave of confusion crashing over him.

Kieran’s eyes were red and swollen, a telltale sign that something was amiss. Corvin’s stomach twisted with concern. “Kieran, what happened to your eyes?”

He looked as if he had been crying, and that realization sent a shiver down Corvin’s spine. But that couldn’t be right—Kieran shouldn’t have been able to shed tears anymore.

“I’m fine,” Kieran replied, forcing a weak smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I came to ask Silas for help. It’s all settled now. It’s late—get some rest. I’ll head back.”

With that, he hurried away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Corvin couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong; Kieran walking around like that was anything but a good sign.

Turning to Silas, Corvin’s brow furrowed with curiosity and concern. “What did he ask you to help with?”

A sly smile crept onto Silas’ lips as he flicked a delicate pink pearl toward Corvin, the light catching it just right. “He asked me to treat him,” Silas replied nonchalantly.

Corvin’s eyes widened in astonishment as the implications of Silas’ words sank in. “So Kieran can cry again?”

Silas, always the enigma, reached out and playfully pinched Corvin’s mouth shut, cutting off his words. “I saw you coming down from the third floor,” he said with a casual air. “You went to see Emma?”

Corvin, caught off guard, could only nod vigorously, his mouth still held captive by Silas’ fingers.

Releasing him, Corvin finally managed to speak, his voice tinged with frustration. “I wanted to stay with Emma, to let her rest, but Edric beat me to it. When I arrived, he was already in her room.”

The disappointment gnawed at him, a reminder of the connection he felt slipping away just when he had the chance to strengthen it. Quietly, he vowed to himself that tomorrow would be different; he would make sure to bond with Emma, no matter what.

—

The following day, as the sun climbed high into the sky, Emma stepped out of her room, looking rejuvenated and radiant. Her hair glimmered in the light, and there was a newfound brightness in her eyes. She made her way to the kitchen, where Corvin was diligently preparing lunch.

As soon as his gaze fell upon her, his heart soared. “Emma, you’re awake! I made something special for you. Just wait outside for a moment—it’s almost ready!”

“Smells incredible,” Emma exclaimed, breathing in the rich aroma wafting through the air. “Corvin, your cooking has really improved. You’re killing it!”

The kitchen was filled with the delightful scent of spices and herbs, a testament to Corvin’s culinary skills. Among all the residents in the house, he was undoubtedly the most talented cook, and her praise made his heart swell with pride. “As long as you enjoy it, I’m relieved,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face. He had feared that his efforts might not meet her expectations.

Emma stepped closer, her warmth enveloping him as she planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “After lunch, let’s go for a stroll. When we get back tonight, we’ll bond.”

Bond… bond?

The word echoed in his mind, sending a thrill through him. She had brought it up first, and the thought sent his heart racing. He had assumed that since Edric had been with her the previous night, she wouldn’t want to bond with him until the next day at the earliest. But now, the idea sparked excitement within him like a jolt of electricity.

“Emma, wait—food’s almost ready!” he blurted out, suddenly filled with energy.

He hurried to finish the meal, his heart pounding with anticipation. A walk with Emma in the afternoon, followed by a bonding session at night… it was shaping up to be a perfect day!

Outside, after mentioning the bonding to Corvin, Emma settled onto the living room couch, her fingers dancing over her device as she sent a message to Laura. The Celestara Gala was approaching, and she was eager to know if her friend had arrived on the Central Planet yet.

“Laura, when will you get to the Central Planet?” she typed, her thoughts racing with excitement and curiosity.

After sending the message, Emma’s mind wandered back to Kieran’s unsettling words from the previous night—someone sent by Malrik was planning to attack Alaric.

After the queen of Aurelia’s birthday party, Alaric had messaged her several times, and she had responded politely, but a nagging concern lingered in her mind. Was he really okay?

With a frown, she typed another message. “Mr. Wynn, I heard you were injured?”

At that moment, Alaric, still recovering from his facial wounds, read her message. His eyes narrowed, a cold fury igniting within him. Who told Emma about my condition? D*mn it.

How am I supposed to face anyone looking like this?

He quickly formulated a response. “Emma, glad you reached out—and thanks for your concern. I’m not injured. I’ve just been away from the Central Planet these days. I’ll contact you when I’m back in a few days!”

His words were meant to reassure, and Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her.

“Okay. Let’s talk when you’re back on the Central Planet,” she replied, feeling a sense of calm settle over her.

Just as she finished sending her message, her device chimed, and a reply from Laura popped up.

“Emma, I’m already on the Central Planet. I’ve just been feeling unwell these past two days, and I’m at a hospital getting treatment. That’s why I haven’t contacted you.”

Panic gripped Emma’s heart as she read the words. Laura had always been the picture of health. If she was suddenly in the hospital, something serious must have happened.

“Laura, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?” she typed anxiously, her fingers trembling.

“Emma, don’t worry about me. I’m not injured. I just gave birth yesterday. I’ll be discharged in a month,” Laura replied, her message filled with a sense of relief.

Emma stared at her device in shock, her eyes wide as the reality sank in. Laura has cubs now? The thought swirled in her mind, a mix of joy and disbelief flooding her senses.

In the wake of unexpected revelations, the emotional landscape of the characters has shifted dramatically. Kieran’s tentative steps toward regaining his ability to cry symbolize a deeper journey of healing and vulnerability, suggesting that even those who have faced profound loss can find a way back to their emotions. Corvin’s determination to bond with Emma underscores his commitment to nurturing their connection, highlighting the importance of relationships in navigating life’s challenges. As Emma emerges rejuvenated, the warmth of her interactions with Corvin reflects a blossoming hope, indicating that love and friendship can flourish even amidst uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the news of Laura’s newfound motherhood serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictable nature, blending joy with anxiety. Emma’s initial panic gives way to elation, illustrating the complex emotions that accompany significant life changes. This chapter closes not just with the excitement of new beginnings but also with the acknowledgment of the struggles that lie ahead. Together, these threads weave a tapestry of resilience and connection, suggesting that while the future may be fraught with challenges, the bonds they share will guide them through the unknown, ultimately leading to a life that, while once feared, is now embraced with open hearts.