Chapter 465 She Let Them Know She Was Safe**

“I don’t require your vows to the Beast God. Just utter the words, and I will accept them,” Lucien declared, his fingers deftly picking up the chain that Emma had carelessly flung onto the bed.

Emma regarded him with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. “What are you up to? You aren’t considering locking me away again, are you? That chain is no longer a prison for me.”

“It can’t bind you any longer,” Lucien replied, his gaze piercing into hers. With a deliberate motion, he opened his palm.

In an instant, a brilliant eruption of golden flames erupted from his hand, illuminating the dim room with a warm glow. In a heartbeat, the chain transformed into a cascade of glimmering golden sparks, dissipating into the air as if it had never existed.

“Emma, from this moment forward, I vow never to restrain you again.”

The true force that could ever hold her isn’t a mere chain; it resides within me… my heart!

With that declaration, Lucien returned her lightcore, a symbol of her independence. “I thought you might be anxious about Silas and the others worrying over you, so here it is. It’s yours once more.”

Deep down, Lucien felt a weight pressing on his chest. I don’t have many days left. If Emma reaches out to Silas and the others now, by the time Marcus and Calum arrive, I should have already departed.

Emma’s eyes lingered on the lightcore in her hands, a smirk beginning to form at the corner of her mouth.

Kid, you should have given it to me sooner. If you had, I wouldn’t have had to wake up at dawn, scramble to borrow someone else’s lightcore, and reach out to Silas and the others.

With a swift motion, Emma donned the lightcore and then wrapped her arms around Lucien’s neck, pressing a soft yet firm kiss on his cheek. “I always knew my Lucien was the best. Just wait here; I’ll whip up something delicious for you.”

Lucien tightened his grip around her waist, unwilling to let go. “I’m coming with you.” The thought of being apart from her, even for a moment, was unbearable. What he truly wished for was to remain like this, inseparable, for all eternity.

Emma didn’t resist; instead, she led him directly to the bathroom, their connection palpable.

Meanwhile, Silas had remained uncharacteristically quiet since Emma had reached out to him via video call, using someone else’s lightcore.

Corvin, glancing at Silas with a furrowed brow, asked, “Emma mentioned that we don’t need to rush to find her. Why haven’t you informed Calum and Marcus?”

Emma had reassured Silas that she was safe with Lucien, despite the latter’s issues. She needed a few more days by his side. Once Lucien regained his strength, she would return with him, alleviating their concerns.

The moment Silas learned that Emma was unharmed, he finally allowed himself to exhale, the tension that had coiled around his heart for days beginning to unwind.

Yet, Lucien’s actions were infuriating. How had he managed to whisk Emma away?

Silas shot Corvin a knowing look, stating, “Emy being with Lucien isn’t necessarily dangerous. However, he can’t keep an eye on her every second. Mistakes happen. We should send Calum and Marcus over early. They don’t even need to reveal themselves; just their presence nearby will ensure Emy’s safety.”

“Exactly!” Corvin exclaimed, his eyes widening with admiration. “How did I not think of that? You’re really on top of things!”

Silas chose to ignore the praise.

The fact that Emy had to use someone else’s lightcore to contact him meant her own was no longer with her. Damn it, Lucien, he even took her lightcore away!

After a moment of contemplation, Silas sent Calum a message: ‘Locate Emy. Stay hidden—just observe from the shadows. And find a way to neutralize Lucien where she can’t see. You’re closer to the outer regions, so it’ll be easier for you to act.’

Meanwhile, Emma was busy typing a message to a new friend, glancing at Lucien, who was focused on packing. “Lucien, I heard there’s a big bonfire tonight. Let’s go check it out together.”

They had been at Z-1689 for five days now. During the daylight hours, she had pulled him along for adventures, while at night, she diligently worked on dispelling the black fire that had taken residence in the plumage on his forehead. After days of her relentless efforts, the dark flames were nearly extinguished.

Lucien no longer exuded that dark, brooding intensity he once had. The obsessive, fiery glint in his eyes had faded significantly. He appeared calmer, gentler, and when he cast his gaze upon Emma, it was soft and clear, radiating warmth that surpassed even what it had been before the ordeal with Pyreborn.

He seemed more composed now, as if new layers of depth had emerged, making him a complex puzzle that was difficult to decipher fully.

Emma observed him bending over, engrossed in his packing, and decided to approach him. She waved her hand in front of his face, breaking his concentration. “Lucien? Did you catch what I just said?”

“Huh?” Lucien blinked, returning to the present, his voice gentle. “Emma, what did you say? Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

Emma scrutinized him, pinching his cheek playfully. “What could possibly be so important that you didn’t hear me?”

“N-Nothing…” Lucien stammered, shaking his head as he hurriedly stuffed items into the storage band. He quickly shifted the subject. “Emma, can you repeat what you just said?”

“I said there’s a bonfire tonight. Let’s go have fun together,” Emma reiterated, her excitement evident.

“Okay!” He responded, a bright smile illuminating his face. “I’ll pack some of your favorite snacks so we can enjoy them tonight.”

As Emma and Lucien prepared for the bonfire, the air between them buzzed with a newfound sense of freedom and connection. The transformation of the chain into golden sparks symbolized not just the dissolution of physical restraints but the breaking of emotional barriers that had long held them captive. Lucien’s vow to never restrain her again resonated deeply within Emma, allowing her to embrace her independence while still cherishing the bond they shared. With each passing day, Lucien’s darkness receded, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side that further deepened their relationship. Emma’s playful teasing and Lucien’s gentle responses highlighted a mutual understanding and affection that had blossomed amidst the chaos of their lives.

Yet, beneath the surface of their joy, the lingering shadows of uncertainty remained. Silas’s protective instincts and his plans to keep watch over Emma reminded her that danger still lurked nearby, and she was acutely aware of the stakes. However, in this moment, surrounded by laughter and the warmth of companionship, Emma chose to focus on the present. The bond she had forged with Lucien felt like a beacon of hope, illuminating the path ahead. As they set out for the bonfire, Emma held onto the lightcore tightly, a symbol of her strength and the life she was finally ready to embrace—a life filled with love, adventure, and the courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead.