Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 173

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

**Chapter 173: Hidden Motives**

“Yes, sir!”

The subordinates, dressed in crisp uniforms that spoke of their allegiance, stepped forward with a sense of urgency and respect. “Mr. Malrik Ashen, this way, please.”

Merlin felt the weight of Lucien’s distrust hanging in the air like a storm cloud. He nodded slightly, a gesture filled with quiet gratitude, even as a tempest of emotions churned within him.

“Ms. Tibarn, I shall take my leave now. I’ll rejoin you tomorrow,” he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Emma met his gaze and nodded, her expression warm yet tinged with concern. “Rest well,” she replied softly, her eyes reflecting a flicker of empathy.

As Merlin was escorted away by the subordinates, a fire of rage ignited in his heart. Just wait. Before he could forge a deeper bond with Emma, he would dismantle them—one by one. The thought fueled his determination.

Silas, ever the observant one, cast a sidelong glance at Emma. “Emy, are you off to training now?” he inquired, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity.

Emma nodded, her resolve firm. “Give me two hours. In two hours, I’ll come find you,” she promised, her voice carrying an undercurrent of excitement.

Silas leaned closer, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he whispered conspiratorially in her ear, “So… tonight, still want the little room?”

Instantly, Emma felt her cheeks flush with heat. Seriously? Hadn’t this guy been running around all day, exerting himself to the limit?

“Emy… why’s your face turning red? I only meant… sleeping in the little room, not…” he stammered, realizing too late how his words could be misinterpreted.

“Shut up,” she interjected, her hand swiftly covering his mouth, a gesture both playful and firm. Deep down, she had always suspected Silas was the real Enchanter, capable of weaving magic with his words.

“I’m off to training now. You all should get some rest too,” she declared, her voice taking on an authoritative tone.

Avoiding Lucien’s gaze and the others, she shot Silas a glare that conveyed both annoyance and affection before she turned on her heel and left.

Marcus observed her retreating figure, a thoughtful expression crossing his face before he turned to Silas.

Silas raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “Want to learn? Promise to do me a favor, and I’ll teach you a move,” he proposed, leaning back against the wall with a casual air.

Marcus lowered his head, his thoughts swirling in silence.

Corvin, ever eager to prove himself, stepped forward with an earnestness that could not be ignored. “I want to learn,” he stated firmly, determination etched on his face. “Silas, teach me. I’ve got a Level 11 mech—I can help you out too.”

Silas hesitated, his mind racing. It wasn’t that he lacked the desire to teach; he simply wasn’t convinced that Corvin could handle the complexities of what he was about to share.

Seeing Silas’s uncertainty, Corvin pressed on, his voice filled with urgency. “I’ll even give you a Level 10 mech. Please, just teach me.”

“All right!” Silas relented, nodding briskly as he leaned closer to Corvin, whispering something that only he could hear.

Marcus, Lucien, and Edric leaned in, their ears straining to catch the low murmurs, but the words were too soft to decipher. Only Corvin caught them, his expression shifting to one of uncertainty.

Edric nodded, his voice steady as he recounted the events with precision. When he finished, he looked between Lucien and Silas, a question lingering in the air. “Do you think Malrik had something to do with it?”

Silas was quick to respond. “He showed up way too conveniently. It’s as if he was prepared for this,” he asserted, crossing his arms.

Lucien added, his expression serious, “Before I returned, I received reports that several females on Central Planet were attacked today. The attackers were stray therians, the same kind that ambushed Emma.”

“Stray therians? Aren’t most of them out on the outer battlefield? Why were so many on Central Planet today?” Edric’s expression darkened, concern etching lines on his forehead.

“Did any of the attacked females sustain injuries?” he pressed, anxiety creeping into his voice.

Lucien shook his head. “No. Most of the stray therians weren’t strong—they either killed or captured themselves in self-destruction. Only at Emma’s place did a Rank 10 show up.”

Silas interjected, “They seemed organized, like they were trying to target females, but none of it worked. The plan… it looked like there was no plan at all.”

Marcus, leaning against the bookshelf, finally spoke up. “That Rank 10… It was as if he was being controlled. When he attacked me, he got feedback and hesitated, but he couldn’t stop himself.”

Edric frowned, confusion clouding his features. “What are you trying to say?”

Silas patted his shoulder, his expression serious. “We’re saying… Malrik is suspicious.”

Edric’s eyes widened in realization. “You think Malrik orchestrated the stray therians?”

Lucien nodded, a grim look settling on his face. “He had the strays attack other females to distract us, to keep us from suspecting him—but his timing was far too perfect.”