Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 244

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 244: Malrik’s Worry**

Corvin cradled Malrik in his arms, his heart heavy with emotion, and his eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

“Cotton Candy,” he murmured, his voice thick with worry, “if anything were to happen to Emma, I don’t think I could go on. You’re just a pet, so you’ll be fine. But don’t fret; I promise I’ll make sure you’re taken care of before my time comes.”

Just then, Edric approached from behind, his expression grave as he placed a reassuring hand on Corvin’s shoulder. “I’ll head to the kitchen and whip up something Emma enjoys. You and Marcus should keep her company.”

As Corvin and Edric exchanged glances of deep concern, Malrik felt a surge of anxiety welling within him, almost pushing him to shift back into his human form.

**Ms. Tibarn!**

With a sudden burst of energy, he leapt from Corvin’s embrace and scampered up the stairs, his little feet barely making a sound as he dashed toward the third floor.

Watching the rabbit dart away, Corvin lowered his voice and turned to Edric, a hint of desperation in his tone. “How did my performance go? I should have managed to trick him, right?”

Edric nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “It was superb.”

Meanwhile, upstairs, Marcus gently placed Emma on the bed, his movements careful and deliberate. “Ms. Tibarn, would you like to take a bath? I can run the water for you.”

He knew all too well how much she cherished those soothing moments in the tub each night before drifting off to sleep.

Emma had been in the hospital for nearly four days, and the thought of her not having a proper bath weighed heavily on his mind.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Malrik racing in, and she instinctively grasped Marcus’ hand, offering a faint nod. “Marcus, I don’t have the strength. Once you fill the tub, could you carry me there?”

“Of course,” Marcus replied softly, a comforting smile gracing his lips as he tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. “Just wait for me, Ms. Tibarn. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Malrik, filled with concern, watched as Marcus entered the bathroom, then hurried back to Emma’s side. He hopped up onto the bed, his little heart racing with worry. What could be troubling Ms. Tibarn? Why does she look so pale and frail?

As Emma caught sight of Malrik, she coughed lightly, reaching out to touch his ear. Her hand felt limp and cold, as if lifting it required every ounce of her dwindling strength.

“Cotton Candy,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, hoarse and fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering. “I’m alright. Please don’t worry.”

She attempted to smile, but the effort triggered another round of harsh coughing, making her struggle to regain her breath.

Malrik’s anxiety peaked; he felt like he might explode. **Ms. Tibarn, what’s wrong? Please don’t frighten me!**

Just then, the bathroom door swung open.

Marcus was left speechless, taken aback by her response.

After consuming Silas’ leaf, she appeared to regain some of her composure, which eased his anxiety.

“Emma lowered her voice, glancing around cautiously. “When we talk like this, they can’t hear us outside, right?”

Marcus nodded, a reassuring smile breaking through his worry. “Don’t fret, Ms. Tibarn. I’ve shielded this place with my mental power. Even if that rabbit is at Rank 11, he won’t hear a thing.”

Finally, Emma relaxed, comforted by the knowledge that her acting had successfully deceived Malrik.

She scratched her head absentmindedly, noting an itch on the front right side of her scalp that had persisted for days.

“I’ll help you undress,” Marcus offered, his tone gentle.

He carefully positioned her on the sink to ensure she could sit steadily, then stood before her, beginning to unbutton her shirt.

The closeness between them felt electric, making Emma tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

His silver hair shimmered like strands of moonlight, cascading softly over his smooth forehead. The straightness of his nose and the delicate curve of his lips gave him an aura of calm restraint, a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling in her heart.