Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 257

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live**
**by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 257: The One Who Stayed Behind**

“By the time I returned, your two mates had already taken down Merlin,” Malrik said, his voice low and almost hesitant. “But he doesn’t really die, not completely.”

His gaze fell to the floor, a shadow of uncertainty crossing his features. “I was terrified that if I just appeared out of nowhere, you would despise me for wearing his face. I feared you might turn me away before I had the chance to explain myself.”

Emma stood there, absorbing his words in silence. A soft sigh slipped from her lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the truth she had sensed all along.

“I’m truly sorry, Ms. Tibarn,” Malrik continued, his voice thick with emotion. “I never intended to deceive you. I just… I couldn’t bear the thought of you rejecting me.”

He reached out, his hand hovering in the air as if to take hers, but halfway there, his resolve crumbled. He understood all too well how deeply she loathed dishonesty, and he had crossed a line that felt impossible to uncross.

His shoulders trembled slightly, and his eyes glistened, rimmed with red from the weight of regret and longing. “I received your dissolution notice, but I still yearn to be by your side. Even if it means I can only be a follower.”

He paused, searching her face for understanding, then added softly, “Please, believe me. I’m nothing like Merlin.”

Emma’s response was calm, her voice steady as she met his gaze. “I know.”

Given everything he had done recently, it was painfully clear—Malrik and Merlin were worlds apart.

“You… really believe me?” His disbelief hung in the air, fragile and delicate. In his mind, he had braced himself for her anger, for her condemnation, perhaps even for her to banish him from her life entirely. Yet here she was, offering him something he had scarcely dared to hope for: trust.

He inhaled sharply, a rush of gratitude flooding through him, and before she could react, he grasped her hand firmly. “Thank you, Ms. Tibarn. I will find a way to heal you. Just wait for me.”

“Malrik—wait—” she started, but before she could finish her thought, his body erupted into a brilliant flash of light and he vanished before her eyes.

Emma stared at the empty space where he had stood, disbelief washing over her. “Seriously?”

With a surge of frustration, she pushed herself upright and shouted toward the door, “Malrik! Get back here!”

The only response was an echoing silence that filled the room.

Moments later, the door burst open, and Edric along with Corvin rushed into the room, their faces etched with concern.

“Emma! Are you alright?” Edric asked, scanning her quickly, his eyes filled with worry.

She shook her head, exhaling slowly as she gathered her thoughts. “I already know who Cotton Candy really is. It’s Malrik Ashen.”

Edric nodded, relief flooding his features. “We heard. Don’t worry, Marcus went after him.”

They had been standing just outside, eavesdropping on every whispered word exchanged between her and Malrik.

Malrik’s vow to heal her, coupled with his sudden disappearance, spoke volumes. He had dashed off in search of something—anything—that might save her.

Emma’s lips curled into a faint sigh, a mix of exasperation and affection. “He’s too impulsive. He didn’t even let me finish before he bolted.”

“How long do you think it will take to reach Silas?” she asked, her brow furrowing in thought.

Corvin paused for a moment, his expression serious as he calculated. “Five days, three hours, and six minutes.”

Emma blinked in surprise. He actually counted that?

With a playful grin, she shot him a thumbs-up. “Corvin, your brain’s a supercomputer.”

Pleased by her compliment, Corvin broke into a wide smile, his eyes sparkling with delight. He suddenly hugged her tightly and pressed a quick kiss on her cheek. “Hearing that from you makes it all worth it.”

Emma chuckled, returning the gesture with a playful kiss on his cheek. “When we’re back from Silas, I promise to go with you to the Ravaryn.”

She had once made a promise to Corvin to return to Ravaryn with him, but life had thrown so many obstacles in their path that she still hadn’t found the chance to fulfill that vow.

“Sure,” he replied, his eyes lighting up instantly. He had thought she had forgotten about it, and hearing her reaffirm her promise filled him with a joy so strong that he almost shifted right there in excitement.

As Corvin packed the last of the gear, Emma rummaged through her drawer, pulling out several small blocks of wood and crystal stones—the ones she had purchased days ago.

She traced her fingers over them thoughtfully, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. These were meant for Silas, a handmade gift she had wanted to finish before their reunion.

Five days on the road—just enough time to make it perfect.