Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 471

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 471: Alaric’s Decision**

With a voice that exuded calmness, Alaric responded, his demeanor unshakeable despite the weight of the moment.

Calum, Marcus, and Lucien exchanged glances, their eyes fixed on Alaric in unison, a silent question hanging in the air.

It was clear he had come prepared this time, armed with resolve and conviction.

Before Lucien could utter a word, Calum broke the silence, his tone laced with incredulity. “Alaric, think back to all the effort you poured into becoming the young island lord. As the young island lord of Starhaven, you had access to Beast God Mountain at your leisure. You enjoyed privileges that many would envy. Are you truly willing to relinquish all of that so readily?”

Starhaven, a place kissed by the proximity of Beast God Mountain, was where Alaric thrived. As its young island lord, he held the rare ability to commune with the Beast God himself, a bond that allowed him to visit the sacred mountain annually to receive the divine blessing.

Calum recalled their first meeting on the slopes of Beast God Mountain, where Alaric had effortlessly navigated the intricate web of power and privilege. He had spent five long years lingering around the Beast God, and yet, the meager rewards he had garnered paled in comparison to what Alaric had effortlessly acquired in just a single year.

Alaric, with the freedom to indulge in the Beast God’s fruit whenever he wished, had made the mountain his second home.

While Alaric projected the strength of a peak level ten warrior, Calum harbored doubts. Given the generous nourishment from the Beast God, he couldn’t fathom that Alaric’s strength was merely that.

Alaric met the curious and scrutinizing gazes of his friends with a serene smile, unwavering in his composure.

His gaze drifted toward Emma, and in that moment, his eyes reflected a calm determination, a quiet confidence that seemed to anchor him amidst the chaos.

“Some things and some people hold more significance than all of that,” he stated, his voice steady and resolute.

Deep down, Alaric harbored a desire to maintain his position as young island lord for another two years. He had observed the many suitors surrounding Emma, aware that she was not inclined to forge a bond with him at this time.

There was no rush; he could afford to remain in his role for a few more years, accumulating gifts for himself and thoughtful offerings for Emma.

But the Beast God had other plans.

The ancient deity, in his wisdom, had deemed Alaric’s time overindulgent, instructing him to vacate his position. He sought a more compliant successor, one who would be eager to fulfill the role.

The Beast God even issued a warning: if Alaric failed to secure a bond with Emma soon, he would match her with a selection of stronger mates. In that scenario, Alaric would find himself unworthy of even being a follower.

The situation was further complicated by the Beast God’s ire at Alaric’s perceived greed over the years. His refusal to assist Alaric in forming a bond with Emma left Alaric in a precarious position, one that felt increasingly difficult to navigate.

Lucien, listening intently to Alaric’s words, rubbed his forehead in frustration. Were Marcus and Calum secretly in league with Alaric?

Every word they spoke seemed to bolster Alaric’s position.

“Alaric, are you alright?” she asked softly, her heart aching for him.

Her older brother had been alone for so long, and now that he had finally found someone he cared for, he faced a rejection so blunt it must have stung deeply.

When Emma’s figure faded from view, Alaric turned to Stella, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

“Why would I not be okay?” he asked, a smile playing on his lips as he attempted to mask his true feelings.

Stella’s expression was a mixture of sympathy and concern. “Emma turned you down. You must be feeling quite sad.”

As her words trailed off, she lowered her gaze, embarrassment creeping into her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Alaric. Even though Emma is my friend, I feel powerless to help you.”

Her loyalty to her brother was strong, yet her friendship with Emma created a conflict she wished to avoid.

“What does that have to do with you?” Alaric chuckled lightly, settling back down by the campfire. He picked up a skewer of grilled mushrooms, savoring the moment as he took a slow bite.

The warmth of the fire flickered in his eyes, but deep within, the embers of determination began to glow.

**Chapter 472: Bound to Win Her Over Someday**