Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 481

**Chapter 481: The Weight of Another Heart**

Alaric delicately lifted a single strand of Emma’s hair, his fingers trembling ever so slightly as he placed it inside the transparent slot at the center of the device. The moment the hair settled into its designated place, the intricate markings that encircled the groove ignited with a dazzling light, illuminating the dim room.

A heartbeat later, two droplets of Lucien’s blood were drawn toward a rune on the opposite side of the device. The droplets elongated, transforming into a slender ribbon of crimson light that raced along the etched pathways, leaving a trail of shimmering energy in its wake.

“Alright, it’s starting,” Alaric murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as he concentrated intently on the device. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, and he poured his energy into the mechanism, his focus narrowing to a single point.

As his energy surged outward, the crystals embedded within the device erupted into a breathtaking display of light. Threads of luminescence intertwined, twisting and weaving together above them, forming a vivid, lifelike Phoenix that enveloped both Emma and Lucien under its majestic wings.

This Phoenix was not adorned in fiery reds; instead, its feathers shimmered in soft, silvery hues—gentle, pure, almost sacred. It radiated an aura of hope, a promise of healing amidst the chaos.

In that charged moment, the device split its power into two distinct rays. One beam, a pale, moonlit white, settled gently against Emma’s forehead, while the other, a deep violet tinged with a bloody glow, plunged straight into Lucien’s chest.

Emma felt a warm, calming pressure against her brow, a sensation that spread through her like a soothing balm. The relentless nausea that had tormented her dissipated as if it had never existed, and the weakness that had drained her strength faded away like the retreating tide. Color returned to her cheeks, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she could breathe freely, the air filling her lungs with ease.

Across from her, Lucien’s body jerked violently, as though he were a marionette suddenly severed from its strings. The vibrant color drained from his striking features, leaving him as pale as a blank canvas, devoid of life. A violent wave of nausea surged from his stomach to his throat, twisting his insides in relentless, unforgiving waves.

Cold sweat beaded along his temple, and his brows knitted tightly in pain. “Emma, give me a moment,” he managed to utter, his voice strained as he pressed a hand over his mouth, making his way toward the bathroom with all the urgency he could muster.

He refused to run, unwilling to let her witness his unraveling. He didn’t want her to worry, to see the cracks forming in his facade.

Watching Lucien struggle to maintain his composure, Alaric’s gentle expression softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He turned his attention back to Emma, his voice mild and reassuring. “Emma, how do you feel now? Any discomfort at all?”

Emma took a moment to check in with her body. For the first time, everything felt light and normal. The last remnants of nausea and exhaustion had vanished, leaving her feeling almost buoyant. “I feel fine now, not the slightest bit unwell,” she replied, her voice laced with relief.

Her gaze drifted to the bathroom door, her brows knitting together slightly. Lucien must have used his ability to block sound, she thought. She couldn’t hear anything from within, but she recognized the symptoms all too well. She knew exactly how miserable he must be feeling.

Turning her attention back to Alaric, she asked, “Is there anything you can do to relieve Lucien’s pain?”

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