Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 498

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley – Chapter 498: A Revelation**

“Edric,” Silas replied without hesitation, his tone steady and resolute.

Calum’s brow furrowed deeply as he scrutinized Silas, suspicion evident in his gaze. “Why him? What makes him the choice?” he questioned, a hint of accusation creeping into his voice. “He didn’t bribe you or anything, did he?”

“You’re misunderstanding the situation, Marshal,” Silas clarified, his voice calm but firm. “Remember yesterday when I asked all of you for your thoughts in the group chat? You were the ones who opposed drawing lots and insisted that I take charge of organizing everything.”

Calum’s disappointment was palpable as he processed Silas’s words. *So, this is how it’s going to be?* he thought, feeling the weight of the decision settle heavily on his shoulders. *Does that mean I’ll end up being last?* His lips pressed into a thin line as he turned away, his footsteps echoing with a sense of reluctance.

Silas watched him go, then turned his attention to Lucien, who appeared to be faring well. Relieved, he quickly unlocked his lightcore, eager to update the rest of the group about the decisions made.

Corvin, busy setting the table, couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across his face as he read Silas’s announcement. “Silas is the best! He didn’t put me last!” he exclaimed, his joy infectious.

Edric’s eyebrows shot up in surprise when he scanned the message. He hadn’t anticipated being placed at the top of the list. It was a pleasant shock that warmed his heart.

At that moment, Marcus entered the room, carrying a steaming bowl of food. He glanced at the message and furrowed his brow in concern. “But what about Lucien? He’s fourth on the list, but in his current condition, he can’t exactly accompany Ms. Tibarn, can he?”

Corvin nodded thoughtfully, his expression shifting to one of realization. “You’re absolutely right.”

Marcus, wanting to clarify, sent a quick message: ‘What about Lucien?’

Silas quickly responded, ‘We’ll consult Emma and Lucien. If Emma wants him there and he feels up to it, we’ll proceed as planned. If not, Emma can choose, or we’ll simply bump everyone up a spot.’

Emma, blissfully unaware of the discussions unfolding in the group chat, was engrossed in her own thoughts.

After breakfast, Alaric took a moment to check on Emma’s well-being before joining the others for their journey back to Central Planet.

As they traveled, Stella had also joined their small group. The redness on her face had diminished significantly after following the treatment regimen as instructed. Now, the scar was hardly noticeable.

“Stella, your scar is barely visible now!” Emma exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Stella, already an adorable girl, looked even cuter without the blemish. Emma felt an overwhelming urge to pinch her cheeks, but she restrained herself, knowing it would embarrass her friend.

“Alaric genuinely cares for you. He’s done so much for you without ever mentioning a word of it.”

Just then, Edric walked in, holding a warm glass of fruit juice. “Emma?” he called, noticing her lost expression as she gazed out the window. He sighed, a hint of concern in his voice. “Still thinking about Alaric?”

Emma nodded softly, accepting the juice from him and taking a sip. “I wouldn’t have known that he saved us if Stella hadn’t mentioned it. I always thought it was Drake who protected me. It’s hard not to think that way, especially since I woke up at the Thalassian Palace without a single scratch. I never realized that Alaric was my true savior.”

Yet, the fact remained that Alaric had never uttered a word about his heroic act.

Setting the drink aside, Emma wrapped her arms around Edric’s waist, burying her face against his chest. “Edric, what should I do?”

He gently ran his fingers through her hair, contemplating her dilemma. “Emma, do you like Alaric?”

Did she like Alaric? The question lingered in her mind as she pondered her feelings. After a moment of reflection, she finally replied, “I wouldn’t say I like him, but I can’t say I dislike him either.”

That was the crux of her conflict. She didn’t feel strongly enough to accept him as her mate, yet it felt profoundly unfair to reject him outright, especially after everything he had done for her.