Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 67

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

As soon as Jimmy uttered his hurried words, he was gone—disappearing like a fleeting shadow, leaving Emma standing there, her heart racing and her mind reeling in disbelief. The air felt thick around her, almost suffocating, as she tried to process what had just transpired. Her eyes fell to the ground, where a small liger named Corvin had curled up at her feet, letting out soft, plaintive mews that reminded her of a newborn kitten desperately seeking warmth and reassurance. With a gentle motion, she scooped him into her arms, feeling the comforting heat of his tiny body against her chest. It struck her with a pang of sorrow that Corvin had not only lost his abilities but also his voice, rendering him vulnerable and bewildered in this chaotic world.

Emma’s thoughts spiraled as she held Corvin close, her heart aching for both him and herself.

Corvin, nestled against her, rubbed his little head against her neck, burrowing in closer as if he were trying to absorb her essence, seeking solace in her presence. His excitement was palpable, a flicker of life amidst the turmoil that had just unfolded around them.

She gazed down at the little liger, her future companion, and then turned her attention to Edric, who had been observing the scene with a furrowed brow. “Edric,” she asked, her voice tinged with urgency, “if someone’s ability is drained, do you think a beast core could help restore it?”

A flicker of hope ignited within her, illuminating her thoughts like a candle in the dark. Could this be the key to helping Corvin regain his strength?

Just as she was about to hear Edric’s response, a voice pierced the air from outside, cutting through her thoughts like a sharp blade.

“Ms. Tibarn, Corvin’s ability can’t be restored with a beast core. He’ll have to recover on his own.”

Emma felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. Was that old man truly gone, or was he lurking just beyond her sight, watching her struggle?

Corvin, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation, hooked his tiny claws over Emma’s shoulder and snuggled into her neck, seeking comfort in her warmth.

Nearby, Coalball, who had been dozing lazily beside Edric, perked up at the sudden commotion, his stubby wings fluttering curiously as he took in the chaotic scene.

In a sudden burst of energy, Corvin leapt from Emma’s arms onto the couch, his eyes locking onto Coalball with an intensity that sent a shiver down Emma’s spine. Before anyone could react, he swallowed the poor bird whole in a single, greedy gulp.

“Corvin! Spit him out!”

Emma and Edric shouted in unison, their voices filled with urgency and disbelief, echoing off the walls of the room.

Edric lunged forward, hands gripping Corvin’s jaws with fierce determination, prying them open just in time to rescue the unfortunate Coalball from what seemed like a grim fate.

A few feathers floated down as Coalball lay sprawled across the couch, half-dead and chirping weakly, his spirit visibly crushed.

Why am I always the one who ends up suffering? Coalball thought, feeling utterly defeated. That blockhead Corvin swallows me the moment our eyes meet. Once I recover, I swear I’ll commission ten thousand warships from the First Mech Building for the army and work this idiot to death.

“Coalball, are you okay?” Emma asked, her voice laced with genuine concern as she quickly poured a high-tier healing potion down the bird’s beak, hoping to revive him.

Coalball’s luck had been nothing short of disastrous lately. First, Damian had kicked him, then Edric had dropped him, and now Corvin had nearly devoured him whole.

It seemed as if Emma’s suitors were cursed when it came to the little bird.

Lucien, feeling utterly defeated, didn’t even want to chirp anymore. He shut his eyes tightly, pretending to be dead on the couch, hoping that would spare him from further humiliation.

Corvin, realizing the magnitude of his mistake, lay flat on his belly, not daring to move. Yet his wide eyes remained fixated on Coalball, an insatiable urge to swallow him again lingering in his gaze.

Emma, unable to contain her resolve, flicked Corvin lightly on the head. “He’s mine. Try that again, and I’ll throw you out.”

Instantly, Corvin averted his gaze, nudging her palm with his forehead, his pale-blue eyes wide and pleading, as if to say he meant no harm.

Emma felt her heart melt at the sight of the adorable liger. She couldn’t resist stroking his soft head. “Be good, and I won’t toss you out,” she reassured him, her voice softening with affection.

Emma, who had been preparing to start cooking, nodded in understanding. “Go ahead. I’ve got it.”

“I won’t be long. If anything happens, ping me on the lightcore,” he reminded her before leaving, a hint of reluctance in his step.

With Edric gone, Emma approached the sink to bathe Corvin and Coalball.

To her surprise, Corvin behaved himself, even scrubbing his own fur as if he understood the importance of cleanliness.

Coalball, on the other hand, panicked the moment she approached.

He flapped his wings wildly, attempting to escape the impending bath.

Unfortunately, his round body made flying impossible; all he managed to do was splash water everywhere, drenching Emma’s clothes in the process.

As the water splashed around the sink, Emma found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The chaos of the moment—the frantic flapping of Coalball, the reluctant squirming of Corvin, and the remnants of Jimmy’s abrupt departure—coalesced into a strange sense of clarity. She realized that life, with all its unpredictability and messiness, was worth embracing. Corvin, despite his earlier mischief, was a symbol of hope and new beginnings, while Coalball, with his stubbornness and spirit, reminded her of the importance of resilience. In this moment of laughter amidst the turmoil, she felt a profound connection to both creatures, understanding that they were all navigating their own challenges together.

With a gentle smile, Emma took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the scene wash over her. The bond she was forming with Corvin and Coalball was not merely about companionship; it was about learning to accept the chaos of life and finding joy in the little moments. As she continued to bathe them, her heart swelled with a newfound determination. No longer would she shy away from the life she had been afraid to live. Instead, she would embrace the uncertainty, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with the love and companionship of her quirky little family. Emma knew that together, they could navigate the unpredictable tides of their world, emerging stronger and more connected than ever.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected developments as Emma navigates the chaos that has unfolded in her home. With Edric away, the dynamic between her, Corvin, and the beleaguered Coalball will take center stage. As Emma attempts to establish a bond with Corvin, who is still grappling with his newfound instincts, tensions will rise. Can she find a way to communicate effectively with the liger, or will his mischievous nature lead to more trouble? The stakes are high, especially with the looming presence of Edric’s brother, Ethan, whose arrival may bring both revelations and complications that could alter the course of Emma’s life.

Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into Emma’s internal struggles as she confronts her fears and desires. With the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders, she must decide how to balance her care for Corvin and Coalball while also grappling with the uncertainty of her own path. Will Ethan’s visit provide the clarity she desperately needs, or will it introduce new challenges that threaten to derail her progress? As the narrative unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what awaits Emma in her journey toward embracing the life she has always been afraid to live.