Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 77

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

**Chapter 77: The Truth Is Out**

Lucien’s thoughts churned in his mind like a tempest, each wave crashing against the shores of his consciousness. *I knew it! The moment that insufferable Edric started his charade of sweetness, I sensed there had to be a hidden agenda lurking beneath that charming façade!*

“Cheep–cheep!” he squawked internally, *Little female, I am not merely a bird!*

“Cheep–cheep…” he protested vehemently, *I am a therian!*

“Cheep–cheep!” he insisted, *Little female, you cannot accept this! It’s simply not an option!*

Edric’s gaze was immediately captivated by Coalball, whose enthusiasm radiated like sunlight breaking through clouds. A soft chuckle escaped him, and a genuine smile spread across his face as he delicately traced his fingers over the feathers Emma had painstakingly affixed to Coalball’s wing molds.

“Look, Emma!” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. “Just look at how thrilled he is! He has been chirping with joy non-stop ever since I floated the idea of finding him a mate.”

But in a shocking turn of events, Coalball fell into an eerie silence, his joyful chirps abruptly snuffed out as if the mere suggestion of companionship had extinguished his spirit.

Yet Edric, undeterred, pressed on with his matchmaking ambitions. “Well, there’s no time like the present! I’ll start asking around right away. If fortune smiles upon us, Coalball could be bidding farewell to his singlehood by tomorrow!”

Before anyone could voice their concerns or objections, Edric had already reached for his lightcore, urgency radiating from him as he prepared to summon his subordinate.

“Cheep!” Coalball protested, *No!*

Emma’s eyes darted between Edric and the now frantic Coalball, who appeared utterly distraught.

She couldn’t quite decipher Coalball’s anxious chirps, but it was painfully evident that he vehemently opposed this matchmaking scheme. *What drives Edric’s eagerness to find Coalball a mate?* she pondered, her mind racing with possibilities.

Years spent in solitude had instilled in Emma a healthy wariness. She had learned to peer beyond the surface whenever something felt amiss. Even though she was acutely aware that Edric would never intentionally harm her, the memory of the unsettling incident when she had gone to change her clothes loomed large in her mind. *Could it be that Edric has caught onto my secret?*

He must have, she thought, but perhaps he hesitated to confront her directly.

*This roundabout way of testing me…* Emma sighed softly, a mix of frustration and concern bubbling within her.

When Edric finally concluded his call, Emma reached for the still-protesting Coalball, gently extricating him from Edric’s grasp. She spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “Edric, I really don’t think Coalball wants a mate. Let’s just drop it, alright? Honestly, I can’t even discern a therian’s gender by scent.”

“Emma, I—” Edric’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t anticipated her to be so astute, let alone to openly share her thoughts.

Caught off guard by her honesty, he looked flustered.

But Emma wasn’t finished yet. “You know, you could’ve just asked me. I didn’t bring it up because I wasn’t sure how to approach the subject. I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret.” She offered him a gentle smile, her fingers grazing his cheek in a soothing gesture.

“I’m sorry, Emma,” he blurted out, guilt washing over his features like a tide. “I didn’t mean to make you feel this way. My intentions weren’t rooted in suspicion. I just assumed you didn’t want to share, and I became so consumed by worry that you might be hurt or unwell. That’s why I hatched this ridiculous plan.”

It seemed he had given the matter considerable thought, yet he had underestimated Emma’s intelligence.

He nervously grasped her hand, his voice trembling slightly as he asked, “Emma, were you hurt? Is that why you can’t tell gender by scent?”

Emma shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest. “I—”

But Edric, already sensing the weight of the moment, cut her off by shutting down both their lightcores and activating every shield and protection system within the cabin.

In a swift motion, he unceremoniously ushered Coalball and Corvin out of the room, leaving just the two of them in a cocoon of intimacy.

Emma’s muscles tensed involuntarily at Edric’s sudden reaction.

“Edric, I—”

It could potentially rise as high as Rank 13.

At that moment, the strongest therian beings in the interstellar realm were only at Rank 11. Even more alarming, the Empire hadn’t witnessed an Etherian above Rank 12 in over a millennium.

With her identity as a human female, she was akin to a treasure coveted by many.

*They would fight to the death just to acquire a drop of blood from me,* she realized, her heart racing with fear and disbelief.

Now, it all made sense. She understood why Edric had gone to such lengths before broaching this conversation.

“Thank God I never breathed a word about this… and that I’ve always kept to myself,” she muttered under her breath, the weight of her circumstances pressing heavily on her shoulders.

Had she encountered someone as cunning and perceptive as Edric earlier, she might have found herself in a far more perilous situation by now.

“Emma, don’t be afraid,” Edric said firmly, pulling her close once more, a protective aura enveloping them both.

**Conclusion**

In the aftermath of their confrontation, the air between Emma and Edric crackled with unspoken fears and newfound understanding. Emma felt the weight of her hidden identity pressing down on her, yet in Edric’s unwavering gaze, she found a flicker of hope. The revelation of her extraordinary bloodline had transformed her from a mere human into a target, a treasure to be coveted. But within the storm of uncertainty, Edric’s promise to stand by her side offered a fragile sense of security. For the first time, she felt the stirrings of a life she had been too afraid to embrace—one where she could be loved and protected, even amidst the chaos that loomed ahead.

As they stood together, the barriers that had once separated them began to crumble. Emma realized that vulnerability was not a weakness but a bridge to deeper connection. Edric’s determination to shield her from the dangers of their world ignited a fire within her, compelling her to reclaim her agency. No longer would she cower in the shadows of her fears; she would face the truth of her identity with Edric at her side. Together, they would navigate the perilous path that lay ahead, united in purpose and bound by a bond that transcended the ordinary. With each heartbeat, Emma felt the stirrings of a life fully lived, one where love and courage would guide her steps into the unknown.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As the tension between Emma and Edric simmers, readers can expect the stakes to rise dramatically in the upcoming chapter. With the revelation of Emma’s extraordinary blood and its potential to elevate a therian’s rank, the world around them is bound to shift. Will Edric’s protective instincts be enough to shield Emma from those who would covet her for her unique abilities? The looming threat of powerful factions lurking in the shadows adds an ominous layer to their already complicated relationship. As the truth unravels, will Emma find the strength to embrace her identity, or will fear keep her shackled to the life she’s always known?

Moreover, with Edric’s declaration of their bond, the dynamics between the two characters are set to evolve. The promise of unwavering support raises questions about the nature of their connection and the challenges that lie ahead. Will Emma be able to trust in Edric’s commitment, or will her past haunt her, complicating their journey together? The chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil they both face, exploring themes of trust, identity, and the sacrifices they must make for love. As new alliances form and adversaries emerge, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how Emma and Edric navigate the treacherous waters of their intertwined fates.