**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 263: Whispers in the Night**
Edric pondered for a moment, a soft smile gracing his lips. “It’s lovely,” he remarked, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
In his heart, he mused, Anything that Emma creates possesses a certain beauty that is simply captivating.
Emma found herself momentarily at a loss for words; a realization washed over her, illuminating her thoughts.
“Edric, do you want one as well?” she inquired, her voice a mix of surprise and eagerness.
*That must be Corvin—he’s probably the one who spilled the beans to Edric about my plan to craft a puppet for Silas,* she thought, a hint of amusement dancing in her mind.
“Can I have one?” His eyes sparkled with anticipation, a childlike eagerness illuminating his features.
“Of course you can,” she replied, a smile breaking across her face. She had already promised Corvin a puppet, and the last thing she wanted was for Edric to feel left out. It was clear that if she didn’t make one for him, it would surely dampen his spirits.
Since she was already on this creative journey, why not extend her artistry to everyone she cared about?
“However,” she continued, a slight frown crossing her brow, “I currently don’t have any wood. I’ll need to pick some up when we return before I can start on yours.”
“That’s alright, Emma. I can wait. I’m in no hurry,” he assured her, his tone calm and reassuring.
Sure, he claimed he was in no rush.
Yet, there was an unmistakable eagerness in his demeanor, a spark in his eyes that belied his words.
Still, Emma found herself inclined to trust him; after all, who was she to question his sincerity?
Not that it mattered much—being hasty wouldn’t alter the outcome of her crafting.
Once she finished her meal, Edric sprang into action, clearing the table with impressive speed, tidying up every last crumb before returning to her side.
“Emma, I talked it over with Marcus and Corvin. We’ve come to a decision—tonight, I’ll stay with you. Tomorrow night, it’ll be Marcus, and the night after, Corvin will take his turn,” he declared, his tone firm yet gentle.
This arrangement meant that she wouldn’t have to lie in bed alone, quietly succumbing to sleep anymore.
Emma found herself quite agreeable to their little plan. After all, she often struggled with making decisions—if they had left it up to her, she honestly wouldn’t know who to choose.
“If you’ve already sorted it out, that’s perfectly fine with me. I’m going to take a shower first,” she insisted, feeling a sudden rush of energy.
As Emma stepped into the bathroom, Edric swiftly pulled out the clothes he had brought along, changing into them with a quiet efficiency.
When she re-emerged, clad in a light nightgown that fluttered gently around her, she stopped short in surprise.
There lay Edric—half man, half snake—reclining on her bed, his form partially concealed beneath a sheer violet veil that caught the light in a captivating way.
The moment he spotted her, he sat up straight, his tail swaying gracefully as he effortlessly lifted her onto the bed, a playful glint in his eye.
“Emma, I’ve learned a new dance. May I perform it for you tonight?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice. He had mastered the dance some time ago but had been waiting for the perfect moment to reveal it to her.
Settling back against the headboard, Emma watched with rapt attention as the shimmer of his dark purple tail moved beneath the veil, a mesmerizing sight.
Unable to contain herself, she reached out to touch the silky texture, her heart racing with excitement. “Sure!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
*Whoever claims Edric lacks charm clearly hasn’t met him,* she thought, a smile spreading across her face.
*He’s remarkably skilled at this.*
Let the music play. Let him dance.
As soon as he released her, the delicate veil rippled like moonlit water disturbed by a gentle breeze, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
*Emy should be almost there by now,* he thought, a sense of hope blossoming within him.
Perfect timing. I can finally unwind now that the fighting is over—and spend some precious time with her.
He issued several swift orders to finalize the logistics of the battlefield, ensuring everything was in order.
Without pausing to change out of his combat attire, he made his way directly to Lucien.
Lucien was still in the medical bay, tending to the aftermath of the recent battle.
During the last engagement, the Chitinid had unexpectedly unleashed three Rank 11 males, and the stakes had been high.
Lucien and Drake, leading their forces alongside the Four Domains, had managed to secure a hard-fought victory—but at a cost. Both were nursing injuries.
As Silas arrived, he found Lucien just emerging from the recovery pod, a weary look etched on his face.
“How’s your injury?” Silas inquired, concern threading through his voice as he offered Lucien a small pouch filled with his own leaves and three blossoms, gifts of healing.
“I’m alright,” Lucien replied, his voice steady despite the fatigue. He had already utilized some of Silas’ leaves and flowers earlier; combined with the recovery pod, his wounds had mostly healed.
“Drake’s in worse shape than I am. You should give him a few of your flowers,” he suggested, a hint of worry creeping into his tone.
“Already sent them,” Silas responded, a sense of urgency in his voice.
He didn’t need Lucien to remind him—he had thought of that the moment he received the report.
Then he added, “I came to inform you—Emy is almost here. I’m planning to take her to the Frostveil.”
The reasoning was simple: Frostveil was Marcus’ homeland, a sanctuary amidst chaos. It was a safe haven—and it also provided him with a chance to reconnect with his family.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn)