**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
Corvin stood frozen, a statue of guilt and shame, the weight of his actions crashing down on him like a relentless tide. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and every gaze in the room seemed to pierce through him, exposing the raw truth of his misdeeds.
Before him lay Coalball, the small creature bound and gagged, a pitiful sight that shattered any remnants of bravado he had clung to. His heart raced, and he could feel the heat of embarrassment creeping up his neck, flushing his cheeks a bright crimson.
Emma’s eyes were locked onto Coalball, her heart twisting in anguish at the sight of the fragile creature. A whirlwind of emotions surged within her—shock, anger, and an overpowering urge to protect. Without a moment’s hesitation, she pushed aside any thoughts of Corvin and Edric, her focus solely on the being in distress.
“Hang on, Coalball, I’m coming!” she cried, her voice filled with urgency as she rushed forward, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest as she fought against the ropes that bound him.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Louis wrestled with his own demons. The betrayal of Emma’s trust weighed heavily on him, gnawing at his conscience like a persistent itch he couldn’t scratch. He had crossed a line, and the guilt was suffocating. After a sleepless night filled with regret, he resolved to change, vowing to become the loyal suitor Emma truly deserved. He knew he had to confront the repercussions of his past choices.
As Emma knelt beside Coalball, her fingers trembling as they worked to untie him, Louis felt a jolt of electricity run through him. He squeezed his eyes shut, mortified by his feelings. How could he allow himself to be in such a vulnerable position, relying on a girl to save him? He should have been her protector, standing strong beside her in this moment of crisis.
He couldn’t bear to meet her gaze, the shame of his own failures weighing him down. Yet, deep within, he made a silent promise: once he regained his strength, he would make amends. He would be unwaveringly loyal to her, no matter the cost.
As Emma struggled to free Coalball, she noticed his body tense, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. A wave of panic surged through her.
“Oh no, Edric, I think Coalball just died!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with desperation.
Dead? Who’s dead?
In a heartbeat, Coalball’s eyes shot open, locking onto Emma’s with a spark of life that filled her with relief.
Edric, who had been observing the scene, couldn’t help but reach out and flick Coalball lightly on the head, a mix of irritation and relief flooding through him.
“You’re fine! Why are you scaring Emma like that?” he scolded, his tone laced with exasperation.
Coalball, overwhelmed and speechless, had merely closed his eyes out of fear; he hadn’t intended to cause such a scare.
“Don’t hit him,” Emma interjected, her heart settling as she realized Coalball was indeed alive. For a brief moment, she had genuinely feared the worst, imagining a world devoid of his presence. He was her lifeline, her steadfast companion, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.
Noticing the pallor on Emma’s face, Edric leaned closer, his voice softening as he spoke.
“Don’t worry, Emma. I checked Coalball with my mental powers. He’s got plenty of life left in him. He’ll be just fine.”
Emma scooped Coalball into her arms, a fierce protectiveness igniting within her. She shot Edric a disapproving glare. “He might be tough, but that doesn’t give Corvin the right to treat him like this.”
“Coalball may be a bird, but he’s a living being. Since I chose to keep him, I have to take responsibility and care for him properly.”
“Corvin was wrong to tie him up and mistreat him. I’m furious about that. But Edric, you’re not innocent either. You saw Coalball tied up and gagged. Why didn’t you help him immediately?”
In that moment, Emma held both of them accountable, her voice firm and unwavering. She had no time for favoritism; justice needed to be served.
“Emma, I’m truly sorry,” Edric said, bowing his head in genuine remorse.
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Emma felt her anger begin to wane, but her gaze shifted to Corvin, who was attempting to conceal himself beneath a blanket, his face completely obscured except for his little rear end sticking out.
She was well aware of his intentions.
With a dismissive flick, she tossed the rope back at him. “Tie you up? That’s exactly what you want. Dream on!”
Ignoring both Edric and Corvin, Emma scooped up Coalball and made her way to the dressing room, intent on changing.
As she walked away, Edric quickly discarded the snakeskin rope and darted to the door, blocking her path with an earnest expression.
“Emma, if you’re going to change, you should let me take Coalball.”
**Conclusion**
In the wake of the emotional upheaval, Emma emerged not just as a protector but as a beacon of accountability. Her fierce determination to safeguard Coalball and confront Corvin’s actions signified a pivotal transformation within her character. No longer willing to stand by and allow injustices to persist against those she loved, she stood firm in her resolve, ensuring that both Corvin and Edric grasped the weight of their actions. By tying up Corvin, she not only enforced a lesson but also reclaimed her agency, demonstrating that kindness does not equate to weakness. This moment crystallized her evolution from a passive observer to an active participant in the narrative of her life, where her feelings of fear and vulnerability transformed into a powerful assertion of self-worth.
Meanwhile, Louis’s internal struggle echoed broader themes of redemption and personal growth. His realization of the consequences of his actions marked a significant turning point, igniting a desire to become the man Emma deserved. As he witnessed her courage and compassion, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, promising to support her in any way he could. The bond between them deepened, forged in the crucible of shared experiences and emotional revelations. With Coalball safe in Emma’s arms and a newfound clarity in their hearts, both characters stood on the precipice of a life they had once feared—one filled with challenges but also the potential for profound connection and unwavering loyalty.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the forthcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions and escalating tensions as Emma confronts the consequences of her actions and those of the people around her. With Corvin now tied up and facing the repercussions of his cruelty, the atmosphere is thick with a mix of guilt and determination. Emma’s fierce protectiveness over Coalball will only deepen, igniting a passionate debate among the group about justice and accountability. Will she find a way to forgive Edric for his inaction, or will her anger fester and drive a wedge between them? The dynamics of their relationships are about to shift dramatically as Emma takes a stand, compelling everyone to reckon with their choices.
Moreover, Edric’s earnest plea to take Coalball will add another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. What are his true intentions, and can he genuinely be trusted to care for the delicate creature? The readers will be left on the edge of their seats, wondering whether Emma will allow Edric to step into a more protective role or if she will continue to shoulder the burden alone. As the chapter progresses, expect revelations about each character’s past, their motivations, and the secrets that may surface, challenging their bonds in unexpected ways. The stakes are higher than ever, and with the tension building, the next chapter promises to be a gripping exploration of loyalty, redemption, and the courage it takes to confront one’s fears.

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