Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 74

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

“Even if he’s just a bird, he’s still male. It wouldn’t be right for him to watch you change.”

Lucien stood frozen, a whirlwind of disbelief swirling within him as he processed the shock of Emma defending him against Corvin, her suitor. It felt as though he had been pulled from reality and thrust into a surreal dreamscape, where the boundaries of loyalty and vulnerability blurred. How could she stand up for him, a mere shadow of the strong individual he once was? In this moment, he felt the weight of her unwavering support, and yet, it filled him with a cocktail of gratitude and embarrassment.

There he was, diminished to a state where he could hardly recognize himself—a feeble bird unable to fly, much less defend its own territory. And yet, this brave female, who had every reason to prioritize her own interests, chose to advocate for him. In their world, affection was often dictated by strength, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that gnawed at his insides. With his current vulnerability, he felt almost lucky that she even acknowledged his existence, let alone defended him.

But then, Edric’s words sliced through his thoughts like a sharp blade, bringing him back to the present.

Right, he reminded himself, he was still a male. Despite his yearning to follow Emma, he hadn’t earned the right to be called her mate. The mere thought of being present while she changed was not only inappropriate; it was utterly mortifying.

Heat surged to his cheeks, but the dimness of the room masked any visible signs of his embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Emma was cradling Coalball in her arms, and a sudden realization washed over her—he was, in fact, a male. The thought struck her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, igniting questions within her. She recalled the moment she had bathed Coalball; at that time, the distinct characteristics of gender had eluded her.

“Edric,” she began, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity, “how did you know Coalball was male?”

With an air of confidence, Edric responded, “I could smell it!”

His expression shifted to one of mild astonishment as he continued, “Emma, didn’t you notice? Males and females have different scents.”

It was a well-known truth among the beastfolk; they could discern gender through scent from a young age, an ability that seemed as natural to them as breathing.

Emma, however, was not a beastfolk. Despite the enhancements her powers had granted her, her sense of smell could never rival that of a true beastfolk. Even if Edric were to transform into a snake right before her eyes, concealing his features, she would remain oblivious to his gender.

“I… Of course I could smell it,” she replied, her voice steady but betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Deep down, a hesitation brewed within her, a reluctance to reveal her secret, even to Edric. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him; it was simply that she wasn’t ready to share that part of herself—the part that felt fragile and exposed.

With a playful smile dancing on her lips, she looked up and handed Coalball to Edric. “I was just testing you. Congratulations, you got it right,” she said, her tone oscillating between serious and lighthearted.

Both Edric and Coalball were left momentarily speechless, their eyes wide with surprise as they watched Emma saunter into the dressing room, lost in her own thoughts.

Edric pondered, Did Emma genuinely not realize Coalball was male?

Coalball, on the other hand, contemplated, So she really can’t tell a beast’s gender by scent?

With a casual flick of his wrist, Edric tossed Coalball onto the bed and swiftly activated his lightcore. His fingers danced across the screen as he typed furiously, ‘When would a female be unable to tell a beast’s gender? Reward: 10 million star coins for useful answers.’

Almost instantly, the screen erupted with responses.

One particular answer caught Edric’s attention.

A Beast Without Huntress added, ‘If a female is born unable to distinguish scent, it’s a genetic issue. Typically, she can’t awaken her powers, or even if she does, her training is painfully slow, and sometimes her lifespan is cut short.

‘There’s also a third scenario, but it’s rare. Legend has it that thousands of years ago, there was a human female in the Empire who couldn’t tell beastfolk gender by scent either!’

Edric furrowed his brow as he read the messages, typing back, ‘You’re on Central Planet? So am I. How have I never heard of this?

‘Even the lightcore database had nothing on this.’

A Beast Without Huntress replied, ‘I work at a hospital, which is why I know. Any information regarding female genetic disorders is kept under wraps on lightcore. The messages I just sent will probably be deleted by the system by tomorrow.’

As the chapter draws to a close, the emotional currents swirling around Lucien and Emma reach a poignant climax. Lucien finds himself ensnared in a web of vulnerability and inadequacy, grappling with the stark reality of his diminished state while simultaneously feeling the weight of Emma’s unwavering loyalty. Her defense of him, even in the face of societal expectations, ignites a flicker of hope within him, yet he remains tethered to his insecurities. The juxtaposition of his inner turmoil against Emma’s growing awareness of her own limitations—her inability to discern the gender of Coalball—creates a rich tapestry of connection and misunderstanding. Both characters are on the precipice of self-discovery, their paths intertwined yet fraught with the complexities of their identities and the roles they are expected to play.

Meanwhile, Edric’s revelations about Emma’s potential genetic disorder introduce a new layer of concern and urgency to the narrative. His determination to uncover the truth about her abilities underscores the depth of his feelings for her, as well as the lengths he is willing to go to protect her. The chapter closes with an air of uncertainty, as Emma’s secret remains shrouded in mystery and Lucien’s journey towards reclaiming his strength is just beginning. The emotional arc culminates in a moment of introspection for all three characters, each grappling with their own fears and desires, setting the stage for a transformative journey ahead. As they navigate the complexities of their relationships and the challenges of their identities, the door to the life they are afraid to live stands ajar, inviting them to step forward into the unknown.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live,” readers can expect a deepening exploration of Emma’s identity and her mysterious connection to the beastfolk world. As Edric grapples with the unsettling possibility that Emma may be suffering from a genetic disorder, the stakes rise not only for her sense of self but also for the bonds she shares with those around her. Will Edric confront Emma about his suspicions, or will he keep his newfound knowledge to himself, fearing the implications it may have on their relationship? The tension between loyalty and secrecy will become palpable as Edric navigates his feelings for Emma while seeking answers that could change everything.

Moreover, Emma’s journey of self-discovery is set to take a pivotal turn. With the revelation of her limitations in scent recognition, she may be forced to confront the very essence of her powers and their implications on her life. Will she embrace her differences, or will fear hold her back from accepting who she truly is? As she delves deeper into her own psyche, the chapter promises to unravel the complexities of her character, challenging her to step beyond the boundaries she has placed on herself. The door to her true potential beckons, but will she have the courage to open it? Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how these revelations will shape Emma’s destiny and her relationships with Lucien and Edric.