Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 184

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**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 184: A Touch Too Cold**

Edric and Corvin had retreated to the kitchen, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they began to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Emma felt a pull towards Marcus’ room, a sense of duty and concern guiding her steps. She knew he needed her, not just physically, but mentally as well.

As she entered the dim room, a chill wrapped around her. Marcus lay there, motionless, ensconced in his crystal coffin. His eyes were shut tight, and he appeared almost lifeless, like a statue crafted from the finest marble, cold and unyielding.

Emma leaned closer, her heart heavy with worry. The long, dark lashes framing his closed eyes cast delicate shadows on his pale skin. His features were chiseled, almost too perfect, but the stillness of his face was unsettling. Only the faint crease between his brows betrayed a hidden turmoil beneath the surface calm.

“Marcus?” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, hoping to pierce the silence that enveloped him.

At the sound of her voice, Marcus stirred, his eyelids fluttering open with a slow deliberation. His gaze, dull and devoid of life, settled on her, yet there was a seriousness in his expression that sent a shiver down her spine. He attempted to shift, to rise from his resting place, but Emma gently placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to remain still.

“Please, just relax. I’m here to help you,” she said, her voice soothing, like a balm for his weary soul.

He acquiesced, nodding slightly and placing his hands back down, ever the obedient patient. Emma leaned over him, her fingertips brushing against the cool skin of his forehead. She concentrated, channeling her mental energy into his consciousness, feeling the familiar warmth of her power as it flowed through her.

Having practiced this twice before, Emma was beginning to feel more in control of her abilities. Today, she envisioned a serpent, but with a twist—she molded it into a serpent dragon, a creature of strength and fire. It was a vivid image that filled her with determination.

The little dragon surged forth, devouring the ice spikes that had invaded Marcus’ mind, consuming the darkness that plagued him. As it finally exploded into a burst of shimmering light, Emma withdrew her energy, her heart racing with anticipation.

Marcus’ eyes were wide open now, and for the first time, a flicker of life sparked within them, a glimmer that warmed Emma’s heart.

“How do you feel?” she asked, her voice laced with hope. “Is it any better than before?”

His expression was earnest as he nodded. “It feels much better—lighter, even. Definitely an improvement from the last two times.”

A wave of relief washed over Emma, and she couldn’t help but smile. “That’s wonderful to hear! I think I’m close to reaching Rank Six. Once I do, my mental power will grow stronger, and maybe I’ll be able to clear those ice spikes even faster.”

“Thank you, Ms. Tibarn,” he replied, his voice steady and sincere, his gaze unwavering as he looked at her.

As a stray lock of hair fell across her cheek, Marcus lifted a hand, his cool fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he tucked the errant strand behind her ear.

“Your hair was messy,” he murmured, his tone soft yet imbued with an almost chilling gentleness that made her heart race.

Emma felt her cheeks flush with warmth at his touch. She instinctively placed her fingers on the spot where he had brushed her, the coolness of his skin still lingering there, sending a jolt of heat coursing through her.