Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 211

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

**Chapter 211: The Hidden Depths**

As I slipped into the dress, a wave of warmth enveloped me. The fabric was soft against my skin, a gentle reminder of the beauty I often shied away from.

The hair clip nestled in my hair felt like a crown, its sparkle reflecting my own hidden desires.

And oh, how I adored shiny things—the way they caught the light, the way they made me feel alive.

Meanwhile, in the dimly lit study downstairs, Lucien had been locked in a silent standoff with Edric for what felt like an eternity—thirty minutes of intense scrutiny. The air was thick with unspoken questions and a tension that crackled like static electricity.

“Are you absolutely certain that this sudden surge of power you’re experiencing is linked to your bond with Emma?” Lucien’s voice cut through the silence, probing and cautious.

Edric met his gaze with unwavering confidence, nodding steadily. “After my last breakthrough, I ceased to absorb beast cores. My power stagnated at Rank 10. But since forming this bond with Emma, my mental strength has not only stabilized but has also surged significantly.”

He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect. If this trend continued, who knows? He might even ascend to Rank 11 within the year.

Lucien’s mind raced as he considered the implications. He was acutely aware of Emma’s true nature as a human, a secret that made Edric’s candidness all the more understandable. Even if Edric hadn’t spoken it aloud, Lucien would have pieced it together the moment the bond was forged.

His brow furrowed as thoughts swirled in his mind. “I’ve heard whispers that human blood can temporarily enhance a male ability user’s power, but I’ve never encountered evidence that a mere bond could yield a lasting enhancement.”

In this household, only three individuals were privy to Emma’s secret: Lucien, Edric, and Silas. Corvin remained blissfully unaware, as did Marcus, who was an enigma in his own right.

Edric held no distrust toward Corvin, but the boy’s naïveté made him an easy target for manipulation. Marcus, however, was a puzzle—seemingly lazy and indifferent, yet possessing a sharp intellect that lurked just beneath the surface.

Lucien felt a measure of comfort knowing Corvin wouldn’t spill any secrets. The young man might be innocent, but he understood the importance of silence. Marcus, however, was a different matter entirely.

After a contemplative pause, Lucien broke the silence. “Have Silas come here later. I’ll manage Corvin myself. As for Marcus—let Silas deal with him. He has a knack for navigating delicate situations.”

At that very moment, Silas was by the artificial lake, keeping Emma company as she scattered fish food across the surface, watching the delicate dance of the fish. Emma had just roused from sleep, craving fresh air and a moment of tranquility. She had intended to invite Corvin to join her, but he had dashed off to Ravaryn on business.

As she tossed the food into the water, a frown creased her brow. “Silas, have you noticed that there seem to be fewer fish these days?”

It was strange; once, the water had been alive with the shimmering bodies of fish, but now only a fraction dared to surface.

Silas followed her gaze, his expression thoughtful. “You’re right. There really are fewer fish than before.”

Emma set the container down, her curiosity piqued as she observed the few tiny fish darting about. “Do you think some creature has sneaked in and eaten the others?”

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