**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 264: The Vine Awakens**
“Kill two birds with one stone.”
Lucien found himself in agreement with that sentiment.
“I can’t leave at this moment, and given my current state, it wouldn’t be wise for me to meet Emma. I think it would be best if you took her to Frostveil first. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll come to find both of you.” He wanted to shield Emma from the sight of his injuries, to spare her from the worry that would undoubtedly creep into her mind. He had transformed into a Coalball out of necessity; it was a choice he had been forced to make.
Silas nodded, understanding the unspoken message behind Lucien’s words. “I get it. I’ll inform Emy that you’re busy for now and that you’ll join us as soon as you’re able.”
With a grateful nod, Lucien took a moment of silence before pulling up his lightcore. He was about to send a message to Emma when the screen illuminated, revealing Corvin’s recent posts in their group chat. There were several pictures of Emma, her hands deftly maneuvering a puppet, accompanied by a message announcing that she was crafting a gift for him.
He assumed the gift was meant for Corvin.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he turned to Silas. “Did you see what Corvin posted? He mentioned that Emma’s making him a gift—a puppet, I believe. What do you think it is?”
Silas had caught a glimpse of the posts earlier while searching for Lucien. A tinge of envy tinged his voice. “Looks like Corvin struck gold. He gets to be close to Emma and is receiving a personalized gift from her.”
Lucien’s thoughts drifted back to the time he had asked Emma for a gift, but despite the passage of time, she had never created one for him. Perhaps she had simply forgotten.
“Meanwhile, the rest of us can’t even be near her or receive anything she’s made. All we do is throw ourselves into battle,” he sighed. “If I had known that being a commander would involve this level of isolation, I would have turned it down.”
Lucien nearly rolled his eyes at Silas’s lament. “Your life isn’t that dire. Remember, Emma’s first cubs were yours?”
He thought to himself, Not like me—I haven’t even had the chance to officially become Emma’s partner yet. Who can I even confide in?
As soon as Silas heard the mention of the cubs, his expression darkened. “Don’t even go there. You have no idea what I went through to have those cubs. Let me make you an offer—keep these cubs with you for three years, and during that time, you won’t be able to be close to Emma. Do you still want it?”
Silas certainly could do without that kind of fortune.
—
On the starrail, Emma set her carving knife aside, her heart swelling with pride as she admired the puppet she had just completed.
Silas and she leaned against each other, a deep blue vine curling gracefully around Silas’s head. Atop that vine rested a delicate seven-petaled flower, crafted from clear crystal—an exquisite creation of Emma’s own hands.
Perched atop the little flower was Remy, the adorable, chubby white creature from her dreams, perfectly mirroring every detail. Even Remy sported a matching bloom atop its head, a whimsical touch that made Emma’s heart flutter.
As she gazed at the charming creature resting on the flower, she instinctively reached up to touch her own head. The irritating itch on her scalp had finally vanished, thanks to the flower sap Silas had provided.


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