**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live**
by Nora Vale Kingsley
Emma couldn’t help but reflect on the moment she had saved Kael. It was a silent act, devoid of any spoken words, yet somehow, he seemed eager to repay her kindness before she even realized it. His gratitude hung in the air, palpable and heavy.
Edric stood nearby, feeling a surge of irritation at the thought of that reckless Kael. The urge to rid himself of this nuisance was almost overwhelming, but he was acutely aware of Emma’s presence. In her company, he masked his disdain, choosing to keep his thoughts to himself.
With a playful grin, he commented on Emma’s praise for Kael, “Emma, you know, judging a person solely by their looks can lead you astray. Kael may seem capable on the surface, but trust me, his methods are anything but honorable.”
“Kael is the young master of the Suncrest Lineage,” Edric continued, his voice low and serious. “That lineage is notorious for its ruthless ambition; betrayal and schemes are as common as the air we breathe. Just think about it: if he didn’t possess some cunning strategies, how could he possibly hold such a prestigious position?”
Before stepping into this complex world, Emma had witnessed her share of palace intrigues from afar. The very mention of Kael conjured images of power-hungry princes embroiled in the infamous “Battle of Nine Heirs.” A chill ran down her spine at the thought; the stakes in such games were perilously high.
“Of course, one should never judge a creature by its appearance,” she murmured, contemplating her own insignificance in the grand narratives that often unfolded around her. A mere nobody like her wouldn’t even warrant a mention in the opening chapters of such tales.
The headquarters of the Interstellar Hunter Alliance was situated on Al, a planet that seemed to pulse with life and energy. The starrail, a marvel of technology, whisked through the vast expanse of the galaxy at unfathomable speeds. In less than a day, Emma found herself stepping onto the surface of Al.
As she disembarked, the reality of her surroundings struck her like a bolt of lightning. The stark contrast between Al and her home, F–268, was staggering. No wonder the beastfolk often referred to F–268 as impoverished; it was a world of steel and glass, devoid of the vibrant life she now beheld.
On F–268, greenery was a rare sight, choked out by rampant mutations. Even the tiny sprout she nurtured at home was no longer than her finger. But here, on Al, her senses were overwhelmed by a towering tree that reached skyward, its branches brushing against the clouds. The air was filled with soft pink petals that danced gracefully through the atmosphere, their origins a mystery that only added to their allure.
As soon as a petal touched the ground, a sleek robot appeared, swiftly collecting it as if it were a precious gem. The pathways beneath her feet were made of radiant starlight stone, so polished they reflected her image like a mirror. Above her, smart vehicles zipped by, while below, therian beings raced alongside the curbs in their natural forms.
Storefronts lined the streets, each one a treasure trove of wonders—some offered beast cores, others displayed rare herbs, and many showcased adorable low-tier beasts. Emma noted that it seemed to be a fashionable trend among the therian population, especially the females, to adopt these charming creatures as companions.
Edric, sensing her awe, took her hand gently as they navigated the shimmering sky-stairs. “Emma,” he asked softly, his voice laced with concern, “Are you feeling tired? If you’re up for it, would you like to indulge in a bit of shopping?”
He understood better than anyone that shopping was a beloved pastime for many women. In fact, he had deliberately chosen to stop the starrail here, hoping to treat her to a delightful shopping spree.


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