Chapter 11

"You've used up a lot of mind essence today. Make sure to rest well for the next few days," Finlay said. "I'll swing by my place later to grab some Stellar Ambers that can help replenish your energy. It'll make you feel better," he added while closing his interface. "Scott probably has plenty of Stellar Ambers, too. Don't be shy—just ask him. We're your guardians, and we'll do our best to take care of you." For some reason, Finlay's ears turned slightly red as he spoke. "Alright. We've finished eating. Let's head back," Analise said. She stood up, completely unaware of Finlay's momentary embarrassment. She really did need some rest. Plus, she had to lock herself in and claim her rank-up rewards. She was curious about what we would get this time, but since it came from Echo, it was guaranteed to be good stuff. Just thinking about it lifted her mood, and she walked out of the restaurant feeling cheerful. Finlay followed behind, smiling as he saw how happy she was, assuming she was excited about her improved reputation online. They stopped by Finlay's apartment, where he grabbed some Stellar Ambers, nutrient packs, a change of clothes, and daily essentials. Since he planned on taking care of Analise, he decided to move into Scott's villa for the time being. After all, he wasn't out fighting the Vexoths. He had a lot of free time. Usually, he trained at Hopkins Galaxy Lodge's training grounds, but now, with Analise to look after, he would love to train at Scott's place instead. As they drove, Analise sat in the passenger seat, holding a purple Astral Amber in her hand. "Finlay, how do you use this?" she asked. To her, it looked just like a regular crystal, but since Finlay said it could replenish mind essence, it must contain some special energy source. "Just crush it and absorb the energy inside," Finlay said, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road. Analise gave it a gentle squeeze, and to her surprise, the crystal shattered easily. A wisp of pure white mist seeped into her body, followed by a familiar chilling sensation in her chest. So, absorbing purified Vexoth venom felt burning hot, while absorbing mind essence was icy cold. That explained why, when those two glowing orbs entered her body yesterday, her heart had felt both freezing and scorching at the same time. If not for Echo, she would have thought she was dying. "How do you feel? Your mind essence should be replenished now. Much better, right?" Finlay grinned. "Astral Ambers are the best ones!" "There are other colors?" Analise perked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. Besides purple, there are also green Verdatral Amber and yellow Auretral Ambers, but their energy concentration isn't as high." Finlay nodded, casually turning the steering wheel. "Are Astral Ambers common?" Analise asked, studying the crushed remains of the one in her hand before glancing at Finlay. Finlay shook his head as he pulled into the garage. "Not really. Verdatral and Auretral Ambers are much more common. Ethereal Fang Alliance produces a lot of Stellar Ambers, and most of Astral Ambers come from them. But as for Verdatral and Auretral Ambers, our alliance has its own supply." "But you gave me all your Astral Ambers. What about you? I don't see you carrying any Verdatral or Auretral Ambers, either," Analise said, blinking at him. A warm feeling spread in her heart. "Me? I'll just buy more later. Besides, every time we kill Vexoths, the alliance rewards us with resources. So, don't worry about me, Ana." Finlay chuckled, flashing a toothy grin as he reached over to unbuckle her seatbelt. After they got out of the car, he pressed a button on the garage wall. A minute later, a robot approached them. "Major Knight, Ms. Chamber, how may I assist you?" the robot asked politely. "Take these things upstairs to my room on the second floor." Finlay picked up the cute bag holding the Stellar Ambers and led Analise out of the garage. "Finlay." Analise suddenly stopped after walking a few steps. Finlay immediately halted and turned to look at her. "What's wrong, Ana?" "Can I touch your therian ears?" she asked, rubbing her hands together. The wind was blowing, making Finlay's ears twitch slightly. Watching them move made her fingers itch with curiosity. "Huh… R-Right now?" Finlay's eyes widened slightly, his face and ears turning visibly red. Within ten seconds, he was as red as a tomato. Seeing his reaction, Analise's desire to touch them only grew stronger. "Can I?" she asked again, rubbing her hands together excitedly. Finlay glanced around quickly to make sure no other therians were watching. Then, in a voice as soft as a whisper, he answered, "O-Okay…" As soon as he gave permission, Analise eagerly reached out. She lightly pinched his ear between her thumb and forefinger—soft. Since Finlay didn't resist, she grew bolder, using both hands to rub his ears gently. At first, Finlay felt shy that his ears twitched involuntarily. But after a while, he started acting like a content cat, even letting out a low, satisfied purr. Surrounded by Analise's scent and the cool touch of her fingertips, Finlay felt his body grow unexpectedly warm. Something inside him stirred uncontrollably—he wanted to stand up and hug her, but he was afraid she would be upset if he moved too suddenly. After all, she was still happily rubbing her ears. "What are you two doing?" A familiar voice, laced with icy undertones, shattered the moment. Analise looked up and blinked innocently, her hands still holding Finlay's ears. "Just as you see—I'm touching his ears," she answered without hesitation. Scott was momentarily speechless. "The wind is strong, and you've used a lot of mind essence today. Be careful not to catch a cold," he said, softening his tone slightly before turning to Finlay with a sharp glare. "Couldn't you have at least taken her inside first?" Scott's voice had a slight edge to it. He was practically grinding his teeth. He was going crazy with jealousy. They had only met yesterday—Finlay had barely known Analise for an hour longer than he had. Yet Finlay had already carried her, hugged her, and now even let her touch his therian ears? If he had known, he would have insisted on staying by her side the whole time. "Hmm, that's true." Analise nodded and let go of Finlay's ears. Finlay instantly felt a wave of disappointment as the warmth disappeared. Still, he got up, feeling a little reluctant, and led Analise toward the villa. "Let's go, Ana." "Okay. Oh, by the way, once we're inside… Can I touch your tail, too?" Analise pointed at the faintly swaying tail behind him. Some things just felt incomplete if left unfinished. "U-Uh… Okay…" Finlay's voice was barely audible, and he quickened his pace. Behind them, Scott, who had been thoroughly ignored, stood frozen in place. He pressed his lips together tightly. Opportunities had to be fought for. Just as he was about to call her "Ms. Chamber", he hesitated. He recalled how Finlay had been calling her "Ana". So, he changed his words. "Ana," Scott said, his eyes curving into a charming smile. "I have therian ears and a tail, too. Do you want to touch mine later?" His gaze filled with anticipation as he looked at Analise.