Chapter 124
What had gotten into it all of a sudden?
It had scared her badly.
Was this some built–in advanced intelligence mode?
Or had she accidentally triggered a new function?
She would ask Rhys tomorrow, or look through the instruction manuar
Lyra set an alarm on her Star Brain and queued soft sleep music, then closed her eyes.
After roughly 30 seconds, she snapped them open and peered across the room.
Moonlight seeped faintly through the curtains.
The white box–shaped robot sat quietly in its corner, showing nothing out of the ordinary.
Lyra shut her eyes once more.
A little while later, she rolled over and pulled the blanket up over her head.
The person hidden behind Qivi’s camera sighed silently.
He’d meant well, yet everything had backfired.
Finished
He’d simply thought the girl curled under the blanket, only her small face exposed, looked soft and sweet, like a beloved doll. He’d acted on impulse without thinking.
Now it was far too late to explain anything.
The next day, Lyra found Rhys and told him about the strange incident from the night before.
Rhys could not offer a clear answer.
“Maybe the automated intelligence determined that was what you needed at the time p>
Lyra blinked.
Her Star Brain voiced her reply, “But it never acted like that on previous nights p>
Rhys shrugged. “If it makes you uneasy, leave it powered off, stow it inside a crate, and use the crate as a table p>
Lyra thought that would be such a waste.
Besides, after a full night’s rest, most of her unease had faded.
No matter how odd its behavior, it was still nothing more than cold machinery.
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Chapter San Beneath Lingering Shadows
3 typed on her Star Brain, it’s probably jus: highly advanced. I haven’t gotten used to it yet. I’ll grow more familiar with its functions over time p>
Rhys tried to reassure her. “h’s fine. Mass–produced units sometimes come with glitches. We just got unlucky. I can buy you a new one p>
Lyra waved her hands quickly.
There was no need for that.
She would study the robot carefully on her own.
Rhys studied her face. “You’re sure? Don’t force yourself. If it doesn’t work for you, we’ll swap it out p>
Lyra shook her head.
The synthesized voice played out, “I’ll head back and look it over again p>
Rhys nodded. “Alright p>
When Lyra made her rounds to deliver supplies, she noticed Asher was not waiting by his cell door as usual.
Curious, she crouched slightly to peek inside.
Bright light filled the room. He sat upright at his desk, the glow catching his flawless silver hair, pale as moonlight rippling across still water.
Asher stared blankly forward, his gaze unfocused, lost in thought.
Tap, tap.
She knocked twice against the door.
Asher turned his head. His sharp brow ridge blocked the overhead light, casting deep shadows in his eye sockets. Those pure crimson eyes looked like a predator lurking in darkness, ready to strike, sending a sharp jolt through Lyra.
Lyra froze for a heartbeat. Then she smiled and held up the stack of supplies in her hands.
Asher watched her, his expression layered with complicated emotion.
He slowly rose and walked toward the door.
He seemed weighed down by heavy thoughts.
Lyra typed quickly on her Star Brain. “What’s troubling you p>
Asher met her gaze steadily and shook his head.
Still confused, Lyra handed over the clean clothing.
Asher took the garments and turned to leave when the robotic voice echoed behind him, “Won’t you
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te da new tabrac drafts to the clothing factory today p>
Ashen x sworegs baled Not for he
Lyra stared at his retreating back nodding slowly with lingering doubt.
Several days passed
jessa came to find Lyra so they could head to the mess hall together.
Lyra glanced back and sent a message via her Star Brain. “Give me just a moment p>
jessa smiled Take your time. I’ll look around while I wait p>
As she spoke, she curiously walked toward the wall with the drawings on
Lyra turned back and continued distributing food.
Jessa studied the childish picture on the wall.
Once she finished looking, she strolled casually through the cell block.
The Sentinels here barely knew her, so she glanced their way briefly before turning her attention elsewhere
Soon. Lyra finished her tasks and walked over.
“All done” Jessa asked
Lyra nodded.
The two chatted easily as they left the building.
Inside his cell. Asher closed his eyes. He remained motionless for a long time before standing.
He walked to the doorway and picked up a crumpled scrap of paper from the floor.
Funsted
At the mess hall. Jessa noticed Lyra’s bright mood. “What’s got you so cheerful today p>
Lyra held nothing back.
Her Star Brain relayed her words. The Sentinels are growing more stable. They won’t have to face death
so soon.
Jessa paused mid–bite.
She replied casually. “Is that so? That’s remarkable p>
Lyra nodded vigorously.
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I think so too. At first, when Draven said letting spirit animals out to play could slow the rise of contamination levels. Thardly believed tam p>
Jessa chuckled. “No wonder every time I stopped by, I found you playing alongside them.
“Aren’t you afraid those beasts might hurt you p>
Lyra shook her head and typed into her Star Brain.
“I was nervous at first, but after spending more time with them, I’ve realized those little creatures are gentle and friendly p>
Hearing that Lyra saw the spirit animals as gentle and friendly, Jessa smiled fairly.
“That means they’ve taken quite a liking to you p>
Lyra’s eyes crinkled happily.
Jessa shifted to another topic.
“Have you gotten everything ready for our trip p>
Lyra nodded.
Curiosity stirred inside her.
“After we watch your brother’s showcase, where will we go next p>
Jessa smiled playfully, keeping the destination a secret, “Just stick with me. I guarantee you won’t regret it p>
Lyra looked ready to ask another question.
Knowing exactly what she planned to say, Jessa added, “Don’t worry. Whatever it is, it’s well within what our modest salaries can afford p>
Lyra’s face lit up instantly.
She was relieved to hear it would not stretch her budget.
She’d heard countless stories about how steep prices were on Core Prime, and she’d felt anxious ever since purchasing her Star Brain.
After they finished eating, Jessa asked, “Want to head back for a nap p>
Lyra shook her head.
Jessa folded her arms across her chest. “Off to spend time with those little creatures again p>
Lyra nodded.
If letting the spirit animals roam free truly helped their condition, she planned to extend the time they were allowed outside their Sentinels‘ cells p>
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.