Chapter 181
Chapter 182 Quiet Vigil Beside the Shower
Lyra nodded gratefully toward him.
While she washed, Arthur stood guard facing the doorway.
He and Zev, waiting outside, watched each other in silent mutual surveillance.
ached
After Hadrien coldly and harshly taught the crazed Felix a lesson, he left the “rabid dog” and the “madman” inside the room to settle their feud between themselves, then hurried off to find Lyra.
When he learned she was washing up in Arthur’s quarters, he quickly sent someone to bring fresh toiletries for her.
Spotting Hadrien approaching with the supplies, Arthur held out his arm voluntarily.
Once fitted with monitoring and security cuffs, he was escorted out of the room, and Hadrien stepped in to take over watch.
They exchanged not a single word, yet moved with perfect unspoken coordination.
“I’ve set your things outside the door. You can reach them easily p>
At those words, two soft knocks echoed from inside the room; Lyra’s signal that she had heard.
Hadrien turned and slid shut the small window in Arthur’s quarters, blocking every chance of anyone peeking inside.
He stared at the heavy metal door, trying to sort through his thoughts.
Yet the steady patter of running water kept scattering his focus.
He had been mulling something over.
Rook and Felix had sunk into full feral transformation, severe contamination taking hold of them–and Lyra had purified both completely in a single night.
They even seemed almost no different from the Sentinels on the first floor with low contamination levels.
It meant Lyra’s psychic power tier was undoubtedly very high.
The Sentinels on the first and second floors she had tended to these past two days most likely also carried far lower contamination now.
11:18 Mon, Sep 14
Chapter 182 Quiet Vigil Beside the Shower
85
vented
If any among them had stabilized to a safe threshold, he could suggest Lyra recruit them as personal guards to stand at her side.
They were bound for Core Prime soon. Having familiar, trustworthy people around would give her support.
Unfortunately, none of these Sentinels had reached Tier–3S.
Their combat strength left Hadrien unsatisfied.
For now, he would have to rely on numbers to make up for quality.
As for candidates…
Hadrien weighed each possibility silently in his mind until the ongoing sound of running water tugged at his nerves again.
He steadied himself and forced his focus back to his planning.
Rook and Felix were out of the question.
Both possessed volatile temperaments that would only bring trouble to her. Even freed from feral states, their contamination levels would never drop low enough to qualify for release.
Harlan was one of the most suitable choices.
Cedric was thoughtful, yet far too gentle.
Draven and Lucian were unreliable; they would likely lead Lyra astray.
Rhys barely met the standard.
Arthur and Gideon were steady, level–headed men.
Still, he could not be certain whether they would agree to become her personal guards.
Kyren… if he had not enlisted as a Federation Sentinel early on, his unpredictable temperament would fit the rebel faction far better.
After weighing everyone repeatedly, it seemed few prisoners in Building Three met the standard he held in his mind.
Click.
The soft noise from behind him landed like a stone tossed onto still water. Hadrien’s mind went blank, and his body tensed.
Chapter 182 Quiet Vigil Beside the Shower
A damp head, wreathed in faint warm steam, pecked cautiously out of the bathroom.
Large, luminous eyes darted about, scanning the outer room.
Seeing only Hadrien standing rigid with his back turned to the door, she felt safe enough to stretch out a pale, soft arm.
She snatched the folded change of clothes lying beside the doorway and vanished back into the bathroom in an instant to dress.
The rushing shower noise faded, yet the faint rustle of fabric felt like cat claws plucking at his frayed concentration.
Behind his helmet, Hadrien’s eyelids lowered, long lashes shadowing the flickering emotion in his eyes.
Bath fragrance drifted through the narrow gap left by the door, winding into his nostrils. His Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily.
Click.
The door opened once more.
Hadrien listened to light footsteps drawing slowly closer from behind.
The sweet scent wrapped around him, an invisible pull urging him to turn and catch the first glimpse of his freshly bathed, soft little Guide.
But his self–discipline and ingrained restraint ordered him not to move recklessly.
Until a light touch landed on his shoulder.
It was as if some unseen force acknowledged his quiet longing, granting him permission to
turn.
Hadrien spun around at once.
The first thing he saw was her cheeks, flushed pink from hot steam.
She needed no adornment at all.
In that moment, she resembled a newly awakened blossom spirit–pure, innocent, tender, and alluring.
Her clear, dewy eyes held his reflection, filled with unguarded warmth and trust.
Like a gentle breeze, she swept away every restless, improper thought swirling inside him.
3/4
11:18 Mon, Sep 14
Chapter 182 Quiet Vigil Beside the Shower
Finished
Lyra was not a breathtaking beauty by strict standards.
She had no smoldering, captivating gaze, no full, sensual lips, no air of bewitching charm.
She was like a blank sheet of paper untouched by grime.
Some who saw her would yearn to guard that flawless purity.
Others would crave to stain the page, imagining how she would look painted with vivid, bold hues…
Lyra tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face.
Realizing he had stared for far too long, Hadrien shook his head hastily.
He forced his gaze toward her still–damp hair.
His voice came out slightly rough.
“You haven’t dried it p>
Lyra shook her head.
Departure drew near, and she did not wish to waste time.
Hadrien understood her reasoning, yet disagreed faintly.
“There is no need to rush. The air outside carries a chill p>
Lyra pointed at the towel wrapped around her head to signal she would be fine.
Hadrien held her gaze for a long moment, then stepped forward, ready to fetch a dryer to tend to her hair.
576
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.