Chapter 273
Chapter 274 Obsessive Devotion
Thank goodness she had no spirit animal and couldn’t perform intimate purification, yer Hadrien had sull agreed to become her personal guard.
Wait a second if he had known all along she lacked a spirit animal, had he accepted the position just to keep their relationship exactly as it stood right now?
Lyra’s mind spun through countless wild possibilities.
Seeing her zone out, Elowen picked up her coffee cup and took a slow sip.
Chink.
The crisp chime of porcelain pulled Lyra straight back to reality. She would question Hadrien about all this later.
“Ms. Sorrel, what exactly is that effect you mentioned on Sentinels?” she typed.
Elowen gave a short, plain answer “Devotion
Lyra blinked in shock. What the heck p>
Elowen tilted her head, slender fingertip tracing lazy circles across the cup
“Guides hold an innate pull over Sentinels. Like creatures driven by phototaxis drawn toward light, Sentinels gravitate to you on a purely physical level.
“Physical contact during purification amplifies that psychological fixation and fondness. They will crave staying close every waking moment, ready to give everything they have, like a moth to a flame, completely losing all sense of self-preservation
Lyra was stunned.
No wonder Sentinels were so fixated on Guides:
As Elowen spoke. Lyra’s thoughts drifted automatically to Hadrien’s unwavering, always- present gaze.
Heat flooded her cheeks just thinking about that burning intensity.
Elowen noticed her lovesick expression right away.
“Do not mistake this for something entirely good,” she warned calmly.
Lyra snapped back to attention.
11:21 Mon, Sep 21
“Set aside Federation Sentinels for a moment. Think about the rebels. Their ranks are almost entirely filled with Senunels.
“They are radical, reckless, unrestrained. Unlike Federation troops, they will not hold back or respect a Guide’s wishes under federal law.
“If you catch the eye of men like that,” Elowen lifted her cup for another sip, it would be like being haunted by hungry demons. They will never let go p>
A chill ran down Lyra’s spine, and she shivered involuntarily.
You cannot locate your own mindscape, so I cannot teach you using standard procedures.” Elowen told her. “Doctor Merrin possesses extensive knowledge. Go consult him about your condition p>
Lyra nodded thoughtfully
Seeing Elowen set her cup down, Lyra understood the meeting was over and immediately stood.
“Thank you for explaining everything today. I will process all of this carefully p>
Elowen waved her hand. “These are just basic facts”
When Lyra lingered, she raised an ryebrow Is there something else p>
Lyra bit her lip and typed, “Back to my earlier request Can you please keep my condition a
secret p>
Elowen frowned. “Why hide it? You will have to tell the doctor anyway
Lyra forced a shaky smile. “I have only just arrived here. I am already mute, which marks me as flawed. If word spreads my Guide abilities also have defects, everyone will look at me even more strangely.
“If I can fix this before others find out, I can avoid a whole lot of trouble”
She deliberately played for sympathy
It would be ideal if she could become just like every other Guide without anyone noticing.
If not, keeping the circle of people in-the-know small would let her buy time and come up with
excuses.
Elowen studied her for a long moment. “I am not one to gossip p>
11:21 Mon, Sep 21
Lyra sent her a flood of grateful keystrokes.
“Thank you. Ms. Sorrell I will not take any more of your time today p>
“Goodbye” Elowen rephed formally
Outside in the next room. Hadrien could not sit still.
He grew restless every second Lyra stayed out of his sight
Constant worry gnawed at him that something might hurt his Guide. He suffered almost like separation anxiety.
Ignoring Bren’s attempts to persuade him otherwise, he paced and waited directly outside the chamber door.
After a while, Lyra finally stepped out
She let out a long, deep breath the instant she crossed the threshold
“Lyra.” Hadrien moved toward her at once, eyes sweeping her up and down “What happened p>
Lyra shot him a meaningful look and shook her head
She typed, “I’ll tell you when we get home
Confused, Hadrien chose not to press her further “You look exhausted”
He rested his hands naturally on her shoulders, kneading gently to ease her tension.
Lyra stiffened for a heartbeat before relaxing into his touch.
She smiled and typed. “Not really tired. There was just so much new information, my brain can barely keep up p>
Hadrien understood she meant everything she had learned about being a Guide.
Finished working her shoulders, he moved his large hands to her temples and massaged softly.
“Is this alright p>
He knew his fingertips were rough. When touching her delicate skin, he carefully used the softer edges of his knuckles and the backs of his hands.
Lyra noticed and smiled warmly. Instead of typing, she nodded to show she appreciated it.
11 21 Mon, Sep 21
When they walked out to the main hall, Garen and the rest of the Wastelands Squad watched them emerge side by side
Hadrien walked a half-step behind, still massaging her head, while Lyra wore a soft samle
Caren’s gaze paused before he stepped forward and asked. “Ms. Kaelin, it is dinnertime Would you like to head back to your place, or eat in a restaurant p>
Lyra thought it over as she walked.
Hadrien stayed close at her back, continuing the slow massage.
She lifted her hand, meaning to tell him to stop.
Hadrien seized the opening and laced his fingers through hers, completely unbothered by the public setting
In truth, he almost wanted everyone to witness how close they were
Lyra turned her head toward him
Hadrien looked down, his gaze fixed on her face
He seemed fully confident she would not pull away
Sure enough, Lyra only gave him a chiding glance and looked forward again.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.