Chapter 323
Chapter 324 Faces Behind the Masks
race
Finished
Yoren messaged back that trace–back would require connecting the Star Brain to specialized equipment.
So she would have to visit him in person.
There was no time for that right now.
Who knew where these people had planted their spies?
Still, after this first contact, their guard would likely slip, and other chances would come along.
Specter messaged, “Guide, I’m suddenly nervous. What do I do p>
Lyra stared at the screen.
“Want to call it off then p>
“No, no. You hardly agreed. I have to pull myself together p>
Lyra waited a few seconds and sent the video call request.
The connection slowly went through.
What she saw made her want to laugh out of frustration.
She typed on a separate Star Brain. “What even is this p>
The plain little room was strung with twinkling fairy lights, brightening up the dim space.
Seated before the camera was a man with his whole head covered by a black face–covering. Only his eyes and mouth were visible.
He looked ridiculous, like some bumbling robber.
Lyra’s gaze locked onto the flickering octopus perched atop his head.
She wondered whether it was a toy matching the party lights, or something real,
While she pondered, his clear, crisp voice came through. “G–Guide, hi…
It was obvious how nervous he really was.
Lyra’s side of the screen was far brighter.
She had just gotten out of the shower and lay across her bed in soft sleepwear. A fluffy headband pushed her long bangs out of her eyes. Her delicate, pretty face was fully visible to the feed.
Specter’s pupils flickered. It was just like the first time he had seen her lean close to the camera. Those same bright, clear eyes held an inexplicable pull that tangled his thoughts.
Lyra pressed her lips together, unamused, and typed, “Why hide your whole face p>
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Chapter 324 faces Behind the Masks
Specter’s voice carried genuine delight. “This caught me off guard. This was all I could do p>
His glowing eyes stayed fixed on her image, hardly blinking.
Lyra typed, “You act so playful online, yet you turn all skittish in real time p>
Specter laughed.
Finished
Through the covering, his beautiful eyes crinkled into warm, curved slits.
Lyra glanced again at the odd creature sitting on his head.
She typed, “Is that thing on top of your head your spirit animal p>
When she looked back up, she froze in surprise.
Several new faces had appeared within the frame.
Unlike Specter’s shoddy covering, each wore elaborate, ornate masks identical to those from the hostage- exchange video.
The masks were adorned with intricate patterns and gold trim. They looked classical and opulent, with unsettling curves at the corners of their mouths.
“Ms. Guide, you look startled. My apologies p>
The speaker leaned toward the lens. His mask was shaped like a purple lily with gold patterns around the eye openings. His tone was cheerful and villainous, carrying no real remorse despite his words.
Lyra frowned.
As all of them watched her, she secretly wondered whether these people were the rebel alliance’s leaders and higher–ups.
Specter held the small blue–ringed octopus up to the camera to answer her earlier question. “This is my spirit animal p>
The palm – sized octopus rested gently in his hands. Its tentacles nervously coiled into little spirals, and one tentacle gave a tiny, shy wave toward her.
Lyra smiled faintly at the sight.
Seeing her smile, the masked man who had spoken turned to Specter. “It seems Ms. Guide adores your little thing
Specter shot him an annoyed glance over his shoulder. “If you cannot speak properly, get out of here p>
The man lowered his head and snickered.
Lyra looked confused.
Her gaze swept over the group, and she noticed one figure with thick red hair. “Wren p>
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Chapter 324faecs Behind the Masks
Finished
The man stiffened. Slowly, he pulled off his mask, revealing his striking, handsome features.
“It’s me.” He gave her a soft smile. “Long time no see, Lyra p>
“How is your sister?” Lyra asked, noticing no obvious women among the assembled group.
When nodded. “After being locked up for so long, she has lost weight. She is not nearly as cheerful as before p>
Lyra lowered her gaze.
At least she was free now, and with her brother nearby, she would receive proper care.
A moment later she typed to Specter. “I’ve seen enough. I’m hanging up p>
Specter was caught off guard.
It had gone far too fast for him.
Before he could reply, another man wearing a split light–and–dark mask spoke. “It is getting late. You ought to rest p>
Lyra recognized that voice. It belonged to the man who had delivered the demands in the hostage video.
He was the leader of the rebel alliance, and his self–proclaimed code name was Arbiter.
Lyra gave a quiet nod and ended the call under Specter’s reluctant gaze.
She rolled onto her back and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Over these past few days, Elowen had kept asking about the condition of Lyra’s mindscape.
Lyra had to drop by Nael’s office to set her worries at ease.
Nael was surprised by her unannounced visit.
“Are you feeling unwell p>
Lyra shook her head. She sat in his office, looking over the simple, clean decor.
“Then what brings you here?” He poured her a glass of water and set it beside her.
Lyra typed, “I came to thank you for helping get the suppressants ready last time p>
Nael looked her up and down. “You came to thank me empty–handed p>
Lyvas face flushed in embarrassment.
He laughed, pleased at her reaction.
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Chapter 3241aeco Behind the Masks
Finished
“If that is not it,” he drawled as he sat back down, “you are not here just for casual chat either. Did you
come here to get away from everything p>
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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.