Chapter 370
Chapter 371 A Painful Goodbye
Lyra wrapped her arms around Hadrien, losing herself deep within their heated kiss.
After a long while, he drew slowly back, a thin glistening thread breaking between them.
Hadrien’s gaze lingered there, and he leaned in to brush the trace away from her lips.
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His eyes darkened as he murmured, “That wasn’t enough. Now I’m even thirstier. What should I do p>
Lyra knew that smoldering look all too well.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and she shyly turned her gaze aside.
The sight stirred something in Hadrien, and unmistakable desire gradually filled his eyes.
He leaned down, brushing his mouth over her full lower lip, a soft, breathless sound escaping as they parted.
Then he lifted her clear off the floor from beneath the blanket and carried her steadily back toward the bedroom.
The hours that followed burned far more fiercely than their gentle afternoon.
Every touch carried an urgent longing, as though he wished to bind their very beings together.
Lyra signaled repeatedly that she could take no more, yet Hadrien let those quiet protests slide past him.
Only when pale dawn light painted the horizon did he pull back, gasping for breath.
Lyra had long since slipped into heavy, exhausted sleep.
Hadrien stared down at her resting face, brimming with love and painful reluctance.
He tidied everything carefully, tended to her skin, and applied soothing ointment, then gave her one last long look.
With heavy steps, he slipped out and closed the bedroom door softly behind him.
Downstairs, Nael was already waiting. He had not stepped indoors.
Standing in the courtyard with his hands folded behind his back, his tall silhouette watched the sky brightening in the distance.
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Chapter 371 A Painful Goodbye
នគ; 198
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He turned at the sound of footsteps and spotted the simple travel pack slung over Hadrien’s shoulder.
A rush of complicated feeling washed over him, and for a moment, he found no words.
“Stay safe,” Nael said at last.
Hadrien nodded. “She’s worn out. Let her sleep late p>
“I will p>
The hovercar sent to collect him had arrived. Hadrien glanced back toward the room where Lyra lay asleep.
After a long pause, he tore his eyes away.
“…Take good care of her p>
Nael’s expression was steady and earnest. “You have my word p>
Hadrien lowered his gaze and walked forward without hesitation, each step weighing like lead.
Nael turned and tracked his movement, watching him climb aboard the craft.
The hovercar ignited its thrusters, lifting into the sky and shrinking smaller and smaller until it became nothing more than a faint speck on the horizon.
Nael’s voice drifted out, barely loud enough for the wind to catch.
“Farewell p>
Lyra woke to brilliant daylight flooding through the windows.
Panic jolted her fully awake.
Throwing the covers aside despite the dull ache in her legs, she hurried out, searching for Hadrien.
She searched every room, yet his presence was nowhere to be found.
Sharp unease coiled tight inside her chest.
Nael heard the noise and came upstairs.
His eyes first caught the dark love–marks scattered across the skin exposed by her nightgown,
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Chapter 371 A Painful Goodbye
and his pupils tightened briefly.
In the next instant, he wore his usual soft, pleasant smile.
M
“What are you looking for, Lyra? You slept for ages. Would you like something to eat p>
Lyra lifted her wrist out of old habit.
Only then did she realize her Star Brain was gone.
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Deep down, she had already guessed, yet seeing the bare empty band sent sharp sorrow and loss surging through her.
She stared down at her wrist, as if a piece of her own heart had vanished along with it.
After some time, she lifted her head and looked blankly toward Nael, her lips trembling.
“Did Hadrien… leave p>
Nael sighed quietly and stepped in to hold her gently.
“Yes. He departed at first light. He is a Tier–3S Sentinel; he will pull through. Trust in him p>
Lyra hung her head, wrapped in heavy grief.
… Jerk!
He left without even telling me.
“You jerk p>
Aboard the starship, Hadrien’s expression softened beneath his helmet when he saw those words.
“I’ll make it up to you when I get back. They’re about to brief us on the mission, so I’ll reply later. Love you p>
He lowered his arm once he finished typing. His gaze swept across the other Sentinels seated opposite him, all fully armed and rigidly attentive.
The sharp, distant, decisive Hadrien was back once more.
Back in the house, Lyra’s hurt feelings eased little by little.
Nael’s voice pulled her back to the present. “Feeling a bit better p>
She set down the Star Brain and met his warm, concerned eyes, giving a small nod.
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Chapter 371 A Painful Goodbye
“Ready for food p>
She nodded again.
Nael’s eyes crinkled, turning to fetch her meal.
Warm food settled in her stomach, lifting her spirits further.
Lyra held up the Star Brain and typed, “I’m keeping this, okay p>
Nael tapped her forehead fondly. “Even I belong to you. Why wouldn’t my things p>
Lyra lowered her eyes, her expression finally brightening a little.
“By the way,” she typed, “how are things over at the Oversight Council p>
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She hadn’t left the house in almost two days and had no idea what was happening outside.
A robot cleared the table while Nael spoke.
“The people you care about have all been transferred to Black Spire on Core Prime p>
Lyra’s eyes widened in shock.
That made no sense.
The prime minister had previously insisted on releasing them in batches, using them like rewards to manipulate her.
Seeing her surprise, Nael smiled faintly. “I visited my father yesterday p>
Lyra stared.
Had he gone and pleaded with the prime minister on her behalf?
Nael’s eyes curved, bright and warm.
“Hadrien is gone for the time being. I could not stand by and watch my mate sink into misery p>
He had acted to give her something to hold onto, something to lift her mood.
Lyra was overwhelmed by gratitude at what Nael had done, most of all by the word “mate p>
On impulse, she threw herself forward into his arms, clinging to him in heartfelt thanks.
Nael stumbled slightly from the sudden impact of her embrace.
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Feral Sentinels Obey Only Her
Chapter 372 A Favor Worth Collecting
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.