Chapter 123
Chapter 124 The Watchful Robot
Lyra stifled a quiet laugh and stood to head for the bathroom.
She failed to notice the upbeat music masking an unnatural digital drip tone
Once she left, the Star Brain placed nearby suddenly lit up. Streams of rapid, blurring code scrolled across its display.
Data within the device was being quietly extracted through an unseen channel.
By the time she stepped out of the bathroom, the intrusion was already finished.
After all, this newly purchased Star Brain held very little information or secrets.
Qivi chirped, “Master, the photo you requested is finished printing. Come see if you’re satisfied p>
The upper section of the robot’s square chassis popped open, revealing a still–warm photograph nestled inside.
Lyra picked it up. The sight of all the spirit animals brought a soft, gentle smile to her face again.
A frame would make it perfect.
Steam from her shower had flushed her cheeks pink, making her look like a soft, sweet cake. A towel wrapped loosely over her damp hair, leaving her slender, pale neck exposed.
She lowered her gaze, studying the photograph intently, her luminous eyes clear as still water.
Behind Qivi’s camera lens, a pair of eyes fixed on her tranquil features, stunned for a heartbeat.
Then the pupils narrowed sharply.
Her soft, glowing face drew close to the lens. Unaware of being watched, she tapped the screen to type.
“Can the photo be printed in a larger size p>
Qivi replied, “How large would you like it p>
Lyra still caught no hint that something was off.
The robot swayed back and forth like a kiddie ride, its tone bright and innocent. “What size do you want, Master? I can print photos in many different dimensions p>
Lyra blinked and thought it over.
She had no exact measurements in mind. She turned to glance at the bare wall of her quarters.
“One quarter of this wall p>
A faint smile surfaced on the face watching through the camera.
10:34 am
the Instchful Biskot
Que asked. “Which wall. Master p>
Lyra pointed toward the wall adjacere to the bathroom.
Qivi rotated its camera to scan the surface.
Fmoned
“Scanning complete. This wall measures 4.8 feet long and 10.5 feet high. One quarter of that area would create a print 7.3 feet long and 5.3 feet wide. Shall I proceed p>
Lyra visualized the size and nodded.
“Understood. I will begin printing now p>
A low mechanical whir hummed to life. Lyra grabbed her towel and retreated to the bathroom to finish drying her hair.
Behind her, Qivi’s camera rotated silently, tracking her every movement.
When she returned again, she held up the print–large enough to count as a wall poster–and nodded in clear satisfaction.
This was exactly what she wanted.
Things that brought joy deserved to be seen front and center.
As usual, she dried her hair and curled up beneath soft bed covers.
No need for her to climb out to issue commands. Her Star Brain relayed her voice command. “Qivi, turn off the lights p>
Qivi replied, “Right away. Master p>
Star Brain said. “Start a movie p>
Qivi replied, “Right away, Master p>
Star Brain said, “Dim the lighting further p>
Qivi replied, “Right away, Master p>
Lyra smiled, settled into a comfortable side position, and watched the projected film.
Drowsiness slowly washed over her.
She huddled deep under the blanket, tucking the fabric tight beneath her chin, only her small face exposed. One cheek pressed against the pillow, squishing the flesh outward.
She stared quietly at the movie cast on the opposite wall. Her eyelids drooped slowly with exhaustion, yet her brows resisted sleep, lifting faintly each time to pull her vision back open.
The sight looked utterly charming.
Then Qivi spoke out of the blue.
10:35 am PP
Chap
chful Rehot
Finished
“Master, would you like me to lull you to slc–p p>
Lyra turned her head, confused.
She had been moments from drifting off. This unexpected question jolted her awake again.
Receiving no reply. Qivi rolled slowly toward the bed.
A mechanical arm extended from its frame, reaching toward her.
Lyra focused sharply on the robot.
Her expression hardened. She scrambled abruptly to her feet, pressing herself against the far wail, fully alert and wary.
Had the machine developed some strange awareness, or suffered a catastrophic program glitch?
This was far too unsettling late at night.
Qivi said, “Master, experimental data shows gentle patting helps the brain settle into rest faster p>
Lyra’s lips tightened, her mood turning uneasy.
She sent a command via Star Brain. “Go stand in the corner and power yourself down p>
Qivi responded. “Master, do you not want me to stay by your bed and guard you p>
The Star Brain broadcast her instruction. “I don’t need that. Also, switch your voice to another female
tone p>
Qivi’s audio shifted into the voice of a young woman. “Is this tone acceptable, Master p>
The change calmed Lyra slightly.
She had already felt uneasy about the robot acting on its own itiative, paired with that deceptively innocent childish voice.
That tone would have been perfect background noise for a horror flick, and it made her skin prickle.
The Star Brain said, “It’s fine. Go to the corner and shut down p>
Qivi replied, “Okay. I will power down and automatically activate at 6:59 tomorrow morning to wake you p>
It turned and rolled toward the corner. Its slow movement almost carried a sense of quiet dejection.
Lyra sent another message via Star Brain, “Cancel that. Do not power back on for the time being p>
Qivi’s motion stalled for an almost imperceptible instant.
“Understood. I will enter shutdown mode and wait for you to call upon me again p>
When it reached the corner, its rolling wheels retracted, and all the lights on its screen faded.
10:35 am
pp
Chapin the watchful Nebot
Finished
It sat silent and motionless against the wall, indistinguishable from a plain storage cabinet.
Only then could Lyra relax a little.
She climbed back into bed/ wrapped herself tightly under the covers, and stared suspiciously toward the shadowed corner.
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.