Chapter 142
Feral Sentinels Obey Only Her
Chapter 143 Questions Upon Her Return
She grinned happily, running her palm over the orca’s smooth, rubbery skin.
In the blink of an eye, the whining orca was grabbed and pulled away by one hand.
Rhys had just settled into that long–denied wave of comfort.
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He froze, and both he and Lyra turned their gaze toward the tall, broad figure standing in the corridor.
Hadrien said, “Eat first p>
As the Sentinels dug into their meals, they asked her curiously why she had only just returned.
Lyra glanced toward Hadrien, then her Star Brain broadcast her reply.
“Core Prime felt interesting, so I stayed a few extra days p>
The Sentinels quietly noted the way she checked on Hadrien before answering any question.
“I honestly thought you wouldn’t come back,” Rhys said.
Lyra typed a question in response. “Why wouldn’t I return p>
“Because…” Rhys paused. “We worried you wouldn’t want to leave all the excitement on Core
Prime p>
Lyra smiled and stroked the white bear at her feet.
One after another, they were all hiding things from her, the person actually involved.
Truly…
Lucian suddenly cut into the conversation.
“You mentioned bringing us gifts. Can we see them now p>
Lyra stiffened instantly.
Instinctively, she looked over at Hadrien again.
She had planned to shop for presents the day after watching Jessa’s brother’s showcase.
She never imagined disaster would strike right after leaving the campus.
10:21 Tue, Sep 8
Chapter 143 Questions Upon Her Return
Hadrien smoothly stepped in to cover for her.
“She rushed back to cover her shift and left all the packages in her dorm p>
Lyra stared at him.
She hadn’t bought anything at all. Could stalling really work?
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Lucian leaned his upper body against the cell window, his fox–like eyes glinting with amusement as he looked down at them.
“You seem awfully well informed, Mr. Vale. Did you go there too p>
Down on the first floor, the other Sentinels fell silent, waiting for his answer.
Hadrien admitted it calmly, “I took a few days‘ vacation. Is that not permitted p>
Harlan listened quietly, a quiet sense of relief settling over him.
Finished
Even though Hadrien had previously voiced doubts about Lyra, he had stayed close to protect her all the same.
Lyra being suspicious? That hardly mattered to Harlan.
He could not bring himself to believe she was part of any rebel faction opposing the Federation.
How could such a gentle, obedient young woman with untapped Guide abilities possibly be a rebel with ulterior motives?
“Ah–vacation,” Lucian rested one cheek in his palm and sighed. “It feels like forever since I heard that word p>
Draven echoed, “Yeah. When we were Sentinels, we hardly ever experienced what a vacation felt like p>
“Must be nice,” Lucian drawled.
Lyra felt confused.
Both men wore easy smiles, yet their words carried a sharp, cutting undertone.
Hadrien remained utterly composed in the face of their thinly veiled sarcasm.
“No need to envy me. You owe your current meals and shelter to everything you endured before p>
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Chapter 143 Questions Upon Her Return
Lyra’s fingers paused mid–stroke on the ferret’s ears.
Hadrien could deliver some painfully blunt lines sometimes.
Harlan ignored the back–and–forth banter and directed his question to Lyra.
“Did you enjoy your time away p>
As soon as he spoke, the rest fell quiet.
Beneath everyone’s watchful eyes, Lyra nodded reluctantly.
But these sharp, observant men knew her far too well.
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If she had truly enjoyed herself, her smile would never fade, her eyes would stay bright, and she would have eagerly told them all about her adventures.
She looked nothing short of forcing that smile.
“Is that so?” Lucian propped up his head, his curved eyes studying her meaningfully. “What places did you visit p>
Lyra’s gaze dropped, her eyes shifting nervously.
Hadrien felt a quiet surge of helplessness. She was terrible at hiding her emotions.
“She wandered the trade districts, attended a festival, sampled food from multiple zones, toured several landmarks, and played a few casual games p>
Harlan nodded gently. Young people ought to live lively, fulfilling lives.
Lyra twisted her head and shot a grateful look at Hadrien for bailing her out once more.
Lucian narrowed his eyes.
“Mr. Vale, did you take this leave alongside Lyra p>
Hadrien nodded. “We crossed paths. She was unfamiliar with the area, so I accompanied her for a few days p>
Asher stared down at the floor inside his cell.
No wonder the attackers failed to strike–Hadrien had stayed by her side the entire time.
Lucian let out a soft, knowing chuckle.
Hadrien glanced at his Star Brain device.
3/5
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Chapter 143 Questions Upon Her Return
“It is getting late p>
Reminded, Lyra quickly stood up.
It was time to collect the trays and finish her shift.
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She reached for the empty meal containers, but Hadrien moved faster, taking over the work before she could touch it.
Lyra stared at him blankly.
I thought we were supposed to keep this subtle?
This obvious favoritism will draw attention for sure.
In front of her and all the watching Sentinels, Hadrien gave a reasonable explanation.
“You work too slowly. I’ll help speed things along p>
Arthur and Rhys stared, puzzled, at Hadrien’s sudden eager assistance.
They glanced at Lyra, and understanding slowly sank in.
After days of traveling together, there would naturally have been some amount of contact.
It made sense he would step in to help once he knew her identity.
Still, the sight felt incredibly strange.
When he visited previously, he carried himself like an unapproachable superior with his hands folded behind his back.
Now he acted as devoted as a loyal attendant.
Rhys craned his neck, thoroughly entertained by this rare display.
Along the corridor, Hadrien kept receiving curious, teasing stares and light jabs from the Sentinels.
Though no one could see his expression beneath the helmet, his steady tone made it clear he stayed unruffled.
He showed no sign of viewing these chores as beneath his station.
Lyra sighed inwardly.
4/5
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Chapter 143 Questions Upon Her Return
The title of personal guard carried far more weight than she realized.
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Even the chief administrator himself would bend to serve her.
If every Tier–3S Sentinel she recruited proved this obedient, ready to resolve any trouble on her behalf… could she basically do whatever she wanted?
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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.