Chapter 146
Lyra brushed the top of its small head with her fingertips.
Asher’s snow–white eyelashes fluttered.
Seeing him trapped in such a gloomy mood, Lyra paused, left a slip of paper, and stepped
away.
“If something’s weighing on you, you can talk to me. Don’t let the fact that I’m mute fool you. I can absolutely keep a secret. p>
After reading the words, Asher’s fingers tightened around the paper and trembled uncontrollably.
He bowed his head deeply, crushed beneath a heavy weight of guilt that hunched his slender shoulders.
Lyra delivered gifts cell by cell, and a growing crowd of tagalongs trailed behind her.
She told them to go play on their own, yet they refused, sticking close like a string of shadows.
The ferret clutched something in its tiny paws.
It was the puzzle Lyra had bought for fun on a whim.
She hadn’t finished it before her shift neared its end, and noticing the ferret’s interest, she’d let
it take it back to its cell.
She never expected it to complete the whole puzzle.
Lyra took it in surprise.
The finished artwork showed a quiet, star–strewn night sky. Countless stars glowed softly, scattered across the dark expanse in no fixed pattern–this puzzle had been brutally difficult.
Lyra stared at the completed picture in delight. She bent down and ruffled the ferret’s head.
She signed toward the finished puzzle. “You finished this all by yourself p>
The ferret stood upright on its hind legs atop the windowsill, looking like a fluffy living collar.
It planted its front paws at its sides and tilted its triangular head upward, mimicking a human proudly planting hands on hips.
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Lyra couldn’t hold back her laughter. She lifted the little creature into her arms and showered it with gentle teasing.
“Mm p>
A stifled groan echoed from inside one cell. Lyra immediately stopped and peered inside with
concern.
Cedric was crouched on the floor, hunching his body inward, clearly in terrible discomfort.
Lyra’s expression turned serious. She typed on her Star Brain. “What’s wrong p>
Cedric shook his head. His cheeks and ears burned hot. He kept his head lowered, unwilling to let anyone see how flustered and miserable he looked.
“…Nothing p>
It was obvious that everything was far from fine.
Lyra asked again gently, “Are you sure? If you’re hurting, you have to tell me. Any illness is easier to treat when caught early p>
Cedric mumbled a vague reply.
“…Truly, it’s nothing. You should get back to your work p>
Lyra lingered by the door, still worried while holding the ferret.
Harlan, who knew what was going on, stepped in to ease Cedric’s embarrassment.
“…Little Lyra, could you come over here for a moment p>
Lyra blinked at the intimate nickname.
She glanced back at Cedric, then headed toward Harlan with her little entourage trailing behind.
Cedric breathed a quiet sigh of relief, silently grateful that Harlan had stepped up to save him.
Lyra tapped her Star Brain. “What do you need p>
Harlan’s gaze shifted nervously.
Truth be told, he had no real business to discuss.
“Uh…I just wanted to ask what color you like. I’ve just learned a new weaving pattern recently p>
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As he spoke, he awkwardly held out several balls of yarn for Lyra to see.
Lyra fell silent for a moment.
She typed her reply, “I don’t have a favorite color. Any gift you make by hand will mean a lot to
me p>
At her words, Harlan stared into her sincere eyes, his breath catching in his throat.
After a long pause, his voice came out rough and quiet. “Alright, I understand p>
But Lyra’s mind was still fixed on Cedric’s strange state. She completely missed the deep, heavy look Harlan directed at her.
She nodded, ready to check on Cedric again.
She barely turned to leave when Harlan called after her.
“Sorry for using that nickname just now. I hope you don’t mind me calling you that without asking p>
Lyra shook her head.
The Star Brain replied, “Names are meant to be used. Call me whatever feels easiest p>
Harlan’s tension faded, his tone softening. “Okay p>
“Then why do you always act annoyed when I call you that p>
Before he could finish speaking, another voice cut in from afar.
Lyra turned her head toward the far end of the second–floor corridor.
…He really woke up at the perfect time.
She gave Harlan an apologetic smile and first went to check on Cedric.
He seemed to feel better now, busily brushing the fur of his cats.
Only afterward did she head to Felix’s cell to answer his question.
“Harlan used a regular nickname. You use a teasing moniker p>
Felix still stayed hidden out of sight. He stared wide–eyed in shock.
“You’re unbelievably biased! What’s the difference between what I call you and what they do p>
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“I even added an extra word to sound warmer p>
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Lyra typed back, “Their nicknames are casual and kind. Yours is meant to taunt p>
She added another line, “Besides, everyone plays favorites p>
Felix ground his teeth, rendered speechless by her bluntness.
“Wow, you’re openly admitting you treat people differently?
“Only the new ones get your smiles, while the old ones get left out in the cold?
“Lyra, could you be any more heartless p>
Lyra fell quiet.
She leaned her head into the cell opening with a blank expression.
The man throwing his tantrum inside instantly fell silent. He spun around and pressed himself tight into the shadowed corner.
Lyra sighed.
She stretched her arm inside and held up her Star Brain right where he could see it.
“You said I ignore the old ones? Turn around and show me p>
Tiny pinpricks of light flickered within the darkness.
A pair of wings folded around her hand, stiff feathers poking against her palm as if voicing indignant frustration.
“You flighty little thing. What kind of victory is bullying people just because you have the upper hand? ”
Lyra pulled her arm back, utterly exasperated.
Feathers brushed across her wrist, as if trying to catch hold of her, yet restrained by invisible barriers.
Lyra typed sharply, “Don’t talk nonsense. ”
Felix fixed his gaze on her face illuminated by the light, defiant.
“What are you gonna do about it p>
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Lyra sent her threat, “I’ll send the spirit animal in here and pluck every single feather you have. ”
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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.