Chapter 176
Chapter 177 Rigid Rules, Gentle Care
It was not long before he returned, hauling a large sack filled with food.
But as he reached the doorway, Core Prime Sentinels blocked his path.
Their reason was that all food given to the Guide had to be checked.
Hadrien pressed his lips together, exasperated.
86
Finished
Were the supplies from Black Spire’s own commissary–food everyone on–site ate–somehow tainted?
Zev was summoned over.
His tone remained strictly official. “Inspection is mandatory p>
Hadrien did not wish to stir up a commotion that would reach Lyra.
A bitter laugh escaped him. “Fine. Carry out your check p>
Once the inspection concluded, Zev lifted a hand.
“All clear. Go in p>
Cold fury rolling off his frame, Hadrien snatched up the sack and stepped inside.
Inside the cell block, under Lyra’s influence, some Sentinels were again experiencing the pain of contamination being forcibly stripped from their minds, and they unconsciously let out low, suppressed groans.
Hadrien drew a deep breath, pushing his irritation aside.
He rapped gently on the door to Cell 120.
Buzz.
A notification pinged across the Star Brain.
“Come on in p>
Hadrien pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was dim; only the faint glow of a holographic projection cast soft light through the
space.
118
11:16 Mon, Sep 14
Chapter 177 Rigid Rules, Gentle Care
Lyra sat on the wide floor mat, leaning against the thick–furred white bear.
At the sound of movement, the girl and the bear both turned their heads.
Two pairs of pitch–black eyes flecked with tiny glimmers fixed themselves on him.
“Should I turn on the lights?” Hadrien asked.
Lyra shook her head and typed a message on her Star Brain. “Don’t bother. I like this atmosphere p>
AG
86
Finished
Hadrien dragged a small table over and laid out an array of snacks and drinks across its surface for her to choose from.
Lyra grinned, treating the spread like an unboxing surprise. She tore open a random packet and took a bite.
She did not forget Hadrien, who had run the errand for her, and handed some over to share.
Hadrien shook his head. “I’m not hungry. Enjoy it yourself p>
Lyra tried persuading him again, yet he still declined.
Knock, knock.
Another knock echoed at the door.
“Ms. Kaelin, eating right before rest hinders digestion. Please moderate your intake p>
The smile faded from Lyra’s face. Irritated, she typed sharply to send him away.
“Leave me alone p>
Zev hesitated for a moment. Having fulfilled his duty to advise, he retreated to his post.
Lyra looked away and shoveled more food into her mouth.
She was going to eat.
She was going to eat plenty of it.
“Slow down,” Hadrien said softly.
Lyra set her jaw, her cheeks stuffed full like a grumpy squirrel.
She had been in such a good mood, yet hearing Zev’s voice frayed her nerves, triggering an almost stress–induced reaction.
315
11:16 Mon, Sep 14
Chapter 177 Rigid Rules, Gentle Care
គ
86
Finished
“Have some water,” Hadrien offered.
Lyra accepted the drink gratefully.
She gestured toward the snacks on the table, silently asking: Are you certain you won’t have any?
Hadrien shook his head once more.
Noticing she still wore the thin single–layer hospital garment, he asked with concern, “Are you cold p>
Lyra waved the question off.
When her eating pace slowed, Hadrien walked to the bathroom, fetched a basin of warm water, and knelt to wash her hands before drying them carefully.
Lyra moved to pull her hands away, wanting to do it herself.
“I can tidy everything up all at once,” Hadrien told her.
His quiet thoughtfulness sent warmth flooding into Lyra’s cheeks.
Hadrien’s full attention remained on drying her hands, completely unaware of the shy glances she stole at him.
Once her hands were clean, he quickly gathered all the snack wrappers and rubbish, leaving the room neat again.
“Rest well. I’ll head out for now p>
Lyra lowered her eyes and nodded.
When she heard the door click shut, she slowly lifted her head.
Her spirit animals stared back at her, blinking.
Their blank, innocent gazes made her face burn hotter.
All of her silly, irritable moments just now had been witnessed.
Overcome with embarrassment, Lyra wrapped her arms around the white bear and her other spirit animals, dragging them onto the mat and tugging the blanket over their heads.
None of you is allowed to watch!
315
11:16 Mon, Sep 14
86
Chapter 177 Rigid Rules, Gentle Care
Finished
The spirit animals understood nothing of feminine bashfulness.
They assumed Lyra had finished eating and wanted to play.
Every one of them grew instantly eager.
Truth be told, they had been fighting sleep while quietly sitting and watching a show they could not understand earlier.
Lyra settled in to play with her fluffy companions inside the cell.
Outside the door, Zev confronted Hadrien over his unrestrained indulgence toward the Guide.
Hadrien had no desire to engage, knowing it would only leave him seething.
“Do you truly disregard the Guide’s physical well–being?” Zev questioned.
When Hadrien stayed silent, Zev pressed on, “Even as her personal guard, your conduct falls far below standard p>
Hadrien shot him a sideways glance. “You people only care about her physical condition. I care about her body, and I care about making her happy too p>
Zev shook his head. “This is reckless indulgence. She will be the one who suffers the consequences eventually p>
“I know where to draw the line,” Hadrien replied. “I do not share your habit of clinging rigidly to rules, oblivious to how aggravating you become p>
“What I offer is standard counsel founded on documented real–world cases,” Zev insisted.
Seeing there was no reasoning with him, Hadrien simply closed his eyes.
The next morning, facility staff arrived to deliver meals to the Sentinels. They froze on the upon seeing the heavy security posted outside.
After Core Prime Sentinels questioned the worker, they sought clearance from Zev before granting entry.
The staff member stepped inside, thoroughly on edge.
spot
Not only was the Administrator present, there stood another man radiating equally imposing authority.
The instant those two sharp sets of eyes locked onto him, the worker’s heart lurched.
He turned toward Hadrien and greeted him cautiously.
11:16 Mon, Sep 14
Chapter 177 Rigid Rules, Gentle Care
3
86
Finished
“Proceed as normal,” Hadrien instructed.
Lyra had stayed up late the previous night and was still asleep.
Everyone inside the cell block kept their voices low.
The worker nodded, barely daring to breathe as he handed out rations to the Sentinels.
Once he departed, Hadrien checked his Star Brain.
“Are you awake yet p>
No reply came.
Shortly afterward, the staff member returned a second time, distributing clean uniforms for the Sentinels.
He prepared to follow protocol and ask if anyone needed additional supplies.
Arthur spoke up directly. “No one requires any items today. You don’t need to ask anyone further down the line p>
The worker glanced toward Hadrien.
Hadrien gave a slight nod.
“Understood,” the worker said.
At that moment, Hadrien glanced down at his Star Brain. He turned, tapped softly on Cell 120’s door, and stepped inside.
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.