Chapter 179
Zev read the sarcastic words written on the slip of paper and replied evenly, “No p>
Lyra pursed her lips.
He still refused to admit it.
They spoke of Guides as precious beings, locking them away like caged songbirds–all for their ability to purify psychic contamination.
When an opportunity fell right into their laps, why would anyone turn it down?
After what happened yesterday, he seemed to have developed some resistance. His condition only became obvious when they reached the second floor.
Lyra heard his breathing grow faster and more labored, but she turned her head and pretended not to notice.
The hyena was far too large to carry discreetly like the crow.
She waited until Zev’s condition worsened, until his consciousness blurred completely. Only then did she set the hyena across her lap and cover it with a blanket.
She told Hadrien to wheel her downstairs.
As for Zev, he would either recover on his own or be helped down by other Sentinels.
At least Felix and Rook had been brought down as she’d hoped.
Rapid footsteps echoed outside. Inside the room, Lyra calmly wiped dirt from the hyena’s
paws.
In this unfamiliar space, the creature seemed uneasy, watching every other spirit animal warily.
Even Hadrien, who came over to assist her, received a guarded stare.
Lyra stroked its head, breaking its hostile gaze.
The hyena froze and lifted its eyes toward her.
Lyra smiled and tugged gently at its dark muzzle.
The hyena sniffed, the malice fading from its eyes. It rested its head on her lap and curled its body beside her.
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Chapter 180 The Healing Ointment
Lyra softly brushed its large ears between her fingers.
Sowned
She glanced at the time displayed on the Star Brain, and a tangled mix of helplessness and anxiety washed over her.
They would depart tomorrow.
She had no idea how much she could accomplish in the time remaining.
She sighed silently.
Though Hadrien was busy rushing about, he caught the quiet sound.
“What’s troubling you p>
She shook her head, heavy worries weighing on her mind.
Hadrien’s gaze sharpened, about to press further.
A knock sounded on the door once more.
Both of them frowned and turned toward the entrance.
When Hadrien opened it, the person standing there was not Zev, the last man either wanted to
see.
It was another Sentinel from Core Prime, holding a sealed container.
“Mr. Korth sent this. It’s a specialized medication that speeds Guide’s wound recovery p>
Zev was still too weak to move, so he’d dispatched someone else.
Hadrien did not decline the package.
If it benefited Lyra, there was no reason to refuse.
Lyra thought differently.
When Hadrien returned carrying the ointment box, she frowned and shot him a questioning look: Why accept something from him?
Hadrien understood her silent inquiry and explained, “This does not belong to him. The Federation stocks this medication for all Guides; he merely holds authorization to retrieve it p>
Lyra parted her lips.
Oh.
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Flushed
Hadrien crouched across from her and read the description on the packaging.
“It contains high concentrations of purifying serum. Based on how your wound is healing, applying this should clear it up by tomorrow morning p>
Lyra’s eyelids drooped, clearly unwilling.
She felt disgust not only toward Zev, but toward all of Core Prime.
Seeing her resistance, Hadrien rested one hand lightly on her ankle and spoke gently to soothe her.
“Whatever grievances you hold against them, do not harm your own body over it p>
He continued, “They need your abilities, so providing proper supplies is only fair. Think of it as an exchange p>
Only after hearing that did Lyra reluctantly relent.
Once she agreed, Hadrien carefully peeled away the bandage covering her injury.
The spirit animals quietly retreated to one side, apart from the crow and hyena curled beside her–they would not get in the way.
The doctor had examined her wound during the morning checkup, yet seeing the raw skin on the sole of her foot again made Hadrien’s heart clench.
He felt relief that he had rushed to her side before the damage grew worse, paired with bitter guilt.
He had not been there the instant she needed him, leaving this fragile young woman to face a terrifying psychic monster all alone.
With that thought, his movements grew even softer as he spread the ointment, terrified of causing her pain.
He had already asked the doctor to use the most effective healing salve available, yet supplies on a Grade–two planet could never compare to those on Core Prime.
The previous medication only accelerated scab formation.
This ointment, however, was reserved exclusively for delicate Guides and the wealthy, powerful figures on Core Prime. Its potency existed on another level entirely.
Lyra’s fingers unconsciously twisted the hyena’s round ear.
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FruBed
Her eyes drifted secretly to the man crouching before her. Even beneath his helmet, she could easily picture his focused, earnest expression…
“All finished p>
At those words, Lyra turned her head away abruptly, overcome with embarrassment.
Hadrien lifted his gaze and let his eyes linger on her face for several beats.
“Are you hot p>
She shook her head vigorously.
Then Hadrien noticed how the tips of her ears had flushed bright red again.
He stared at her for a moment and slowly realized what was happening.
He longed to keep looking, yet he did not wish to make her any more flustered.
The crow perched nearby tilted its head back and forth. Its black eyes turned cold.
Caw!
It let out a cry and flopped onto its side beside Lyra.
Both of their attention snapped toward it.
Lyra reached out and stroked its feathers.
Hadrien pulled his intense stare away.
“…In that case… I will leave you to rest p>
Lyra lowered her eyes and nodded.
Hadrien spared her one more glance before slowly standing and walking out.
The crow watched him coldly.
Finally, he’s gone.
When the door clicked shut, Lyra let out a quiet breath of relief.
The crow scrambled upright and squeezed into her arms, clinging to her like an affectionate kitten.
Lyra smiled and ran her fingers over its head.
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Chapter 180 The Healing Ointment
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Finishe
She had slept for quite a while during the day, so that night, Lyra watched shows with the spirit animals for hours before drowsiness finally settled over her.
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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.