Chapter 197
Lyra darted a quick glance toward the doorway where Hadrien had left, then shifted her gaze to the viewport to ease her embarrassment.
Ding–dong.
The doorbell rang.
The attendant had brought the food.
Hadrien moved to answer the door, but as he stepped out from the sleeping quarters, he watched Lyra bolt toward the entrance like a skittish rabbit.
Her quick, nimble movement caught him off guard.
“Greetings, Guide. Here is your dinner. Please enjoy p>
The young attendant froze for a split second when Lyra opened the door.
He had expected the Sentinel tasked to guard and serve her to answer. Instead, the high–ranking Guide stood at the threshold while her Sentinel waited a short distance back, as if he expected her to bring food to him.
The reversed dynamic left the attendant stunned.
Lyra paid no mind to his shocked expression. She just needed something to occupy herself; awkwardness always pushed her to keep busy.
Hadrien stepped forward at once to take the tray.
“Let me handle this. You can sit down p>
That was how things should be.
The attendant offered a few more polite words before closing the door and leaving quietly.
Lyra grew flustered again when Hadrien drew near.
She shook her head quickly to decline his help, grabbing the shiny silver serving cart and wheeling it toward the dining table.
Hadrien hurried after her.
As she carried plates onto the table, he gently draped a blanket over her shoulders, then took the dishes from her hands.
“I’ve got it p>
Lyra paused, stepping back silently. She watched him arrange every plate neatly and pull out a chair for
her.
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Chapter 198 Ambush in Deep Space
All set
Lyra lowered her eyes and nodded before sitting down.
Hadrien stood beside her, carefully portioning out the dishes he knew she preferred.
Lyra typed on her device, You should sit and eat too p>
His voice sounded right beside her.
“I’m not hungry p>
Lyrafell quiet and ate a couple of bites.
The cuisine from Core Prime was exquisitely prepared, yet the food tasted bland on her tongue.
She had little appetite to begin with and was about to set down her utensils.
Finished
Hadrien spotted something outside the viewport out of the corner of his eye. On instinct, he pulled Lyra firmly into his arms.
Lyra’s eyes widened in shock at his sudden movement.
A deafening explosion roared only a heartbeat later, and the starship shuddered violently beneath them.
She twisted her head toward the viewport in alarm.
Against the black expanse dotted with distant stars, a dozen escort frigates circled the vessel, firing streams of light at unseen targets.
Bright energy beams shot back from the shadowed void.
The enemy shifted their firing angle, launching assaults from a new direction.
The hostile craft blended seamlessly with deep space, hidden completely in the darkness. No human eye could spot them until they struck.
The enemy warships struck with uncanny, ghostlike maneuverability. Several of the escort frigates took direct hits, smoke billowing from their hulls as flames ignited.
Crew members were immediately ejected from the disabled ships, picked up by allied vessels rushing to provide rescue.
More frigates surged forward, launching coordinated counterattacks toward the enemy’s concealed positions.
Before Lyra could process the chaos, Hadrien pulled her urgently out of the suite.
The rebel forces had learned that this fleet was escorting the new Guide back and had chosen to ambush them on the way, catching the Core Prime fleet off guard.
Once out in the corridor, Zev, Yannis, and the others hurried toward them.
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Chapter 108 Ambush in Deep Space
Seeing Lyra unharmed, Zev spoke in a low, steady tone.
“Take her to the safehouse,
Lyra was surrounded by guards and rushed toward the safehouse.
Lior from the Guide Protection Association walked beside her, explaining the situation.
“That section is the most secure part of the starship. It will shield you from all harm.
“If the worst–case scenario unfolds and the vessel sustains irreparable damage, the ship will deploy multiple decoy escape pods to distract attackers.
Finished
“You will board one of the genuine shuttles. You need to stay hidden far from the combat zone and wait for relief forces.
“Of course, you don’t need to be afraid. What I’m talking about is the worst–case scenario.
“We’re moving you there purely as a precaution, while the enemy’s strength remains unknown.
“We brought an entire Sentinel regiment for this mission. Nothing will go wrong p>
Lyra nodded repeatedly, anxiety coiling in her chest.
Hadrien stayed close at her side. He adjusted the blanket draped over her shoulders and sent a quiet wave of calm through their connection.
“Don’t be afraid p>
Lyra clutched the edge of the blanket tightly, subconsciously stepping nearer to him, seeking comfort.
Recognizing her tension, Hadrien tightened his arm, drawing her almost fully against his chest.
The group descended one deck and reached the safehouse. The thunder of explosions and weapons fire faded slightly.
Zev issued orders methodically, his tone steady and unwavering.
As if he had faced such sudden incidents many times before, which was why he could be so composed.
Lyra looked at him a little longer.
As her personal guard, Hadrien was required to remain by her side at all times. They were assigned to a smaller central compartment.
Lior, Yannis, and the rest positioned themselves in the surrounding rooms.
After assigning extra guards to secure the area, Zev departed to coordinate countermeasures against the
ambush.
Lyra studied the space warily.
It was like a miniature version of the starship. One side housed living quarters: an open sleeping area with
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Chapter 198 Ambush in Deep Space
a hied, a restroom, and a compact bar.
Opposite it was the control area, where the densely packed consoles left her dazzled.
576
Finished
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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.