Chapter 203
Feral Sentiaefs Obey Only Her
Chapter 204 The Gilded White Citadel
A cold, lonely grief hung off Lyra, like a child watching herself be abandoned.
Finished
“ Ms. Kaelin, we hope your journey went smoothly. The White Citadel has prepared your new living quarters. Welcome gifts are waiting for you inside. We consulted other Guides on all the decor, though we cannot be sure it suits your taste.
“If you dislike it, several other houses are available. Rest tonight, and tomorrow you may redesign everything however you wish p>
One of the men stepped forward gently, trying to pull her focus away from her sorrow as he watched her
silent tears.
Local security patrols had cleared and cordoned off the landing zone for the new Guide’s arrival. Terminal staff stood far off, craning their necks, curious to catch a glimpse of her.
Lyra swiped roughly at her wet cheeks and walked forward without a word.
The group quickly closed around her with warm enthusiasm.
Sleek custom–built hovercars already waited nearby.
Staff from both the White Citadel and the Guide Protection Association were relieved to have her safely in
their care.
Once the hovercars lifted away, the busy terminal turned quiet.
Another officer approached Zev. “Captain, the director orders you to submit a full work report regarding your two –day stay on the Grade–two planet p>
For the sake of Guide safety and to prevent information leaks, Oversight Council would normally have removed Lyra immediately, paying no mind to her wishes or Sentinel casualties inside Black Spire.
Zev had intervened. He laid out her fragile mental state, warning that bloodshed would make her refuse to cooperate with the White Citadel and could push her straight toward rebel factions.
Only then had the director reluctantly agreed. Even so, the director still resented Zev for overstepping his authority.
This report meant Zev was about to get a formal reprimand.
Zev tore his gaze away and headed for Oversight headquarters without reply.
Inside the hovercar, people chattered non–stop, pointing out Core Prime’s lan
Lyra had already seen these sights once before. She felt no sense of wonder, o mind stuck on the punishment Hadrien would face.
The hovercar rode smoothly. Sentinels on small hover–boards flanked them, weapon path.
1:16 pm P PP
Chapter 204The Sided White Citadel
Anyone on the ground could tell someone of great importance rode inside.
Finished
After winding through city districts, a massive complex of gleaming white buildings came into view, grand and stately like an ancient castle
Yannis gestured toward it with quiet pride. “This is the White Citadel p>
Lyra shifted her eyes.
“The central building holds administrative offices. Further back are private chambers where Guides perform purifications for Sentinels. Every room is separate, built to protect personal privacy.
“Those connected buildings over there are the Guides‘ Home. Plenty of space for many residents.
‘ Scattered around them are all kinds of facilities: dining halls, recreation areas, shopping centers, everything you could need p>
Lyra stared. What a huge, beautiful birdcage.
“Surrounding the White Citadel are Sentinel barracks and our Guide Protection Association offices,” Lior added. “Help from Sentinels or our association is always close at hand if trouble arises p>
Lyra listened half–heartedly. Her gaze drifted toward another cluster of denser, more imposing government buildings.
She pointed.
Yannis started explaining, “That complex houses the Federation’s three core branches: the Administrative Cabinet p>
Lyra lost interest. She scanned the lower horizon instead.
Way over at the far edge of her window view, she spotted a heavy shadow of black architecture, dark as storm clouds.
It bore the unmistakable look of Black Spire.
It really was incredibly far away.
The hovercar touched down inside the Guides‘ Home.
Sentinels posted at the main gate checked Yannis and Lior’s identification badges, saluted, and signal the barrier to open.
The vehicle glided inside at low altitude.
Up close, the neighborhood resembled wealthy gated communities back on Earth.
Lush trees lined wide streets, and large standalone mansions stood on every lot.
Each home had been remodeled to match the personal taste of its Guide resident.
Hearing the large convoy pull up, people stepped out onto second–floor balconies to watch.
1:16 pm P PPP
Chapter 204 The Gilded White Citadel
Finished
Every balcony held tall, handsome Sentinels gathered around a single woman.
Unlike the uniform, powerful build of Sentinels, the female Guides varied widely in height and figure.
One tall woman leaned lazily against a railing in a bright emerald slip dress, her skin flawless, every movement full of effortless charm.
Another round–faced, cute Guide wore loose, comfy loungewear, munching from a big bag of snacks while she watched the arrival with open curiosity.
A third in soft lavender robes tended bright blooming flowers in her front yard; she paused and observed Lyra’s convoy with gentle, calm eyes.
All of them looked thoroughly content and settled, their manner foft and peaceful.
Lyra remembered her old coworkers back at Black Spire. During meals, they often gossiped that Guides lived in luxury, spoiled and entitled, sometimes even downright temperamental.
576
四
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.