Chapter 276
Chapter 277 Tangled Promises
Aaaaaah!
How did it turn out like this p>
Hadrien way one thing. After all, she really had grown fond of him.
If what he’d said was true, intimate purification was basically the equivalent of getting married and throwing a big wedding reception
She could live with that.
When feelings ran deep, things like that were bound to happen.
But…
She’d already given Felix and Rhys her word
How on earth was she supposed to face them now?
Lyra had been raised believing strictly in monogamy
Thrown into this mess out of nowhere she wished she could travel back in time and shake some sense into her old, overly agreeable self.
Maybe if she explained everything carefully, they would understand…
Then there was her mindscape. If she never developed one, what was her bond with Hadrien even? Like living together without any official commitment?
He might be fine with it now, but what about years down the line? When they grew old?
On top of that, Elowen had warned her Every purification performed on a Sentinel deepened their affection toward their Gunde
Which meant she was attracting admirers without even realizing it Could Hadrien keep accepting this?
Lyra’s thoughts spiraled into total chaos.
Frustrated, she banged her fists against the mattress.
Ding-dong.
Ding-dong.
5
The alert tone pulled her out of her head.
After a beat, she lifted her wrist
Ms. Kachin, a formal welcome ceremony will be held in a few days to introduce you to the entire Federation
“We will need custom-made formal wear for your appearance. Are you free tomorrow? Design staff will come to take your measurements and discuss your look p>
Lyra had expected the message to be from Hadrien. Seeing it was Lior instead came as a relief
She was in no emotional state to face him right now
She typed back. The walk-in closet is already stuffed with brand-new outfits. Do we really need custom ones p>
Lior replied, “Those are only for your everyday use The ceremony carries huge public significance. You must appear in full formal regalia, so a tailor-made set is required p>
Lyra could not have cared less about all of this Her mind was elsewhere.
“Whatever. I’m free tomorrow
Lior replied, “Perfect. I will arrange for the designers to drop by Would ten o’clock in the morning work for you p>
Lyra sent a short affirmative reply
She rolled over, stretched her arms out, stared up at the ceiling and let out a long, heavy breath.
Ugh. This is so messed up.
A little while later, she bent one arm and stared blankly at her Star Brain
Should I talk to Rhys right now
Would it mess with his mental state?
But waiting until I am supposed to purify him will be far too late…
After a moment of hesitation, Lyra decided she had to get this over with early.
Dragging things out and giving false hope was the same as stringing someone along.
11:22 Mon, Sep 21
Rhys do you have a minute
Dim light filled the room, illuminated only by glowing monitor screens
Keys clattered as the tentacles of a faintly glowing blue-ringed octopus rared across them
Its eight tentarles worked several keyboards at once with ease.
The incoming message alert chimed. Every typing tentacle froze instantly
Shitted, devilish eyes snapped toward the text popping up on screen.
Behind the creature, Specter, who had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes shut, opened them at once.
A faint, involuntary smile tugged at his lips when he saw who the message was from.
The octopus tentacles pulled away from the other keyboards, focusing solely on replying to
her.
“Sure thing. What’s on your mind. Guide
Lyra bit her lip, picking her words with great care before typing tentatively, “Have you ever been close with any other Guide before
Specter tilted his head as he read
First he needed to figure out whether this was some private topic only between her and Rhys.
“Where’s this coming from all of a sudden p>
Lyra replied. “Just curious.
Reassured, he answered openly, “Nope Only you
Lyra worried her lower lip between her teeth. “Smce I got here, I’ve met several other Guides. They all have such distinct, charming personalities, and they re kind-hearted too.
Specter stared at the screen, brushing a finger over his own lips, deep in thought.
“Did you make some new friends p>
He had completely missed her point.
She’d hoped Rhys might grow connections with other Guides. Everyone here was conditioned to accept that kind of dynamic.
11:22 Mon, Sep 21
She was not
Then a critical thought hit Eyra
She way he one who had volunteered to purify the Black Spire Sentinels.
Every other Guide already carried their own heavy workload.
She’d seen Ayla grow drained after purifying merely two Sentinels. Why would any of them take on extra psychic strain?
Not to mention their personal guards would never allow it.
Asking that would only dump unnecessary trouble onto them.
Lyra realized she had accidentally boxed herself in.
Sighing quietly, she buried her face in her hands, defeated.
Helplessly, she replied, “Yeah, I made new friends”
His reply popped up fast. That’s awesome. Did you guys go out and have a good time?
Lyra stared at the display and typed slowly. “Yeah, I had fun
Specter let out a low, knowing chuckle
“Is that so? What did you get up to? Why no photos
Lyra froze.
“Just silly girl stuff I forgot to take any pictures back then.
Changing the subject, she typed hastily “By the way have Felix and Rook’s contamination levels gone up p>
She tried to sneak away from the conversation, but he kept pressing, clearly intrigued.
“I’ve always wondered what girls do for fun
Tell me. Maybe I could join you sometime.
Lyra replied. “It’s just boring little games. You still haven’t answered my question p>
Specter’s eyes crinkled in amusement.
“Their readings haven’t shifted. Same as always.
45
11:22 Mon, Sep 21
Cmon Even boring games sound interesting Spill
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.