Chapter 30
Chapter 30 A Visit From the Administrator
Athe dogs were perfectly well–behaved.
They didn’t even wait for Cedric to call them over–excited, big, fluffy dogs bounded straight toward Lyra.
After hours of running and playing outside, they were brimming with energy, rearing up to plant their paws on her torso, tongues lolling as they tried to lick her face nonstop.
Surrounded by so many sweet giant fur babies, Lyra’s heart swelled with pure joy.
Her grin widened, and she struggled gently to calm the overexcited pack down.
Cedric watched from a short distance with a soft smile, murmuring quiet commands to settle the dogs.
He knelt off to one side, clipping leashes onto his aloof, stubborn cats one by one–cats that refused to move an inch or listen to any orders.
Draven still lingered in the pool water, though he’d turned around without Lyra noticing.
He rested his chin on both palms, gazing gently at the young girl laughing and playing with the dogs across the yard.
Cedric owned a pack of large dogs with thick, voluminous coats.
Lyra’s small frame looked tiny next to a single Alaskan Malamute alone.
When several big dogs lunged at her all at once, Lyra lost her balance and stumbled backward onto the green lawn.
The dogs wagged their tails so fast they blurred like spinning propellers, quickly swarming and burying her in a fluffy heap.
From the pool, Draven watched her laugh brightly as she ducked away from their slobbery licks. Her lips stretched wide into a huge smile, her eyes glowing warm and bright.
The only sounds filling the yard were the heavy, panting breaths of the giant dogs–no human laughter could be heard from her, mute as she was.
On the walk back inside escorted by yard guards, Lyra spotted other Sentinels being herded back after their outdoor time.
Compared to the dozens locked in cells across Building Three, barely a handful had put in requests for yard
access.
Each cell block had its own separate exercise yard, a rule meant to limit close contact between corrupted Sentinels that might amplify each other’s psychic instability.
It meant none of the lively scenes from old prison holovids–no chatting, no pickup ball games during free time.
Once Draven and Cedric were safely locked back in their cells, the guards removed their psychic scan wristbands and departed.
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Chapter 30 A Visit From the Administrator
Cedric spotted the new supplies Lyra had left for him and quickly thanked her.
Draven smiled warmly. “The little colorful fish you brought me are beautiful. I love them–thank you p>
Lyra nodded happily, relieved he liked them.
She turned and headed to the cafeteria to collect the midday meal carts.
Before wheeling food back to the cells, she pulled out her list and double–checked the day’s menu, making sure none of the dishes included ingredients Marcel in Cell 112 hated.
Satisfied, she pushed the loaded cart back down the hall.
While Lyra collected lunch trays, Draven stared at the small tank of bright ornamental fish she’d delivered.
Behind him, an entire wall–length aquarium held his spirit animal, swimming silently back and forth.
He hadn’t placed the new small fish in with it.
Unlike Cedric, who relied on small creatures to ease his loneliness, Draven had a different reason for asking Lyra to bring the tiny aquatic pets.
Just then, steady footsteps echoed down the corridor, loud enough for every Sentinel in their cells to hear.
All eyes drifted toward the thick metal cell doors.
This gait was nothing like Lyra’s light, quick footsteps.
The metal service shutter creaked open with a faint squeak.
Draven glanced over, a faint, amused tug lifting the corner of his mouth.
What brings a busy man like you here p>
At the slot, Hadrien’s signature matte black tactical helmet glinted with dim, cold light.
A low, calm voice came muffled from inside the helmet.
“Routine inspection p>
Draven chuckled, holding the small fish tank up to admire the swimmers inside, tone casual and unconcerned. “I wonder what you plan to inspect p>
Hadrien watched Draven lounge casually inside, his gaze dragging slowly over every inch of the Sentinel’s frame in a slow, thorough assessment.
Draven could feel the heavy stare, yet he kept sprinkling fish flakes into the tank without a care.
After a moment, the service shutter slammed shut. The footsteps moved on to the adjacent cell.
Cedric’s confused voice carried out. “Hadrien? ”
Years ago, back when Cedric’s contamination level was still low enough for field duty, his unit had partnered briefly with Hadrien’s team on a joint mission.
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Chapter 30 A Visit From the Administrator
Cedric was far calmer and gentler than most hotheaded Sentinels, so Hadrien had always spoken to him with noticeably softer patience.
“How have you been holding up lately?” Hadrien asked bluntly, sounding almost like he truly cared about his condition.
Cedric was refilling water bowls and pouring dry kibble for his pets, a soft, tender smile on his handsome. delicate face as all his attention stayed fixed on the little animals.
“I’m doing fine p>
Hadrien’s eyes, hidden behind helmet plating, swept over the clutter of pets before settling back on Cedric, studying him silently.
“Is the new cell block attendant doing her job properly p>
At the mention of Lyra, Cedric’s smile deepened.
“She’s wonderful. Diligent, careful, and incredibly kind p>
Hadrien showed no surprise at the glowing review–everyone knew Cedric had always been soft–hearted.
“Has living here these past weeks been tolerable p>
“Yes,” Cedric replied, then twisted his head to face the slot.
“Did you come all this way just to ask me that p>
The full tactical helmet covered every inch of Hadrien’s face completely. Cedric could feel his unblinking gaze, but not a single flicker of expression was visible underneath.
These specialized helmets were standard issue for all Sentinels, built to defend against sudden psychic monster ambushes, stopping mental attacks before they could catch them off guard.
Hadrien didn’t answer his question directly.
“I only wanted to check how everyone’s adjusted to the new attendant. After all, she’s a brand–new hire with a communication impairment p>
Cedric stood straight, processing the reply.
On the surface, his words sounded reasonable enough, but the longer Cedric thought about it, th
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.