Chapter 431
Chapter 432 Poison Hidden Within the Captives
Specter grew increasingly anxious under her unblinking gaze.
“I–I’ll go get her right now p>
Finished
A neck brace locked Lyra’s cervical spine so she could not turn her head freely. She could only search around with her eyes.
Noticing this, Specter hurried to ask, “What are you looking for? I’ll fetch it for you p>
He stood up and picked up every item her eyes swept over to check.
Her Star Brain was nowhere in sight.
Her gaze shifted toward Specter’s wrist.
Understanding what she needed, Specter unclipped his Star Brain and handed it over at once.
Her other hand still lacked strength. Eyelids heavy, Lyra typed slowly and sluggishly.
“Was this your doing p>
Specter froze.
“What?” he blurted out instinctively.
He met Lyra’s clear, watchful eyes and quickly shook his head. “Wait–are you talking about those men from earlier? We did not do this p>
Lyra stared steadily at him, plainly unconvinced.
Specter explained, sounding helpless. “It truly wasn’t us. We already agreed to have the Federation send those men over for you. Why would we kill them now? Besides, we gain nothing by silencing them p>
Lyra shot him a glance and typed, “Then why such perfect timing p>
Right when one of them was about to spill the truth.
Of course she would suspect these people were guilty and trying to hide something.
And she had only recently said she wanted to leave.
Now she was badly injured, which would force her to stay longer.
Specter was close to despair.
“I have no idea how this happened. You watched those prisoners get off the ship yourself. After that, only you had contact with them. None of us set foot inside that room p>
Lyra said nothing, continuing to study every shift in his expression.
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Chapter 432–Poison Hidden Within the Captives
He pleaded helplessly, “Guide, please trust us. We would never hurt you p>
Finished
Lyra fell silent. She drew deep breath and closed her eyes, clearly unwilling to hear more excuses.
Seeing her state, Specter sighed heavily in frustration and slowly walked out of the room.
As soon as he left, Lyra opened her eyes again, her gaze fixed quietly on the closed door.
Reid arrived with the autopsy findings.
“We found Bezir toxin inside all of the prisoners‘ bodies p>
Reid explained, “This substance originates from the creature named Bezir, native to a small asteroid 3.2 light–years away from the Grade–two planet.
“Victims show no obvious symptoms at first. Roughly ten hours after exposure, the toxin triggers violent, mind–destroying mania. It then paralyzes the heart and causes death.
“In its early stages, it can even work as a painkiller, so long as you inject the antidote in time p>
This explained why the men had shown no obvious distress even after their tongues had been cut out.
Lyra listened quietly, then typed, “Are you saying the Federation poisoned them p>
Reid nodded. “They never fully trusted those men in our hands. The Federation intended to trade them to get you back.
“Those men are already irredeemable criminals in Core Prime’s eyes. Even without being used for a hostage swap, they would have been executed to appease public anger p>
Jasper cut in, “The Federation’s original plan was that those captives would die shortly after you were returned to them. We would never get access to their secrets. Neither side expected the other had hidden
tricks of their own p>
Lyra glanced at Jasper, then back at Reid. “That’s your conclusion p>
Jasper spread his hands. “Isn’t the conclusion obvious p>
Lyra typed, “Why not mention the other possibility p>
Jasper shook his head with a faint smile. “It seems we cannot shake your suspicions toward us p>
He sighed. “I wish I hadn’t teased you back then p>
No smile touched Lyra’s face. She watched them calmly.
The air in the room grew heavy and tense.
Jessa stepped in to defuse the awkward mood.
“Alright. She needs rest. All of you should leave and let her have some quiet p>
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Finished
The men glanced at Lyra, then turned and filed out of the rooin
Jessa walked over, telling Lyra not to dwell on everything and focus on recovering.
She asked whether Lyra wanted something to cal.
Lyra closed her eyes faintly to signal no.
Jessa tucked the blanket around her. “I’ll wait outside the door. Call for me if you need anything p>
Lyra typed quickly to stop her before she could leave.
“Jessa, could you stay with me p>
Jessa froze upon hearing that.
She turned around, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing her features.
“…Of course I can p>
It seemed Lyra had set aside all past grievances.
Her typing carried a gentle tone.
“Jessa, have you belonged here the whole time p>
Jessa sat down beside the bed. “…Yes p>
Lyra typed, “I can tell. Life here feels far looser and freer than the Federation, where every single thing is bound by rigid rules p>
Jessa smiled at those words.
“So many rumors about us were fabricated out of thin air by the dishonorable people of the Federation. If we were truly as terrible as they claim, why would so many choose to fight alongside us p>
Lyra looked toward her. “I envy you p>
“You could stay here,” Jessa said. “Everyone would welcome you. No one would treat you like the Federation did, only chasing to exploit your Guide powers p>
Lyra typed, “It’s not the same, Jessa. I’m the kind of person who shifts with the tide. I’ll never truly fit in anywhere. Even if others do not judge me, my own conscience will not let it go.
“You know I have no family. Once, I thought you were the only family I had. But later… I learned that family was never real p>
Her eyes dropped, heavy with sorrow.
Guilt washed over Jessa at once. “Lyra… I’m sorry p>
Lyra’s eyes grew damp.
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Chapter 432 Poison Hidden Within the Captives
She brushed away the moisture at her corners.
“I considered the Sentinels trapped inside Black Spire my friends p>
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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.