Chapter 54
Chapter 54 Shifts in Authority
Finishe
“Does this also reflect that you and your people have been derelict in duty and lining your own pockets p>
Boren dipped his head in immediate remorse.
“It falls to my oversight. I am ready to accept any penalty.
“If you still place trust in me, grant me one chance to make amends p>
Hadrien showed no mercy.
“You and your team oversee personnel matters, yet the system leaks like a sieve. First, sort out your division.
“You will no longer handle staff assignments for the time being. I will appoint others to take charge p>
His line of questioning had peeled back layer after layer of staffing flaws and lax work standards, laid bare as Boren shifted blame elsewhere.
Stripping him of this authority came naturally.
A flicker crossed Boren’s eyes, though his expression remained steady.
“…Understood.
“Mr. Vale,” he paused, looking hesitant, “I know you tolerate no misconduct. If large numbers of staff are dismissed for violating regulations, massive staffing gaps will cripple daily operations inside Black Spire…
He attempted to frame it as a thoughtful warning, hoping to prove his dedication to the facility and improve his standing with Hadrien.
Hadrien cut him off bluntly. “I am aware p>
Boren’s words died in his throat.
He stood, voice heavy with self-reproach.
“I have failed to earn your trust. I will return to reflect deeply, and crack down on laziness and slacking among my subordinates to ensure nothing like this happens again p>
Hadrien stared down at his paperwork and offered a vague hum.
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Chapter 54 Shifts in Authority
Finis
Boren shot him one quick glance, lips pressed tight, and departed with a demeanor of humb guilt.
Once alone, Hadrien fixed his gaze on Lyra’s employment form, lingering over it for a long stretch of time.
The following morning, Lyra worked distractedly through her shift, then headed straight for the medical wing to visit Jessa.
Jessa was awake when she arrived, though her features looked weary and drained.
A nurse sat beside her, helping her sip water.
“You’re here p>
At the sight of Lyra, Jessa forced a faint smile, her voice thin with exhaustion.
Lyra stepped forward at once and squeezed her hand gently.
Jessa still lacked strength, yet her fingers curled softly around Lyra’s in return.
“I owe you my thanks for yesterday. You saved
my
life p>
Lyra shook her head, her gaze filled with concern.
The nurse went over aftercare instructions, tossed one more look toward them, and stepped
out.
Jessa studied Lyra from head to toe.
“You weren’t hurt, were you p>
Lyra shook her head again to signal she was unharmed.
“I’d just picked up the alarm and meant to warn you,” Jessa sighed. “Before I could say a word, that psychic monster got to me p>
She turned to Lyra, a subtle, unreadable glint in her eyes.
“That creature was so powerful. Are you truly all right p>
Lyra hesitated briefly. She pointed loosely to her head and waved her hands vaguely, as if to say the influence touched her briefly, then faded away.
Jessa could not fully decipher the gesture, but Lyra’s evasive eyes told her the truth did not
16:39 Mon, Aug 31
Chapter 54 Shifts in Authority
match her account.
She knew better than to press, offering a quiet smile and playing along with the vague explanation.
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it p>
Lyra pointed toward Jessa’s head next.
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Finished
“I’m improving,” Jessa replied. “The doctor said it is not severe. I just need rest for a while p>
Lyra nodded in relief.
She pulled her hand back, took out paper and pen, then held up what she had written.
“I’m so sorry, Jessa. I’ve dragged you into trouble again p>
If she had not needed Jessa’s help, Jessa would never have suffered this undeserved harm.
Jessa shot her a mild, chiding look.
“Don’t speak like that. I thought we were more than supervisor and subordinate-we’re friends p>
Lyra lowered her gaze.
“Jessa, you are both my mentor and my closest friend here. That is exactly why I hate seeing you get hurt p>
Jessa smiled softly at the words.
“I feel the same way. I never want to watch you get hurt or pushed around p>
Lyra bit her lip, overcome with gratitude.
When Lyra returned to the laundry room later, the shift supervisor told her she was no longer needed there and should report back to her original post.
Lyra stared in confusion and scribbled a note. “Why p>
“How should I know? We follow orders handed down from above p>
As he spoke, the other laundry staff watched her silently with odd, curious stares.
Lyra walked outside, her mind tangled in chaos.
She could not figure out what leadership-especially Hadrien-intended.
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Chapter 54 Shifts in Authority
Did he still doubt her identity?
Was recalling her to her regular post some kind of test?
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Finished
When she reached the familiar corridors of Building Three, that striking figure clad in black stood waiting for her, hands clasped behind his back.
Lyra pushed aside her swirling thoughts and hurried toward him.
Hadrien locked eyes on her long before she drew near.
When she stood before him, he spoke in a low, solemn tone.
“Your punishment period has not ended. But we are short-staffed right now, so I am reinstating you to your post.
“Do not mistake this for full clemency. Moving forward, I will personally conduct random spot checks on all staff protocols.
“If you break the rules once more, consequences will be far harsher p>
Lyra lowered her eyes and nodded gently.
“Get to work p>
Lyra stayed rooted in place, seemingly wanting to say something.
Hadrien stood tall, his tone calm and distant.
“Something else p>
Lyra hesitated, biting her lip before writing on her slip of paper.
“What will happen to Jessa p>
Hadrien stared at her without speaking. A heavy, unspoken pressure rippled outward from his frame.
Lyra’s skin burned as though seared beneath his gaze.
She quickly ducked her head and shook it to signal there was nothing more to ask.
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Feral Sentinels Obey Only Her
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.