Chapter 60
Chapter 60 Hidden Motives Behind Gentle Smiles
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Yet paired with those eerie, warning crimson eyes, it became impossible to tell whether he was an angel or a demon.
Asher paid no mind to the thought. He blinked softly at Lyra; thick white eyelashes swept above his red irises, like snowflakes drifting above a pool of blood.
“Carrying all this must’ve been exhausting.
“I really appreciate you going through the trouble p>
Lyra snapped back to the moment and shook her head, passing over the milk and candy.
Her gaze drifted downward. The green viper coiled quietly around his wrist also possessed vertical, blood-red pupils.
A quiet jolt of surprise ran through her.
She wondered if this was a faint sign of feral transformation.
She noticed the outfit he wore, a striking design with a green base and subtle pale patterns that evoked fresh spring growth.
It accentuated his frame while lending him an airy, ethereal grace, as though he were a sprite wandered out from ancient woods.
Lyra pointed at his clothes and gave a thumbs-up.
She recalled him putting in a request to Hadrien earlier, asking permission to wear newly tailored garments of his own design.
Seeing them now made it clear he possessed genuine talent and taste.
Pleased by her praise, Asher’s face lit up. “Thank you p>
When his eyes crinkled, those crimson pupils looked like slowly flowing blood.
Something occurred to him, and he clutched the supplies, rising to his feet.
“Wait just a moment for me p>
He retreated inside, seemingly to fetch something. Lyra watched, curious.
Moments later, Asher returned.
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Chapter 60 Hidden Motives Behind Gentle Smiles
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With a soft rustle, he slid several rolled sheets of paper out through the window.
“Take a look p>
They were fashion sketches. Simple lines outlined women’s graceful figures draped in elaborate dresses of all styles.
Lyra knew nothing about garment design, yet even she could see how beautiful they were.
She nodded repeatedly, unable to tear her eyes away from the drawings.
Asher asked, “Do you like them p>
Lyra nodded vigorously.
The artwork was so refined that it could easily pass as professional illustrations.
“I’ll have the finished pieces sent to you once they’re made,” Asher said.
Lyra froze.
Huh?
She pointed toward herself in shock.
Asher nodded. “Of course. You treat us with such care. I ought to offer something in return p>
He smiled again, his doll-like face radiating warm friendliness.
Lyra waved her hands quickly to decline.
Asher’s smile faded, confusion settling over his features. “What’s wrong? Are my drawings lacking, or is there something you dislike p>
A hint of disappointment crept into his expression.
Lyra hurried to write a note.
“It’s not that. I can’t accept favors I haven’t earned. I haven’t done anything extraordinary, plus we’re required to wear official uniforms while working. It would be a waste for you to give these to me p>
Truth be told, they barely knew each other. Receiving such a gift out of nowhere left her flustered.
After reading her words, Asher relaxed.
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Chapter 60 Hidden Motives Behind Gentle Smiles
“It’s nothing more than a small gesture from me.
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“I draw constantly whenever I have free time, but locked away here, I hardly meet anyone besides you. I’m using you as a reference to practice. I hope you won’t mind.
“Besides, these designs are lifeless if trapped only on paper.
“Clothes only fulfill their true purpose when worn by someone suited for them p>
He saw Lyra fall silent and rushed to add more.
“I don’t mean anything untoward. Please don’t misunderstand.
“You probably don’t realize how much we all hated the previous cell block attendants assigned. Then you arrived.
“You’re gentle and kind, and I was so relieved when you came back.
“I hope we can all keep getting along well from now on p>
Lyra understood after his rambling explanation.
She smiled and wrote her reply.
“I see. Thank you for trusting me.
“But this gift carries too much meaning for me. I cannot accept it, though I truly appreciate your kindness.
“I hope we can maintain a peaceful relationship as well p>
Though disappointed, Asher did not press her further once he finished reading.
“I understand. No need to thank me. I’m Asher Yves p>
He realized she kept firm boundaries and refused gifts from people she did not know well.
They may not have reached an agreement today, yet they knew a little more about each other.
Lyra handed the sketches back and shared her name with him.
She gestured toward the corridor, signaling she needed to continue her rounds.
Asher nodded immediately. “Okay, I won’t keep you p>
Lyra smiled, stood, and closed the small window.
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Chapter 60 Hidden Motives Behind Gentle Smiles
Silence settled inside the cell. Asher glanced down at the spirit animal coiled on his wrist.
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He walked back to his seat and tossed the carefully crafted sketches casually onto the table.
His fingers traced a distinct seam on his sleeve, his gaze fixed on some distant point as he sank into thought.
Why had he been ordered to grow close to this insignificant cell block attendant?
What hidden secret lay within Lyra waiting to be uncovered?
When Lyra reached Cell 112, Marcel had already learned the situation from the people ahead.
Honestly, he would have scorned such cheap, basic food once.
But times had changed.
Beggars couldn’t be choosers when confined under another’s authority.
Still, Lyra was far more tolerable than most.
At the very least, she was better than those bullies who preyed on the weak.
He picked one bread reluctantly and turned down the candies.
He was not some child, after all.
Lyra respected his choice and did not push him.
She arrived at Cell 120 to find Felix waiting with a sullen expression.
She knew exactly what this was about.
She mimicked his grumpy look right back at him.
Felix slanted his eyes toward her, voice thick with grievance.
“You broke our promise p>
He sounded just like a kid throwing a petty tantrum.
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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.