Chapter 86
Chapter 86 A Ride on the Crocodile
Finished
The lynx wore a solemn expression, two tufts of white fur beneath its chin resembling an old man’s
whiskers.
Lyra hesitated to reach out and pet it, even though she adored all fluffy creatures. It felt like a grievous disrespect to do so.
Just then, she heard scraping noises.
She turned her head and spotted a round, pale head poking out from the window of Cell 119.
It seemed to want to climb out.
Its full form was too large to squeeze through the narrow opening, yet if it shrank itself down, it could not reach the ledge.
Lyra’s heart skipped.
A white bear!
It was utterly adorable.
She hurried toward the cell, her loyal guards trailing close behind.
The white bear scrambled clumsily, paws scrabbling nonstop against the frame.
Gideon, inside the cell, made no move to help it. He appeared determined to let it figure it out on its own.
Lyra leaned down to peer into the cell.
“Leave it be,” Gideon said. “Let it try by itself p>
If the owner had spoken so firmly, there was nothing she could do.
Lyra stood outside the cell door, clapped her hands gently, then spread her arms wide to encourage the white bear to come out and play with everyone.
Buoyed by her encouragement, the white bear dug its broad paws-almost as wide as the lynx’s-into the windowsill, its stubby hind legs kicking hard against the metal frame.
As she waited, something tugged at the hem of her trousers.
Lyra glanced down and gasped.
A colossal crocodile lay coiled on the ground. It stretched at least 30 feet long, nearly reaching the height of a three-story structure.
Its body was wider than a door, its armored back rigid, its tail powerful and fluid. Even the chubby paws that once looked endearing now seemed menacing.
Shock washed over Lyra.
12:36 pm
PP
Chapter R6 Ride on the Grocodile
Finished
She understood why Harlan had warned her to brace herself.
So the little crocodile’s main body was this huge.
It was not a cute little crocodile. It was the largest and fiercest amphibious giant beast, a saltwater crocodile.
The massive beast rested quietly on the floor, lifting its tooth-studded snout slightly as if trying to communicate something to her.
Lyra could not decipher its signal.
The dhole and the other spirit animals understood, however. They nipped her pant leg and pulled her toward the crocodile.
Dazed, Lyra was tugged onto the crocodile’s back.
The moment she sat down, the raised ridges on its armored back poked into her like an acupressure mat, making her butt hurt.
The crocodile opened its jaws and let out a low, rumbling growl.
The red fish spirit swam forward, gesturing for her to shift toward the base of the creature’s neck.
The entire back was hard as steel plating, but that spot would not dig into her.
Thrilled, Lyra inched forward, resting her feet lightly on the crook of the crocodile’s bent front forelegs.
The crocodile roared once more.
It was both a warning for her to settle in and a signal for the other spirit animals to clear a path p>
Once the space opened up, the giant predator pushed off and began lumbering forward on four limbs p>
Lyra’s eyes flew wide with surprise.
It felt like riding an oversized wiggle car.
She did not need to steer; the beast swayed naturally from side to side as it moved.
The pace was brisk enough to deliver thrilling, unfamiliar excitement without tipping her into fear.
A huge grin spread across Lyra’s face as she laughed silently, carried across the open hall by the crocodile.
The orca and red fish drifted along above her.
The rest of the spirit animals stepped back to watch her delight.
No laughter echoed in the hall, yet the brilliant smile on her face let everyone almost hear her bright. joyous giggles.
Lyra could not make any sound, but whenever excitement surged through her, she would open her mouth
12:36 pm
Chapter 86-ARide on the Grocodile
wide, lil her brows, afid her eyes would glitter like a galaxy strewn with stars.
Finished
The crocodile circled back and forthracross the hall. When it felt her patting its scales every so often, its naturally cold, intimidating gaze softened with quiet warmth.
Snow saw how entertaining the ride was and hopped aboard as a stowaway.
Lyra held out her hand, and the ferret bounded toward her, throwing itself into her arms without hesitation.
She cradled the soft little creature, then waved to invite all the other spirit animals to join in the fun.
The red fish settled lightly atop her head. It weighed practically nothing; she only felt a faint tickle as its tail brushed against her hair.
The orca grew curious and wanted to join the game.
But its natural size worked against it. Even shrunk down to the bulk of a dolphin, it could not squeeze into Lyra’s embrace.
It landed on the crocodile’s back instead.
The crocodile twisted its head sharply to dodge, then lashed out with its tail.
This ride is for the little ones-don’t crowd in.
The orca darted out of the way just in time. The powerful tail slammed against the floor with a sharp
crack.
It let out an indignant whine.
I’m still a kid at heart, too!
Lyra watched their squabble and grinned.
She stroked the top of the crocodile’s head, urging it not to be so stern.
Rhys had been leaning back, amusedly watching Lyra play with all the spirit animals.
He had not expected to receive such blatant preferential treatment.
He called over to Harlan, “You’re so petty, Harlan p>
Harlan had originally wanted to weave his craft while watching the “children” play.
But every time Lyra interacted with his spirit animal, strength drained slowly from his body, leaving him limp.
A wave of profound comfort tangled with stabbing pain inside his psychic core. He could only slump against the door and gaze down through the window, without enough energy left to reply to Rhys.
Over here, the little white bear finally squeezed outside after an exhausting struggle.
12:36 pm
p
Chapter 85-A Ride on the Crocodile
The sight of everyone playing freely had worn away its patience.
The moment it escaped the cell, it rushed forward, eager to join.
As it ran, its body expanded toward its full natural form.
Finished
Maw open in excitement, the bear-an enormous, playful beast-pounced heavily onto the crocodile’s
back.
19
576
1
12:36 pm
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.