Run With The Devil

Midnight Reflections

Deon's pov

The clock on my phone read midnight. The ball had been going on for hours, and despite the opulence and glamour, it was starting to wear thin. My men were visibly tired, their exhaustion evident in their slumped shoulders and weary eyes. It was time to call it a night.

I scanned the room and saw Alessandra making one last attempt to get my attention. She had been persistent all evening, trying to convince me to let her accompany me back to the mansion. Her advances were unrelenting, but I had no interest in pursuing anything with her. Her flirtation, while flattering, wasn't enough to sway me. She simply wasn't my type, and I had no intention of mixing personal matters with my professional focus.

"Deon, please," Alessandra pleaded, her eyes locked onto mine with a mix of hope and frustration. "Let me come with you. I promise I'll be good company."

I gave her a polite but firm smile. "Alessandra, it's been a long night. I need to get some rest. Maybe another time."

Her expression faltered, but she nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Deon. I'll see you tomorrow."

As we left the ball, the cool night air was a welcome relief from the stuffy atmosphere inside. My thoughts were already turning to the day ahead, particularly the lunch with the Vico family at the mansion. The idea of them seeing Lyra made me uneasy. I wasn't sure how she would react to being in the presence of so many strangers, or how they might perceive her. It was a risk, but one I had to navigate carefully.

When we arrived back at the mansion, my men went straight to their rooms to rest. I was about to head to my own quarters when I noticed the dining room light was still on. A flicker of concern crossed my mind. As I approached the dining room, I found Lyra asleep at the table, her head resting on her empty plate.

My heart softened at the sight. I quietly crossed the room and gently scooped her up into my arms, holding her close against my chest. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. I turned off the light and carried her up to her bedroom.

As I reached her door, I noticed a dent in the wood. My brow furrowed in concern. I kicked the door open quietly and entered her room. The sight that greeted me was both fascinating and troubling. Lyra was lying on her bed, her body vibrating rapidly, her form becoming blurry as if she were caught in some kind of static. I watched for a moment, unsure of what I was witnessing, but knowing better than to disturb her.

Carefully, I laid her down on the bed, trying to make her as comfortable as possible. As soon as I adjusted her position, the vibration ceased, and her body returned to its normal state. I took one last look at her, a mix of concern and curiosity swirling in my mind, before quietly leaving her room.

The mansion's quiet was a stark contrast to the chaos of the ball. As I made my way back to my own room, I pondered the complexities of Lyra's situation and the challenges that lay ahead. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and I needed to be prepared. But for now, all I could do was hope that the night would be restful and that the day would unfold as smoothly as possible.

Lyras pov

I woke up feeling unusually energetic. The morning light streamed through the large windows of my room, casting a warm glow over everything. I stretched and sat up, surprised by how refreshed I felt. The night had been surprisingly restful, and I hadn't experienced any of the usual discomforts or restlessness that had plagued me for so long.

As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I noticed a faint, tingling sensation coursing through my body-a feeling I hadn't experienced before. It was as though my whole system was humming with vitality. I couldn't help but smile. The energy I felt was invigorating, almost exhilarating, and I felt a sense of freedom and possibility that I hadn't known in years.

I quickly got out of bed and began to explore my room with a renewed sense of curiosity. The space was beautiful, filled with natural light and equipped with everything I could possibly need. The wardrobe, now stocked with a variety of clothes thanks to Harper's shopping, was a treasure trove of options. I picked out a comfortable outfit-a pair of short, tight shorts and a t-shirt-that exposed all the scars on my legs and arms. The marks from years of experiments were visible, but for now, they were just a part of who I was.

As I dressed, I felt a strange mix of vulnerability and pride. The scars were a reminder of my past, but they were also symbols of my endurance and strength. I chose to wear the outfit not to hide but to embrace every part of myself.

The previous day's events and the people I'd met were still fresh in my mind. Harper's kindness and Deon's enigmatic presence made me both anxious and excited. I was eager to step out and experience more of this new world.

As I made my way downstairs, I noticed that the mansion was quiet. The house was still waking up, and I had the feeling of having the place to myself. I decided to take advantage of the solitude and explore a bit more.

The mansion was as grand and elegant as ever. I wandered through the hallways, appreciating the art and décor. My steps were light, almost as if I were floating on air. I found myself gravitating toward the kitchen, where I hoped to find something to eat.

To my delight, I discovered a selection of fresh pastries and fruit. I poured myself a glass of juice and made a light breakfast. As I ate, I contemplated how much had changed in such a short time. From the confines of the lab to the grandeur of this mansion-it was almost overwhelming, but the energy I felt today made it all seem possible.

I wondered if this newfound vitality was connected to the experiments or serums I had endured over the years. Whatever the cause, I decided to embrace it and make the most of it. Today was a new day, and it felt like a fresh start.

As I finished my breakfast, I heard the sounds of activity starting to pick up in the mansion. The staff was beginning their day, and the quiet would soon give way to the bustle of normal routines.

With a final glance at the serene kitchen, I made my way back to my room to prepare. There was still much to learn and experience, and I was determined to approach it all with an open heart and an eager spirit. Today felt like the beginning of a new chapter, and I was ready to face whatever came next with the energy and optimism I felt coursing through me.