Deons pov
The moment Alessandra made her move, chaos erupted. The dinner turned into a spectacle, and I could hardly believe what I had just witnessed. Alessandra's actions were not only disrespectful but downright cruel. I had seen enough of her antics to know she had a tendency to act out, but this was beyond anything I had anticipated.
As I tried to regain control of the situation, I watched Lyra leave the dining room, clearly distressed. The sight of her covered in food and drink, with blood trickling down her cheek, was a stark reminder of how out of hand things had gotten. It wasn't just about the mess or the disrespect; it was about how one person's malice could make someone else's life unbearable.
"Alessandra," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What the hell were you thinking? You've gone too far."
She was defensively quiet, her face a mix of frustration and defiance. "I didn't think it would be this big of a deal," she muttered.
I shook my head in disbelief. "You've made a scene. You need to leave. I'll deal with you later."
Turning away from Alessandra, I gestured for my men to follow me. I headed towards the stairs, my mind racing. I had to check on Lyra, make sure she was alright, and find out what could be done about the damage done.
When I reached the second floor, I saw Harper coming out of Lyra's room. She had a concerned expression on her face and was holding a washcloth stained with red liquid. "How is she?" I asked urgently.
"She's upset," Harper said, her voice strained. "She's been through a lot. I'm trying to help her clean up and calm down."
I nodded and opened the door to Lyra's room, finding her sitting on the edge of the bed, still in her stained dress. Her eyes were red from crying, and I could see the remnants of her distress on her face.
"Lyra," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm so sorry about what happened. Alessandra had no right to treat you like that. You didn't deserve any of this."
She looked up at me, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion. "I just... I didn't know what to expect. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
I walked over and sat beside her, my frustration with the situation momentarily giving way to genuine concern. "This isn't your fault. Alessandra acted out of line, and it's my responsibility to make sure you're treated with respect."
Harper quietly left the room, giving us some privacy. I reached out and gently touched her arm. "I know this is overwhelming. If you want to talk about it, or if you need anything, just let me know."
Lyra nodded, her gaze focused on the floor. "Thank you," she whispered. "I just don't know what to do now."
"We'll figure this out," I assured her. "You don't have to go through this alone."
As I sat with her, I realized that dealing with Alessandra's behavior was just one part of the problem. The bigger challenge was ensuring that Lyra felt safe and respected in this environment. I had to make things right, not just for her, but to ensure that this kind of situation wouldn't happen again.
I stood up, taking a deep breath. "I'm going to deal with this. Take some time to relax and clean up. Harper will help you. I'll handle things downstairs and make sure Alessandra is dealt with appropriately."
Lyra gave a small, appreciative nod. I left her room with a renewed sense of purpose. The events of the evening had shown me that maintaining control wasn't just about power-it was about ensuring that everyone under my roof felt valued and safe. I needed to address this situation with Alessandra swiftly and decisively, for the sake of everyone involved.
Lyras pov
As Harper finished cleaning the last of the stains from my dress, I felt a growing need for solitude. The chaotic events of the evening had left me feeling overwhelmed, and I needed a moment to gather my thoughts without anyone around.
"Harper," I said, trying to sound calm but firm. "I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I need some time alone. Could you please leave?"
Harper hesitated, her concern evident in her eyes. "Are you sure, Lyra? I can stay and help you with anything you need."
I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "No, I really need to be alone for a bit. Please."
She still looked unsure, glancing around the room as if searching for a reason to stay. "If you're sure..."
"Yes," I insisted, trying to sound more determined. "I'm sure."
Seeing that Harper was still lingering, I felt a sudden rush of frustration. I needed this space more than I realized. I leaped off the bed with a burst of energy and, in a blur, moved swiftly to Harper's side. Before she could react, I gently but firmly guided her toward the door.
"Harper, please," I said, my voice softer now but still resolute. "I need to be alone."
Harper looked startled as I nudged her toward the door. "Alright, alright," she said, her voice a mix of worry and resignation. "Just remember, if you need anything, you can always call me."
I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Thank you. I will."
Once Harper was outside the room, I closed the door and locked it, a small but satisfying click echoing in the quiet room. I leaned against the door for a moment, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. The solitude was almost overwhelming, but it was exactly what I needed.
The room felt still and safe, a stark contrast to the chaos of the evening. I walked back to the bed and sat down, trying to clear my mind. The events of the night replayed in my thoughts-Alessandra's cruel behavior, the shock of the dinner, and the way I felt so out of place in this new world.
I looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar luxury that surrounded me. It all seemed surreal, a strange juxtaposition against the harshness I had faced just hours earlier. Despite the pain and the humiliation, there was something oddly comforting about being alone here, away from everyone else.
As I sat in the quiet, I allowed myself to think and reflect. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I had a chance to be myself, to think clearly without the constant pressure of being observed or tested. It was a small but significant relief.
I knew that eventually, I would need to face the world outside this room again-deal with the aftermath of Alessandra's actions and find my place in this strange new environment. But for now, I allowed myself this moment of peace, holding on to the hope that things would get better and that I would find my footing in this new life.
YOU ARE READING
Run With The Devil
RomanceTrapped in a secret underground lab since birth, 18-year-old Lyra has endured years of brutal experiments, injected daily with mysterious serums designed to push the limits of human ability. As a result, she can run at infinite speed, but her life...
