Run With The Devil

A Return to Normalcy

After hours of calls and tying up loose ends, I finally left my office, feeling the weight of the day's work lift slightly off my shoulders. The house was still quiet as I descended the stairs, the muffled sounds of conversation and clinking cutlery growing louder with each step.

As I entered the dining area, I was greeted by a sight that momentarily eased the tension in my chest. The staff was busy setting up the table, and everyone, including Lyra, was gathered and seated. The mood was much lighter than it had been in recent days, filled with laughter and casual chatter. The contrast to the recent heavy atmosphere was striking.

Lyra sat at the table, her demeanor more relaxed than I'd seen in a while. She was engaged in conversation with Harper and Angelo, her earlier isolation seemingly behind her. The staff moved efficiently, serving dishes with practiced ease, and the aroma of the food was inviting.

I walked over to my seat at the head of the table, nodding briefly to the others. As I took my place, I noticed how different the scene was from just days ago-there was a warmth and normalcy that felt almost comforting.

"Evening, everyone," I said, my tone steady as I took my seat. I joined in the conversation, though I kept my responses measured. I was more focused on the bigger picture, ensuring that everything was running smoothly and maintaining control over the situation.

Lyra glanced at me occasionally, her expression guarded but hopeful. I could see she was trying to fit back into the rhythm of daily life, and though it was a small step, it was significant. The tension from our previous encounters seemed to have eased a bit, but I remained cautious, aware of how quickly things could shift.

Throughout the meal, I engaged in the conversations, making occasional remarks, but I remained reserved. Laughter and light-hearted banter filled the space, but I refrained from fully joining in. My mind was still occupied with the lingering concerns of business and personal matters, the smile on my face not reaching my eyes.

The evening continued with a sense of normalcy returning, but the shadows of recent events still lingered at the edge of my thoughts. Despite the laughter and camaraderie, I knew better than to let my guard down completely.

As the meal progressed, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. The men, clearly in high spirits, began comparing Lyra to a superhero. The mention of "The Flash" had started a round of jokes, and it wasn't long before they were playfully debating who the fastest superhero was.

"Maybe we should start calling you The Flash," Angelo suggested with a grin. "Or better yet, the female version."

Lyra raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh, really? The Flash? That's rich. I've always wanted to be compared to a comic book character. Next thing you know, I'll be battling supervillains and saving the world."

Harper laughed, clearly enjoying Lyra's newfound confidence. "You do have that whole speed thing down. Maybe we should start selling tickets to watch you run."

Lyra rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, fantastic. Because what every superhero needs is a fan club, right? Just imagine: 'Come see Lyra, the world's fastest woman, who's also the best at making toast and dodging awkward dinner conversations!'"

The men chuckled, clearly amused by her sassy retort.

"Maybe you could be our superhero," one of them suggested, trying to keep the playful tone. "I bet you could outpace any threat to the family."

Lyra snorted, leaning back in her chair with a grin. "Right, because I'm totally going to put on a cape and start saving the day. How about I stick to saving myself from terrible jokes and bad dinner table conversations instead?"

Her playful jabs drew more laughter from the table, and even I found myself smirking at her unexpected humor. It was a side of Lyra I hadn't seen before-witty, fierce, and surprisingly entertaining.

"Well, if you're our superhero," Harper said with a teasing tone, "what's your superpower? Running fast or making everyone laugh?"

Lyra gave a mock-serious nod. "Definitely both. I've mastered the art of outrunning dull conversations and turning awkwardness into comedy. It's a gift, really."

The conversation flowed easily, and despite my reserved demeanor, I found myself drawn into the ease of the moment. Lyra's playful banter added a layer of levity that was much needed after the tension of the past days.

As the meal continued, the laughter and light-heartedness created a sense of normalcy that I hadn't realized I was missing. Even if only for a brief time, it was a welcome reprieve from the usual weight of responsibilities and pressures that came with my role.