Run With The Devil

Shadows and Secrets

As my duplicate's fingertip lightly touched my forehead, I felt a strange mix of warmth and electricity coursing through my body. Her voice was calm and assured as she spoke, "This won't hurt. I'm just unlocking your full potential faster."

I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation. It was as if the energy in my veins was being amplified, my blood rushing with newfound vigor. She continued, "And I'm adding in my traits. As soon as I open my eyes, all your powers will have evolved. You'll have full control, and you'll gain my traits-sarcastic, witty, sharp, rude, and merciless. But you'll still keep your own traits."

I let the sensation wash over me, feeling the electricity crackle under my skin, intensifying with every second. It was an exhilarating, almost overwhelming experience. My heartbeat quickened, the pulse in my veins feeling more alive and powerful than ever before. The blood roared through my system, and I could sense every fiber of my being transforming.

When she finally removed her finger, we both opened our eyes simultaneously. I could feel the difference immediately. My senses were sharper, my control over my powers more precise. The room seemed to move slower around me, a clear indication of how much faster I had become.

"Now," she said, her tone holding a hint of satisfaction, "let's put those powers to the test."

She demonstrated a series of advanced techniques, starting with how to rip someone's heart out by phasing through their chest. She made it look effortless, her hand moving through the air with a casual grace.

"First, focus on the target," she instructed. "Your hand needs to be steady, and you have to control the phase perfectly. If you do it right, no one will even know what hit them."

I nodded, my concentration absolute. I visualized my hand moving through a target, trying to replicate her movements. I concentrated on the sensation of my hand becoming intangible, phasing through solid matter. My speed and control felt heightened, to the point where I couldn't even see my hand move.

With a deep breath, I attempted the move. My hand blurred as it phased through an imaginary target in front of me. The sensation was surreal; I could almost feel the resistance as if I was part of the material, and then, just as quickly, I was through.

"Good," she said, observing with a critical eye. "You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's refine your control. You need to be precise. It's not just about speed; it's about exactness."

I practiced the movement repeatedly, feeling more in control with each attempt. My duplicate was right; the combination of my current traits with her traits made me feel sharper, more ruthless. I no longer hesitated or second-guessed myself. The power within me was immense, and I could channel it with a newfound mastery.

After a while, I stopped, breathing heavily but with a sense of accomplishment. The abilities I had always struggled to control now seemed to flow effortlessly.

"Remember," she said as she walked closer, "this power is a part of you now. You can use it however you see fit, but don't let it consume you. Use it wisely."

I nodded, a new resolve in my eyes. "I understand."

She smiled, a look of approval in her eyes. "Good. Now you're ready for what comes next. And trust me, you'll need every bit of this power."

As she faded away, leaving me alone with my thoughts, I felt a surge of confidence. I wasn't just the scared girl from the lab anymore. I was something more. Stronger. More formidable. And I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, starting with the scientist who had tormented my past.

I was no longer running from my fears. I was prepared to confront them head-on.

Deon's pov

I paced around my office, my thoughts racing through the details of the upcoming auction in Tokyo. The room was filled with the faint smell of cigar smoke and leather, a reminder of the long hours I had spent here. The city lights twinkled outside, reflecting the chaotic nature of the business I was about to deal with.

Vincent had filled me in on the recent developments with Lyra, and now my focus shifted back to the international front. The auction was a significant event, a gathering of high-profile individuals from various criminal organizations. It was a chance to establish connections, secure alliances, and, more importantly, gather intelligence.

My phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen-an encrypted message from one of my contacts in Tokyo. The auction was not just a showcase; it was a covert operation for something far more valuable. I needed to be cautious.

Just as I was about to delve deeper into the message, the door creaked open. Vincent stepped inside, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a more urgent look.

"Deon, we need to talk," he said, closing the door behind him.

I nodded, motioning for him to continue. "What's going on?"

Vincent took a seat across from me, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "I've received some unsettling news. It appears that the auction will feature a new player-a scientist with a reputation for his unorthodox methods."

My interest piqued. "A scientist? What does he have to do with the auction?"

"He's known for his work in genetic manipulation and enhancement," Vincent explained. "There's a strong possibility he might be involved in developing technology or products that could be highly beneficial to us-or our enemies."

I leaned forward, my mind racing. "Is there any chance he could be connected to Lyra's past?"

Vincent's expression was grim. "That's what we're trying to find out. We've traced some of his recent projects, and there are indications he's been working on advanced speed and agility enhancements. It's not a stretch to think he might have been involved in her development."

My jaw tightened. Lyra's well-being was a priority, and if this scientist had a hand in her past, he would need to be dealt with-swiftly and decisively.

"We need to be prepared for anything," I said firmly. "I want full intel on this scientist before the auction. If he's a threat, we need to act before he has a chance to do any more harm."

Vincent nodded, already pulling out his phone to contact our informants. "I'll get on it immediately. We'll have all the information we need before the event."

As Vincent left the office, I turned my attention back to the city lights. The auction was approaching, and it was crucial to stay one step ahead. Lyra's newfound abilities and the threat of this scientist were just pieces of a much larger puzzle.

I glanced at the clock. It was almost time for the meeting with my men to discuss our strategy. Every detail needed to be perfect; the auction could determine the balance of power in our favor-or against us.

When the time came, I would make sure that no stone was left unturned. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option. My eyes narrowed as I prepared for the challenges ahead. The shadows of the past and present would collide, and it was my job to navigate through them, ensuring that those who threatened our future would be dealt with decisively.