Run With The Devil

Unexpected Arrival

The hum of the private jet's engines was a constant backdrop as we prepared for our flight to Japan. The cabin was a flurry of activity; my men were going over last-minute details, while Harper, seated across from me, reviewed the itinerary.

I leaned back in my seat, my thoughts on the upcoming auction and the potential threats we faced. The stakes were high, and every move needed to be calculated.

Then, without warning, a gust of red wind swept past the window. My head snapped to the side, eyes widening. I knew that distinctive blur of red-it was Lyra. The realization hit me like a cold wave.

The jet's door slid open, and Lyra phased through, her entrance as sudden as it was dramatic. She landed with a determined thud, her fists clenched and her expression hardened. Her presence, once filled with uncertainty and vulnerability, now radiated a cold, unyielding strength. Her tone, low and firm, cut through the chatter in the cabin.

"I'm coming, and no one will stop me!" she declared, not even bothering to look at us as she sped to a nearby chair.

I exchanged glances with my men, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. Harper's eyes were wide, her mouth slightly agape. It was clear Lyra had changed; her newfound resolve and control over her abilities were evident.

I rose from my seat, walking over to where Lyra had settled, her body still vibrating slightly with residual speed. The sight of her, so determined and defiant, stirred a mix of emotions in me-concern, admiration, and frustration.

"Lyra," I said, my voice steady but laced with authority. "What are you doing here? This mission is dangerous, and I didn't want you involved."

She looked up at me, her eyes fierce and unwavering. "I'm not going to stay behind while you're out there. I've been kept in the dark long enough. If there's a threat, I want to be part of dealing with it."

Her determination was admirable, but it also posed a risk. I understood her need to take control of her own destiny, but this mission wasn't something I was prepared to compromise on.

"This isn't about what you want or don't want, Lyra," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "It's about safety. I can't have you jeopardizing yourself, especially with the stakes as high as they are."

Lyra's gaze remained unwavering, her jaw set in a firm line. "I'm not asking for permission. I'm coming, whether you like it or not."

Her resolve was clear, and I knew arguing would be futile. The last thing I needed was a confrontation right before an important operation. With a resigned sigh, I nodded.

"Fine," I said, though my voice carried an edge of finality. "You can come. But you need to follow orders and stay out of the way unless you're directly involved."

Lyra gave a curt nod, her expression softening slightly but still holding that edge of determination. Harper, still processing the sudden change, approached us with a mix of concern and support.

"Are you sure this is wise?" Harper asked quietly, her eyes flickering between me and Lyra.

I glanced at her, then back at Lyra. "We don't have much choice now. Let's focus on getting to Japan and handling the situation there. We'll deal with this unexpected development as it comes."

As the jet began its ascent, I settled back into my seat, trying to push aside my worries. With Lyra now part of the team, the dynamics had changed, and the mission would be more complicated. But I was determined to see it through, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

Lyras pov

The private jet felt different now. The hum of the engines and the occasional turbulence barely registered as I took a seat. I was no longer the timid girl who hid away from the world. I was someone new-strong, determined, and unafraid to show it. My old self was fading fast, replaced by a version who refused to be pushed around or underestimated.

As the jet soared towards Japan, I glanced around at the men and Harper. Their expressions were a mix of surprise and wariness. I didn't care. They had seen me at my most vulnerable, and now they were about to see what I was truly capable of.

I leaned back in my chair, a smirk playing at the corners of my mouth. My earlier fear was gone, replaced by a sharp edge of confidence. The way I felt now was almost intoxicating, like I was finally in control of my destiny. I no longer felt the need to hide or cower. Instead, I felt a fierce resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Harper approached me, her eyes full of concern. "Lyra, are you sure you're ready for this? It's not going to be easy."

I looked up at her, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice. "I'm not here for easy. I'm here to take control. I've been pushed around for too long. Now it's my turn to make a difference."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, stepping back. I could sense her apprehension, but I wasn't concerned with it. I had bigger things to focus on-namely, proving myself and showing everyone that I was more than just the frightened girl from the lab.

Deon entered the cabin, his gaze sweeping over everyone. When his eyes met mine, there was a flicker of something-maybe surprise or approval, I couldn't tell. He walked over, taking a seat across from me.

"So," he said, his tone neutral but observant. "You're really set on being part of this."

I met his gaze without flinching. "Damn right I am. I'm not here to sit on the sidelines. I'm here to make an impact."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. Just remember, this mission is dangerous. You need to keep your head in the game and follow orders. No heroics."

His words grated on me. Follow his rules? His orders? No way. I wasn't going to play by his script. I had my own plan, my own way of doing things. The thought of him dictating my actions made my blood boil.

I had heard about the scientist who had worked on me-one of the people who had manipulated and tortured me. This event was my chance to get close to him, and I wasn't going to let Deon or anyone else dictate how I handled it. This scientist would be my target, and I was going to see him left for dead. I had no intention of waiting for permission or playing nice.

Deon left the room, and I took a deep breath, letting my irritation simmer. I was going to do this my way, no matter what. The scientist was out there, and he would pay for everything he had done to me. I didn't need Deon's approval or his rules to guide me. I had my own mission, and I was going to execute it with ruthless precision.

As the jet continued its journey, I could feel the anticipation building. I was ready for whatever awaited us in Japan. I was no longer the girl who hid from her fears. I was a force to be reckoned with, and nothing was going to stand in my way. Not even Deon's orders.