Run With The Devil

A War Ignited

Deon's pov

The alert hit my phone with a piercing chime that cut through the stillness of the night. I knew something was wrong before I even glanced at the screen. My gut twisted as I read the message.

"Emergency: The Vico family has declared war. Their forces are already moving against your allies."

The words seemed to blur together for a second, but the cold truth hit me like a sledgehammer. The Vico family, seeking revenge for actions I had taken just weeks ago, was now targeting my entire network. They were going after my allies-people who had nothing to do with my decisions, but they were part of my circle, and now they were in danger.

I clenched my jaw, fury rising up like bile in my throat. Of all the times for this to happen... not now, not when I had Lyra to think about, not when everything was so precarious.

I stormed out of my office, the sound of my boots heavy on the marble floor. As I walked through the hallways, my mind was already racing through the logistics-how many men I had, how quickly we could mobilize, and which of my allies needed protection first.

"Angelo! Vincent! Marco!" I barked as I entered the main room where they were. My voice carried the weight of urgency, and they immediately stood to attention.

"What's going on, boss?" Angelo asked, already sensing the storm in my tone.

"The Vico family. They've declared war. They're hitting our allies first. We need to move now," I replied, my voice like ice.

Their faces darkened with understanding. The Vico family was no small threat. Ruthless, brutal, and well-connected, they were the kind of enemy you didn't take lightly.

"Get the men ready. We'll split into teams. Angelo, you'll take the east. Vincent, head west. Marco, you handle the north. I'll cover the south," I ordered, my mind sharp, already planning our counter-moves. "We don't have much time. I need you all prepared in less than an hour."

They nodded and immediately went to work, calling in every available man we had. We were going to war.

As they scattered, I turned to the door, but then Harper appeared, her face tight with concern. She must've heard the tension in my voice.

"What's going on?" she asked, her usual calm demeanor fraying at the edges.

"The Vico family has made their move. We need to retaliate, fast. They're targeting our allies," I said, checking my weapons as I spoke. I didn't have time for explanations, but I needed her to understand the gravity of the situation.

"And Lyra?" she asked, glancing toward the hallway where Lyra's room was. There was a flicker of worry in her eyes.

I paused. Lyra.

She was unpredictable right now. Too powerful, too emotional. If she went into the battlefield, there was no telling what would happen-she could either be our greatest asset or our greatest liability. And after everything she'd been through, I didn't want to risk her being dragged into a war she wasn't ready for.

"Keep her here," I said, my tone firm. "Whatever you do, Harper, don't let her leave this house."

Harper blinked, surprised. "You want me to keep her out of it? But Deon, you know she-"

"I know what she's capable of," I interrupted, my voice lowering. "That's exactly why she needs to stay here. She's not ready to control herself out there. If she snaps... if she loses control in the middle of a war zone, it'll be a disaster-for her and for us."

Harper hesitated, then nodded. "I'll do my best to keep her out of it."

"Good." I placed a hand on her shoulder. "I trust you. She trusts you."