Run With The Devil

Late-Night Concerns

Deons pov

I was deep in concentration, scanning through the data on the Vico family's laptop. The aftermath of the battle was still fresh, and the consequences of our actions loomed large. I needed to understand the full scope of what had transpired, especially after learning that Mr. Vico's daughter had survived despite everything. The data on the laptop could provide crucial insights.

Minutes passed as I sifted through the files, piecing together information that could potentially affect our next steps. The tension in the office was palpable, the quiet hum of the computer the only sound in the room. My focus was solely on the screen, trying to make sense of the fragmented data.

Suddenly, the office door burst open with a flash of movement. Lyra sped into the room, her face lit up with a wide, infectious smile. Her rapid entrance was like a gust of wind, a whirlwind of energy that contrasted sharply with the gravity of the situation I was dealing with. I looked up, startled by her sudden appearance.

"Deon!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement and a hint of mischief. Her eyes sparkled as she came to a stop in front of my desk, her smile never fading.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her. "Lyra, what's going on?" I asked, trying to mask my surprise. Her enthusiasm was a stark contrast to the seriousness of the data I was going through.

She leaned against the desk, her grin widening. "I just wanted to see what you were up to. I've been buzzing with energy after everything that happened. Plus, I was curious about what you were doing."

Her exuberance was almost contagious, but I was still caught off guard. "Well, I'm trying to make sense of the Vico family's files. There's a lot of critical information we need to process."

Lyra's gaze dropped to the laptop screen, her smile fading slightly as she took in the serious nature of the task. "Oh, right. I didn't mean to interrupt you."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration. "It's not an interruption. I just wasn't expecting you to come barging in like that."

She chuckled, the sound a refreshing break from the tension. "I guess I got a bit carried away. I was just really excited to see you. And, well, I wanted to make sure you're okay after everything."

I appreciated her concern, though her timing was less than ideal. "I'm fine, just focused on figuring out our next move. But thank you for checking in."

She nodded, her smile returning. "If you need any help or if you want a break, just let me know. I'm here."

I glanced at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. Despite the chaotic energy she brought with her, there was something genuine in her offer. "I'll keep that in mind," I said, allowing a small smile to play on my lips.

Lyra lingered for a moment, her eyes scanning the office before she turned to leave. As she sped out of the room, her energy seemed to fill the space, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, moments of levity and human connection were crucial.

I returned my attention to the laptop, the weight of our responsibilities settling back onto my shoulders. Lyra's unexpected visit had provided a brief respite, but there was still much work to be done.

Lyras pov

As the night deepened, the mansion slowly quieted down. One by one, everyone drifted off to their rooms, leaving the corridors echoing with the faint sounds of footsteps and distant murmurs. I found myself growing increasingly concerned as I noticed that Deon was still in his office, working intently.

I casually made my way to his office, my mind occupied with thoughts of his well-being. As I approached, I peered inside through the slightly ajar door. Deon was seated at his desk, absorbed in the glow of his laptop screen, completely unaware of my presence.

Quietly, I eased the door open and slipped inside. The office was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the room. I walked closer, my curiosity getting the better of me. I leaned over the desk to get a better look at the screen, my hair falling over it and partially obscuring the view.

That was when Deon's voice cut through the silence. "Lyra?" he said, a hint of surprise in his tone.

Startled, I looked up at him, quickly realizing I had intruded into his private space. "Ah, sorry for walking in," I said, taking a step back. "It's just that everyone else has gone to bed, but you've been in here ever since we returned. Are you alright?"

Deon seemed momentarily caught off guard by my question. He shifted his focus from the laptop to me, his expression a mix of surprise and weariness. "I'm fine," he replied, his voice carrying a faint edge of exhaustion. "Just trying to get through some work. It's been a long day."

I nodded, feeling a pang of concern. "I can see that. You've been at this for hours. Maybe you should take a break, get some rest."

Deon sighed, rubbing his eyes briefly. "I appreciate the concern, but there's a lot that needs to be done. We're still trying to piece together everything from the Vico's data, and there are some critical decisions to make."

I could see the strain in his eyes, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his posture. "I understand, but you need to take care of yourself too. You can't keep going like this without a break."

He studied me for a moment, then gave a small, tired smile. "You're right. I suppose I could use a short break. It's just hard to step away when there's so much at stake."

I offered him a reassuring smile. "Maybe just a short break to clear your mind. I can stay here if you want, or help with anything you need."

Deon looked at me, his expression softening. "Thanks, Lyra. That actually sounds like a good idea."

He stood up from his chair, stretching slightly. I took a seat at the desk, glancing at the laptop screen, though I could tell it was better to give him some space. "Why don't you take a walk or get some fresh air? I can keep an eye on things here for a bit."

Deon nodded, clearly appreciating the gesture. "Alright. I'll take a quick walk around the mansion. Thanks for checking in."

As he left the office, I remained at the desk, my mind racing with thoughts about the day's events and the challenges ahead. Deon's well-being was important, and seeing him so consumed by his work made me realize just how much pressure he was under.

I resolved to keep a closer eye on him and offer support whenever possible. For now, I continued to glance through the data on the laptop, hoping to contribute in some way to easing the burden he carried.