THE DEVIL HERSELF
Chapter 48

<~~ THREE DAYS LATER ~~>

Three days had passed since the violent encounter with Stone and his men. Scarlet was still processing the aftermath when she received a call from Gloria. Gloria asked her to meet her son, someone she had picked up just like Scarlet, and wanted them to get to know each other. Initially reluctant, Scarlet eventually agreed after some persuasion.

Scarlet drove to the underground house where Gloria was staying. The secluded location offered a sense of security, an essential for their line of work. Gloria greeted her warmly and led her inside. They settled in the cozy living room, and Gloria began her story.

"I picked up a boy, just like I picked up you, Scarlet," Gloria began. "He lost his family in a cruel way, similar to you. Back then, I was dating a guy, Louis John Thompson. I knew you wouldn't approve, so I kept it a secret. One night, after a romantic date, we found a boy lying on the side of the road, looking dead. Out of pity, I asked Louis to stop the car. We took him to the hospital, where he was treated. Months after his recovery, we sent him to a training center to replace his strength."

Scarlet listened intently, a strange feeling of familiarity growing within her. "And what happened to Louis?" she asked.

"He died in a car accident a year after Elias left. Elias cried because Louis was like a father to him," Gloria replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

The name "Elias" struck a chord with Scarlet. She felt she knew him but couldn't place how. "Can you call him?" Scarlet asked.

Gloria nodded and called out. Moments later, Elias emerged from another room. Scarlet's heart skipped a beat as she saw him. Recognition dawned on both their faces.

"Scarlet?" Elias asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Elias, you're her son ?" Scarlet whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to Gloria. "Elias is my brother. I thought he was dead."

Gloria's eyes widened with joy. "This is wonderful news! I had hoped you two would meet and connect. I always dreamed of having you both close."

Scarlet hugged Elias tightly, her heart bursting with relief and happiness. "We are like one big family and nothing will ever come in between us but we still something to finish up," she said, happily. She smiled genuinely again. She felt it again.... Happiness

"Yes, we do," Elias replied, his voice choked with emotion.

Gloria watched them, a warm smile on her face. "I had plans for you two to marry each other, but now that I know you're blood siblings, you'll live together as a family."

# <~~~~ HUNTER'S CLAN --- ITALY ~~~~>

Meanwhile, Lord Ace and his clan were making arrangements to attack Scarlet's base, the Scorpion Evo X. The air was tense as the clan members strategized their next move.

"We need to strike hard and fast," Lord Ace commanded. "Scarlet is smart and dangerous. We can't afford any mistakes. But that will happen after the burial of our most trusted people "

The clan members nodded in agreement. The recent losses of Stone, Leo, and Jackson had only fueled their determination to bring Scarlet down.

000 BURIAL SITE 000

A somber burial ceremony was held for Stone, Leo, and Jackson in a secluded forest area. The graves were dug, and the bodies were lowered into the ground. Lord Ace stood at the head of the graves, his expression unreadable.

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"They were loyal to our cause," Lord Ace said, his voice carrying over the silent crowd. "Their deaths will not be in vain. We will avenge them and take down Scarlet."

The clan members nodded solemnly, their faces etched with determination. As the graves were filled, a sense of resolve settled over the group. They knew the battle ahead would be fierce, but they were ready to face it. Immediately after the burial Ace called Darius.

Back at their base, Lord Ace and his second-in-command, Darius, pored over maps and plans. "We'll need to gather intel on their defenses," Darius said.

"We have spies in place," Lord Ace replied. "They'll provide us with the information we need. We'll strike at dawn, when they least expect it."

Darius nodded. "I'll make sure everyone is prepared. We can't afford any slip-ups."

Lord Ace's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Scarlet won't know what hit her."

Scarlet was still having conversations with her mom and brother when she over heard Ace's plan. Even in this new place he got in Italy, she still has spies following around mounting cameras for all over. She connected her phone to a Bluetooth headphones and she can listen to there conversation even in middle of something something important.

"Brother! Stay with mother, I have something very important to attend to in clan but I will be back soon" Scarlet said, standing up.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "Won't you stay for lunch?" Gloria asked.

"Nope but I might come by for dinner, am not certain so don't wait up for me. Elias will stay here with you" she said and walked away before they stop her from leaving.

In no time she was back to the clan, she gathered everyone together at the main hall.

"Everyone prepare yourself because we might be under attack from any moment" she announced.

"Everyone else leave apart from the top trainers"

Scarlet gathered her top lieutenants-Diego, Dracula, Rachel, Arizona, Bingo, Scar, and Vincento-in the briefing room. "We have intel that Lord Ace is planning an attack," she informed them. "We need to be ready." Diego nodded. "We've strengthened our defenses and increased surveillance. They won't catch us off guard."

"Good," Scarlet said. "We've come too far to let them take us down now. Stay sharp, and remember, we're fighting for our future."

The team nodded, their resolve clear. As they dispersed to their stations, the sense of unity and purpose was stronger than ever. Scarlet knew the battle ahead would be fierce, but with her loyal team by her side, she was ready to face whatever came next. The hunt for Lord Ace had only just begun, and she was determined to see it through to the end.

They think they have allies in her Clan not knowing that it's about to go down in a way they won't see it coming. As Scarlet and her team prepared for the imminent attack, the atmosphere at the Scorpion Evo X was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension. Everyone knew the stakes were high, and there was no room for error.