Page 34 of Demon Lord's Proposal

"Good morning, Slim's," I say softly, running my hand along the bar as I pass. "Ready for another day?"

I swear I feel a warm pulse in response, but maybe that's just my imagination.

Next, I make my way to the newly opened space next door - Deadly Delights, our cupcake shop extension. As I push open the door, the whimsical yet slightly sinister atmosphere envelops me.

The walls are a deep, rich purple, adorned with glittering constellations that slowly shift and change. Display cases line the room, each one a work of art in itself. Some look like ornate birdcages, others like miniature gothic cathedrals. And inside each, cupcakes of every imaginable – and some unimaginable – variety await.

"Now, what shall we bake today?" I ask the empty shop, clapping my hands together.

I move behind the counter, tying on an apron emblazoned with the shop's logo - a grinning skull with a cupcake for a hat. Then, I begin gathering ingredients, both mundane and magical.

"Let's start with something classic," I decide. "Hellfire Cinnamon Swirl. Always a crowd-pleaser."

As I mix the batter, I infuse it with a mild alchemical concoction that will give the eater a pleasant warm glow - literally. Their skin will emit a soft, flickering light for about an hour after consumption. Harmless, but amusing.

I'm just pulling the first batch out of the oven when I hear the shop's door open. Without turning, I know exactly who it is.

"Good morning, my love," Deus's deep voice rumbles behind me.

I turn, beaming at him. "Good morning, handsome. Right on time for the first batch."

Deus approaches, his imposing figure softened somewhat by the 'World's Best Dad-mon' apron I got him as a gag gift – which he refuses to admit he loves. He wraps his arms around me, careful of my bump, and plants a kiss on my forehead.

"How are my two favorite beings in all the realms?" he asks, his hand joining mine on my belly.

"We're wonderful," I reply, leaning into his embrace. "Your child seems to have inherited your love for early mornings."

Deus chuckles, a sound that still sends shivers down my spine. "Good. They'll need to be alert to handle all the trouble they're bound to get into."

I playfully swat his arm. "Don't even joke about that. I'm already worried enough about what kind of powers they might have."

"Ah, yes," Deus says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What do you think? Ability to summon hellfire or hexeblood alchemy?"

I roll my eyes, but can't help grinning. "Knowing our luck? Probably both. Can you imagine? A toddler who can brew exploding potions and then set them on fire?"

We both laugh at the image, but there's a hint of genuine concern in our eyes. Raising a half-demon, half-hexeblood child is uncharted territory, even for us.

"We'll figure it out," Deus says softly, sensing my worry. "Together."

I nod, feeling reassured. "Together," I echo.

"Now," Deus says, his tone lightening, "I believe I was promised a cupcake?"

I laugh, turning back to the cooling rack. "Always so impatient. Here, try this one."

I hand him a Hellfire Cinnamon Swirl cupcake, watching expectantly as he takes a bite. His eyes widen in pleasure, and then, right on cue, his skin begins to emit a soft, flickering glow.

"Impressive," he says, examining his glowing hand. "The mortals have those... what do they call them? Glow sticks? We have glow cupcakes."

"Just wait until you try the Void Velvet," I say, gesturing to another batch cooling nearby. "They make you feel like you're floating in space for a few minutes."

Deus raises an eyebrow. "You've been busy. Speaking of which, how are the expansion plans coming along?"

I lean against the counter, considering. "Well, I think we're ready to start on the next phase. The Deadly Delights brand is taking off faster than we expected. I've had requests from some of the other underworld districts about opening franchises."

"Franchises?" Deus looks surprised. "You're thinking big, my love."

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as excitement bubbles up inside me. "Well, why not? We've got something unique here. Why not share it with the rest of the underworld?"

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