Page 12 of The Demon's Secret Baby

In that moment, everything becomes clear. This is where I belong. This is my purpose. Not the empty halls of the castle, not the duty to my King. It's her. It's Zylpha. It's the sunshine she brings into my life.

6

ZYLPHA

Iwake up to the sound of waves lapping against the shore, a gentle reminder of my new life on Aurelius. The morning light filters through the leaves of my treehouse, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Stretching, I smile at the lingering warmth in my muscles from yesterday's... activities with Volezimir.

A soft knock on my door sends a flutter through my chest. I open it to find Volezimir, his imposing figure filling the doorway.

His eyes light up when he sees me, the gold turning molten, and it does something to me every time. "Good morning, Sunshine. Care for some breakfast?"

His deep voice washes over me, and I can't help but grin. "I'd love some."

We make our way to a small clearing where he's laid out a spread of fresh fruits and bread. As we eat, he grows quiet, his golden eyes distant.

"What's on your mind?" I ask, nudging his arm.

He sighs. "I have to head back to the castle for a day or two. There are some duties waiting that I can't ignore any longer."

My heart sinks a little. "Oh. When do you leave?"

"After this." He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'll be back before you know it."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. It's silly, really. I've spent most of my life alone, yet after nearly two weeks spending every day with Volezimir, the thought of him leaving makes my chest ache.

"Hey," he says, tilting my chin up. "You gonna be okay?"

I force a smile. "Of course. I'm not some damsel who can't function without her demon knight."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Never thought you were, Sunshine."

After breakfast, I walk with Volezimir to his temporary home. As he prepares to leave, I realize something. I don't want to be alone, but I don't have to be.

With a final kiss, Volezimir steps through the portal, leaving me alone but not lonely.

Later that day, I find myself in a room with other Aurelians. Maps and plans are spread across a large table, and the air buzzes with anticipation. June stands at the head of the table, her face serious.

"Alright, folks," she says. "We've got intel on a ship docking in Orthani tomorrow night. It's carrying human captives."

My stomach clenches at the memory of my own captivity, but I push it aside. This is why I'm here.

"Zylpha," June calls, catching my eye. "You've been through this. Any insights?"

I step forward, my voice steady as I begin to share what I know. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm part of something bigger than myself. And as we dive into the rescue plans, I realize that even without Volezimir, I'm not alone anymore.

The nightof the mission arrives, and I find myself crouched behind a stack of crates at the edge of the docks. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat a reminder of what's at stake. The dark, flexible clothing June provided clings to my skin, allowing me to blend into the shadows.

I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves. The salty sea air fills my lungs, mingling with the acrid smell of tar and fish. Distant laughter from a nearby tavern drifts on the breeze, a stark contrast to the tension coiling in my gut.

A guard passes by, his boots scraping against the weathered wood of the dock. I hold my breath, pressing myself flat against the crates. His torch casts flickering shadows, and for a moment, I'm sure he'll spot me. But he moves on, oblivious to my presence.

Once he's gone, I slip from my hiding spot, keeping low as I dart between shadows. The ship looms before me, a dark silhouette against the star-studded sky. I can almost feel the fear emanating from its hull, memories of my own captivity threatening to overwhelm me.

I push them aside, focusing on the task at hand. June's voice echoes in my head, reminding me of the plan. "Find the hatch on the port side," she'd said. "It'll lead you to the cargo hold."

My eyes scan the ship's side, searching for the entrance. There – a faint outline barely visible in the darkness. I glance around, making sure the coast is clear, then make a dash for it.

My fingers fumble with the latch, slick with sweat and sea spray. A metallic click sends a jolt of panic through me, sure I've been discovered. But no alarm sounds, no shouts ring out.

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