Page 14 of The Demon's Secret Baby

VOLEZIMIR

Istorm through the castle halls, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Fucking zonaks. Can't even handle basic tasks without me holding their hands. I'd rather be back on Aurelius, with Zylpha.

The thought of her calms me slightly, but my irritation quickly resurfaces as I round a corner and nearly collide with a zonak carrying a stack of linens.

"Watch where you're going," I growl.

The zonak scrambles out of my way, mumbling apologies. I ignore him and continue toward my quarters. Just a few more things to wrap up, then I can head back to-

"Sir Volezimir!"

I turn to see one of the messengers sprinting down the hall, face pale and eyes wide. Lamain insisted I have some kind of title — I wasn't a zonak after all.

"What is it?" I demand.

He skids to a stop, panting. "It's- it's the King, sir. King Asmodeus is returning to Galmoleth."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "When?"

"A few weeks, sir. The trial is over. An advance party just arrived with the news."

"Shit," I mutter. This changes everything. I need to tell Lamain and June immediately. It won't change anything, but if his father is coming back to Galmoleth, Lamain needs to know.

"Thank you," I tell the messenger. "You're dismissed."

He bows and hurries away. I rush to my quarters, my mind racing. Why is Asmodeus returning now? What does this mean for Lamain and June? For Aurelius? Before, he was too busy dealing with a crumbling kingdom to notice but else, but now?

Uncertainty swirls through me.

I throw open my door and start gathering what I need. Clothes, weapons, anything that I might need to be gone a little longer.

Get it together, I tell myself. You need to stay calm. For Lamain. For June. For Zylpha.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Then I grab my packed bag and reach for my beacon. There's no time to waste.

I burst through the portal onto Aurelius, my heart pounding. The lush jungle surrounds me, but I barely notice its beauty as I scan the area for Lamain and June. I need to find them now.

"Lamain!" I shout, my voice echoing through the trees. "June!"

I start moving, pushing through the dense foliage. The weight of my packed bag reminds me of the urgency of the situation. Sweat beads on my forehead as I search.

Finally, I spot them near the beach, talking with some of the other inhabitants. Relief floods through me, quickly replaced by anxiety as I remember why I'm here.

"Lamain!" I call out again, striding towards them.

They turn, surprise evident on their faces. June's brow furrows with concern.

"Volezimir? What's wrong?" Lamain asks as I approach.

I take a deep breath. "It's your father. Asmodeus is returning to Galmoleth."

Their eyes widen. June grabs Lamain's arm, her knuckles turning white.

"When?" Lamain's voice is tight.

"A few weeks. The trial is over. An advance party just arrived with the news."

Lamain curses under his breath. June looks pale, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. But then the Prince shakes his head.

---