Page 29 of The Demon's Secret Baby

My legs tremble beneath me, threatening to give out, and only Kaelox's weight keeps me up right. He's here. He's really here. He came after me.

He saved me.

15

VOLEZIMIR

The sound of her voice slices through the chaos, and time grinds to a halt. I turn, my blade still locked with the minotaur's axe, every muscle in my body tensed for battle. Sweat drips down my brow, stinging my eyes, but I dare not blink. And there she stands.

Zylpha.

My breath catches in my throat. She's even more beautiful than I remembered, her emerald eyes blazing with a fierce determination I'd fallen in love with years ago. Her auburn hair whips around her face in the wind, and I can see the slight tremble in her hands. But it's not just her. Cling to her is?—

A child.

My child.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. My grip on my sword falters, and the world around me blurs into insignificance. The clash of steel and the bellows of the minotaur fade away. All I can see is them. Zylpha and our son.

His eyes—one gold like mine, one green like hers—lock onto me. I see my own features reflected in his tiny face, the slightpoints of horns just visible beneath a mop of dark hair. My heart threatens to burst from my chest. He's perfect. A miracle I never dared hope for.

I want to run to them, to scoop them both into my arms and never let go. But I'm rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotions I can barely comprehend. Joy, fear, love, and a fierce protectiveness unlike anything I've ever known crash over me.

But first, I need to get us all out here.

Snapping back to the fight, I turn toward the minotaur Captain, more than ready to rip him to shreds now. There was always a slight doubt — a small fear — that Zylpha wouldn't even be here, and now that I know she is, I'm bringing this whole ship down.

The minotaur's hot breath washes over my face as we grapple, his massive form towering over me. I bare my teeth, channeling every ounce of rage and frustration from years of searching into this moment. My muscles strain against his inhuman strength, but I refuse to yield.

"You took her from me," I snarl, my voice barely recognizable. "You'll pay for every second she suffered."

The captain's eyes narrow, a sneer twisting his bovine features. "Your woman? She's been quite useful these past years. Perhaps I'll keep her around a bit longer."

His words ignite a inferno within me. With a roar that shakes the very planks beneath our feet, I summon a surge of demonic power. Shadows writhe around my arms, lending me strength beyond mortal limits. I shove hard, breaking his grip and sending him stumbling back.

I press my advantage, my blade becoming a blur of deadly precision. The minotaur parries desperately, his axe a clumsy defense against my onslaught. Each clash of steel rings outacross the deck, punctuated by the sounds of battle as my crew engages the remaining pirates.

The Captain swings his axe in a wide arc, aiming to cleave me in two. I duck beneath the blow, feeling the rush of air as it passes inches from my head. In that moment of overextension, I lash out, my sword biting deep into his thigh.

He bellows in pain and fury, his free hand swinging in a massive backhand. I'm not quite fast enough to dodge completely, and his fist catches me in the ribs. The impact sends me flying, my back slamming against the ship's railing.

Pain explodes through my body, but I force myself to my feet. I can't fail now. Not when Zylpha and our son are so close. The thought of them gives me renewed strength, and I charge back into the fray.

The minotaur limps towards me, his injured leg leaving a trail of blood on the deck. His eyes burn with hatred, but I can see the first flickers of fear. He knows he's outmatched.

Our weapons clash once more, the impact sending shockwaves up my arms. We're locked in a deadly dance, neither willing to give ground. I feint left, then spin right, my blade seeking any opening in his defense.

Suddenly, a small voice cuts through the chaos. "Dad!"

My heart clenches. It's my son. For a split second, my focus wavers, and the minotaur seizes his chance. His axe comes down in a crushing blow, and I barely manage to bring my sword up in time. The force of the impact drives me to one knee.

The Captain looms over me, his massive form blocking out the sun. "Your family will watch you die," he growls, raising his axe for the killing blow.

Time seems to slow. I think of Zylpha, of the years we've lost. Of the son I've only just met. Of all the moments we could have shared. Rage and love and desperation surge through me, and I feel my demonic nature rising to the surface.

With a primal scream, I unleash every ounce of power within me. Shadows explode from my body, coalescing into razor-sharp tendrils. They lash out, wrapping around the minotaur's limbs and weapon, holding him in place.

I rise, my eyes blazing with unholy fire. The Captain's face contorts in terror as he realizes his fate is sealed. With a single, fluid motion, I drive my blade through his heart.

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