Page 43 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I nod, few memories having resurfaced for me since Asmodeus' was taken for trial. "It's also dangerous. There's been a lot of war, which is why we had to come here."

I gaze out at the swirling mists of Aerasak, feeling the weight of history and responsibility pressing down on me. Kaelox's eyes are wide with wonder, and I force myself to focus on his excitement rather than the nagging worry in the back of my mind.

"There's so much more to Aerasak than just demons," I explain, my voice low. "Xaphan, elemental spirits, creatures you've never even dreamed of. It's a world teeming with magic and danger."

Kaelox leans forward, nearly tipping over the edge. I grab his arm, my grip tighter than necessary. He winces, and I loosen my hold, silently chastising myself for my distraction.

"Sorry," I mutter. "Just... be careful."

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering unease from the ball. Azrathel's piercing stare flashes through my mind, and I clench my jaw.

"But we are okay here," I say before it gets too grim for a five year old. I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Our god... he gave Asmodeus, our King, the power to bring us here. To save us."

Kaelox's brow furrows. "As…Asmodeus?"

I kneel down, meeting my son's mismatched gaze. "One day, you'll meet the King I've served for years. I promise you that."

As I stand, my mind wanders again to Azrathel's calculating gaze at the ball. The way he watched us, never approaching, yet always present. I shake my head, trying to dispel the unease.

But as I explain the intricacies of Aerasak, its role in demon magic and history, I feel some of my tension easing. This is what matters – passing on our heritage, keeping Kaelox safe. Whatever Azrathel might be planning, we'll face it together.

But even as I think this, a part of me remains on high alert, scanning the rocks behind us for any sign of danger.

"Do you want to practice while you are out here?"

His eyes light up. "Yeah!"

I lead Kaelox to a secluded clearing, and with us far from the prying eyes of Ti'lith, I know he can let loose. The air crackles with raw energy, perfect for honing demonic abilities.

"Alright, son," I say, kneeling to meet his eyes. "Show me what you've learned so far."

Kaelox's face scrunches in concentration. He extends his small hands, and a faint flicker of flame dances between his palms. Pride swells in my chest.

"Good," I nod. "Now, let's try something bigger."

I demonstrate, conjuring a swirling vortex of fire. Kaelox watches, eyes wide with wonder. He mimics my movements, his brow furrowed in determination. At first, only sparks appear, but with each attempt, the flames grow stronger.

"That's it," I encourage. "Feel the power flowing through you."

Hours pass as we work through various skills. Shadow manipulation, energy projection, even basic telekinesis. Kaelox tackles each challenge with fierce determination, his face lighting up with every small victory.

"Dad, look!" he shouts, levitating a small rock. The strain is evident on his face, but his grin is triumphant.

"Excellent work," I beam, ruffling his hair. "You're a natural."

As the day wears on, I guide Kaelox through more complex maneuvers. We practice defensive shields, offensive energy blasts, and even rudimentary portal creation. Each success, no matter how small, fills me with pride and hope for his future.

By sunset, Kaelox is exhausted but exhilarated. His clothes are singed and his hair is wild, but his eyes shine with accomplishment.

"You did well today," I tell him, my voice gruff with emotion. "Your mother will be proud."

I kneel down in front of Kaelox, placing my hands on his shoulders. The setting sun casts long shadows across the rocky terrain, reminding me it's time we headed back. But first, there's something important I need to convey.

"Kaelox," I begin, my voice low and serious. "You've shown incredible progress today. But with great power comes great responsibility."

His mismatched eyes lock onto mine, attentive despite his exhaustion.

"The abilities we possess, they're not just for show or personal gain. They're a tool, and like any tool, they can be used for good or ill. It's up to us to choose wisely."

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