Page 55 of The Demon's Secret Baby

"I was going to talk to you about it," I explain. "But then Azrathel attacked. He said he was going to use Kaelox and me as leverage against you. For revenge."

Volezimir pulls us both close, his large frame enveloping Kaelox and me protectively. "I should have trusted you," he murmurs into my hair. "I let my fears cloud my judgment."

I lean into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "We both made mistakes," I admit. "But Volezimir, we can't let this happen again. We need to be united, especially now."

I look into Volezimir's golden eyes, seeing the depth of emotion swirling within them. His hand cups my cheek, his touch gentle despite the strength I know lies beneath his skin.

"Zylpha," he says, his voice low and intense. "When I saw you with Azrathel, when I thought... I can't handle the idea of anything happening to you. The mere thought of losing you, of something taking you away from me again..." He shakes his head, his jaw clenching. "It tears me apart inside."

I lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his palm against my skin. "Vol-"

"Let me finish," he interrupts softly. "These past years, searching for you, never giving up hope... and then finding you,having you here with me, with our son..." His eyes flick to Kaelox, who's fallen asleep between us. "I've fallen in love with you, Zylpha. Completely, irrevocably in love."

My heart swells at his words, and I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Oh, Volezimir," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I love you too. So much." I reach up, covering his hand with mine. "Those years on that ship, Kaelox was my only light. But you... the memory of you, the hope of seeing you again, it kept me going. I don't ever want to be without you again."

Volezimir pulls me closer, careful not to disturb Kaelox. His forehead rests against mine, and I can feel his breath, warm against my lips. "You won't be," he assures me, his voice filled with fierce determination. "I swear it, Zylpha. Nothing will ever separate us again. I'll move mountains, fight armies, challenge the gods themselves if I have to. You and Kaelox are my world now, and I'll do anything to keep you safe, to keep us together."

I tilt my chin up, pressing my lips to his in a soft, tender kiss. When we part, I look into his eyes, seeing all the love and devotion I feel mirrored back at me.

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at Volezimir, the weight of everything we've been through pressing down on me. "I don't want to lose you again…but I don't think I can stay here anymore. I don't think this is for us."

I glance down at our sleeping son, gently stroking his hair. "Every day, I see the looks, hear the whispers. The other demons, they barely hide their contempt for my human blood. And Kaelox..." My voice breaks. "He's caught between two worlds. Half-demon, half-human. He doesn't fully belong anywhere."

Volezimir's arm tightens around me, but I continue, needing to get this off my chest. "The political games here, the constant maneuvering and scheming - it's exhausting. And now, afterAzrathel's attack, I can't help but wonder who else might be plotting against us."

I take a shaky breath, forcing myself to meet Volezimir's gaze. "I think we need to finally talk about leaving Galmoleth. It's something I've been thinking about," I admit, my heart clenching at the pain that flashes across his face. "Not because I don't love you, but because I'm so scared for Kaelox. What kind of life can he have here, always looking over his shoulder, never knowing who to trust?"

Volezimir cups my face in his hands, his golden eyes intense. "Zylpha, my love," he says softly, "we'll do whatever you need - whatever our family needs. If you feel we need to leave Galmoleth, then we'll leave. Together."

I blink in surprise. "You'd... you'd leave everything behind? Your position, your home?"

He nods without hesitation. "You and Kaelox are my home now. My family. Nothing else matters if you're not safe and happy."

29

ZYLPHA

Over the next few days, Volezimir and I spend hours discussing our potential move to Aurelius. We sit in our private garden, the twisted demon flora providing a stark contrast to the lush greenery we're considering as our new home.

"Are you sure about this?" I ask Volezimir for what feels like the hundredth time. "Leaving your life here, it's a huge sacrifice."

He takes my hand, his golden eyes meeting mine. "Zylpha, nothing is more important to me than you and Kaelox. Everything means nothing if I can't keep you safe and happy."

We weigh the pros and cons meticulously. Aurelius offers safety, a chance for Kaelox to grow up without the constant scrutiny of demon society. The island's isolation would shield us from political machinations and potential threats.

"But what about your duties here?" I press. "Won't people wonder where you've gone?"

Volezimir shrugs. "Rumors will probably spread that I went to Aerasak. I can keep Lamain's secret and protect us at the same time."

One evening, Volezimir shows me how to use the beacon to portal to Aurelius. The magic tingles against my skin as I activate it, June's familiar face appearing before us.

"Zylpha! Volezimir!" she exclaims, her green eyes lighting up. "Is everything alright?"

I explain our situation, watching as June's expression shifts from concern to excitement.

"Of course you can come here!" she says enthusiastically. "We'd love to have you. Let me get Lamain."

Over the next hour, we hash out details with June and Lamain. They offer us a secluded area of the island to build our home, close enough for visits but private enough for our family.

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