Page 9 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I laugh, the sound echoing off the rocks. It feels foreign, but good. Like something I'd forgotten how to do.

As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, Volezimir stretches and stands.

"We should head back," he says, offering me his hand.

I hesitate for a moment before taking it, his skin warm and rough against mine. He pulls me up easily, and I'm struck again by how strong he is.

We make our way back through the jungle, the path seeming shorter now that I know where we're going. The air is thick with the scent of night-blooming flowers, their perfume almost intoxicating.

As we walk, our hands brush against each other several times. Each touch sends a jolt through me, like static electricity but warmer, more alive. I can't tell if it's accidental or intentional, and I'm not sure which I prefer.

We reach the clearing where my treehouse stands, its wooden structure blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Volezimir walks me to the door, and suddenly I'm acutely aware of how close he is, how I can feel the heat radiating from his body.

I wait for my body to lock up, for the fear to hit me…but it never comes. I almost want to lean into him, and the thought alone stuns me. Never have I let someone get this close to me.

We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged with something I can't quite name. I want to invite him in, to see where this spark between us might lead. But fear holds me back – fear of being hurt, of being vulnerable.

Volezimir seems equally unsure, his golden eyes searching my face. He opens his mouth as if to say something, then closes it again.

Finally, I manage a shy smile. "Thank you for today," I say softly. "It was... nice."

He returns the smile, and my heart does a little flip. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Perhaps we could do it again sometime?"

I nod, probably too eagerly. "I'd like that."

We linger for another moment, neither wanting to be the first to leave. Finally, Volezimir takes a step back.

"Goodnight, Zylpha," he says, his voice deepening and I'm surprised that I like it.

"Goodnight, Volezimir," I reply.

As I watch him disappear into the gathering darkness, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Something's changing, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it. But for the first time in a long while, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

5

VOLEZIMIR

Iwake with the first light of dawn, my mind already made up. The peaceful atmosphere of Aurelius has seeped into my bones, a stark contrast to the cold, empty halls of the castle. But if I'm honest with myself, it's not just the island that's drawing me to stay.

Zylpha's face flashes in my mind, her emerald eyes and shy smile making my chest tighten in a way I've never experienced before. I shake my head, trying to focus on the task at hand.

I find Lamain near the communal gardens, inspecting the progress of their latest plantings.

"Prince Lamain," I call out, my voice gruff from disuse.

He turns, a smile spreading across his face. "Volezimir, good morning. I thought you'd be heading back by now."

I clear my throat. "About that. I was thinking... perhaps I could extend my stay. To help improve the island, of course. And ensure your comfort here."

Lamain's eyebrows shoot up, but his smile only grows. "That would be most welcome, old friend. But what about your duties back home?"

I wave a hand dismissively. "The zonaks can handle it. I'll use the portal today to delegate some tasks."

"Well then, we'd be glad to have you." Lamain claps me on the shoulder. "I'm sure June will be thrilled. She's always saying we could use more hands around here."

I nod, trying to keep my expression neutral. "I'll make the arrangements immediately."

As I turn to leave, Lamain calls out, "Oh, and Volezimir? I saw you talking with Zylpha yesterday. She seems... happier. Whatever you're doing, keep it up."

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