Page 22 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I grunt in acknowledgment, not bothering to turn around. My dark elf crew — that came with the ship — believe me to be some kind of merchant, and I've never let them see me without my glamour.

But I'm no dark elf. And I'm not worried about something like waves or pirates. Let the storm come. It's nothing compared to the tempest raging inside me.

As we sail into the gathering darkness, my mind drifts back to that night in Orthani. The tavern had stunk of cheap ale and desperation. I'd thrown a sack of gold on the bar, demanding information about a ship that'd left port months ago.

"Ain't got nothin' for ya," the bartender had sneered.

In a flash, I'd grabbed him by the throat, slamming him against the wall. My glamour had flickered, revealing a glimpse of my true form.

"Talk," I'd growled.

His eyes had bulged, face turning purple. "G-golden... minotaur," he'd choked out. "On... the bow."

It wasn't much, but it was something. I'd dropped him, tossing a few extra coins for his trouble.

The memory fades as lightning splits the sky. Waves crash over the deck, and my crew scrambles to secure the rigging. I remain at the bow, unmoved by the chaos around me.

"Aye!" someone shouts. "Beasts are out tonight!"

I turn to see massive tentacles rising from the depths. With a snarl, I summon my power, shadows coalescing around my fists. As the beast attacks, I leap into action, my blows leaving smoking craters in its flesh.

The battle rages for hours, my ship taking heavy damage. But in the end, the monster sinks back into the abyss, and we limp onward.

Days later, we dock at a small island to make repairs. While the crew works, I prowl the local taverns, seeking any scrap of information. But it's the same story everywhere - blank stares or useless rumors.

As we prepare to set sail again, I know that there's only one place for me to go right now. It's time to check in with Aurelius. With a heavy heart, I give the order to change course. Maybe this time, she'll be there waiting for me.

But deep down, I know she won't be. And so, my search continues.

June has now had their first born

I dock at Aurelius, my heart heavy with both hope and dread as I step down on the full built docks. The familiar scent of jungle flowers and sea salt hits me, but it brings no comfort. As I makemy way to Lamain and June's treehouse, I rehearse what I'll say if Zylpha isn't there.

June spots me first, her face lighting up. "Volezimir! You're back!"

But her smile fades as she takes in my appearance. I know I look different - ragged, unkempt, my eyes haunted. I haven't bothered maintaining my usual polished demeanor.

"Any news?" I ask, my voice hoarse from disuse.

June's face falls. "I'm sorry, Volezimir. We haven't found her either."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I stumble, catching myself against a nearby tree. June reaches out to steady me, her touch gentle but hesitant.

"We've been searching every port," she continues softly. "Lamain's used every contact he has. It's like she just... vanished."

I close my eyes, fighting back the rage and despair threatening to overwhelm me. When I open them again, I see Lamain approaching, his expression grim.

"Volezimir," he nods in greeting. "You look... different."

I laugh, a harsh, bitter sound with no humor in it. "Do I? I hadn't noticed."

Lamain exchanges a worried glance with June. I know they're concerned, but I can't bring myself to care.

"Perhaps you should rest," Lamain suggests carefully. "You've been searching for months. We can continue-"

"No," I cut him off sharply. "I can't stop. I won't."

June steps forward, her eyes filled with compassion. "Volezimir, we're worried about you. This isn't like you at all. The Volezimir we know is always so composed, so in control. But now..."

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