Page 24 of The Demon's Secret Baby

Icradle Kaelox close, his small body warm against mine as we huddle in the darkest corner of the ship's hold. My son's unique features are more pronounced now at almost five years old - tiny horns peeking through his unruly hair and those mesmerizing eyes that shift between gold and green.

I've gone to painstaking lengths to hide him. Even five years later, I'm still in chains daily, though they've moved me to a slightly smaller room with less roommates — probably to keep the healthy from the sick so I can keep working.

It makes it easier for me to hide Kaelox, though. I've fashioned a little hiding spot beneath my bed, and the crew never comes in here. And I've managed to befriend enough that no one asks questions about the oddities that happen with me.

"Mama, tell me about the stars again," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the creaking timbers.

I smile, running my fingers through his hair. "The stars, my love, are like tiny jewels scattered across the night sky. They twinkle and shine, guiding lost sailors home."

Kaelox's eyes widen with wonder. "Will they guide us home too?"

My heart clenches. "One day, sweetling. One day."

I reach into my pocket, pulling out a small toy boat I've fashioned from scraps of wood and cloth. Kaelox's face lights up as he takes it, carefully running his fingers over the makeshift sail.

"Now, remember," I whisper, "we must keep this hidden. It's our special secret."

He nods solemnly, clutching the toy to his chest. "I promise, Mama."

I hum a soft lullaby, one my own mother used to sing. Kaelox's eyelids grow heavy, but he fights sleep.

"Mama," he murmurs, "tell me about Dad."

I swallow hard, memories of Volezimir flooding my mind. "Your father is strong and kind. He has golden eyes, just like one of yours. And he loves us very much, even though he doesn't know about you yet."

"Will he like me?" Kaelox asks, his voice small and uncertain.

I pull him closer, kissing the top of his head. "Oh, my love. He will adore you. You're the best of both of us."

As Kaelox finally drifts off to sleep, I allow myself a moment of vulnerability. Tears slip silently down my cheeks as I hold our son, praying that somehow, someday, we'll find our way back to Volezimir.

I scrub the deck vigorously, my muscles aching from the repetitive motion. The sun beats down mercilessly, but I don't dare stop. I've learned that the more I push myself, the less likely the crew is to question my movements.

"Oi, human! The Captain wants his quarters cleaned," a gruff voice calls out.

I nod, hiding my excitement. The Captain's quarters - a goldmine of information I've been trying to access for months.

"Right away," I respond, grabbing my bucket.

Inside the Captain's lavish cabin, I move quickly, dusting and organizing while keeping an eye out for anything useful. A map catches my attention - it's of an unfamiliar coastline, marked with X's and notes in the Captain's messy scrawl.

I commit as much of it to memory as I can before returning to my cleaning. As I polish a ornate mirror, the Captain himself enters.

"You're thorough," he grunts, eyeing my work.

"Thank you, sir," I reply, keeping my eyes lowered. "I take pride in my work."

He snorts. "Pride? You humans are strange creatures. But... you've proven useful. Perhaps you'd like more responsibilities?"

My heart races. This is the opening I've been waiting for. "I'd be honored, Captain."

"Good. Report to the quartermaster tomorrow. You'll be helping with inventory."

I nod, trying to contain my excitement. Inventory means access to supplies, potential weapons, and most importantly, information about our route and destinations.

As I leave the cabin, my mind whirs with possibilities. This is a significant step forward in my plan. With this new position, I'll have more freedom to move about the ship, more chances to gather intel, and maybe even opportunities to sabotage if necessary.

But as always, my thoughts return to Kaelox. Every move I make, every risk I take, is for him. I have to get us off this ship and back to Volezimir. Our son deserves to know his father, to grow up free and loved.

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