Page 28 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I sling the bag over my shoulder, its contents a carefully curated lifeline – dried food, a waterskin, a crude map I've pieced together from overheard conversations. My fingers close around the hilt of my hidden dagger, its presence reassuring.

"Hold on tight," I whisper to Kaelox. "Whatever happens, don't let go."

I feel his nod against my back as I creep towards the hold's entrance. The sounds of fighting grow louder, punctuated by screams and the clash of steel. My hand trembles slightly as I reach for the door, but I steel myself. This might be our only chance at freedom, and I'll be damned if I let fear hold us back now.

I press my back against the damp wooden wall, my heart hammering in my chest. The narrow passageway stretches before me, a gauntlet of shadows and danger. Kaelox's warmth against my back anchors me, reminding me of everything at stake.

A crash echoes from above, followed by panicked shouts. I flinch, my grip tightening on the dagger. The ship groans, timbers creaking under the strain of the battle raging overhead.

"Mama?" Kaelox's whisper is barely audible.

"Shh, baby," I breathe, squeezing his hand. "Remember, quiet as a shadow."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Then, with practiced stealth, I begin to move. My bare feet make no sound on the worn planks. Years of captivity have taught me every creaky board, every loose nail. I avoid them instinctively, gliding through the darkness like a ghost, my heart pounding in my chest with each careful step.

The passageway curves, leading towards the stairs to the upper deck. Frantic footsteps thunder past, and I press myselfinto an alcove, holding my breath. Two crew members race by, terror etched on their faces. They don't even glance our way. I can smell their fear, acrid and sharp, as they rush past our hiding spot.

As I near the stairs, the sounds of combat grow louder. The clash of steel, grunts of exertion, and cries of pain form a cacophony of violence.

But beneath it all, I hear something that makes my blood run cold – a deep, guttural roar that shakes the very timbers of the ship. The sound reverberates through my bones, sending shivers down my spine.

I freeze, my mind reeling. That sound... I know that voice. It's haunted my dreams for five long years. It's the voice I've longed to hear again, even as I feared I never would.

My fingers tighten around Kaelox's hand, torn between hope and terror. Could it really be him? After all this time?

Volezimir.

My legs tremble, threatening to give out. I lean against the wall, struggling to breathe. He's here. He's actually here.

Another roar splits the air, closer this time. The sound galvanizes me, pushing aside my shock. I have to reach him. Now.

With renewed determination, I start up the stairs. Each step brings us closer to freedom, closer to him. The noise grows deafening as I near the top. I pause just below the hatch, listening intently.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies beyond. With trembling fingers, I push open the hatch, emerging onto the deck.

The scene that greets me is pure chaos. The night air is thick with the metallic stench of blood and the acrid smell of smoke. Bodies litter the deck, some still, others writhing in agony.The wooden planks beneath my feet are slick with blood and seawater.

My eyes dart frantically, trying to make sense of the mayhem. Volezimir's crew clashes with the minotaur's men, their weapons flashing in the moonlight. The air crackles with magic, dark tendrils of shadow weaving through the fray.

And there, in the eye of this storm, is Volezimir.

My breath catches in my throat as I see him. He's even more imposing than I remember, his massive frame radiating raw power. His violet hair whips wildly in the sea breeze, and his golden eyes burn with an otherworldly intensity. He's locked in fierce combat with the minotaur Captain, their massive forms grappling in a deadly dance.

My heart pounds against my ribcage, a mix of fear and something else I can't quite name. Volezimir moves with a grace that belies his size, each strike precise and devastating.

The minotaur Captain, formidable in his own right, struggles to match my demon's ferocity. I can't tear my eyes away from the spectacle, even as the chaos of battle rages around me. The clash of steel on steel rings out, punctuated by grunts of exertion and cries of pain. The deck beneath my feet trembles with each thunderous impact of their titanic struggle.

Volezimir's fists are wreathed in shadows, each blow leaving trails of darkness in its wake. The minotaur Captain bellows in pain and rage, his massive axe swinging in wide, devastating arcs. And I hate how he won't back down.

My heart pounds so hard I fear it might burst from my chest. Five years of longing, of hoping against hope, and here he is. So close, yet still beyond my reach.

I can't tear my eyes away from Volezimir's powerful form, his every movement a reminder of the strength and protection I've missed for so long. My fingers itch to touch him, to make surehe's real and not just another cruel dream taunting me in the depths of night.

Without thinking, I call out to him, my voice carrying over the din of battle. "Volezimir!"

He turns, his golden eyes widening as they lock onto mine. I see the shock ripple across his face, his expression shifting from fierce determination to utter disbelief. His gaze moves from me to Kaelox, clinging to my back, and I watch as understanding dawns in his eyes.

For a moment, the world seems to stand still. The sounds of battle fade away, and all I can see is Volezimir. The love and longing I've carried all these years threatens to overwhelm me.

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