Page 33 of The Demon's Secret Baby

"Of course," Volezimir assures him, ruffling his hair. "We'll visit often."

We gather our meager belongings - mostly just the clothes on our backs and a few small treasures I'd collected for Kaelox over the years. As we prepare to leave, June and Lamain meet us at the edge of the village.

June pulls me into a tight hug. "I can't believe you're leaving already," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

"We'll be back to visit," I promise, squeezing her hand. "Thank you for everything."

Lamain nods solemnly to Volezimir. "Take care of them, old friend."

"With my life," Volezimir responds, his voice filled with conviction.

With final hugs and farewells, Volezimir activates the portal. I take a deep breath, holding Kaelox close as we step through the shimmering gateway.

The world shifts around us, and suddenly we're standing in a vast, ornate hall. The ceiling towers above us, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing crystals. Kaelox gasps in wonder, his grip on my hand tightening.

"Welcome to Galmoleth," Volezimir says, his voice echoing slightly in the grand space. "This is the royal castle."

He leads us straight inside, up to a wing that he says is only his. AS soon as we are settled, Volezimir springs into action. "I'm calling for the healers," he says, his voice laced with concern. "You both need to be checked over after everything you've been through."

I nod, grateful for his thoughtfulness. Kaelox clings to my side, overwhelmed by the grandeur of our new surroundings.

Within minutes, a team of healers arrives. They are some kind of demon, though different than Volezimir, but their gentle demeanor puts me at ease. They usher us into a nearby chamber, filled with strange instruments and glowing crystals.

"Don't worry," one of the healers assures me, noticing my apprehension. "We just want to make sure you and the little one are healthy."

They examine us thoroughly, using a combination of magic and more traditional methods. Kaelox is fascinated by the colorful spells they cast, momentarily forgetting his shyness.

"You're both in remarkably good health, considering the circumstances," the lead healer announces after what feels like hours. "A bit malnourished, perhaps, but nothing some good meals won't fix."

Volezimir visibly relaxes at the news, the tension leaving his broad shoulders.

As the healers pack up their equipment, Volezimir turns to me. "I'll show you to your rooms now."

He leads us down a long corridor, ornate tapestries lining the walls. He says his room is at the end and just across from it, he shows Kaelox his own room. Our son is overjoyed, content to play with his toys as Volezimir takes me to the room next door. We stop in front of a beautifully carved door.

"These will be your chambers," Volezimir says, pushing the door open to reveal a luxurious suite. "I hope you'll be comfortable here."

I step inside, taking in the plush furnishings and expansive windows overlooking the city below. It's more opulent than anything I've ever seen. But as Volezimir turns to leave, panic grips my heart.

"Wait," I call out, my voice sharper than I intended. Volezimir pauses, looking back at me with concern.

I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "I... I don't want to be separated from you. Not again." My cheeks flush, but I hold his gaze. "Can I stay with you?"

He steps closer, his face softening as he cups my cheek. "I would want nothing more."

17

VOLEZIMIR

Idedicate several hours each day to bonding with Kaelox. Today, I'm taking him to the Sacred Grove of Shadows, one of the most revered sites in demon culture. As we walk through the twisted, obsidian trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers, I can't help but marvel at how quickly he's growing.

"This grove has stood since we first came to Galmoleth" I explain, my voice low and reverent. "Some demons gather here to commune with the God of Whispers."

Kaelox's mismatched eyes widen, one golden like mine, the other green like Zylpha's. "Really? Do you?"

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "Sometimes. The whispers can guide you through times of strife and uncertainty."

We pause before an ancient altar, its surface etched with runes that glow faintly in the dim light. Kaelox reaches out, his small fingers tracing the symbols.

---