Page 41 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I feel Volezimir tense slightly beside me. "Lord Malathrix," he greets, his voice carefully neutral. "May I present Zylpha, mother of my son and cherished partner."

Well, I guess that's one thing to call me. Better than slave, though we've never really talked about how I would be introduced.

Lord Malathrix's eyes narrow as they sweep over me. "Charmed," he rumbles, though his tone suggests anything but. "Tell me, human, how are you finding our little gathering?"

I swallow hard, acutely aware of the weight of this moment. "It's quite impressive," I manage, proud that my voice doesn't waver. "The architecture alone is breathtaking."

A flicker of surprise crosses the demon lord's face, quickly replaced by a calculating look. "Indeed? And what would a human know of demon architecture?"

Before I can respond, Volezimir smoothly interjects. "Zylpha has been studying our culture extensively. Her insights are... refreshing."

I squeeze Volezimir's hand in silent thanks as Lord Malathrix grunts noncommittally. The conversation is short, and soon, we are moving again, more and more people turning to us.

I try to keep my composure as we move through the crowded ballroom, but it's hard to ignore the constant murmurs and stares. Volezimir's hand on my back is reassuring, but I can't help feeling like a curiosity on display.

"Did you hear? That's Volezimir's human," a silky voice whispers nearby.

"I heard their child is quite... unusual," another replies, their tone dripping with disdain.

My cheeks burn, but I force myself to keep my head high. Volezimir notices my discomfort and pulls me closer.

"Pay them no mind, Sunshine," he murmurs in my ear. "They're just jealous."

I manage a small smile, grateful for his support. But the whispers continue as we make our way through the crowd.

A tall, elegantly horned demoness approaches us, her golden eyes gleaming with interest. "Volezimir, darling! You simply must introduce me to your... companion."

Volezimir nods politely. "Lady Buer, this is Zylpha, mother of my son and my cherished partner."

Lady Buer's eyes widen slightly. "How fascinating! I've heard such intriguing things about your little one. Tell me, dear, how does he fare with his... unique heritage?"

I stiffen, unsure how to respond. Before I can formulate an answer, another demon chimes in from nearby.

"I heard the child can already manipulate shadows," he says, his voice a low rumble. "Quite impressive for one so young, especially given his... lineage."

I feel a surge of pride mixed with unease. Kaelox is indeed gifted, but I worry about the attention his abilities might bring.

"Our son is developing well," Volezimir replies smoothly, his tone brooking no further discussion on the matter.

As we continue to mingle, I notice some demons giving us a wide berth, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright disgust. Others approach with forced smiles, offering congratulations that feel hollow and insincere.

"You must be so proud," a serpentine demoness hisses, her forked tongue flicking out between sharp teeth. "A half-breed child with such potential. How... unprecedented."

I clench my jaw, fighting back the urge to snap at her. Volezimir's grip on my waist tightens slightly, a silent reminder to stay calm.

"We are indeed proud," I reply, keeping my voice steady. "Our son is a blessing, regardless of his heritage."

The demoness's eyes narrow, but she says nothing more as she slithers away.

As the evening progresses, I can't shake the feeling of being watched. My eyes keep drifting to a particular demon - tall, imposing, with obsidian skin and piercing red eyes. I don't know his name, but his gaze feels like a physical weight on my skin.

"Volezimir," I whisper, leaning close to my partner. "That demon over there... he keeps staring at us."

Volezimir's eyes flick in the direction I indicate, his expression hardening for a moment before smoothing out. "Ah, yes. Try not to pay him any mind, Sunshine."

But I can't help it. Throughout the night, I catch glimpses of this mysterious demon moving through the crowd. He speaks in hushed tones with various attendees, his conversations seeming intense and secretive. And always, always, his gaze returns to us.

After I catch snippets of a few of his conversations, I get put even more on edge. Who is this demon and what is he up to?

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