Zylpha's lips are soft and yielding under mine, her body pressing against me with a need that matches my own. She tastes like sweet wine and desire, a combination that drives me wild.

I deepen the kiss, one hand cupping the back of her neck, the other pulling her flush against me. She whimpers, a soft, needy sound that sends a jolt of pure heat through me. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, clinging to me as if I'm the only thing keeping her grounded.

I walk her backwards, our lips never parting, until we're in our room. The door slams shut behind us, a loud, final sound that echoes through the chamber. Zylpha's breath hitches, her eyes wide with anticipation as I break the kiss, only to press her gently but firmly onto the bed. Her auburn hair fans out around her, a stark contrast against the dark silk sheets. She's a vision, my sunshine, radiant and so damn tempting.

I want to ease her worry. I want to make her relax. And dammit, I need a fucking taste. This woman has been driving wild for years and now I can't seem to stop myself where she's involved.

I kneel before her, my hands trailing up her thighs, pushing her dress up as I go. Her skin is soft, smooth, and I can feel her muscles trembling beneath my touch. I lean in, pressing a kiss to the inside of her knee, then another, and another, trailing a path upwards. Zylpha's breath comes in short, sharp gasps, her hips squirming as she anticipates my next move.

"Volezimir..." she breathes, my name a plea on her lips. I smile against her skin, my hands gripping her thighs, spreading them wider.

"Patience, Sunshine," I murmur, my voice a low rumble. I can feel her heat, scent her arousal, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to rip her clothes off and take her right then and there. But I want to savor this, savor her. I want to hear her beg, to see her come undone beneath my touch.

I trail kisses up her inner thigh, her hips bucking as I get closer to her core. I can feel her tension, her need, and it's intoxicating. I hook my fingers into her undergarments, pulling them down and off, leaving her bare before me. She's perfect, glistening and ready, and I can't wait any longer.

I lean in, my tongue finding her center, and Zylpha cries out, her hips bucking against my mouth. I grip her tighter, holding her in place as I explore her, my tongue delving into her folds, tasting her, teasing her. Her moans fill the room, a symphony of pleasure that spurs me on. I find her clit, circling it, applying just the right amount of pressure, and Zylpha's hands fist in my hair, holding me to her.

"Volezimir, please..." she begs, her voice ragged with need. I can feel her tension, her body coiling tighter and tighter, on the edge of release. I redouble my efforts, my tongue working her, my fingers thrusting into her, and she screams, her body convulsing as she comes, her release flooding my mouth. I lap it up, every last drop, as she rides out her orgasm, her body shaking with the force of it.

Only when she collapses back onto the bed, her body limp and sated, do I pull back, a satisfied smile on my face. Zylpha's eyes are closed, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her skin flushed with pleasure. I crawl up her body, pressing kisses to her skin as I go, until I'm hovering over her, my body aching with need.

"Volezimir," she murmurs, her eyes fluttering open, a soft, satisfied smile on her face. "That was... incredible."

I grin, my heart swelling with pride and love. "And I'm not done yet, Sunshine," I promise, my voice a low growl. Her eyes widen, a spark of renewed desire igniting in their depths, and I know she's ready for more. Ready for me.

20

ZYLPHA

Itake a deep breath, steadying myself as Volezimir and I approach the massive doors to the ballroom. My heart races, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through my veins.

His hand on the small of my back is reassuring, grounding me in this whirlwind of new experiences. The warmth of his touch seeps through the thin fabric of my gown, a stark contrast to the cool air around us.

I feel panicked having left Kaelox with two of the other servants. My son's face flashes in my mind, and I fight the urge to turn back. Volezimir assured me that he will be fine, but I still feel on edge.

My fingers fidget with the hem of my sleeve, a nervous habit I can't seem to shake. And I know he can tell. His golden eyes flicker to my restless hands, concern etched in the set of his jaw.

"Ready, Sunshine?" he murmurs, his golden eyes searching mine. His deep voice rumbles through me, soothing some of my frayed nerves. I take another steadying breath, drawing strength from his unwavering presence beside me.

Nodding, I muster a smile that I hope appears more confident than I feel. "As I'll ever be," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

I square my shoulders, preparing myself for whatever lies beyond those ornate doors. With Volezimir at my side, I feel like I can face anything – even a room full of demons.

The doors swing open, and we step into a scene straight out of a fever dream. The ballroom stretches impossibly high, its ceiling lost in swirling shadows and glittering lights.

Demons of every shape and size mill about, their conversations a cacophony of guttural growls, lilting purrs, and everything in between. The air itself seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy, making my skin tingle and my heart race.

My gown, a gift from Volezimir, shimmers with subtle enchantments. It's beautiful, hugging my curves in all the right places and flowing like liquid starlight, but I can't help feeling more like I'm a spectacle to watch than a guest. I swallow back my nerves, my fingers instinctively brushing over the scar on my left forearm – a reminder of how far I've come.

Volezimir told me that normally a servant wouldn't be invited here, but for a volvath demon, especially one that has the royal family's favor, he exists outside society's rules.

And I'm grateful for his presence, a towering pillar of strength beside me. His golden eyes scan the room, ever vigilant, and I draw comfort from his protective stance.

As we make our way through the crowd, I feel eyes on me. Some gazes are merely curious, others openly hostile. A particularly nasty-looking demon with serrated horns curls his lip at me in disgust, and I have to fight the urge to shrink back. Instead, I lift my chin, determined not to show weakness.

Volezimir's presence beside me is a constant reminder that I belong here, human or not. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever this night might bring. After all, I've faced darkelves, minotaur pirates, and being orphaned and survived – I can handle a demon ball. Right?

"Volezimir!" A booming voice calls out, and a towering demon with spiraling horns approaches us. "So good to see you. And this must be your... companion."