Page 42 of The Demon's Secret Baby

During a lull in the conversations surrounding us, I observe him more closely. He's speaking with a group of demons, his back to us, but I can see him gesture subtly in our direction. The demons he's talking to look our way, their expressions a mix of curiosity and something darker.

A chill runs down my spine as the demon turns, his red eyes locking with mine. There's something predatory in his gaze, a hunger that makes me want to run and hide. I quickly look away, pressing closer to Volezimir.

"Are you alright?" Volezimir asks, concern evident in his voice.

I don't want to worry him further. But I can't shake the unease that's settled in my stomach. Throughout the night, I've found myself constantly aware of where this demon is, my body tensing whenever he draws near.

So instead of brushing it away, I pull Volezimir into a quiet alcove, away from prying eyes and ears. My heart's racing, and I can't shake the feeling of unease that's been building all night.

"Volezimir," I whisper, gripping his arm, "something's not right. I've been hearing things... whispers about Kaelox."

His golden eyes narrow, focusing intently on me. "What kind of whispers?"

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. "They're talking about his abilities, how unusual they are for a child his age. And that demon, the one with the red eyes... he keeps watching us. Every time I look up, he's there, staring."

Volezimir's jaw clenches, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Azrathel," he mutters, almost to himself. "I knew he was..interested…"

"You know him?" I ask, surprised.

He nods grimly. "We have... history. He's always been jealous of my position, and now..." He trails off, his gaze distant.

"I'm scared," I admit, hating how vulnerable I sound. "The way they're talking about Kaelox, it's like he's some kind of... of specimen. And this Azrathel, the way he looks at us... at me... it makes my skin crawl."

Volezimir pulls me close, his massive frame enveloping me. I feel safer in his arms, but the fear doesn't completely dissipate.

"Listen to me, Zylpha," he says, his voice low and intense. "I swear to you, on my life and my honor, that I will protect you and Kaelox. No one will harm our family, not while I draw breath."

I nod against his chest, wanting desperately to believe him. But as I peek over his shoulder, I catch another glimpse ofAzrathel across the room. His red eyes lock with mine, and a chill runs down my spine.

21

VOLEZIMIR

Ilead Kaelox through the winding streets of Ti'lith, my hand resting protectively on his shoulder. The city's usual bustle feels muted today, or maybe it's just my own unease coloring everything. That ball... Azrathel's stare... I shake my head, trying to focus on the present.

"Where are we going, Dad?" Kaelox asks, his mismatched eyes bright with curiosity.

"Somewhere special," I reply, forcing a smile. "The edge of Galmoleth, where our island is now linked to the planet we came from."

As we leave the city proper, the landscape shifts dramatically. Jagged black rocks replace the worn cobblestone streets, their obsidian surfaces gleaming dully in the muted light.

The air grows thinner, carrying a metallic tang that tingles in my nostrils. I point out landmarks along the way, my voice a low rumble as I share pieces of my past with my son.

"See that, Kaelox? That's the Spire of Shadows where I trained as a youth," I say, gesturing to a towering structure that seems to pierce the stormy sky. Its surface writhes with dark energy, a constant reminder of the power that flows throughour realm. "And over there, those are the Whispering Caverns. Ancient prophecies still echo in their depths."

But even as I speak, my mind keeps drifting, unable to shake the unease that's settled in my gut. What the fuck was Azrathel planning? Those hushed conversations I'd overheard, the way his blood-red gaze had lingered on Kaelox...

It makes my skin crawl. I clench my fist, feeling the familiar ache in my old injury. Whatever that bastard's up to, I'll be damned if I let him anywhere near my family.

"Dad?" Kaelox's voice snaps me back to reality. "Ouch." He yanks on my hand.

"Sorry," I mutter, loosening my grip. I need to stay present, for him.

We reach the precipice, where solid ground gives way to swirling mists. The barrier between Galmoleth and the endless expanse of Aerasak shimmers faintly.

"This," I say, gesturing to the void, "is Aerasak. The planet that our race comes from. It's full of magic — more than here — and tons of animals you've never seen."

Kaelox peers into the mists, awe plain on his face. "It's beautiful," he whispers.

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