Page 52 of The Demon's Secret Baby

Azrathel roars in pain and fury. He lunges at me, his massive form blocking out the light. I roll to the side, narrowly avoiding his grasp. My hand closes around the leg of a heavy wooden chair. I swing it with all my might, catching Azrathel across the back.

The chair splinters on impact, but it's enough to stagger him. I scramble to my feet, my heart pounding so hard I can barely hear anything else. Azrathel whirls to face me, his eyes blazing with demonic rage.

"I'm going to enjoy breaking you," he growls, advancing on me.

I back away, my eyes darting around the room for anything I can use. My back hits the ornate vanity, and I feel the cool metal of a letter opener beneath my fingers. I grab it, holding it out like a dagger.

Azrathel laughs, the sound chilling me to my core. "You think that little toy can hurt me?"

He lunges forward, faster than I can react. His hand closes around my wrist, squeezing until I cry out in pain and drop the letter opener. With his other hand, he grabs my throat again, lifting me off my feet.

I claw at his face, my nails leaving deep gouges in his skin. He slams me against the wall, knocking the breath from my lungs. Stars explode behind my eyes, but I can't give up. I won't.

My knee comes up hard, catching Azrathel in the groin. Even demons aren't immune to that kind of pain. He doubles over, loosening his grip just enough for me to break free. I stumble towards Kaelox's room, my only thought to protect my son.

Azrathel recovers quickly, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking me back. I scream in pain and fury, twisting in his grasp.My elbow connects with his solar plexus, driving the air from his lungs.

We grapple fiercely, crashing into furniture and knocking priceless artifacts to the floor. Glass shatters, magical energies crackling and hissing as they're released. The air grows thick with the scent of ozone and demonic power.

I manage to break free again, but Azrathel is relentless. He charges at me, his massive form filling my vision. I dive to the side at the last second, and he crashes into the heavy wardrobe. The impact is enough to stun him momentarily.

I scramble for the door, my fingers closing around the handle. Just as I'm about to wrench it open, Azrathel's hand slams against it, keeping it shut. I'm trapped between the door and his massive body, my heart pounding so hard I think it might burst.

I scream with all the strength left in my lungs, my voice raw and desperate. "Help! Someone please!" The sound echoes off the walls, reverberating through the chamber. I pray it's enough to draw attention, to bring aid before it's too late.

Azrathel's massive hand clamps over my mouth, muffling my cries. His grip is bruising, his claws digging into my cheek. I taste blood, metallic and sharp.

"Shut your damn mouth," he hisses in my ear, his breath hot and rancid.

I thrash wildly, throwing my entire body weight against him. It's like trying to move a mountain. My elbow connects with his ribs, but he barely flinches. Panic rises in my throat, threatening to choke me.

Suddenly, a new sound cuts through the chaos - footsteps, rapid and approaching fast. My heart leaps with desperate hope. Azrathel tenses behind me, his grip loosening just a fraction.

"No," he snarls, frustration and rage coloring his voice.

I seize the opportunity, biting down hard on his hand. Azrathel roars in pain, jerking back. I wrench free, gasping for air.

"In here!" I scream, my voice hoarse but determined. "Help!"

The footsteps grow louder, closer. I can hear voices now, urgent and alarmed. Azrathel's eyes dart towards the door, then back to me. I can see the calculation in his gaze, the realization that his plan is unraveling.

With a growl of pure fury, he lunges at me one last time. I dodge, but not quite fast enough. His claws rake across my arm, leaving burning trails of pain. I cry out, stumbling back.

The door handle rattles violently. Someone's trying to get in. Azrathel's face contorts with rage and frustration. He knows he's out of time.

27

VOLEZIMIR

Iapproach Zylpha's chambers, my heart heavy with regret. The words of my apology tumble through my mind as I rehearse them silently. Each step feels like an eternity as I draw closer to her door.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierces the air, followed by the violent crash of furniture. My blood runs cold. Zylpha's in danger.

And then I hear something worse. Zylpha's voice rings out. "Someone help! Please!"

I break into a sprint, my long strides eating up the distance. The sound of my footfalls echoes off the stone walls, matching the frantic beating of my heart. Another scream, this one choked and desperate, spurs me on faster.

As I round the corner, I hear the shattering of glass and a deep, masculine growl that doesn't belong to any of my staff. Panic claws at my throat. Who's in there with her?

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