Page 51 of The Demon's Secret Baby

26

ZYLPHA

Istand by the window, gazing out at the ever-shifting landscape of Galmoleth. The room feels too big, too empty without Volezimir's presence. Kaelox's soft snores drift from the adjoining chamber, a reminder of why I'm even considering this impossible choice.

My fingers trace the intricate patterns on the windowsill, feeling the thrum of demonic magic beneath my skin. It's beautiful here, in a terrifying sort of way. But beauty isn't enough when my son's safety is at stake.

The thoughts in my head start to war again. I know that going back to Protheka will be the best things for Kaelox, for myself. These demons…we weren't meant for this kind of life. Not when I want to rest, to protect my son…

To not fear for my life for one godsdamn day.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to talk to him, explain my fears. I want to get this conversation out of the way because I can't keep putting it off and spiraling with my thoughts.

But when I went looking for him earlier, he was nowhere to be found. The castle staff couldn't - or wouldn't - tell me where he'd gone. That absence gnaws at me, feeding my doubts.

What if he's reconsidering us too? What if Azrathel's words planted seeds of doubt in his mind as well? Ones that are leading in the wrong direction…

But will he turn his on you?

No. I can't think like that. Volezimir loves us. I know he does. But love isn't always enough in a world as dangerous as this.

I turn from the window, pacing the room. My steps are silent on the plush rug, another reminder of how different this world is from everything I've known. I feel like an imposter here, playing at being a demon's consort, pretending I belong.

The weight of the decision presses down on me. Stay and risk Kaelox's safety, or leave and break Volezimir's heart - and my own. There's no easy answer, no clear path forward.

I'm so lost in my swirling thoughts that I don't notice the subtle change in the air behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, a warning coming just a moment too late.

I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat as Azrathel materializes in the room. Before I can even draw breath to scream, he's on me, his massive hand closing around my neck. My back slams against the wall, knocking the air from my lungs.

"Did you really think you could escape me?" Azrathel hisses, his face inches from mine. His eyes glow with an otherworldly light, malevolence radiating from every pore.

I claw at his hand, desperate for air. My feet dangle uselessly above the ground as he lifts me higher. Panic floods my system. Kaelox is in the next room. I have to protect him.

Azrathel leans in closer, his breath hot on my face. "You and that half-breed brat of yours are the key to everything," he snarls. "Volezimir's weakness, laid bare for all to see."

My vision starts to darken at the edges. I try to kick out, but it's like hitting a stone wall.

"I've waited years for this moment," Azrathel continues, his voice dripping with venom. "To see Volezimir brought low, to use you to just that. He humiliated me…gaining the royals' favor as an injured disgrace. He never deserved this!"

He loosens his grip just enough for me to gasp in a ragged breath. "You're... insane," I choke out.

Azrathel's laugh is cold and cruel. "Oh, my dear," he purrs, tracing a claw-like nail down my cheek. "I'm the only sane one in this entire wretched place. And you're going to help me set things right."

I hear a small sound from the adjoining room - Kaelox stirring in his sleep. Azrathel's eyes flick towards the noise, a predatory grin spreading across his face.

"Ah, yes," he says, turning back to me. "Let's not forget the main attraction. Your precious little abomination."

Terror unlike anything I've ever known grips me. I renew my struggles, thrashing wildly against Azrathel's iron grip.

I feel Azrathel's grip tighten, cutting off my air completely. Spots dance before my eyes, but a surge of desperate strength floods through me. I won't let him hurt Kaelox. I can't.

My hand scrabbles at the windowsill, searching for anything I can use as a weapon. My fingers close around a heavy crystal paperweight. With every ounce of strength I have left, I swing it at Azrathel's temple.

The impact is jarring. Azrathel staggers, his grip loosening just enough for me to slip free. I gasp in a lungful of air, my vision clearing as I stumble away from him.

"You little bitch," he snarls, blood trickling from the gash on his head.

I don't waste time responding. I lunge for the door, but Azrathel is faster. He grabs my ankle, sending me crashing tothe floor. The impact knocks the wind out of me, but I can't stop fighting. I kick out wildly, my heel connecting with his nose with a satisfying crunch.

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