Page 54 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I drive the shadow blade into his chest, cutting off his plea. The energy crackles and sizzles as it pierces his heart. Azrathel's eyes widen in shock and pain, a choked gasp escaping his lips.

But I'm not done. I twist the blade, feeling it shred through muscle and bone. Azrathel's body convulses, dark blood bubbling from his mouth. His eyes roll back, but I can still sense life clinging to him.

With a roar of pure fury, I channel my demonic energy through the blade. Azrathel's body lights up from within, veins glowing with the intensity of my power. He screams, a sound of pure agony that echoes through the ruined estate.

I feel his life force flickering, struggling against the onslaught. But I don't relent. I pour more and more of my energy into him, until I see cracks forming in his skin, light spilling out.

With one final surge of power, I release everything I have. Azrathel's body can't contain it. He explodes in a burst of dark energy and gore, the force of it sending me staggering back.

As the dust settles, all that remains of Azrathel is a scorched outline on the ground. I stand there, panting, my body trembling with the aftermath of expending so much power. But I feel no regret, only a grim satisfaction. The threat to my family is gone, permanently.

28

ZYLPHA

Iwince as the demon medic's clawed hands hover over my bruised throat, a soft green glow emanating from her palms. The pain is intense, throbbing with each heartbeat, but it's nothing compared to the fear still coursing through my veins.

"Where's Kaelox?" I rasp, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to see him."

The medic shakes her head, her eyes - solid black orbs - fixed on her work. "Soon. We need to stabilize you first."

I try to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forces me back down. The room spins, and I close my eyes, fighting against the nausea. Every breath is a struggle, reminding me of Azrathel's grip on my throat. I shudder, remembering the cold malice in his eyes.

"Please," I beg, opening my eyes to look at the medic. "I need to know he's safe."

She sighs, her hands moving to my ribs where Azrathel's blows left deep bruises. "Your son is unharmed. Sir Volezimir's protective magic shielded him from the battle."

Relief washes over me, bringing tears to my eyes. Kaelox is safe. Volezimir protected him. The thought of Volezimir sends a pang through my chest that has nothing to do with my physicalinjuries. He saved us. Despite our argument, despite his doubts, he came for us.

As the healing magic seeps into my body, dulling the pain and mending the damage, I can't help but replay the attack in my mind. The terror of those moments when I thought I might lose everything - my life, my son, my future with Volezimir - still feels raw and immediate.

As her magic touches each wound, I feel a burning sensation, like fire is spreading through my veins. I grit my teeth, tears streaming down my face. But beneath the pain, I feel the swelling recede, the ability to breathe easily returning.

Just as the medic finishes, the door bursts open. Volezimir strides in, Kaelox cradled in his arms. The sight of them, both safe and whole, nearly undoes me.

"Mama!" Kaelox cries, reaching for me.

Volezimir gently sets him on the bed beside me, and I pull our son close, ignoring the protest of my healing body. I breathe in his scent, feeling his little arms wrap around my neck, and for the first time since the attack, I feel truly safe.

As the medic finishes her work and leaves, I sit up slowly, wincing at the lingering soreness. Volezimir settles beside me on the bed, his golden eyes filled with concern and a hint of guilt. Kaelox, sensing the tension, snuggles closer to me.

"We need to talk," I say softly, my voice still raspy.

Volezimir nods, his jaw tight. "I'm sorry, Zylpha. I should have-"

I hold up a hand, stopping him. "Let me start from the beginning." I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "That day in the garden, when you saw me with Azrathel... he approached me. He'd been watching us, planning this for a while."

Volezimir's eyes narrow, a low growl rumbling in his chest. I continue, "He offered me power, safety for Kaelox and me if I left you and joined him instead."

"What?" Volezimir's voice is sharp, his fists clenching.

"I refused, of course," I assure him quickly. "But then he threatened us. He said there were already plots in motion against us, against Kaelox." I shudder, remembering Azrathel's cold eyes, his grip on my jaw. "He was so close, so threatening. I was reaching for my dagger when you arrived."

Volezimir's expression softens, realization dawning. "And I assumed... Sunshine, I'm so sorry."

I nod, accepting his apology. "After our fight, I was scared. I started thinking maybe we should leave Galmoleth, at least for a while. For Kaelox's safety."

"Leave?" Volezimir looks stricken.

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