Page 5 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I nod, carefully setting down the supplies. "Your castle remains secure."

June's scent is starting to tell of her pregnancy, which Lamain informed me of during my last visit. She looks no different, though, as she moves forward, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Thank you for this. We'd be lost without your help."

I grunt, uncomfortable with the praise. "It's nothing."

Lamain chuckles, a deep rumble. "Nothing? You're our lifeline, my friend."

As I hand over the pack Lamain's expression turns serious. "We've been busy since you were last here. Making trips to various ports, rescuing humans in need."

My brow furrows. "Rescuing?"

June nods enthusiastically. "Yes! We actually just got back this morning from Vhoig. It was... intense."

Lamain's eyes darken. "The situation there is worse than we thought. Slavers are getting bolder, snatching people right off the streets." He shakes his head. "And the dark elves don't back off as easily as I like."

I feel a growl building in my chest. "And you intervened?"

"Damn right we did," Lamain snarls, his demonic nature flaring. "We got more than half a dozen slaves right out from under their noses."

June places a calming hand on his arm. "It was risky, but we couldn't just stand by and watch."

I study them both, noting the determination in their eyes. This isn't just about survival anymore. They're building something here, a sanctuary.

"You're taking quite a risk," I rumble, concern coloring my voice.

Lamain meets my gaze, unflinching. "Someone has to."

I nod, swallowing hard. I forget what it is like to have a purpose, and Lamain is meant to be a leader. He was a waste as the party prince of Galmoleth.

"We've made some changes to the island, too," June adds. "Would you like to see?"

Most of the time my weekly trips are just long enough to pass off the supplies and return to the castle. Rarely do I stay longer, even if they do invite me.

But today, the idea of returning to that empty castle…

I nod, my curiosity piqued. "Show me."

Lamain leads the way, cutting a path through the dense foliage. June follows, her steps light and sure through the nonexistent paths they've been fighting to make. I bring up the rear, my bulk making it harder to navigate the narrow trail.

We emerge into a clearing where several wooden structures stand. They're simple but sturdy, blending seamlessly with the surrounding jungle. They're all built up off the ground to avoid the animals and any flooding.

"Our first priority was shelter," Lamain explains, gesturing to the buildings. "We've built about twenty of the treehouse-style homes, but we're expanding."

June chimes in, her voice filled with pride. "We used fallen trees and vines. Everything here is from the island itself."

I run a hand over one of the structures, impressed by the craftsmanship. "You've done well. These will withstand the storms."

We move on to a large plot of tilled earth. Various plants are sprouting in neat rows, some already bearing fruit.

"Our garden," June beams. "We're growing juba roots, spineberries, and even managed to get some gillifruit to take."

Lamain chuckles. "June's got quite the green thumb. Who knew?"

I raise an eyebrow. "And you, Lamain? What's your role in this?"

He grins, a flash of that party boy still there. "I'm more useful elsewhere. Come on, I'll show you."

We follow him to a cleared area where makeshift targets and training dummies stand. The ground is packed hard from frequent use.

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