Page 10 of The Demon's Secret Baby

I feel heat creep up my neck, grateful for my dark skin hiding any blush. With a curt nod, I hurry off to the private home that Lamain and June are letting me stay in for now.

The familiar magic hums around me, somehow not as terribly nauseating this time, as I step through, finding myself back in the castle's empty halls. It takes less time than I expected to reassign my duties. The zonaks, used to following my orders, accept the new arrangements without question.

As I gather a few personal items, my eyes fall on a small, ornate box hidden away in my quarters. Inside lies a delicate silver chain, a gift from my mother before... before everything changed. I hesitate, then tuck it into my pack. Just in case.

The portal shimmers as I step back through, Aurelius's lush jungle greeting me once more. For the first time in centuries, I feel a spark of something I'd long forgotten.

Hope.

Over the next week, I wake each morning with a sense of anticipation I haven't felt in centuries. The sun barely peeks over the horizon when I find myself at Zylpha's door, ready for our daily adventure.

"Good morning," she greets me, her emerald eyes sparkling. She's stunning. Honestly, it takes my breath away. "Where are we off to today?"

I can't help but smile. "I thought we might explore the northern coastline. There's a hidden cove I stumbled upon yesterday."

We set off, our footsteps in sync as we navigate the winding jungle paths. The air is thick with the scent of exotic flowers and the calls of unfamiliar creatures.

I tell her about Galmoleth, about training as a warrior. I don't broach the topic of my lost warrior status, though, and she doesn't push.

"Enough about my past," I tell her, avoiding the topic. "What about you? Any fond memories from your childhood?"

Zylpha's face clouds over for a moment. "Not many. But I remember this old woman who lived near us. She'd tell the most amazing stories about heroes and magical creatures. For a little while, I could forget everything else."

We emerge from the jungle onto a pristine beach. The sand is soft beneath our feet as we make our way to the hidden cove. Crystal-clear water laps gently at the shore, revealing colorful fish darting about.

"I love it here," Zylpha breathes, her eyes wide with wonder.

I find myself staring at her profile, struck by how the sunlight catches her auburn hair. "Me, too, Sunshine."

Her eyes jerk to mine as the nickname slips out but it feels so perfect. She's lit up my world, her fiery hair and bright personality. It almost seems like she’s going to protest what I called her. But then she just smiles.

We spend hours exploring the cove, Zylpha collecting shells while I regale her with tales of undersea kingdoms from demon lore. As the sun begins to set, we make our way back, our hands brushing occasionally.

The next day finds us trekking through a dense forest filled with bioluminescent plants. The ethereal glow bathes everything in soft blue light.

"I've never seen anything like this," Zylpha whispers, reaching out to touch a glowing leaf.

I watch her face, illuminated by the strange light. "Neither have I. And I've been around for a very long time."

She turns to me, curiosity in her eyes. "How old are you, exactly?"

I chuckle. "Old enough to know better, young enough to still make mistakes."

Zylpha rolls her eyes, but she's smiling. "Always so mysterious, Volezimir."

As days turn into weeks, our walks become the highlight of my existence. We climb to scenic viewpoints, overlooking the vast ocean that surrounds Aurelius. We share stories of our pasts, our hopes for the future. With each passing day, I find something I thought I was missing — purpose.

One afternoon, as we stand atop a cliff watching the waves crash below, Zylpha turns to me. "Thank you," she says softly.

"For what?"

She gestures around us. "For this. For showing me all the beauty this island has to offer. For... for being my friend."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms. "You're welcome," I manage to say.

As the sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of reds and golds. Zylpha and I sit side by side on the clifftop, our legs dangling over the edge. The ocean stretches out before us, its surface shimmering like molten metal in the fading light.

I glance at Zylpha, my breath catching in my throat. The sunset's glow bathes her face in warm light, making her emerald eyes sparkle. She turns to me, a soft smile playing on her lips.

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