Page 56 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"I'm…going to get her." I grab clothes from their dresser, helping them dress faster than I ever have. "Arms up, Nova."

My hands shake as I button Luna's dress. In six months, Mira's become everything I never knew I needed. She makes the twins laugh, keeps the house running, brings warmth to every room she enters. And somehow she's wormed her way past all my walls, made me want things I've never wanted before.

A real family. A partner. Someone to share my bed and my life with.

I've never fought for anyone besides my brother. Never needed to. But for Mira? I'd fight the whole damn world. I'd tear apart anyone who tried to take her from us. From me.

"Uncle Karn is angry?" Nova touches my face, her tiny hand cool against my skin.

I force myself to breathe, to calm the magic crackling beneath my skin. "No, sweetling. I'm… okay. I just have to go do something."

I've never been good with words or feelings. Always let actions speak instead. But maybe that's why she left - because I never told her what she means to us. To me.

That's going to change. I'm going to find her, and I'm going to make damn sure she knows exactly how much we need her. I'll put an end to whatever it is that sends her running. Because I realize now that I can't go on without Mira.

I rush down the familiar path to Mrs. Blackwood's house, a twin in each arm. Their questions about Mira pierce my heart with each step, but I keep my focus on the pull of the bracelet's magic. She hasn't left town limits yet.

Mrs. Blackwood opens her door before I knock. The demon matron's ancient eyes narrow as she takes in my face, the crackling magic around me, and the confused twins.

"Inside, little ones." She beckons to Nova and Luna. "I made sweet rolls this morning."

I set the girls down, and Luna tugs my sleeve. "When you coming back?"

"Soon." I kneel, pulling them both close. Their copper curls tickle my nose as I breathe in their scent. "Be good for Mrs. Blackwood."

Nova's lip trembles. "With Mama?"

My throat tightens. "I'll do my best."

Mrs. Blackwood's wrinkled hand grips my shoulder. "Go. I've got them."

I nod, unable to speak. The twins hug my legs before following Mrs. Blackwood inside, already distracted by the promise of treats.

As I stride away, my thoughts race faster than my feet. We've danced around everything for months - her past, my feelings, all the things we didn't want to discuss. I let her keep her secrets, thinking time would heal whatever wounds she carried.

But I was wrong.

Those wounds festered in silence, drove her to run rather than trust me with her fears. I failed her by not pushing, by not showing her that whatever demons chase her, I'm bigger. That I'd tear apart anyone who tried to hurt her.

The bracelet's magic pulses stronger now. She's stopped moving.

This time, I won't let her hide. This time, I'll make her face everything - her past, her fears, and most importantly, what she means to me. What she means to all of us.

Because the truth is, she's become our everything. And I'm not letting her go without a fight.

24

MIRA

My heart pounds against my ribs as I weave through the crowded marketplace on the outskirts of the city. The dense press of bodies offers brief cover, but I catch glimpses of gray-brown skin and dark horns moving in parallel paths through the crowd.

I duck down a narrow alley between two crumbling buildings. The shadows lengthen as the red sky darkens overhead. Wrong choice. Dead end.

"Did you really think you could hide from me forever?"

That velvet voice freezes my blood. I spin around to face him.

Valek Duskfire stands at the alley entrance, his elaborate braids catching the dying light. Golden threads and tiny bells woven through his hair chime with each graceful step he takes toward me. His golden eyes fix on mine, vertical pupils contracting to thin slits.

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