Page 18 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

He hands it to me, his eyes still on the doll, and I know that ache on his face. It makes me hurt for him. I take it gentle, murmuring my goodnights as I head back to my room with Rose.

I lie in bed, staring at the shadows dancing across the ceiling. The conversation in Dezoth's study replays in my mind - the way his massive frame seemed to shrink as he cradled Rose's doll, how I could see the longing on his face.

My fingers trace the scar along my collarbone, a permanent reminder of why I shouldn't notice these things. Why I shouldn't care how his golden eyes crinkle at the corners when Rose makes him laugh, or how his intimidating presence becomes a shelter rather than a threat when he stands between us and the world.

A floorboard creaks outside my door. My heart jumps until I hear his familiar heavy tread passing by on his nightly patrol. The sound should frighten me - a demon warrior mere steps away. Instead, my pulse steadies.

"Foolish," I whisper to myself. "You're being foolish."

But I can't forget how carefully he held that doll, like he was cradling all his lost dreams in those battle-scarred hands. The mighty Captain of the Guard, who makes hardened criminals tremble, spending his evening fixing a child's toy.

I roll over, punching my pillow. Sleep won't come while my mind races with dangerous thoughts. Like how his deep voice turns gentle around Rose, answering her endless questions about demon magic. Or how his fierce protective instincts extend to all children, not just his nieces.

"You can't trust him," I remind myself firmly. "No matter how kind he seems."

But that's the problem. He doesn't seem kind - he is kind, in a way that breaks through every wall I've built. His gruff exterior can't hide how his eyes soften watching Rose play, or how patiently he teaches her to control her magic.

I press my face into the pillow, trying to smother the warmth blooming in my chest. I know better than to let my guard down. The last time I trusted a demon's kindness...

But Dezoth isn't like Rose's grandfather. He doesn't hide cruelty behind a gentle facade. Everything about him is honest - his strength, his honor, and yes, his loneliness.

That's what terrifies me most. Not his power or his position, but how much I want to ease that loneliness I recognize inhis eyes. How natural it feels to let him into our lives, despite everything my experience screams against it.

8

DEZOTH

Istand at my study window, watching shadows lengthen across the polished floor. A sharp knock breaks the silence.

"Enter."

I'm not surprised when Rolfo enters. He's my closest friend, another Captain, and the only one helping me with the missing children. His heavy boots cross the threshold. His silver eyes hold that particular grimness I've come to recognize. Bad news.

"There was another one." He drops into the leather chair across from my desk. "Half-demon girl, couldn't have been more than six."

Ice spreads through my veins. "How far?"

"Three streets from the city walls. They're getting bolder." Rolfo runs a hand through his jet-black hair. "I still can't discern a pattern or figure out how they are finding them. It's like whoever this is wants to make sure there are no children with human and demon heritage."

My fingers curl into fists. "Collectors?"

"Has to be. Too precise to be random hate crimes." He leans forward. "Dezoth, that's four in the past month. Whatever they're planning-"

A burst of high-pitched giggles floats through the window. Rose's voice carries from the garden below, pure joy in every note. Both of us freeze.

Rolfo moves to stand beside me. Through the glass, we watch Rose chase thaliverns across the grass, her honey-blonde curls bouncing with each step. Her tiny form seems impossibly fragile against the backdrop of my dark garden.

"She's the right age." Rolfo's voice drops lower. I told him about Rose and Ada, but he hasn't met them. I don't want anyone near Rose - even if I have no right to be possessive. "And you said the mother's been running."

"I know." The words scrape my throat.

"The guard patrols won't be enough anymore. Not with them this close."

Another peal of laughter rings out as Rose spins in circles, arms spread wide. Her violet eyes shine with innocent delight, completely unaware of the darkness closing in around her tiny world.

"They won't touch her." My voice carries the edge of a growl. "I've tripled the wards since she arrived. Added blood magic to the perimeter."

"And when she wants to leave these walls? You can't keep her caged forever."

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