Page 47 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"Look what I can do!" She cups her tiny hands, concentration furrowing her brow. A spark of violet light dances between her palms, matching her unusual eyes.

Movement catches my attention. Ada emerges from the kitchen door, basket of fresh herbs balanced on her hip. Her honey-blonde braid swings as she pauses, watching us with that careful wariness she never quite sheds. But there's a softness in her brown eyes that wasn't there weeks ago.

"You're home early." She sets the basket down, brushing soil from her simple brown dress.

"Finished my reports." The lie tastes bitter, but I won't burden her with news of these updates. Not yet. Not while Rose shows me how she can make her light orb change colors.

Ada's gaze sharpens - she reads me too well these days. But she simply nods and returns to sorting her herbs, movements precise and graceful despite her obvious fatigue.

I settle Rose on my hip, scanning the garden's perimeter. The wards remain undisturbed, but my muscles won't uncoil. Each shadow holds potential threats. Every rustle of leaves draws my attention.

"Tea party?" Rose tugs my sleeve, pulling me from dark thoughts. "Please? With sparkles?"

"Of course, little flower." I summon a shower of golden sparks that dance around her head, drawing fresh giggles.

Ada's quiet laugh joins Rose's as I let our daughter lead me inside, my bulk awkward at her tiny tea table. But even as I dutifully accept an empty cup, my senses remain alert. They're safe for now. I'll ensure they stay that way.

21

ADA

I'm on edge as I kneel in the garden, watching Rose's tiny fingers pat soil around a freshly planted moonflower. Her violet eyes sparkle with delight as she works, honey-blonde curls bouncing with each movement. But my mind keeps going back to what Dezoth told me last now, how we weren't the only ones visited by that guard.

"Mama, will it bloom tonight?" Rose presses another handful of dirt into place.

My gaze darts to the kitchen window, scanning for movement. Nothing. Just the flutter of curtains in the breeze. "If we take good care of it, sweet one."

"Can I water it?" She reaches for the copper watering can.

"Gentle now." I help her lift it, my hands trembling slightly. A shadow passes across the garden wall and my spine stiffens until I realize it's just a branch swaying in the wind.

Rose hums a tune while she waters, completely absorbed in her task. I wish I could lose myself in the simple joy of gardening like she does. Instead, my skin prickles with unease. Every rustle of leaves makes me flinch.

"Look Mama, a thalivern!" Rose points at the shimmerfly, its crystalline wings catching rainbow light.

I force myself to smile, but my eyes track to the garden gate. Still locked. "Beautiful, darling. Why don't we move to the herb bed? Mama needs to pick some healing flowers."

"Can I help sort them?" She skips toward the raised bed, already reaching for the purple blooms.

"Of course." I follow close behind, positioning myself between her and the house. Another shadow at the window. My heart jumps. Just my reflection.

Rose chatters about which flowers she likes best as she plucks petals, but I barely hear her. Every sense stays alert, scanning our surroundings. The peaceful garden feels like a cage, exposed on all sides.

"Mama, you're squishing the flowers." Rose's small hand touches mine where I've crushed a handful of stems.

I release them quickly. "Sorry, sweet one. Mama's just tired today."

"Should we have a tea party? That always makes you happy."

My throat tightens at her innocent concern. "Maybe later. Let's finish our gathering first."

We've just gone inside when I hear the knock on the door. My hands freeze over the herb basket, every muscle tensing. Rose looks up from her flower crown, violet eyes wide.

"Someone's here, Mama."

Another knock, harder this time. Not Rolfo's steady taps or Vashti's musical rhythm. My fingers curl around Rose's shoulder.

"Let's play a game. Go to your room and hide for me."

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