Page 6 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"Within reason. Nothing poisonous or illegal. The back gate leads to an alley - useful for market trips without drawing attention. Though I can get anything that is needed."

I chew on my lip. But I don't really have an option. So, I nod. "We'd appreciate that."

He studies me for a moment longer before pushing upright. "Let me show you your room then."

Rose'ssoft breaths fill the quiet room as she sleeps curled on the couch around the batlaz pillow, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric. Dark circles shadow her eyes - evidence of our desperate flight these past weeks.

I sigh as I watch her. I want this for her, this calm and safety. But I need to finish talking to Dezoth before I can decide this is what's best for us, where little ears cannot hear.

I make my way to the kitchen, relieved and nervous when I find him still up. I cooked dinner tonight, and I was surprised when he joined me and Rose at the table. He keeps surprising me, and I don't do well with that.

He towers over the wooden table, but takes care to keep his distance as we sit. His movements are measured, deliberate - like he's conscious of how intimidating his presence could be.

"I need to know exactly what you expect." I fold my hands in my lap to hide their trembling. "No vague terms or implied obligations."

"You tend the garden and keep the house. I provide shelter, food, protection." He taps his fingers against the table. "That's really it, Ada."

"And you won't..." I swallow hard. "You won't touch either of us?"

His golden eyes flash. "I'm a demon, not an animal. My word, once given, is binding. You and the child will be safe here."

"Your position in the Guard-"

"Makes this the last place anyone would search." He leans back, crossing his arms. "Think about it - what better hidingspot than under their noses? My reputation alone will keep most visitors away."

So he knows I'm running from someone and he isn't turning us in. I can't wrap my mind around it - a demon that actuallycares.

The logic is sound, but years of survival have taught me to look deeper. "Why risk your position helping us? One anonymous tip and you'd lose everything."

"Because it's the right thing to do." His gaze drift toward Rose's sleeping form. "And because some debts can never be repaid."

Something in his tone makes me look closer - the slight softening around his eyes when he watches Rose, the careful way he maintains his distance. This isn't just duty or honor driving him.

"You knew someone like her." The words slip out before I can stop them.

His jaw tightens. "Once. She didn't survive." He stands abruptly. "The choice is yours. If you ever want to leave, you are welcome to. Until then, my protection extends to both of you completely. No half measures."

He heads into the living room, and I expect him to disappear into the hall. But instead, I watch from the kitchen doorway as Dezoth approaches Rose's sleeping form. His massive frame casts long shadows in the firelight, yet his movements are precise, gentle as he goes to the corner and unfolds a thick wool blanket. The fabric drapes over her tiny body with surprising delicacy from hands I've seen grip a sword.

Rose stirs, her violet eyes fluttering open. "Is it bedtime?"

"Sleep, little one." His deep voice drops to a soft rumble. "The journey was long."

Instead of fear, my daughter smiles up at him - that pure, trusting smile that makes my heart ache. She reaches out, tinyfingers brushing against the ritual markings on his forearm. "Pretty lines."

My breath catches, memories of other demons' reactions to such familiarity flooding back. But Dezoth simply adjusts the blanket, letting her trace the silver patterns. "They show I'm a Captain."

"Like Mama's garden marks?" Rose yawns, curling deeper into the pillow. I told her that the scars on my arms were from working in a garden - not at the hand of her grandfather.

"Similar." His golden eyes soften as she drifts back to sleep, small hand still resting against his arm. The fearsome Captain of the Guard, feared throughout the city, sits perfectly still to avoid disturbing her rest.

The sight stirs something unexpected in my chest. Not fear - though that lingers, a constant companion these days. Something more like recognition. I've seen that look before, in mirrors and memories - the fierce need to protect.

He catches me watching and straightens, though his movements remain careful not to wake Rose. The hardness returns to his features, but I've seen beneath it now. Seen how my daughter's innocent touch cracked that carefully maintained facade.

"She's never been afraid of demons," I find myself saying. "No matter how many times I've tried to teach her caution."

"Children often see what adults miss." He adjusts the blanket one final time before stepping back. "Their hearts aren't clouded by experience."

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