Page 12 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"Did you use magic?" Rose spreads her fingers, mimicking sparkles. "I bet bad guys don't like sparkles."

He smiles, and it's so soft and genuine that it feels me with a pang. How could I think so poorly of someone who looks at my daughter likethat. "Some tracking spells. Would you like to see?"

She nods eagerly. He holds out his palm, and golden light swirls above it, forming the shape of footprints that walk across his hand. Rose gasps in delight, and I stare at it in shock. How well does that track?

Dezoth's eyes flick up to mine, and he adds, "I'm particularly masterful at that one. Most demons are not."

It doesn't quite assuage my worries.

"Can you teach me?" Rose tugs his sleeve, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Mama said my papa was going to teach me, but he's not here. Can you teach me?"

Something flashes across Dezoth's face - pain? Understanding? It's gone before I can name it. He adjusts his posture, and despite his massive frame, he appears almost... gentle.

"Magic requires patience and practice." He creates another light, this one forming a tiny thalivern that lands on Rose's nose. "But perhaps we can start with something simple."

Rose giggles, crossing her eyes to watch the thalivern. "Mama, look! It tickles!"

I watch this feared demon Captain, known for hunting down the most dangerous criminals, patiently showing my daughter how to cup her hands to catch magical light. His severe expression melts when she manages to hold the thalivern for a few seconds before it dissipates.

"Again?" she asks, and he obliges without hesitation.

They spend the rest of the afternoon doing that, and I try to tell my stupid heart it doesn't matter. I can't trust a demon. I should know that by now.

The evening settles around us like a heavy blanket. Rose's magical lessons left her buzzing with excitement, but now exhaustion catches up. She clutches her new storybook, eyelids drooping as she watches Dezoth from across the room.

I settle into a corner chair, pretending to mend a tear in Rose's dress while observing our host. He sits rigid in his high-backed chair, golden eyes scanning reports with military efficiency. The firelight catches on his obsidian hair, tied back with that silver cord. His fingers, capable of such destruction, handle each page with surprising delicacy.

Rose abandons her spot on the rug, padding over to him with her book. It was one I found during our travels and she loves it. My fingers clench around the needle as she approaches his chair.

"Will you read to me?" She holds up the book, violet eyes hopeful.

Dezoth's quill freezes mid-stroke. He stares at her, then the book, as if no one has ever made such a request. His sharp features soften almost imperceptibly.

"Please?" Rose doesn't wait for an answer, already climbing into his lap. I half-rise, ready to intervene, but something stops me.

The fearsome demon Captain looks... lost. His hands hover uncertainly before settling on the book's cover. The ritual markings on his forearms catch the firelight as he carefully opens to the first page.

"The Princess Who Saved the Kingdom," he reads, his deep voice gentling to match the story's tone. Rose snuggles against his chest, completely at ease.

I watch his face as he reads. The way his usual cold mask cracks when Rose points at illustrations. How his arm curves protectively around her small frame when she yawns. The slight smile that touches his lips when she corrects his character voices.

"The bad guy needs to sound more growly," she insists sleepily.

"My apologies." He adjusts his tone, earning a drowsy giggle.

My hands lower to my lap, the mending forgotten. This man who hunts criminals, who tracked us across countries, now cradles my daughter like she's made of glass. His golden eyes lift to meet mine over her head, and for a moment, I glimpse something raw and yearning in their depths.

Rose's breathing deepens into sleep. Dezoth continues reading, softer now, as if afraid to break this fragile moment.

The knot of fear in my chest loosens, just slightly. Perhaps... perhaps we're safer than I thought.

6

DEZOTH

Aknock at the door startles me from watching Rose's magic lesson. Before I can react, a tall woman sweeps in, her black hair streaked with silver flowing behind her like a banner. She smiles, her eyes on Dezoth, and for a moment, my heart seizes. Both because she's a stranger and…something else.

"Now tell me why I had to learn from ourauntof all people that my brother has guests!" Her golden eyes, warmer than Dezoth's, sparkle with interest. Two small redheaded girls peek around her skirts.

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