Page 46 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"A former guard maybe?"

"Or someone with access to our records." The thought makes my blood burn. I've spent years building the Elite Division's reputation, ensuring we protect all citizens equally. Now some bastards are using that trust to hunt the vulnerable.

"What about that deserter from last spring?" Rolfo taps another report. "The one who went missing after the purification riots?"

"Possible." I pull out my notebook again, adding the connection. "He'd know our rotation schedules, patrol routes. Could explain how they're avoiding our actual guards."

A knock at the door interrupts us. One of the junior guards enters, practically vibrating with nervous energy.

"Captains. Two more reports just came in. Noble houses in the Crystal District."

My claws dig deeper into the leather of my notebook. The Crystal District - where my sister lives. Where Rose plays in the garden.

"Same description?" Rolfo asks while I force my breathing steady.

"Yes sir. Tall demon, scarred cheek. Asked about human servants' schedules."

I meet Rolfo's gaze. We both know what this means. They're not just mapping targets anymore - they're ready to move.

"Double the patrols in that district," I order, my voice carrying the full weight of my authority. "I want every guard on alert. Anyone questioning residents about humans gets detained immediately."

The rest of my shift drags like glass shards across skin. Every report, every patrol update twists the knot in my gut tighter. The map on Rolfo's desk burns in my mind - the systematic patterndrawing closer to my home, to where Ada tends her herbs and Rose plays with her dolls.

"You're going to wear a trench in my floor." Rolfo's voice cuts through my tenth pass across his office.

I pause mid-stride, realizing I've been pacing while reviewing the day's incidents. "Something feels wrong about this. They're too organized, too precise."

"Go home, Dezoth." Rolfo stands, gathering the reports into a neat stack. "I can manage from here."

My claws flex involuntarily. "There are still-"

"Reports to file? Patrols to arrange?" He raises an eyebrow. "I'm capable of handling the shift without you hovering like an anxious shadow drake."

The mention of home only heightens the pressure in my chest. Images flash through my mind - Ada's careful movements as she works in the garden, Rose's tiny form climbing the apple tree. Both so vulnerable, so precious.

"They're safe," Rolfo says quietly, reading my expression. "Your wards are strong, and no one would dare challenge the Elite Captain's household."

I grip the edge of his desk, the wood creaking under my strength. "They challenged three noble houses today."

"And you've doubled the patrols, alerted every guard in the district." He clasps my shoulder. "Go home to your family."

Family. The word echoes, stirring memories of Raina, of the child we lost. But now there's Rose's laughter, Ada's quiet strength. The thought of losing them...

"I'll have updates sent directly to your house," Rolfo adds. "Any suspicious activity, you'll know immediately."

I straighten, forcing my claws to retract from the desk's surface. He's right - I'm more use to them at home than wearing paths in his office floor. Still, each step toward the door feels like fighting against a current.

"Dezoth." Rolfo's voice stops me. "We'll find them. Whoever's behind this - they won't touch our people."

I nod once, sharply, and stride into the darkening streets. The urge to shift and fly home nearly overwhelms me, but I force myself to maintain a dignified pace. I'm still Captain of the Elite Guard. I can't show weakness, even as every instinct screams to rush to their side.

The iron gates of my estate creak open at my approach, responding to my magical signature. The wards shimmer, a faint golden web visible only to my enhanced vision. Each protection spell pulses steady and strong.

Rose's laughter rings from the garden before I spot her small form darting between the herb beds. She's chasing a glowing orb of light - one of her first successful spells. Pride swells in me as I watch her manipulate the magic with natural grace.

"Cappy Dez!" She abandons her game and runs toward me, curls bouncing. I catch her easily, lifting her high above my head as she giggles.

"Been practicing your light magic, little flower?"

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