Page 49 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

DEZOTH

Istride through the familiar halls of my aunt's manor, my footsteps echoing against the polished stone. The sweet scent of night-blooming flowers wafts through the open windows, but even that can't ease the tension in my shoulders.

Vashti sits in the garden room, a book open in her lap. Her black hair cascades over one shoulder, those distinctive silver streaks catching the late afternoon light. She takes one look at me and sets the book aside.

"You're brooding again." She gestures to the chair across from her. "What's troubling you, brother?"

I remain standing, pacing the length of the room. "A guard I didn't recognize showed up at my house a few days ago. He seemed too fascinated with Rose."

Vashti's golden eyes narrow. I told her about the half-demon children disappearing so she could watch out for the twins. "That's... concerning."

"It gets worse." My fingers drum against my thigh. "We've had reports coming in - nobles' human servants being questioned about their children. Like they are trying to look for more, gathering a list of targets."

"And?"

"We caught one of them. A demon trying to snatch a child from the merchant district. But he won't talk." My fist clenches. "No matter what methods we use."

Vashti rises, her jewel-toned dress rustling as she approaches. "You're worried about Rose."

"Of course I am." The words come out sharper than intended. "Someone's organizing this, Vashti. These aren't random kidnappings."

"Have you told Ada?"

I nod. "She's on edge after that guard's visit. But she deserved to know."

"How's she handling it?"

It's a question I've been asking myself lately.

"I don't know. She's quiet and jumpy." I rake a hand through my hair, loosening the silver cord. "No matter how much progress we make, sometimes she still looks at me like she used to - like she's waiting for me to turn on them. One wrong move and she'll run."

"And you can't bear the thought of losing them." Vashti's expression softens. "Oh, brother. When did you let them matter so much?"

I don't answer. I don't need to. The restless energy coursing through me speaks volumes, and Vashti has always read me better than anyone.

I sigh. "I just wanted you to know. Make sure that the twins stay safe. I need to get back home."

"Come on." Vashti grabs her shawl from the back of her chair. "I'm going with you."

"That's not necessary-"

"When has that ever stopped me?" She loops the fabric around her shoulders. "Besides, Rose has been begging me to show her how to make those light orbs again."

I cross my arms. "The ones that exploded glitter all over my study?"

"Those exactly." A mischievous smile plays at her lips. "Though this time we'll practice outside."

"Vashti-"

"You're not talking me out of this." She steps closer, her playful expression shifting to something more serious. "Someone's targeting children like Rose. If you think I'm staying here while my niece is in danger, you don't know me at all."

The word 'niece' hits me square in the chest. Vashti's never called Rose that before, at least not out loud. She must catch my expression because her features soften.

"What? You thought you were the only one who'd grown attached?" She straightens my collar with practiced ease. "That little girl has wrapped this entire family around her finger, whether you planned for it or not."

"Ada might not-"

"Ada trusts me." Vashti's tone brooks no argument. "And right now, you both need someone you can trust to help. Maybe we can come up with a plan to help ease Ada's worries and protect Rose."

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