Page 42 of Demon Daddy's Secret Twins

Sorien tugs my hand, those mismatched eyes searching my face. "You're scared."

"A little." I squeeze his fingers. "But that's okay."

We reach the house just as Kaelar raises his fist to knock. The sound echoes, and I hold my breath. Footsteps approach - heavy, familiar. The door swings open.

Mazan fills the doorway, his massive wings folded tight against his back. Those copper-red eyes widen as they take in the three of us. His gaze lingers on the boys, something raw and vulnerable flickering across his features before he schools his expression.

"Hi!" Kaelar waves, bouncing on his toes. "You climb trees with us?"

I wet my lips, offering a hesitant smile. "They wanted to see you." My voice comes out softer than intended. "If... if that's alright."

Sorien presses against my leg but keeps his eyes fixed on Mazan, studying him with that quiet intensity he usually reserves for particularly fascinating insects or complex puzzles.

The silence stretches, heavy with unspoken words. Mazan's wings shift, catching the morning light in shades of midnight blue.

Mazan steps back, gesturing us inside. His movements are careful, measured, like he's afraid any sudden motion might shatter this fragile moment.

"Come in." His deep voice wraps around the words, gentle despite his imposing presence.

Kaelar darts past him, already exploring the open living space. Sorien stays close, but his grip on my hand loosens as his curiosity wins out.

Mazan's fingers brush my elbow. "A moment?"

I nod, throat tight. "Boys, stay where we can see you."

We move to the kitchen archway while the twins investigate the living room. Close enough to watch them, but far enough forprivacy. Mazan's wings curl forward slightly, creating a sheltered space between us.

"I want them to know you." The words tumble out before he can speak. "I never meant to keep them from you. I just..." My voice cracks. "I didn't know where you were, why you left. And then they were born, and I was so scared?—"

"Loxley." He shakes his head. “We both went through a lot. It’s going to take some time… But we’ll get there. To understanding each other again.”

I bite my lip, hating I did this. I nod as I turn to watch our sons. "They should know their father."

He nods, wings rustling. "I want to get to know them."

I suck in a deep breath. “Then we should tell them.”

Mazan looks less sure, but I tug him into the living room.

"Kaelar, Sorien." I settle on the plush rug where they're playing. "Come here, little ones."

They scramble over, Kaelar flopping across my lap while Sorien tucks himself against my side. Mazan kneels before us, his massive frame somehow less intimidating as he meets their curious gazes.

"Remember how you noticed his horns look like yours?" I run my fingers through Kaelar's wild hair. "That's because... Mazan is your father."

Kaelar's eyes go wide. Sorien's different-colored eyes dart between us, pieces clicking into place.

"I've been away," Mazan's voice is soft, rich with emotion. "I had to…fight bad guys. But I'm here now, and I want to know you both. To be with you, if you'll let me."

"You're our dad?" Kaelar sits up, reaching for Mazan's horns.

Mazan lets him touch them, something raw and beautiful crossing his face. "I am."

Sorien unfolds from my side, moving closer to Mazan. "You have red eyes. Like Kae. Like me."

“I do.”

My chest tightens as Mazan gathers them both in his arms, his wings creating a protective circle around all of us. Kaelar chatters excitedly while Sorien simply presses close, accepting this new truth with his usual quiet grace.

---