Page 43 of Demon Daddy's Secret Twins

Tears blur my vision, but for once, they're not from pain or fear. The joy on my sons' faces, the tender way Mazan holds them - it fills something empty I didn't know I carried.

30

MAZAN

The morning sun filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows across the wooden walkways connecting the treehouses. My wings twitch with each step toward Loxley's home, thoughts churning like storm clouds. The anger at her deception wars with understanding - she had every right not to trust me after I vanished.

I meant what I said. We’ll work toward getting back to the way we were. I’m just not ready yet. But I won’t miss out on time with my boys because of it.

The walkway creaks beneath my weight as I make my way up to her home. My knuckles hover over the door before I force myself to knock.

Footsteps approach, light and hesitant. The door opens, and Loxley stands there in loose clothes, her auburn braids falling over one shoulder. She drops her gaze, fingers curling around the doorframe.

"I want to take them out today." My voice comes out a little rougher than intended. "If that's alright."

She nods, stepping back to let me in. The morning light catches the gold in her eyes, reminding me of warmer days. "They're finishing breakfast."

Sorien and Kaelar sit at a low table, bits of fruit scattered across their plates. Kaelar spots me first, jumping up with a grin that mirrors my own at his age.

“You’re here!" He grabs Sorien's hand, pulling his quieter brother along. Sorien follows, watching me with those mismatched eyes - one like Loxley's, one like mine.

Loxley hovers near the doorway, arms crossed. "Just... be careful with them near the water. Kaelar likes to run ahead."

"I will." Our eyes meet briefly before she looks away. The distance between us stretches like an open wound, but at least she's trying. At least she's letting me be here.

Kaelar tugs at my hand. "Can we go to the beach?"

"Of course." I scoop them both up, their small weights settling against my chest. Sorien's fingers trace one of the gold lines on my arm while Kaelar chatters about fish he saw yesterday.

The twins' laughter echoes through the cool morning air as we make our way down the winding path toward the beach. Kaelar keeps trying to wiggle free, but I hold him tight - these paths drop straight down to the rocks below in some places. Sorien stays quiet, his small fingers still tracing the gold lines that mark my skin.

The beach opens before us, crystal water lapping at white sand. I set them down, and Kaelar bolts straight for the waves.

"Wait for me." My wings spread as I catch up to him in two strides. He squeals as I scoop him back.

"But I wanna swim!"

"First we check the water." I scan the surface for any signs of dangerous creatures. "Now you can go - but stay where I can see you."

Kaelar splashes in, fearless as always. His tiny horns catch the sunlight as he jumps over the small waves. Sorien hangs back, pressing against my leg.

"Would you like to try?" I kneel beside him. He nods but doesn't move. "Here." I offer my hand.

His smaller one slips into mine. We walk to where the water meets sand, and he tests it with one toe. A smile breaks across his face - Loxley's smile.

"It's warm!"

"Like a bath." I wade in with him. "Want to go deeper?"

He nods again, gripping tighter as we move forward. Kaelar circles us, showing off how he can float on his back.

"Look what I can do!" He ducks under, popping up with water streaming from his hair.

The sun warms my wings as I watch them play. Sorien gradually releases my hand, growing bolder as he follows his brother's lead. They splash and dive, their bronze skin glowing in the light. My chest tightens with an unfamiliar feeling - pride, maybe. Or love. Both, probably.

This is what peace feels like. Not the hollow quiet after a battle or the false calm of court politics. Just this - my sons' laughter, the gentle waves, and the knowledge that they're safe here with me.

The twins splash in the shallows, their laughter echoing across the beach. My eyes drift back toward the jungle path, toward where Loxley's treehouse rises above the canopy. Three years. Three years of memories I'll never get back.

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