17. Volezimir

17

VOLEZIMIR

I dedicate several hours each day to bonding with Kaelox. Today, I'm taking him to the Sacred Grove of Shadows, one of the most revered sites in demon culture. As we walk through the twisted, obsidian trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers, I can't help but marvel at how quickly he's growing.

"This grove has stood since we first came to Galmoleth" I explain, my voice low and reverent. "Some demons gather here to commune with the God of Whispers."

Kaelox's mismatched eyes widen, one golden like mine, the other green like Zylpha's. "Really? Do you?"

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "Sometimes. The whispers can guide you through times of strife and uncertainty."

We pause before an ancient altar, its surface etched with runes that glow faintly in the dim light. Kaelox reaches out, his small fingers tracing the symbols.

"What's these?" he asks, his voice filled with curiosity.

"They tell the story of how we came here," I explain, kneeling beside him. "When our home world was dying, it was here that our Demon King brought us to save us all."

Kaelox listens intently, his eyes occasionally flashing with that otherworldly light that mirrors my own. It's a stark reminder of his heritage, of the power that flows through his veins.

"I'll be strong like you?" he asks suddenly, looking up at me with a mixture of awe and determination.

I place a hand on his shoulder, feeling a surge of pride. "You already are, my son. Your strength comes not just from your demon blood, but from your mother's resilience too."

As we continue our tour, I share more stories of demon history - tales of great battles, of magic beyond imagination, and of the honor that binds our people. Kaelox drinks it all in, and I answer every question, loving this moment.

The next day, I ask Zylpha to join us, and even though I can tell she's reluctant, she agrees.

I stand tall, my chest swelling with pride as I lead Zylpha and Kaelox through the winding streets of Galmoleth. The city pulses with raw energy, a testament to our demon heritage.

"This way," I gesture, guiding them towards the bustling marketplace. "Watch your step, Kaelox."

Our son's eyes widen as we enter the sprawling bazaar. Demons of all types haggle over glowing crystals, shimmering fabrics, and artifacts that crackle with barely contained power.

"Dad, what's that?" Kaelox points excitedly at a vendor selling what looks like writhing shadows in glass jars.

"Those are shadow essences," I explain, ruffling his hair. "Very dangerous. Don't touch."

Zylpha tightens her grip on Kaelox's hand, eyeing the crowd warily. I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "No one will harm you here. You're under my protection."

We move on, passing stalls filled with exotic fruits that change color as we watch and weapons that hum with dark energy. Kaelox tugs at my hand, his attention jumping from one marvel to the next.

"Can I have?" he asks, pointing at a small, iridescent orb.

"That's a demon's eye, little one," the vendor chuckles. "Bit advanced for you yet."

I shake my head, steering Kaelox away. "Maybe when you're older."

We leave the market behind, heading towards the towering spires of the council chambers. Kaelox cranes his neck, trying to see the top.

"It's so big!" he exclaims, stumbling a bit as he walks backward.

"Careful," Zylpha warns, steadying him.

"These are where the demon lords meet," I explain. "To make decisions that affect all of Galmoleth."

I feel the air crackle with energy as the sky darkens ominously. A familiar tension builds, signaling the approach of one of Galmoleth's infamous lightning storms. It's near constant here, but this one, however, feels different - more intense, more primal.

"Watch this," I say, wrapping an arm protectively around Zylpha's waist. She leans into me, her body tense but trusting.

The first bolt splits the sky, illuminating the city in a blinding flash of purple-white light. The boom that follows shakes the very ground beneath our feet. Kaelox jumps, startled, but his eyes remain fixed on the spectacle above.

"Wow," he breathes, his voice filled with wonder.

More bolts follow in quick succession, painting intricate patterns across the dark canvas of clouds. The raw power of demon chaos magic manifests in each strike, a reminder of the forces that shape our world.

I pull Zylpha closer, feeling her warmth against me. Her eyes, too, are wide with a mix of fear and awe. "It's beautiful," she whispers, "and terrifying."

"Like much of our world," I reply, a hint of pride in my voice.

Kaelox tugs at my hand, pointing excitedly. "Look, Dad! It's dancing!"

He's right. The lightning seems to move with purpose, weaving complex designs in the sky. It's a light show unlike any other, a display of nature's fury guided by demonic influence.

"This is why we rarely see the sun here," I explain, raising my voice to be heard over the continuous rumble of thunder. "Our magic shapes the very weather."

Kaelox nods, absorbing this new information with the eagerness I've come to expect from him. His mismatched eyes reflect the flashes of lightning, giving him an otherworldly appearance that reminds me of his unique heritage.

As we stand there, my family bathed in the glow of raw demonic energy, I feel a sense of completeness I've never known before. This is my world, and now, finally, I can share it with the ones I love.

I stride through the castle halls, Kaelox's small hand in mine. His excitement is palpable, and I can't help but feel a surge of pride. Today marks the beginning of his magical training with Tolmond, a soz'garoth demon known for his expertise in various magical disciplines.

"Remember, son," I say, my voice low and serious. "Magic is a powerful tool, but it requires discipline and respect."

Kaelox nods, his mismatched eyes wide with anticipation. "I'm powerful."

We arrive at Tolmond's home, a large place out on the edge of the city. The air crackles with latent energy, and I feel Kaelox's grip tighten slightly.

Tolmond greets us, his white hair gleaming in the dim light. "Ah, young Kaelox. Are you ready to unlock your potential?"

I watch as Tolmond begins the lesson, starting with the basics of energy manipulation. Kaelox listens intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. As Tolmond demonstrates a simple light spell, I see a spark of recognition in my son's eyes.

"Now, focus on the energy within you," Tolmond instructs. "Visualize it flowing through your body and out through your fingertips."

Kaelox closes his eyes, his face a mask of determination. For a moment, nothing happens. Then, suddenly, a small orb of light flickers to life above his outstretched hand. It's weak and unsteady, but it's there.

Pride swells in my chest. "Well done, Kaelox!" I exclaim, unable to contain my excitement.

Tolmond nods approvingly. "Impressive for a first attempt. You have a natural affinity for magic, young one."

As the lesson continues, Kaelox's confidence grows. He manages to maintain the light for longer periods, even changing its color with concentration. I watch, fascinated, as Tolmond guides him through more complex exercises.

By the end of the session, Kaelox is beaming with pride, and I feel a sense of fulfillment I've never experienced before. This is just the beginning of his journey, but already I can see the potential within him.

By the end of the lesson, I can tell the magic has drained Kaelox. He makes it all the way home, but when we enter the castle, I scoop up a sleepy Kaelox in my arms, his small body warm against my chest as we make our way back to our quarters. His eyelids droop, heavy with the exertion of his first magical lesson.

"You did well today, little one," I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

Once home, I tuck Kaelox into bed, watching as he drifts off almost immediately. Pride swells in my chest, remembering the spark of magic he conjured earlier.

With our son peacefully napping, I seek out Zylpha. She's reading by the window, the dim light of the thunderstorms outside casting shadows across her face.

"Care for a walk in the private gardens?" I ask, extending my hand.

She looks up, a smile tugging at her lips. "Trying to impress me?"

I chuckle, pulling her to her feet. "Always."

We stroll hand in hand through the twisted paths of the demon gardens. Black roses with petals sharp as razors line the walkways, their thorny vines writhing slowly in the perpetual twilight.

"Kaelox showed incredible potential today," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "He conjured light on his first try."

Zylpha's eyes widen. "Already? He's growing up so fast."

"Too fast," I agree, squeezing her hand. "Soon he'll be summoning chaos storms and turning me into a ur'gin."

She laughs, the sound like music in the eerie quiet of the garden. "I'd pay good money to see that."

We pause by a fountain of swirling shadows, its inky depths seeming to whisper secrets. Zylpha reaches out, her fingers hovering just above the surface.

"It's beautiful," she murmurs, "in a terrifying sort of way."

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Much like demon society itself, I suppose."

She leans into me, her warmth a stark contrast to the cool air around us. "I never thought I'd find beauty in a place like this," she admits. "But here we are."

I tilt her chin up, meeting her gaze. "Here we are indeed. Who would have thought a demon and a human could make such an adorable little sorcerer?"

Zylpha smirks. "Well, with your looks and my brains, how could he not be exceptional?"

I feign offense, clutching my chest dramatically. "Are you implying I lack intelligence, Sunshine?"

"Never," she says, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just that I have enough for both of us."

I can't help but laugh, the sound echoing through the garden. It's moments like these, filled with love and gentle teasing, that make all the hardships we've faced worth it.