28. Zylpha

28

ZYLPHA

I wince as the demon medic's clawed hands hover over my bruised throat, a soft green glow emanating from her palms. The pain is intense, throbbing with each heartbeat, but it's nothing compared to the fear still coursing through my veins.

"Where's Kaelox?" I rasp, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to see him."

The medic shakes her head, her eyes - solid black orbs - fixed on her work. "Soon. We need to stabilize you first."

I try to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forces me back down. The room spins, and I close my eyes, fighting against the nausea. Every breath is a struggle, reminding me of Azrathel's grip on my throat. I shudder, remembering the cold malice in his eyes.

"Please," I beg, opening my eyes to look at the medic. "I need to know he's safe."

She sighs, her hands moving to my ribs where Azrathel's blows left deep bruises. "Your son is unharmed. Sir Volezimir's protective magic shielded him from the battle."

Relief washes over me, bringing tears to my eyes. Kaelox is safe. Volezimir protected him. The thought of Volezimir sends a pang through my chest that has nothing to do with my physical injuries. He saved us. Despite our argument, despite his doubts, he came for us.

As the healing magic seeps into my body, dulling the pain and mending the damage, I can't help but replay the attack in my mind. The terror of those moments when I thought I might lose everything - my life, my son, my future with Volezimir - still feels raw and immediate.

As her magic touches each wound, I feel a burning sensation, like fire is spreading through my veins. I grit my teeth, tears streaming down my face. But beneath the pain, I feel the swelling recede, the ability to breathe easily returning.

Just as the medic finishes, the door bursts open. Volezimir strides in, Kaelox cradled in his arms. The sight of them, both safe and whole, nearly undoes me.

"Mama!" Kaelox cries, reaching for me.

Volezimir gently sets him on the bed beside me, and I pull our son close, ignoring the protest of my healing body. I breathe in his scent, feeling his little arms wrap around my neck, and for the first time since the attack, I feel truly safe.

As the medic finishes her work and leaves, I sit up slowly, wincing at the lingering soreness. Volezimir settles beside me on the bed, his golden eyes filled with concern and a hint of guilt. Kaelox, sensing the tension, snuggles closer to me.

"We need to talk," I say softly, my voice still raspy.

Volezimir nods, his jaw tight. "I'm sorry, Zylpha. I should have-"

I hold up a hand, stopping him. "Let me start from the beginning." I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "That day in the garden, when you saw me with Azrathel... he approached me. He'd been watching us, planning this for a while."

Volezimir's eyes narrow, a low growl rumbling in his chest. I continue, "He offered me power, safety for Kaelox and me if I left you and joined him instead."

"What?" Volezimir's voice is sharp, his fists clenching.

"I refused, of course," I assure him quickly. "But then he threatened us. He said there were already plots in motion against us, against Kaelox." I shudder, remembering Azrathel's cold eyes, his grip on my jaw. "He was so close, so threatening. I was reaching for my dagger when you arrived."

Volezimir's expression softens, realization dawning. "And I assumed... Sunshine, I'm so sorry."

I nod, accepting his apology. "After our fight, I was scared. I started thinking maybe we should leave Galmoleth, at least for a while. For Kaelox's safety."

"Leave?" Volezimir looks stricken.

"I was going to talk to you about it," I explain. "But then Azrathel attacked. He said he was going to use Kaelox and me as leverage against you. For revenge."

Volezimir pulls us both close, his large frame enveloping Kaelox and me protectively. "I should have trusted you," he murmurs into my hair. "I let my fears cloud my judgment."

I lean into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "We both made mistakes," I admit. "But Volezimir, we can't let this happen again. We need to be united, especially now."

I look into Volezimir's golden eyes, seeing the depth of emotion swirling within them. His hand cups my cheek, his touch gentle despite the strength I know lies beneath his skin.

"Zylpha," he says, his voice low and intense. "When I saw you with Azrathel, when I thought... I can't handle the idea of anything happening to you. The mere thought of losing you, of something taking you away from me again..." He shakes his head, his jaw clenching. "It tears me apart inside."

I lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his palm against my skin. "Vol-"

"Let me finish," he interrupts softly. "These past years, searching for you, never giving up hope... and then finding you, having you here with me, with our son..." His eyes flick to Kaelox, who's fallen asleep between us. "I've fallen in love with you, Zylpha. Completely, irrevocably in love."

My heart swells at his words, and I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Oh, Volezimir," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I love you too. So much." I reach up, covering his hand with mine. "Those years on that ship, Kaelox was my only light. But you... the memory of you, the hope of seeing you again, it kept me going. I don't ever want to be without you again."

Volezimir pulls me closer, careful not to disturb Kaelox. His forehead rests against mine, and I can feel his breath, warm against my lips. "You won't be," he assures me, his voice filled with fierce determination. "I swear it, Zylpha. Nothing will ever separate us again. I'll move mountains, fight armies, challenge the gods themselves if I have to. You and Kaelox are my world now, and I'll do anything to keep you safe, to keep us together."

I tilt my chin up, pressing my lips to his in a soft, tender kiss. When we part, I look into his eyes, seeing all the love and devotion I feel mirrored back at me.

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at Volezimir, the weight of everything we've been through pressing down on me. "I don't want to lose you again…but I don't think I can stay here anymore. I don't think this is for us."

I glance down at our sleeping son, gently stroking his hair. "Every day, I see the looks, hear the whispers. The other demons, they barely hide their contempt for my human blood. And Kaelox..." My voice breaks. "He's caught between two worlds. Half-demon, half-human. He doesn't fully belong anywhere."

Volezimir's arm tightens around me, but I continue, needing to get this off my chest. "The political games here, the constant maneuvering and scheming - it's exhausting. And now, after Azrathel's attack, I can't help but wonder who else might be plotting against us."

I take a shaky breath, forcing myself to meet Volezimir's gaze. "I think we need to finally talk about leaving Galmoleth. It's something I've been thinking about," I admit, my heart clenching at the pain that flashes across his face. "Not because I don't love you, but because I'm so scared for Kaelox. What kind of life can he have here, always looking over his shoulder, never knowing who to trust?"

Volezimir cups my face in his hands, his golden eyes intense. "Zylpha, my love," he says softly, "we'll do whatever you need - whatever our family needs. If you feel we need to leave Galmoleth, then we'll leave. Together."

I blink in surprise. "You'd... you'd leave everything behind? Your position, your home?"

He nods without hesitation. "You and Kaelox are my home now. My family. Nothing else matters if you're not safe and happy."