18. Dezoth
18
DEZOTH
I wake before the sun, my eyes easily adjusting the pre-dawn shadows. Ada lies curled against my chest, her honey-blonde braid trailing across my arm. The gentle rise and fall of her breathing matches the rhythm of my heart.
She fits perfectly in the curve of my body, though her delicate frame highlights just how massive I am in comparison. My protective instincts flare at the sight - she seems so fragile, yet I know the steel beneath her surface.
A thundering of tiny feet in the hallway gives me just enough warning. The door flies open with a bang. I am grateful I had the forethought to pull my shirt on over a half a sleep Ada and put on a pair of pants before I went to sleep. Just in case.
"Cappy Dez! Mama!" Rose launches herself onto the bed like a small projectile, her violet eyes bright with excitement.
Ada jerks awake, clutching the blankets to her chest. "Rose!"
"I'm hungry. Can we have breakfast? With the purple berries?" Rose bounces on her knees, her honey-blonde curls wild from sleep. "And magic sparkles?"
"Little flower." I catch her mid-bounce with one arm, drawing a delighted squeal. "The sun's not even up."
"But I am!" She pats my face with both hands. "And you are. And Mama is now too."
Ada tucks the blanket more securely around herself, failing to hide her smile. "Give us a moment to dress, flower."
"But-"
"Two minutes," I rumble, touching my forehead to Rose's. "Count them out."
"One..." Rose slides off the bed, violet eyes narrowed in concentration. "Two..."
"Faster than that." I point to the door. "In the hall."
"Three-four-five-" She dashes out, numbers tumbling together as she runs.
Ada presses her face into my shoulder, shoulders shaking with silent laughter. "She's impossible."
"Wonder where she gets that from." I brush my lips across her temple, savoring the warmth of her skin.
"TWENTY!" Rose shouts from the hallway. "READY OR NOT!"
"One hundred and twenty!" I call back, only to get a grumble. Ada giggles but pushes out of the bed, going in search of her dress from last night and I marvel at her. At the lightness in my heart.
Who knew that taking Karn's advice would bring me such joy?
Once we're dressed, I lead Rose and Ada down to the kitchen, watching as Ada immediately moves to help prepare breakfast despite my protests. Her practical nature won't let her sit idle while I work.
"The purple berries are in the top cabinet," I murmur, reaching around her to grab them. My chest brushes her back, and she stills. The scent of herbs clings to her hair - and now my scent, too. that stirs something in me, and I want to pull her into me.
"I can reach them myself." But she leans back slightly, her warmth seeping into me.
"I know." My fingers trail down her arm as I set the berries on the counter. "Let me help anyway."
Rose climbs onto a chair at the wooden table, kicking her feet. "Can I have sparkles with breakfast?"
"After you eat properly." Ada moves to get plates, and I catch her hand, running my thumb across her knuckles before letting go. Each touch feels like staking a claim, marking her as mine in the most subtle ways.
"But Cappy Dez makes the best sparkles." Rose props her chin on her hands. "They're purple like my eyes."
I gather ingredients while continuously finding reasons to be in Ada's space. My hand at the small of her back as I pass. Our fingers brushing as we pass dishes. When she reaches for the kettle, I trap her against the counter for a moment, pressing a kiss to her temple.
"You're distracting me," Ada whispers, but her lips curve up.
"Good." I tuck a loose strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger on her neck.
"More berries please!" Rose holds up her empty bowl, purple juice staining her chin.
Ada starts to move, but I keep her in place with a hand on her hip. "I've got it, little flower."
Each casual touch feels like piecing together something precious - this small family that's somehow become mine. I cherish it, every little touch and smile.
We're halfway through breakfast when a sharp knock at the door interrupts our peaceful morning. Rose freezes mid-bite, violet eyes going wide. Ada's spine stiffens, but I squeeze her shoulder as I pass.
"Stay here. Both of you."
I stride to the door, tracking the familiar magical signature before I even open it. Rolfo stands on my doorstep, his silver eyes tight with urgency. His usual easy demeanor is nowhere to be seen.
"Captain." He gives a short nod. "We need to talk. Now."
I step outside, pulling the door shut behind me. "What happened?"
"We caught one." Rolfo's voice drops low. "Trying to snatch a half-demon child from the merchant district. Parents fought back hard enough to draw attention."
My nails dig into my palms. "The child?"
"Safe. But that's not the important part." Rolfo glances at my house. "We have the kidnapper in custody. Alive."
"Finally." A growl rumbles in my chest. After months of near-misses and cold trails, we have something concrete. "Where?"
"Cells beneath the guard tower. Hasn't said a word yet, but..." A predatory smile crosses Rolfo's face. "That's why I came to you first."
I cast a look back at my house, where Rose and Ada wait. Where another half-demon child sits unaware of how close this hits to home. "Give me an hour to arrange things here."
"I'll get everything ready for you."
"Good." I clasp his shoulder. "Have them bring in the parents too. If this connects to the other cases-"
"Already done." He matches my grip. "We'll find who's behind this, Dez. For all of them."
I nod sharply. For Rose. For every child targeted for their mixed blood. For Ada, who shouldn't have to live in fear.
I return inside to find the kitchen empty, breakfast dishes already cleared away. Through the window, I spot Ada and Rose in the garden, their matching honey-blonde hair catching the morning light. Ada kneels in the herb bed, showing Rose how to properly pull weeds without disturbing the fragrant plants.
My study calls, work waiting that can't be delayed. But first, I need to ensure they're safe. I stride through the house, checking each window, each door. My wards pulse strong and steady, but I reinforce them anyway. No one will breach these walls.
In my study, a splash of color catches my eye. A new drawing sits pinned to my desk with one of Rose's sparkly hair ribbons. The paper shows three figures - one towering with black hair, one smaller with yellow braids, and a tiny one with curls. Purple sparkles float around them, clearly my magic at work. In wobbly, uncertain letters, she's written "Cappy Dez" with an arrow pointing to the tall figure.
My chest tightens. Such a simple thing, this child's drawing. But it marks me as family, claims me as surely as I've claimed them.
"Look, Mama! The purple ones are blooming!" Rose's delighted voice drifts through the window.
"Careful of the thorns, Rose." Ada's gentle warning follows.
I trace the crude figures with one finger. My size difference is exaggerated, making me appear like a protective giant beside them. Perhaps that's how Rose sees me - her guardian against the darkness. The thought settles like an oath in my bones.
The kidnapper in custody will talk. I'll make certain of it. Anyone who dares threaten children like Rose, who targets families like mine - they'll learn why demons are feared. Why I'm feared.
I carefully smooth the drawing's crumpled edge. This - this moment of peace, this precious trust - I'll defend it with everything I am.