26. Zylpha
26
ZYLPHA
I stand by the window, gazing out at the ever-shifting landscape of Galmoleth. The room feels too big, too empty without Volezimir's presence. Kaelox's soft snores drift from the adjoining chamber, a reminder of why I'm even considering this impossible choice.
My fingers trace the intricate patterns on the windowsill, feeling the thrum of demonic magic beneath my skin. It's beautiful here, in a terrifying sort of way. But beauty isn't enough when my son's safety is at stake.
The thoughts in my head start to war again. I know that going back to Protheka will be the best things for Kaelox, for myself. These demons…we weren't meant for this kind of life. Not when I want to rest, to protect my son…
To not fear for my life for one godsdamn day.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to talk to him, explain my fears. I want to get this conversation out of the way because I can't keep putting it off and spiraling with my thoughts.
But when I went looking for him earlier, he was nowhere to be found. The castle staff couldn't - or wouldn't - tell me where he'd gone. That absence gnaws at me, feeding my doubts.
What if he's reconsidering us too? What if Azrathel's words planted seeds of doubt in his mind as well? Ones that are leading in the wrong direction…
But will he turn his on you?
No. I can't think like that. Volezimir loves us. I know he does. But love isn't always enough in a world as dangerous as this.
I turn from the window, pacing the room. My steps are silent on the plush rug, another reminder of how different this world is from everything I've known. I feel like an imposter here, playing at being a demon's consort, pretending I belong.
The weight of the decision presses down on me. Stay and risk Kaelox's safety, or leave and break Volezimir's heart - and my own. There's no easy answer, no clear path forward.
I'm so lost in my swirling thoughts that I don't notice the subtle change in the air behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, a warning coming just a moment too late.
I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat as Azrathel materializes in the room. Before I can even draw breath to scream, he's on me, his massive hand closing around my neck. My back slams against the wall, knocking the air from my lungs.
"Did you really think you could escape me?" Azrathel hisses, his face inches from mine. His eyes glow with an otherworldly light, malevolence radiating from every pore.
I claw at his hand, desperate for air. My feet dangle uselessly above the ground as he lifts me higher. Panic floods my system. Kaelox is in the next room. I have to protect him.
Azrathel leans in closer, his breath hot on my face. "You and that half-breed brat of yours are the key to everything," he snarls. "Volezimir's weakness, laid bare for all to see."
My vision starts to darken at the edges. I try to kick out, but it's like hitting a stone wall.
"I've waited years for this moment," Azrathel continues, his voice dripping with venom. "To see Volezimir brought low, to use you to just that. He humiliated me…gaining the royals' favor as an injured disgrace. He never deserved this!"
He loosens his grip just enough for me to gasp in a ragged breath. "You're... insane," I choke out.
Azrathel's laugh is cold and cruel. "Oh, my dear," he purrs, tracing a claw-like nail down my cheek. "I'm the only sane one in this entire wretched place. And you're going to help me set things right."
I hear a small sound from the adjoining room - Kaelox stirring in his sleep. Azrathel's eyes flick towards the noise, a predatory grin spreading across his face.
"Ah, yes," he says, turning back to me. "Let's not forget the main attraction. Your precious little abomination."
Terror unlike anything I've ever known grips me. I renew my struggles, thrashing wildly against Azrathel's iron grip.
I feel Azrathel's grip tighten, cutting off my air completely. Spots dance before my eyes, but a surge of desperate strength floods through me. I won't let him hurt Kaelox. I can't.
My hand scrabbles at the windowsill, searching for anything I can use as a weapon. My fingers close around a heavy crystal paperweight. With every ounce of strength I have left, I swing it at Azrathel's temple.
The impact is jarring. Azrathel staggers, his grip loosening just enough for me to slip free. I gasp in a lungful of air, my vision clearing as I stumble away from him.
"You little bitch," he snarls, blood trickling from the gash on his head.
I don't waste time responding. I lunge for the door, but Azrathel is faster. He grabs my ankle, sending me crashing to the floor. The impact knocks the wind out of me, but I can't stop fighting. I kick out wildly, my heel connecting with his nose with a satisfying crunch.
Azrathel roars in pain and fury. He lunges at me, his massive form blocking out the light. I roll to the side, narrowly avoiding his grasp. My hand closes around the leg of a heavy wooden chair. I swing it with all my might, catching Azrathel across the back.
The chair splinters on impact, but it's enough to stagger him. I scramble to my feet, my heart pounding so hard I can barely hear anything else. Azrathel whirls to face me, his eyes blazing with demonic rage.
"I'm going to enjoy breaking you," he growls, advancing on me.
I back away, my eyes darting around the room for anything I can use. My back hits the ornate vanity, and I feel the cool metal of a letter opener beneath my fingers. I grab it, holding it out like a dagger.
Azrathel laughs, the sound chilling me to my core. "You think that little toy can hurt me?"
He lunges forward, faster than I can react. His hand closes around my wrist, squeezing until I cry out in pain and drop the letter opener. With his other hand, he grabs my throat again, lifting me off my feet.
I claw at his face, my nails leaving deep gouges in his skin. He slams me against the wall, knocking the breath from my lungs. Stars explode behind my eyes, but I can't give up. I won't.
My knee comes up hard, catching Azrathel in the groin. Even demons aren't immune to that kind of pain. He doubles over, loosening his grip just enough for me to break free. I stumble towards Kaelox's room, my only thought to protect my son.
Azrathel recovers quickly, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking me back. I scream in pain and fury, twisting in his grasp. My elbow connects with his solar plexus, driving the air from his lungs.
We grapple fiercely, crashing into furniture and knocking priceless artifacts to the floor. Glass shatters, magical energies crackling and hissing as they're released. The air grows thick with the scent of ozone and demonic power.
I manage to break free again, but Azrathel is relentless. He charges at me, his massive form filling my vision. I dive to the side at the last second, and he crashes into the heavy wardrobe. The impact is enough to stun him momentarily.
I scramble for the door, my fingers closing around the handle. Just as I'm about to wrench it open, Azrathel's hand slams against it, keeping it shut. I'm trapped between the door and his massive body, my heart pounding so hard I think it might burst.
I scream with all the strength left in my lungs, my voice raw and desperate. "Help! Someone please!" The sound echoes off the walls, reverberating through the chamber. I pray it's enough to draw attention, to bring aid before it's too late.
Azrathel's massive hand clamps over my mouth, muffling my cries. His grip is bruising, his claws digging into my cheek. I taste blood, metallic and sharp.
"Shut your damn mouth," he hisses in my ear, his breath hot and rancid.
I thrash wildly, throwing my entire body weight against him. It's like trying to move a mountain. My elbow connects with his ribs, but he barely flinches. Panic rises in my throat, threatening to choke me.
Suddenly, a new sound cuts through the chaos - footsteps, rapid and approaching fast. My heart leaps with desperate hope. Azrathel tenses behind me, his grip loosening just a fraction.
"No," he snarls, frustration and rage coloring his voice.
I seize the opportunity, biting down hard on his hand. Azrathel roars in pain, jerking back. I wrench free, gasping for air.
"In here!" I scream, my voice hoarse but determined. "Help!"
The footsteps grow louder, closer. I can hear voices now, urgent and alarmed. Azrathel's eyes dart towards the door, then back to me. I can see the calculation in his gaze, the realization that his plan is unraveling.
With a growl of pure fury, he lunges at me one last time. I dodge, but not quite fast enough. His claws rake across my arm, leaving burning trails of pain. I cry out, stumbling back.
The door handle rattles violently. Someone's trying to get in. Azrathel's face contorts with rage and frustration. He knows he's out of time.