I ran from the demon who branded me. I didn’t mean to run into the one who’d burn the world to keep us safe.

Eight months pregnant. Starving. Hunted.

Kaelith Shadowfall says my baby belongs to him. That I do too.

But I’d rather die in a gutter than let that monster lay another claim on either of us.

When I collapse in the alleys of Ikoth, I expect to die.

Instead, I wake up in the arms of a demon built like war—scarred, silent, and deadly.

Rolfo doesn’t ask why I’m running.

Doesn’t care where I’ve been.

Only cares that I’m safe. That my daughter is warm,...

I ran from the demon who branded me. I didn’t mean to run into the one who’d burn the world to keep us safe.

Eight months pregnant. Starving. Hunted.

Kaelith Shadowfall says my baby belongs to him. That I do too.

But I’d rather die in a gutter than let that monster lay another claim on either of us.

When I collapse in the alleys of Ikoth, I expect to die.

Instead, I wake up in the arms of a demon built like war—scarred, silent, and deadly.

Rolfo doesn’t ask why I’m running.

Doesn’t care where I’ve been.

Only cares that I’m safe. That my daughter is warm, fed, protected.

He holds her like she’s precious. Looks at me like I might be too.

I shouldn’t want him. But gods, I do.

Because Rolfo doesn’t care about danger. Only cares about me.

And if Kaelith dares to come near us again?

He won’t just kill him. He’ll make him watch while I moan his name.