Page 25 of Demon Daddy’s Nanny (Demon Daddies #3)

25

EVA

T he marketplace bustles with activity, xaphan and humans weaving through stalls like threads in a tapestry. I drift between vendors, fingers trailing over silks and crystals without really seeing them. My mind keeps circling back to the manor, to the study where I left my heart bleeding on the floor.

A merchant calls out prices for enchanted trinkets, his wings spread wide to catch attention. I duck away, unable to look at the golden feathers that remind me too much of-

No. I'm here for Annalise.

Sweet, sharp-tongued Annalise who deserves better than to be caught in the crossfire of whatever this is between her father and me. The thought of leaving her makes my chest ache, but maybe it would be better. I could still tutor her, still be there when she needs someone to talk to, just... from a safer distance. Without living under the same roof, without running into Ridwan in dark hallways where the air grows thick with possibility.

A display of carved crystal catches my eye. The pieces hang from delicate chains, refracting sunlight into rainbow patterns across the cobblestones. One in particular stands out - a spiral of clear crystal with streaks of gold running through it like captured lightning.

"It holds starlight," the vendor explains, noting my interest. "Perfect for reading late at night without wasting lamp oil."

Annalise would love it. She's always complaining about how the lamps in her room aren't bright enough for her late-night study sessions. The price makes me wince, but I hand over the coins anyway. Some things are worth the sacrifice.

As I tuck the wrapped crystal into my bag, reality settles heavy on my shoulders. I can't keep pretending this limbo with Ridwan isn't slowly destroying me. Every moment in that house feels like walking on broken glass, trying not to bleed while pieces of my heart scatter across floors.

But gods, the thought of leaving... of not seeing his wings shift toward me before he catches himself, of not hearing his rough voice soften when he speaks to Annalise, of not feeling that electric current in the air whenever we're alone...

A group of xaphan pass by, their wings brushing against each other in casual intimacy. I turn away, blinking back tears. I know what I have to do. I just don't know if I'm strong enough to do it.

I turn down a quieter street, needing space from the market's chaos. The crystal's weight in my bag reminds me of simpler choices, of a time before golden wings and unspoken promises complicated everything.

A sharp crack splits the air.

I freeze, then edge toward the sound. In a recessed doorway, a xaphan towers over a human woman crumpled against the wall. His wings flare wide, blocking most of the scene from passersby, but I catch glimpses of the servant's torn dress, the tremor in her hands as she shields her face.

"Stealing from your betters?" His boot connects with her ribs. "Thought you could slip away with my lady's jewels?"

"Please, I didn't-" Another kick cuts off her plea. "I was only cleaning, I swear-"

"Lying whore." He grabs her hair, yanking her head back. "Empty your pockets."

She fumbles with shaking fingers, turning out empty pockets. Nothing falls but dust and lint. My nails dig crescents into my palms as I watch, bile rising in my throat. The woman's terror-wide eyes meet mine for a heartbeat.

"See? Nothing! Please, I’m-"

He backhands her, the crack of it echoing off stone walls. Blood trickles from her split lip. "You’re worthless."

My chest burns with each ragged breath. Every instinct screams to intervene, to stop this senseless cruelty. But I know what happens to humans who challenge xaphan authority. Best case, I'd lose my position with Ridwan. Worst case...

The woman's soft whimpers carve into my bones. She didn't take anything - I'd watched her dusting the window displays earlier, head down, movements careful and precise. This isn't justice. This is power corrupting absolutely.

I shift forward, muscles coiled tight. The weight of my choice presses down like storm clouds before lightning strikes.

"Stop." My voice cuts through the alley, steadier than my thundering heart. "She's telling the truth."

The xaphan's wings snap toward me, feathers bristling like blades. His eyes narrow, pupils contracting to slits as he releases the woman's hair. She slumps against the wall, chest heaving with silent sobs.

"This doesn't concern you." He stalks forward, each step deliberate. His wings spread wider, casting shadows that swallow the remaining light. "Walk away."

I plant my feet. "I saw her cleaning the windows earlier. She didn't take anything."

"You dare question my judgment?" He towers over me now, close enough that I smell expensive oils on his feathers. Heat radiates from his skin - not the comforting warmth I feel near Ridwan, but something savage and wrong. "Do you know what happens to humans who forget their place?"

My fingers tremble, but I lift my chin. "Your threats will not make me cower.

The xaphan's wings flex, golden light catching the mottled gray of his feathers. Lower class then, trying to prove himself through cruelty. His breath fans hot across my face as he leans closer.

"Pretty little thing, aren't you? Think that makes you special?" His fingers hover near my cheek, not touching, but promising violence. "Think it gives you the right to speak to your betters?"

Behind him, the woman crawls toward the street. I keep my eyes locked on his, becoming the distraction she needs. "I think basic decency gives me that right."

His fingers brush my cheek, a mockery of tenderness that makes my skin crawl. "Perhaps you need a lesson in-"

A shadow falls across us, massive wings blocking out the sun. The temperature drops as if winter itself has descended into the alley. The xaphan's hand freezes against my skin, his eyes widening with recognition.

"Remove your hand from her." Ridwan's voice cuts through the air like a blade, each word precise and deadly. "Now."

The xaphan stumbles back, wings tucking tight against his body. His face drains of color as he turns to face Ridwan, whose golden wings fill the narrow space between buildings.

I just stare at him, unable to believe that he's here.

He came for me.