The Demon’s Secret Baby

13. Volezimir

13

VOLEZIMIR

I slam my fist on the grimy tavern table, making the glasses rattle. The dark elf across from me doesn't even flinch, his violet eyes fixed on the pouch of gold I've just tossed his way.

"You better not be shittin' me this time, Zar'eth," I growl, leaning in close. The stench of cheap ale and unwashed bodies hangs thick in the air, but I barely notice it anymore. "I've chased too many dead ends already."

Zar'eth's long fingers dance over the coins, a greedy smile playing on his lips. "Oh, I assure you, this information is quite real, my friend. A ship with a golden minotaur figurehead, just as you described. Spotted near the Veiled Isles, three days' sail from here."

My heart pounds against my ribs. After years of searching, could this finally be it? Could Zylpha be so close?

"The Veiled Isles?" I repeat, my voice rough with barely contained emotion. "That's pirate territory. Dangerous waters."

Zar'eth shrugs, already pocketing the gold. "You asked for information, not safety advice. But yes, it's a treacherous area. Perpetual mist, hidden reefs. Many ships go in, few come out."

I nod, my mind already racing with plans. "Any other details about the ship? Its crew? Its... cargo?" I can barely bring myself to say the word, thinking of Zylpha as someone's property.

"Rumor has it the Captain's a minotaur," Zar'eth says, leaning back in his chair. "Nasty piece of work, even by their standards. Known for raiding coastal villages, taking slaves. But he's smart, keeps a low profile. That's why he sticks to the Veiled Isles."

I clench my fists, feeling my claws dig into my palms. The thought of Zylpha in the hands of such a monster... I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus.

"How recent is this information?" I demand.

"Fresh as morning dew," Zar'eth replies with a smirk. "My contact saw the ship just yesterday, heading deeper into the mists."

I stand abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. "If you're lying?—"

"I know, I know," Zar'eth interrupts, waving a hand dismissively. "You'll hunt me down and do unspeakable things to my entrails. But I assure you, this is solid. Go get your girl."

I don't bother responding. I'm already halfway to the door, my mind filled with visions of mist-shrouded islands and a ship with a golden minotaur figurehead. After all these years, I might finally have a real lead.

Zylpha , I think as I step out into the night air. Hold on. I'm coming for you .

"Captain?" the helmsman asks as I board the ship after such a short trip.

"Set a course." I stalk up to the deck just ahead of him.

"Aye." He shifts, the crew already in action as they pull up the plank and ready the ship to sail. "Where to?"

"The Veiled Isles."

I expect some argument, but I get none. Instead, the crew swarms behind me to get going as soon as possible. And I can only hope this isn't a mistake, another dead end.

I don't know how many more I can take.

I stand at the helm, my eyes fixed on the horizon as the wind whips through my hair. The ship creaks and groans under the strain, but I pay it no mind. We're pushing her to her limits, and I won't ease up until we reach our destination.

"Captain!" my first mate calls out. "We're approaching the Veiled Isles!"

I nod, my grip tightening on the wheel. "Keep her steady. We're going in."

As we draw closer, the air grows thick with mist. It clings to my skin, cold and damp, but I barely notice. My every sense is focused on scanning the waters ahead, searching for any sign of that golden minotaur figurehead.

"Reduce speed!" I bellow to the crew. "Watch for hidden reefs!"

The tension on deck is palpable as we navigate through the treacherous waters. Every splash, every shadow in the mist, could be the ship we're looking for. Could be where Zylpha is being held.

Zylpha , I think, my heart aching. Please be here. Please let this be it.

Hours pass, each moment stretching into an eternity. We weave through the islands, always alert, always searching. The crew is exhausted, but they don't complain. They know better.

And I will find her. Nothing short of death will keep me from my Sunshine again.

As the sun begins to set, painting the mist in eerie shades of orange and red, I feel a flicker of doubt. What if this lead is another dead end? What if I've dragged us all into danger for nothing?

The thought gnaws at me, threatening to unravel the tight control I've maintained over my emotions. I clench my fists, willing the doubt away. I can't afford to lose focus now, not when we're so close.

But then, just as hope starts to fade, I see it. A flash of gold through the mist. My heart leaps in my chest, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

I lean forward, straining my eyes, praying it's not just a trick of the light. There it is again - unmistakable this time. The golden minotaur figurehead, emerging from the mist like a beacon of hope.

"There!" I roar, pointing ahead. "Full sail! Don't let them out of our sight!"

My heart pounds as we give chase. After all these years, all the false leads and disappointments, could this finally be it? Could Zylpha be so close?

As we near the island, I strain my eyes, peering through the thick mist that blankets everything. My demonic sight kicks in, allowing me to see what others can't. That's when I spot it - the minotaur's ship, anchored in a hidden cove. It's partially obscured by overhanging cliffs, but there's no mistaking that golden figurehead.

My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of excitement and rage coursing through my veins. Zylpha is so close, I can almost feel her presence.

"Hard to port!" I bellow, my voice carrying over the wind. "Bring us in quietly!"

The crew scrambles to obey, their movements precise despite the tension in the air. We glide silently through the water, the mist providing us with cover. As we draw closer, I can make out more details of the ship. It's a formidable vessel, built for speed and stealth. The perfect pirate ship.

I clench my fists, my claws digging into my palms. The thought of Zylpha being held captive on that ship for all these years... it makes my blood boil. But I force myself to stay calm. We can't afford any mistakes now, not when we're so close.

"Prepare for boarding," I order, my voice low and dangerous. "But wait for my signal. We do this smart, not reckless."

As the crew readies themselves, I scan the ship for any signs of movement. It seems quiet, too quiet. Are they expecting us? Or have they grown complacent in their hidden cove?

Either way, it doesn't matter. I've come too far to turn back now. Zylpha is on that ship, I can feel it in my bones. And I'll tear apart anyone who stands between us.

I gather my most trusted crew members in the ship's hold, away from prying eyes and ears. The air is thick with tension as I lay out our plan of attack.

"Listen up," I growl, my voice low and intense. "We're going in quiet and fast. No heroics, no unnecessary risks. Our goal is to find Zylpha and get her out."

I pull out a rough sketch of the pirate ship, pointing out key areas. "We'll board from the stern, using grappling hooks. Tarak, you and your team will secure the deck. Vren, take your group below and search for prisoners. I'll head straight for the Captain's quarters."

My crew nods, their faces grim and determined. They've been with me through countless battles and storms, but this... this is different. Personal.

"One more thing," I say, reaching for my weapons. "I'm enchanting our blades/ Silent kills only. We can't risk raising the alarm before we find her."

I close my eyes, summoning the dark energy that courses through my veins. The shadows in the room seem to deepen as I channel the magic into our weapons. When I open my eyes, our blades are wreathed in inky blackness.

"Remember," I warn, "these enchantments won't last forever. Make every strike count."

With our weapons ready, I lead my crew to the deck. The pirate ship looms before us, shrouded in mist. I raise my hands, feeling the familiar tingle of magic as I weave a spell of concealment around our vessel.

As the spell takes hold, I turn to face my crew one last time. Their eyes are locked on me, waiting for the final word. In that moment, I make a silent vow to myself and to Zylpha.

I'm coming for you, Sunshine. I'll get you out of there or die trying.

"Let's move," I whisper, and we begin our silent approach towards the enemy ship.