We settle in a bright atrium, a demonic servant bringing refreshments and small delicacies. Simone sits beside me on a loveseat, but her attention is focused entirely on Kevin and Naamah.
“How far along are you?” she asks Naamah, gesturing to her rounded belly.
Naamah rests her hand on her stomach. “Eight months, by human counting.”
“Do you know what you're having?” Simone asks.
My daughter waves her hand in a so-so motion. “I have a feeling it's a daughter. A succubus, most likely, given my lineage.”
Kevin shifts uncomfortably, and I wonder how much he truly understands about what his child will be. The few times I've seen him, he seemed to be blissfully oblivious to what's going on around him.
“And you?” Naamah turns the question back to Simone.
“We don't know yet.” Simone glances at me. “Right?”
I press my lips together, giving her a tight smile. I can't sense the baby's gender, but I already know it will be a powerful demon.
“Father was never really around for this part.” Naamah's tone carries a hint of bitterness, and Kevin takes her hand.
“I was never much of a parent,” I admit. Probably the first time I do so in front of my offspring. “My children are numerous and largely self-sufficient.”
Naamah raises an eyebrow. “And you can't remember half of our names.”
She's not lying. I've lived millennia without giving much thought to my offspring beyond their usefulness or distinction. Even Naamah, my favorite, received only sporadic attention.
“I'm different now,” I say quietly.
Naamah studies me, her purple eyes narrowed on my face. “Yes,” she says finally. “I believe you are.”
Simone watches our exchange with a thoughtful expression. I can almost see her mentally cataloging everything, understanding me better through this interaction than perhaps through any confession I've made.
“Would you like to see the library?” Naamah asks Simone, clearly deciding to change the subject. “I have an extensive collection of human literature.”
Simone perks up. “I'd love to.”
“Excellent.” Naamah rises gracefully despite her advanced pregnancy. “Kevin, why don't you show Father our gardens while Simone and I get acquainted?”
Kevin looks uncertain, glancing between us. “Uh, sure. If that's alright with you, sir?”
The honorific amuses me. “Lead the way, Cambion.”
As the women leave, I catch Naamah whispering to Simone, “I have an entire section dedicated to human erotica. You missed out on some awesome releases while you were in the Pits. There’s this book where a girl finds three bear shifters in a cabin in the woods…” Their laughter floats back to us as they disappear down a corridor.
Kevin leads me outside to a garden where exotic flowers bloom, surrounded by clouds of fragrance. We walk in awkward silence for several minutes before he clears his throat.
“So, uh, Simone looks good.”
I arch an eyebrow. “She does.”
“I mean…” he backpedals, clearly sensing danger. “She seems happy, you know? Healthy. That's good.”
“Yes,” I agree mildly, enjoying his discomfort. “It is.”
He fidgets with a leaf from a nearby plant. “Naamah says you've changed. That you're trying to be better.”
The statement catches me off guard. “Does she?”
Kevin nods. “She says she's never seen you like this. That you actually care about this baby.”
