Chapter 4: A place to stay

The forest finally gave way.By the time Lucien reached his home, the sky had darkened completely. The night was quiet here—far from villages, far from danger.

Or at least… it used to be.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

A small house. Simple. Isolated.

Safe for now.

Zia stirred in his arms as he entered, her eyes slowly opening. She blinked up at him, as if adjusting to the new place, her tiny fingers still gripping his coat.

“…We’re here,” Lucien said quietly.

He set her down carefully on the floor.

She wobbled slightly, trying to stand, her balance unsteady before she dropped back down with a soft thud—completely unbothered.

Lucien watched her for a moment.

“…You really can’t walk properly.”

Zia looked up at him and smiled.

Like it didn’t matter.

He exhaled softly and turned away, running a hand through his hair.

“This is… troublesome.”

Both sides were after her.

Angels.

Demons.

Which meant keeping her here—was a risk.

A big one.

But leaving her?

That wasn’t an option anymore.

Lucien’s gaze shifted back to her.

“…You stay here.”

The words came out low.

Decided.

He moved to a nearby shelf, pulling out cloak to hide her.It was far too big—but it would have to do.

Crouching down, he slipped it over her small frame, adjusting it carefully.

The fabric swallowed her completely, covering her demonic appearance— horns.

“…That should hide it.”

Zia blinked, looking down at herself, then back at him.

Still smiling.

Lucien paused.

Then his eyes shifted slightly—to her mouth.

Small and sharp fangs visible.

No matter how much he covered—that part remained.

“…Of course it does,” he muttered.

He leaned back slightly, thinking.

“Keep your mouth closed,” he added after a second.

Zia blinked again.

Clearly not understanding.

Then she smiled wider.

Showing them more.

Lucien stared.

“…Great.”

A pause.

Then he sighed quietly.

“This is going to be a problem.”

Silence settled in the room.

For the first time all day—there was nothing chasing them.

No danger. No movement. Just… stillness.

Lucien leaned against the wall slightly, his body finally relaxing after everything.

And then—something clicked.

His gaze shifted back to her.

“…You haven’t eaten.”

Zia sat on the floor, lightly playing with the edge of his oversized shirt, completely calm.

A baby she needed food and proper care.

Things he had never dealt with before.

Lucien frowned slightly.

“…What do you even eat?”

No answer.

Of course.

He looked toward the small kitchen area, then back at her.

“Normal food…?” he muttered.

Would that even work?

She wasn’t human.

Not fully.

Not even close.

His expression grew more thoughtful.

“If you’re a devil’s child…”

Would she need something else?

Something darker?

Lucien’s jaw tightened slightly at the thought.

“…No.”

He shook it off.

He wasn’t going to test that.

Not unless he had to.

Instead, he walked toward the kitchen, grabbing something simple.

Fruit bun or Milk perhaps?

He returned and crouched in front of her again, holding out fruit bun slightly.

“…Try this.”

Zia looked at itin curious then back at him.

A small pause.

Before she reached out slowly and carefully.

Lucien watched closely.

More focused than he had been in any fight that day.

Because this—this mattered.

More than he expected it to.

Zia looked at it curiously.

Her small fingers reached out, slow and unsure, before taking it from his hand.

Lucien watched closely.

More focused than he had been in any fight.

She brought it to her mouth.

Took a tiny bite.

And paused.

Her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, her expression shifting—confused at first… then thoughtful.

Continue nibbing, she liked it soft and fruity. She haven't tasted something like that in the forest before.

Lucien let out a quiet breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

“…So normal food works.”

Relief.

Simple but real.

At least that was one less problem.

He leaned back slightly, running a hand through his hair.

“No special feeding… no complications…”

A pause. “…Good.”

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