The Damned Demon - Chapter 846

Chapter 846: We Can’t Hide Forever
Couple hours ago,

Rowena’s private chamber was alive with rare, exuberant energy, filled with some of the strongest and most influential figures.

Despite the small gathering, the air buzzed with excitement, awe, and whispered astonishment.

Morning had yet to fully arrive, but lanterns cast gentle dark red light throughout the room, illuminating their amazed expressions as all eyes focused intently upon the delicate bundle nestled within Rowena’s gentle embrace.

They still were finding it hard to process the shock they had experienced earlier after seeing Valeria safely escort Rowena back here…along with a newborn in her arms!

Never did they expect the baby would come out so soon. They weren’t even prepared for this, though it filled them with hope and happiness.

Rowena leaned back against the intricately carved headboard, elegant even in her exhaustion. A faint, tender smile softened her usually aloof and composed face, her crimson eyes radiating quiet pride as she gazed affectionately at the newborn sleeping peacefully in her arms.

Merina was standing beside Rowena, happily applying some mana-infused warm compress on Rowena’s body since her body was pretty tired. However, she couldn’t take her eyes off from the infant under her gaze who just seemed magical in every way.

Isola, who sat closely beside Rowena, gently reached out, caressing the baby’s tiny cheek with utmost care.

“She looks just like you, Rowena,” Isola murmured softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips, eyes sparkling with warmth.

Rowena returned the smile, her expression unusually tender, “You really think so?”

Isola nodded softly, meeting Rowena’s gaze with heartfelt sincerity, “Without a doubt. But…” Isola’s face became slightly melancholic as she added, “I wish he was here to witness this as well…”

Rowena softly nodded as her eyes became heavy for a moment while the others let out a heavy sigh, everyone sharing the same sentiment.

Igrid then leaned in closer, eyes filled with wonder and admiration.

His normally steady voice trembled slightly with awe as he said, “Thank the devils that Valeria was there to help you. I’m still astonished that she even knew how to deliver a child—but none of that matters now. Look at her. Healthy, strong, vibrant. I can hardly wait to see how this little girl grows.”

“Indeed,” King Lakhur spoke, stepping closer with an approving nod and a joyful smile. “A child carrying both the blood of the Immortal King and the Devourer—her growth will be unprecedented. Her potential…boundless.”

Sabina shook her head slowly, her expression filled with disbelief and curiosity. She glanced at the infant again, eyes wide, “I still find it difficult to believe this little thing arrived so soon. Even faster than what Senior Igrid predicted.”

Silvia, meanwhile, had been fidgeting excitedly, unable to contain herself. Her eyes sparkled eagerly, her cheeks flushed with anticipation as she finally mustered the courage to speak up.

“Your Majesty,” she said eagerly, stepping forward, her voice nearly a whisper, “Can…can Silvia take a closer look?”

Rowena’s eyes softened further, a gentle, amused smile curving her lips. Carefully lifting the infant, she nodded. “You can hold her, Silvia.”

Silvia’s eyes widened, delight blooming across her face. She hurried forward, carefully yet eagerly accepting the child from Rowena. The newborn stirred at the gentle movement, eyes flickering open to reveal her striking dark golden eyes. She gazed curiously at Silvia, immediately letting out a small, innocent giggle.

“Oh, she’s so beautiful!” Silvia breathed, utterly enchanted.

Sabina watched silently, a hint of envy flickering briefly across her features, pride preventing her from speaking up. She crossed her arms, feigning disinterest, though her eyes remained locked on the baby.

Kayla, standing beside Silvia, leaned in, equally mesmerized. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful baby in all my life. She’s perfect,” she murmured softly, awe evident in her voice.

Silvia nodded vigorously, smiling happily. Then her smile turned nostalgic, eyes misty as she whispered, “Her eyes—they’re just like our husband’s. Silvia feels as if she can see him through her eyes.”

The child stared up at Silvia, seemingly fascinated by her ruby hair. “Who’s a good girl?” Silvia cooed affectionately, smiling wider as Ravina giggled and reached out suddenly, her tiny fist grabbing a lock of Silvia’s vibrant hair.

“Ow!” Silvia yelped softly, her eyes watering slightly in surprise. She looked down, startled, only to see Ravina giggling joyfully, triumphantly holding the strand of ruby hair she’d effortlessly plucked.

Kayla giggled teasingly, “You naughty little thing, did you just pluck your aunt’s beautiful hair?”

Sabina, meanwhile, stared incredulously, whispering in disbelief, “How is she strong enough to pluck Silvia’s hair already?”

Before anyone could reply, Seron stepped forward, his normally composed expression overcome by awe and surprise. “The child’s aura…” he murmured reverently, his gaze fixed upon Ravina’s small form, “…it’s already as strong as a Soul Purger!”

The room fell into shocked silence, broken by Silvia’s exaggerated gasp. “Ehhhhh!” she exclaimed, staring at Ravina in astonishment.

Everyone else echoed her shock, sensing clearly the sheer power hidden within the fragile baby.

Sabina chuckled softly, shaking her head in amused awe. “Like I guessed—she’s a little monster. She’s certainly going to make things interesting,” Inwardly, Sabina couldn’t help but imagine messing with her later and establish her “big aunt” status. After all, she was the eldest among Asher’s women.

Isola exchanged a proud, warm glance with Rowena, her voice gentle yet firm. “She’ll be our hope and strength. Just as her mother has always been.”

Rowena’s eyes gleamed warmly, pride and determination burning fiercely within them as she gazed upon her child.

Esther, standing quietly in the corner, narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. She silently marveled at Ravina’s incredible aura, suddenly curious—was this the true potential of someone born from Asher’s bloodline? She found herself momentarily imagining if perhaps, someday, she too might have a child with him, one of such immense strength…

Realizing her thoughts, Esther quickly shook her head, cheeks coloring slightly with embarrassment, chastising herself inwardly. What am I even thinking?

Silvia, meanwhile, gently cradled the baby, her voice trembling slightly with lingering disbelief as she looked toward Igrid again, “Senior Igrid… How is a baby possibly this strong?”

Igrid stroked her chin thoughtfully, her expression serene but deeply intrigued. “Ravina is born of two immensely powerful bloodlines. Her father is an immortal of alien origins, and her mother carries the blood of dragons—Devourer’s blood. Individually, each would create a child of unprecedented power. Together, their union created something truly extraordinary—beyond our comprehension. I can’t even fathom how strong she would get when she grows up.”

Jael Valentine, who had remained silent thus far, finally stepped forward. His eyes were calm yet solemn, voice clear and confident. “The world has never seen a child like her. She will likely shape the course of our future more profoundly than any of us can imagine. Like Seinor Seron said…she might very well be the hope of our future.”

Lakhur nodded firmly, his voice authoritative and certain. “And that future will begin today. When our people see this child, they will understand—they will know hope once more.”

The room fell silent as Lakhur turned to Rowena, his aged yet dignified face lined with concern but lit with a subtle hopefulness. His voice carried gentle authority, tempered by fatherly compassion. “Perhaps it’s time that you present yourself before your people along with your child,” he said calmly. “It might not only give your people some hope amidst the despair clawing through our kingdoms, but it might also give my people hope as well. To know not everything is lost and empathize with your state.”

Rowena’s gaze momentarily drifted down to the peacefully sleeping Ravina cradled gently in her arms, a flicker of hesitation shadowing her pale features. Before she could respond, Isola gently reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I feel he is right,” Isola urged softly, her voice firm but understanding. “Things outside are getting more hopeless by the day. We can’t hide any longer, Rowena.”

Rowena let out a slow, heavy breath, her crimson eyes glinting softly with determination as she looked once more into the innocent face of her newborn. The future—uncertain and fraught with danger—now lay cradled in her embrace. It was time to face the world again.

“You’re right,” she finally said, voice steady despite the weight of responsibility pressing upon her shoulders. “We can’t hide anymore. I will announce the birth of my child today itself.”

A soft, relieved smile broke across Lakhur’s face. He began to nod in approval, but the relief was fleeting. Rowena spoke again, her voice quieter but deeply resolute.

“But we will be leaving tomorrow, Senior Lakhur.”

Lakhur’s eyes widened instantly, shock replacing his earlier warmth. His smile faded abruptly, replaced by disbelief and concern. “My child, what are you saying? Why would you leave when you are vulnerable after giving birth? You’re in no condition to undertake such a perilous journey. If it’s my people you’re worried about, let me reassure them.”

Rowena gently shook her head, her expression remaining calm but undeniably determined. “It’s not that. You know as well as I do that once news spreads of my child’s birth, Drakar and all our enemies will come hunting us. Perhaps they already know. I can’t allow your kingdom to suffer for sheltering us.”

Her voice lowered slightly, softer but heavy with sincere gratitude. “We always knew this day would come. Again, we are eternally grateful for your kindness and generosity in protecting and supporting us all this time. But now, we cannot burden you or your people any further. If we remain…everyone here will suffer.”

Lakhur opened his mouth to argue, but no words emerged. He sighed heavily, his powerful shoulders slumping slightly as he struggled internally. He knew she was right, painfully right. After a moment, his gaze lowered, defeated by the stark reality of her logic.

“But still…” he murmured quietly, grief tinging his deep voice.

Rowena, sensing his distress, offered a gentle, reassuring smile. “Do not worry. My strength is returning quickly—by tomorrow, I will be stronger than today. Not only me, but my people as well. These weeks have tempered us, sharpened us. We are no longer the fragile remnants of a defeated kingdom. We will manage.”

Lakhur exhaled slowly, reluctantly acknowledging her strength and resolve. He straightened again, determination firming his aged features. “Alright,” he conceded reluctantly. “If you must go, then at least allow me to offer you supplies—food, medicine, weapons—whatever you and your people might need for your journey ahead. As a mother with a newborn child, I won’t let you refuse this.”

Rowena inclined her head gratefully, sincerity warming her usually reserved expression. “Thank you, Senior Lakhur. We will never forget what you and your kingdom have done for us. You saved not just my life, but the lives of so many of my people. You stood by us even when most of our allies abandoned us.”

Lakhur managed a bittersweet smile, eyes reflecting genuine pride and fatherly warmth. “You honor us, Rowena. Remember always, even if distance separates us, Nightshade Kingdom will forever stand ready to assist Bloodburn. No matter the cost.”

A profound, respectful silence enveloped the room as Rowena’s gaze drifted back to her daughter.

Despite the outward confidence she displayed, her heart tightened with worry about the uncertain path ahead. Her child, her kingdom, her people’s survival—all rested heavily on the dangerous gamble she had just committed to.

She didn’t even know if they would survive the journey ahead. However, no matter what storms awaited, she would shelter this child and her people through every trial. And she prayed he would return before it was too late…and at least see his child.