Just as Marcus' eyes had adapted to the darkness, just as his gaze could tell just how truly dirty the area was, as he could see his mother's fearsome facial expression filled with wrath and hatred, as he gained the ability to clearly see the silvery chains holding her down as well as the cracks created by her formidable strength, the darkness was pierced through by a crimson light.
Her eyes, previously darker than even the darkness surrounding her, had suddenly changed color.
"The telltale sign of Demon blood." Kain whispered with great interest. "Some say that the Demon blood itself floods the eyes and colors them crimson. Others say that it's the Human blood devoured by the Demon and its ancestors that rushes to show itself, when the Demon seeks more Human blood." He stared for a moment, before suddenly kicking the iron bars separating them from the prison cell. "Are you seeking more Human blood, Demon?"
Her defined muscles were visible through the cuts of the torn rags that barely covered her body. Thick veins appeared on her neck and on the back of her hands as she contracted her muscles and braced herself.
"Aaargh…!" She clenched her teeth through the pain, determined to bring down her shackles. "Give me back…!" She shouted through her clenched teeth.
Presently, it was true. Her crimson eyes demanded Human blood. Or, more precisely, in the way of getting what she wanted, spiling Human blood seemed an acceptable-
"He's here." Kain sighed as he raised the baby basket held in his left hand. "You're gonna have to calm down if you want this to work."
Her crimson eyes instantly went to the baby, who could feel shivers going down his spine. Her gaze, facial expression, as well as the red glow piercing through the darkness… Yes, Demon was right. Even Marcus had to admit.
He was hungry, and he had been brought to his mother.
Yet, he did not want anything to do with her.
Despite the fact that Kain had held a blade to his chest, Marcus felt it would be safer to remain with him, than with the red-eyed beauty. Beauty, currently, had nothing to do with anything. With such eyes, it wouldn't have surprised him much if she grew horns, wings, and a spade-shaped tail. In a new world, anything is possible after all.
It took a moment for Kain's words and the appearance of her lost baby to truly sink in.
Her eyes slowly lost their reddish glow. The anger in her face quickly faded. For a moment, it seemed like she would cry. Her head swayed to the right as her eyes closed, but she caught herself. She couldn't pass out. Not yet.
"She finally calmed down…" One of the Guards standing behind Kain whispered.
"You mean she's been like this since…?"
"Yes, your Highness."
"Ugh." Kain scratched his head. "You were supposed to have some time to rest."
"I don't… Need rest…"
"Your life is hanging by a thread. You understand that, don't you? Your anger blinds you. If you want to be there for your child, you'll need to think carefully and logically. Acting out will only lead to your life being cut even shorter than it already has." Kain's eyes slowly scanned the area. "What have you been doing?"
"Y-Your Highness?"
"I told you to clean up, didn't I?"
"B-But… It's the Demon… We couldn't leave our backs to it and-"
"It's chained." Kain turned away from the Guards. "I want this place cleaned up by dusk. Not a trace of dirt, blood, or anything else."
"Y-Yes, your Highness!" The Guards shouted in unison.
She was perfectly silent, something that didn't escape Kain.
"Looks like even Demons can think carefully at times." He stopped closer to the cell. "Here."
'W-What?! You're gonna give me to her? Just like that?! What if Demons eat their children, huh? What then?!'
She took an unsteady step closer.
'Oh, no… Alright, time to pull off my best baby impression and look as cute as possible. You wouldn't eat such a cute…'
The closer she got, the softer her expression got.
The less Marcus could see the Demon in her.
"Fi…Nally…"
She slowly, almost shyly, wrapped her arms around the baby basket. Her arms twitched, unsure of how much strength to use. Her muscles contracted, she didn't want to drop it. Her muscles relaxed, she had to be careful. Using just enough strength.
Kain let go of the baby basket's handle, and she took an unsteady step backward.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours for him." Kain said.
Her eyes were transfixed on the basket's content. Refusing wasn't an option. She clenched her teeth and nodded without looking up.
"We'll give you some privacy." He started walking away.
"...?" The Guards remained unmoving and exchanged a look.
"Did you not hear me?"
"But, your Highness-"
The Guard's words were cut short as Kain's blue eyes shone coldly.
"Move it."
"Y-Yes, your Highness!"
Seconds later, the underground dungeon was plunged into complete stillness and silence.
She took another step back while holding the basket to her chest with both arms. And another.
She stepped back until her back touched the wall.
A whimper exited her mouth, but she managed to keep her tears from flowing.
Her back slowly slid down the wall until her bottom reached the ground.
"I'm so…" She started, a couple of seconds later. "I'm so glad… You're okay. So glad You're here…"
The basket was placed on her thighs. Her hands timidly moved towards the baby. As soon as the tips of her fingers came into contact with him, her hands twitched and instinctively pulled back. She felt that nothing less than the utmost care was acceptable when it came to handling what she thought of as a fragile, fragile, treasure.
She took the baby into her hands and slowly raised him up.
"Hello." She whispered with a wide smile. "Nice to meet you."
'...'
"My name is Naira, little angel."