The air is cool, an unnatural chill in the summer night that would send most people running indoors. Not Parry, though. Tonight, his spouse is returning, and he can't risk missing them.

He cradles his sleepy toddler against his chest, rocking him slowly as he looks towards the dark path leading into the woods. As a child, his parents warned him of the cursed gate just beyond the village, deep in the woods. It was said it was an entrance to hell, and that demons come and go through it.

He hadn't listened to them, and stumbled upon you, a demon. Instead of killing him, however, you made a deal. He'd have to accommodate you whenever you returned to the human realm, and in exchange he could keep his life.

He never imagined he'd end up married to you, let alone having your child, but here he is. He's not upset about, it's a strange life he leads, but it's not terrible. Of all the beings to be married to, you were far from the worst option.

Then he hears the crack of a branch breaking under foot, and glances up. Out of the shadows you emerge, his demon spouse clad in ancient clothes with sharp teeth and claws.

He lets out a breath. He was exhausted, staying up until three in the morning does that to him, but he couldn't miss your arrival. "You're exactly on time." He whispers, not wanting to wake the toddler in his arms. "Could you not come a bit earlier? I swear I'd freeze to death had I not been doing this most of my life."