Page 28 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

I stand up quickly."I'd be happy to help."

As we makeour way through the winding tunnels, I can't help but notice how Jytos's body moves with a fluid grace that belies his size.

We emerge into a small clearing,bathed in dappled sunlight. The air is thick with the scent of herbs and wildflowers. He points to a cluster of plants with vibrant purple leaves.

"These are what we're after,"he explains. "Careful, though. They've got tiny barbs."

I nod,kneeling beside him. As I reach for the first plant, my hand brushes against one of his tentacles. A jolt of electricity shoots up my arm, and I jerk back, my heart racing.

"You okay?"he asks, concern evident in his voice.

"Fine,"I manage, trying to ignore the lingering tingle where our skin touched. "Just startled myself."

We work in companionable silence,our hands and tentacles moving in tandem. Every so often, our fingers brush, sending sparks dancing across my skin. I find myself hyperaware of his presence, the heat radiating from his body, the soft sound of his breathing.

As I reachfor a particularly stubborn plant, I lose my balance. Jytos's tentacles shoot out, wrapping around my waistto steady me. The contact sends a rush of warmth through my body, and I find myself leaning into his touch.

"Careful,"he murmurs, his face inches from mine. I can see every detail of his otherworldly features - the sharp angles of his jaw, the deep green of his eyes, the way his tentacles quiver slightly as they hold me.

For a moment,we're frozen in place, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. Then, slowly, he releases me, his tentacles lingering for just a second longer than necessary.

I clear my throat,trying to ignore the way my heart is pounding. "Thanks," I manage.

As we continue our task,I can't shake the feeling of his touch. It's confusing, this unexpected attraction. He's so different from anyone I've ever known, and yet...

I steal a glance at him,watching the way his muscles ripple as he works. There's a raw power that both terrifies and fascinates me. I find myself fantasizing being held by those strong arms, to feel those tentacles caressing my skin...

I shake my head,trying to banish the thought. It's ridiculous, isn't it? And yet, as our hands brush once more, I can't deny the spark of desire that ignites within me.

As we finish gatheringthe herbs in the dappled sunlight, I can't ignore the growing warmth in my body. His deep, rumblingvoice and gentle touches make my heart race in a way I've never experienced before.

What's happening to me?This isn't right, is it? He's not human. He's... something else entirely.

But as Iwatch him move with that fluid grace, his powerful form so at odds with his gentle touch, I can't deny the attraction building within me. It's not just physical - though there's certainly that. It's the way he looks at me, like I'm the most precious thing in his world. The way he's protected me, sheltered me, when my own people cast me aside.

I think backto just yesterday when we encountered an aggressive creature near the cave entrance. Jytos didn't hesitate. He leapt into action, his tentacles lashing out with brutal efficiency. In moments, the threat was neutralized. I should have been terrified. Instead, I felt... safe. Protected.

His brutality, which once filled me with fear, now stirs something primal within me. He's powerful, yes, but that power is used to keep me safe. To keep me close to him.

"Bella?"his voice breaks through my reverie. "You've been staring at that same plant for a while now. Everything okay?"

I blink,realizing I've been lost in thought for some time. "Sorry, I just... I was thinking."

"About?"He tilts his head, those impossibly green eyes fixed on me.

I swallow hard,my heart pounding. How can I explain these confusing feelings? This mix of desire and uncertainty?

"About you,"I admit softly. "About... us."

He suddenly goes very still,his tentacles quivering slightly. "What about us?"

I breathe deeply,steeling myself. "I think I'm developing feelings for you, Jytos. And it scares me because I don't know if it's right. But it feels... it feels like the most natural thing in the world."

14

JYTOS

The stench of waira fills my nostrils, acrid and foul. My muscles tense and my tentacles coil tightly against my back. They are getting closer these last few days. Too fucking close.

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