Page 32 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

The thought sends a thrill through me. I want that. I want him. The realization hits me like a physical blow, leaving me breathless.

"Oh gods," I whisper. "I'm falling for him."

It should be wrong. He's a monster, after all. But in my heart, it feels so right. He understands me in a way no one ever has. Sees me for who I truly am.

I breathe in deeply, steadying myself. This new life, these new feelings - they're overwhelming. But for the first time, I feel truly alive.

As I gather my foraged goods to return to the cave, to Jytos, I can't help but smile. Whatever comes next, I'm ready to face it. With him.

Soon, the sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. I'm so lost in my thoughts about Jytos that I barely notice the changing light. My basket's nearly full of foraged goods, and I can't wait to show him what I've found.

Suddenly, a twig snaps behind me.

I whirl around, my heart leaping into my throat. "Jytos?" I call out, hopeful. But the silence that follows is deafening.

Another snap, closer this time. My pulse quickens. Something's not right.

I take a step back, my eyes scanning the darkening forest. That's when I see it – a pair of glowing eyes in the shadows. My blood runs cold.

"No," I whisper, panic rising in me. "No, no, no."

The waira emerges from the underbrush, its razor-sharp teeth glinting in the fading light. It's massive, easily twice my size, with matted fur and claws that could tear me apart in seconds.

I drop my basket and berries scatter across the forest floor. "Stay back!" I shout, trying to sound braver than I feel. But my voice quivers, betraying my fear.

The beast lunges forward. I dodge, barely avoiding its snapping jaws. My back slams against a tree.

"Jytos!" I scream, desperation clawing at my throat. "Jytos, help me!"

The waira circles me, its eyes never leaving mine. I grab a fallen branch, holding it out like a pathetic shield. "Get away from me!" I yell, swinging wildly.

It charges again. I swing the branch, catching it across the snout. It yelps, more surprised than hurt. But now it's angry.

With a snarl, it swipes at me. I feel a searing pain across my arm as its claws rip through my sleeve and into my flesh. I cry out, stumbling backward.

"Jytos, please!" I sob, clutching my bleeding arm. "Where are you?"

The waira advances, backing me against the tree. I can smell its rancid breath and feel the heat of it on my face. This is it, I think. This is how I die.

But no. I won't go down without a fight. Jytos taught me better than that.

I grit my teeth and lash out with my good arm, jabbing my fingers into its eye. The beast howls in pain, rearing back. I seize the moment and run.

My legs pump furiously as I tear through the forest. Branches whip at my face, roots threaten to trip me, but I don't slow down. I can hear the waira crashing through the undergrowth behind me, gaining ground.

"Jytos!" I scream again, my voice raw with terror. "Help me!"

I risk a glance over my shoulder. The waira is right there, its jaws snapping at my heels. I push myself harder, my lungs burning, my injured arm throbbing.

But I'm tiring. I can't keep this up much longer. Where's Jytos? Why hasn't he come? Did he abandon me?

No. I can't think like that. He'll come. He has to.

I burst into a small clearing, hoping for some advantage. But my foot catches on a root and I go down hard. Pain explodes through my knee as I hit the ground.

I roll onto my back, facing the advancing waira. It's over. I close my eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

"Jytos," I whisper, a tear sliding down my cheek. "I'm sorry."

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