Page 39 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

I watch her,this human woman who's managed to infiltrate my existence, carving out a space for herself within my solitary world. Bella. She's become more than just a sacrifice, more than just a passing curiosity. She's become... necessary.

I stand,my tentacles rippling with a restless energy that mirrors the turmoil within me. "Bella," I say, my voice low.

She looks up at me,her brown eyes wide and expectant. "Yes, Jytos?"

I take a step closer,my shadow falling over her. "I need to tell you something."

She tilts her head,a silent invitation to continue. The firelight dances across her skin, and I'm momentarily distracted by the softness of it, the vulnerability that it represents. It's that vulnerability that has stirred something primal within me, something protective and fierce.

"When I first saw you," I begin, my gaze never leaving hers, "you were just a... a transaction. A deal made between your people and my existence. But now..." I trail off, struggling toarticulate the tumult of emotions that have taken root within me.

She waits,silent and patient, as I gather my thoughts. "But now," I continue, "you're more. You've seen me, the real me, and you haven't fled in terror. You haven't cowered or begged for mercy. You've shown strength, curiosity, and a kindness that I didn't know I fucking needed."

Her lips part slightly,a whisper of surprise escaping her. "Jytos, I?—"

I hold up my hand,stopping her mid-sentence. "Let me finish," I say. "I've spent centuries alone, content in my solitude. But now, the thought of you not being here... it's unacceptable. I need you like the air I breathe, Bella."

I dropto one knee before her, bringing us eye to eye. My voice softer, I say, "Let me protect you. Let me be the shield that stands between you and the dangers of this world. I may be a monster, but I swear on what's left of my honor that I will keep you safe forever."

She reaches out,her fingers lightly tracing the lines of one of my tentacles. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, a reminder of her power over me, despite her fragile human form.

"I've beenafraid for so long," she admits, her voice a whisper. "Afraid of the waira, afraid of my own people. But with you... I feel completely safe. I feel strong."

My heart,a muscle I thought long dead, throbs painfully in my chest. "Then let it be known," I say, "that Bella, is under my protection. Any who dare harm her will answer to me, Jytos of the Umbrath."

She smiles,a genuine, heartfelt smile that transforms her entire face. "And let it be known," she replies, her voice growing in strength and conviction, "that Bella, stands by Jytos, the last of the great Umbrath. Together, we are stronger than any force that seeks to tear us apart."

I lean forward,capturing her lips with mine in a kiss that is both a promise and a claiming. She melts into me as she returns the kiss with equal fervor. We are two souls, scarred by our pasts, finding solace in each other's arms.

19

BELLA

The next morning, I wake to the sound of Jytos moving about the cave, his heavy footsteps echoing off the rocky walls. The scent of fresh meat wafts through the air and makes my stomach growl. As I sit up, wincing slightly at the lingering soreness from my injuries, I see him approaching with a wooden platter piled high with food.

"Morning," he rumbles, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. "Brought us breakfast."

I can't help but smile as he settles beside me. "Thank you, Jytos. It smells delicious."

As we begin to eat, I find myself studying his features. The sharp angles of his face, the deep green of his eyes, the tentacles that move with surprising grace. It's hard to believe that not long ago, the sight of him terrified me. Now, I feel nothing but warmth and safety in his presence.

"Tell me more about your life before," he says between bites. "In the village."

I pause, a piece of meat halfway to my mouth. "My life in the village?" I repeat, setting the food back down. "It wasn't... it wasn't much of a life, to be honest."

He tilts his head, curiosity evident in his gaze. "How so?"

I breathe in deeply, steeling myself. "I lost my parents when I was young. Just a child, really. There was a particularly harsh winter, and they... they didn't make it." The memory still stings, even after all these years. "After that, I was passed around from family to family. No one really wanted the burden of another mouth to feed."

"Humans can be cruel," he growls, a protective edge to his voice.

I nod, grateful for his understanding. "They can be. I always felt like an outsider, never truly belonging anywhere. I had dreams, you know? I wanted to help people, to be a healer. But without a family to support me, it was just... impossible."

He reaches out, his large hand engulfing mine. The gesture is so tender that I feel tears prick at my eyes.

"And then they sacrificed you," he says softly, anger simmering beneath the surface.

I swallow hard. "Yes. When the elders announced their decision, I... I couldn't believe it. These were people I'd known my whole life, people I'd helped and cared for. And they just... gave me up. Like I was nothing."

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