Page 48 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

The waira leader lets out a bellow of pain and surprise, its grip on Jytos loosening. It's enough. Jytos seizes theopportunity, his tentacles lashing out to deliver a series of swift, brutal blows. The beast stumbles backward, its sides heaving, its breath coming in ragged gasps.

Jytos turns to me, his eyes locking onto mine. There's a moment of silence, of stillness, and then he's striding towards me, his movements fluid and predatory. "You," he growls, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver through me, "are either the bravest or the most foolish woman I've ever met."

I square my shoulders, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "I had to do something. I couldn't just stand there and watch."

A slow, approving smile spreads across his face, revealing the sharp points of his teeth. "You did well, Bella. Very well."

The praise warms me, bolstering my courage. But there's no time to revel in it. The waira leader is regaining its footing, its eyes burning with renewed fury.

Jytos positions himself between me and the beast, his body a solid wall of muscle and sinew. "Stay behind me," he orders, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I nod, my hands curling into fists at my sides. I trust him, trust in his strength and his skill. But that doesn't stop the fear from coiling in my gut, doesn't stop the what-ifs from racing through my mind.

The waira leader charges, and Jytos meets it head-on. They clash in a tangle of limbs, their roars filling the air. I watch, helpless and terrified, as they fight for dominance, for survival.

My breath hitches in my throat as Jytos lands the final, devastating blow on the waira leader. The beast crumples to the ground with a guttural roar that reverberates through the icy air. But the victory is short-lived. Jytos stumbles, his tentacles going limp, his black skin slick with blood and sweat. He collapses beside his vanquished foe, his deep green eyes locking onto mine for a fleeting moment before they flutter shut.

"Jytos!" The cry rips from my throat, raw and anguished. I rush to his side, my hands fluttering uselessly over his massive form. His chest rises and falls in shallow, labored breaths.

I'm frozen, unsure of what to do. My knowledge of healing is limited to bandaging scraped knees and brewing herbal teas. This... this is beyond me. I glance around wildly, hoping to find something—anything—that could help him. But there's nothing. Just the cold, unyielding ground and the eerie silence that follows the battle.

I sink to my knees beside him, my heart pounding in my chest. My protector, my savior, is now lying helpless at my feet. The irony isn't lost on me.

"Jytos," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "You can't leave me. Not after everything we've been through."

My desperate words hang heavy in the air. I reach out and gently trace the contours of his face. His skin is cool to the touch, too cool. Panic claws at my insides like a relentless beast that threatens to consume me whole.

I swallow hard, trying to maintain some semblance of calm. "You're the strongest person I know," I say to him. "You can't... you can't let this be the end."

But he doesn't respond. His chest continues its torturously slow rhythm, each breath a stark reminder of his vulnerability. I feel helpless, utterly useless. I've always been the one needing protection, the one being saved. I've never had to save anyone before.

I lean closer, pressing my ear to his chest. The steady thrum of his heart is a small comfort, but it's there, strong and steady. "I need you, Jytos," I murmur, my voice muffled against his skin. "I need you to fight. To come back to me."

I don't know how long I stay like that, listening to the beat of his heart, praying to whatever gods might be listening. Minutes?Hours? Time has lost all meaning. All that exists is Jytos and the fragile thread that tethers him to this world.

Finally, I pull away, a fierce determination settling over me. I can't sit here and do nothing. I need to act. I need to find help, even if it means venturing out into the wilderness alone. The thought sends a shiver of fear down my spine, but I push it aside. For Jytos, I would face a thousand waira.

I soon rise to my feet. My gaze sweeps over the carnage that surrounds us. The ground is littered with the bodies of our enemies, a grim testament to Jytos's ferocity and his willingness to protect what's his. And I am his, just as he is mine.

I will find a way to save him, to return the favor and pull him back from the brink. Because that's what you do for the ones you love.

24

BELLA

My heart clenches painfully as I glance back at Jytos's wounded form. The cave's meager supplies won't be enough to save him. I need more. Better. Stronger.

"I'll be back," I whisper, knowing he can't hear me. "I promise."

The trek to the village is treacherous. Every snapping twig makes me flinch. Every shadow is a potential threat. The forest that once felt like home now seems alien and hostile. But I press on, Jytos's life hanging in the balance.

As I near the village outskirts, I slow my pace. Torchlight flickers in the distance, and the faint murmur of voices reaches my ears. I crouch low, using the underbrush for cover.

"Darn it," I mutter, realizing I'll have to sneak past the night watch. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure they'll hear it.

I inch closer, timing my movements with the guards' patrols. One misstep and I'm done for. They won't welcome me back with open arms, not after offering me up as a sacrifice.

Finally, I spot an opening and dart towards the healer's hut. It's dark inside, thank the gods. I slip in and adjust my eyes to the gloom.

---