Page 55 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

His hand cups my face, forcing me to meet his gaze. "It doesn't matter where we go. Waira, dark elves, orcs – none of that shit matters. I will always, always protect what's mine. And you, Bella, are mine."

The possessiveness in his voice sends a shiver through me. "I know," I whisper. "I just... I want us to have a chance at a real future. Without constant fear."

His expression softens, just a fraction. "Fear keeps you alive, little human. But I get it. You want more than just survival."

I nod, relieved that he understands. "Is that so wrong?"

"No," he admits. "It's not wrong. It's fucking terrifying, but it's not wrong."

I can't help but laugh at that. "The great Jytos, last of the Umbrath, scared of a little domestic bliss?"

His tentacles give me a playful squeeze. "Watch it, or I'll show you just how un-domestic I can be."

I grin and joke playfully. "Is that a promise?"

I nestle closer to him, his warmth enveloping me like a cocoon. As I trace the intricate patterns of his tentacles with my fingertips, a profound realization washes over me.

"You know," I murmur, "I used to dream about finding my place in the world. Turns out, it's right here with you."

"Damn straight it is," he growls, his arm tightening around me possessively. "You're mine forever, Bella. No matter where we end up."

His words send a delicious sensation through my body. I used to think such possessiveness would frighten me, but with Jytos, it feels like coming home.

"I mean it," I continue, emboldened by his response. "The village, this cave, wherever we might go in the future... none of that matters. You're my home now."

A rumble of approval vibrates through him. "And you’re my home, Bella," he declares.

He suddenly shifts despite his wounds and rolls us over so he's hovering above me. His tentacles cage me in, but instead of feeling trapped, I feel utterly safe. Protected.

His lips crash into mine, fierce and demanding, I lose myself in the sensation. This is where I belong, I think hazily. In the arms of this powerful, complex creature who sees me for who I truly am.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, I cup his face in my hands. "I love you, Jytos," I whisper, the words carryingthe weight of absolute truth. "Whatever comes next, whatever we face, we'll face it together."

His expression softens, just for a moment, before that familiar glint of determination returns to his eyes. "Together," he agrees, sealing the promise with another searing kiss.

27

JYTOS

Istand at the mouth of our cave. My muscles are taut and ready for action. The crisp mountain air fills my lungs as I survey the landscape. My wounds have healed, leaving only faint scars as reminders of the brutal battle. Bella's unwavering care brought me back from the brink, and now I'm stronger than ever.

"You're looking fierce today," Bella says, approaching from behind. Her scent, a mix of something floral and uniquely her, reaches me before her words do.

I turn, my tentacles curling with pleasure at the sight of her. "Feeling fierce," I growl, pulling her close. "Ready to hunt."

She laughs, a sound that still surprises me with its lightness. "Just don't bring back anything too disgusting this time. I'm still having nightmares about that slime beast."

"Picky eater," I tease, nipping at her ear. She shivers, and I feel a surge of possessive pride. This human, this incredible woman, is all mine.

As I prepare to leave, my thoughts drift to how much my life has changed. Before Bella, my existence was a monotonous cycleof survival and solitude. Now, every day brings new challenges, new joys. She's given me purpose beyond mere existence.

"Be safe out there," she calls out as I start down the mountain path.

I pause, turning back to her. "Always am. This territory is mine. Ours. Nothing out there can touch us."

Her smile is radiant, and for a moment, I'm tempted to forget the hunt and stay. But the need to provide, to protect, drives me forward.

As I move through the forest, my senses alert for prey, I reflect on the transformation Bella has wrought in me. The rage that once consumed me has found focus, channeled into defending what's mine. The loneliness that gnawed at my soul for centuries has been replaced by a fierce, burning love.

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