Page 57 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

As we sit there, the remains of our meal forgotten, I think about my new life. The world outside might be different, more dangerous than in the days of the Umbrath's glory. But here, in this cave with Bella, I've found something I never had even then. A home. A purpose. A reason to fight.

And fight I will. For her. For us. For this new world we're building together.

As the day wears on, I pace the cave. My tentacles twitch with a restless energy. The icy wind howls outside. It's a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in this frozen wasteland. Bella sits cross-legged by the fire, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sharpens an arrow.

"We really should think about getting out of here," I growl, running a clawed hand through my hair. "These waira are getting more aggressive by the day."

She looks up, her brown eyes reflecting the firelight. "I agree. But where should we go?"

I crouch beside her. "South," I say decisively. "Away from this fucking ice and snow. Somewhere warm, where we can build a life without constantly looking over our shoulders."

She nods in agreement. "What about the Whispering Woods? I've heard stories of ancient ruins there, hidden deep in the forest. Maybe we could find a place to call our own."

I grunt, considering. The Whispering Woods are treacherous, full of dark magic and creatures even I'd rather avoid. But they're also far from the waira's territory, and the dense foliage would provide cover.

"It's risky," I admit. "But so is staying here. At least in the Woods, we'd have a fighting chance."

She leans gently against me, her warmth seeping into my cool skin. "We make a good team, you know. Between your strength and my... well, my ability to not piss off every living creature we meet, we might just survive."

I chuckle, a low rumble in my throat. "Damn right we do."

As we continue plotting our escape, my mind wanders to the gift I've been working on for Bella in secret. It's time, I decide. Fuck waiting for the perfect moment.

"Stay here," I order, rising to my feet. "I've got something for you."

I duck into a hidden alcove at the back of the cave, where I've stashed my creation. It's a necklace, crafted from the teeth and claws of the waira leader I killed. The centerpiece is a polished obsidian stone, dark as night but shot through with veins of deep crimson.

Returning to Bella, I hold out the necklace. "Here," I say in a low voice, suddenly feeling awkward. "I made this for you. To show that you're mine. Forever."

Her eyes widen as she takes in the savage beauty of the piece. "Jytos," she breathes. "It's... it's beautiful."

I fasten it around her neck, my tentacles brushing her soft skin. The obsidian gleams against her pale throat, marking her as mine for all to see.

"You're mine completely now," I growl, pulling her close. "No matter where we go, no matter what we face. You belong to me, and I'll tear apart anyone who tries to change that."

She reaches up, her small hand cupping my face. "And you're mine," she says softly. "My fierce, impossible monster."

I lean down, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. As we sink to the floor, our bodies entwining, I know without a doubt I'm stronger because of her. She's given me a reason to live, to be more than just the last of a dying race.

28

BELLA

Irun my fingers over the rough-hewn cave walls, tracing the familiar contours one last time. This place, once my prison, has become a sanctuary over the last several months. Now, as Jytos and I prepare to leave, memories flood my mind.

"You okay?" Jytos's deep voice rumbles behind me.

I turn to face him, my heart swelling at the sight of his towering form. "Just... remembering."

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "This cave's seen a lot."

"It has," I agree, watching as he expertly packs our supplies. His tentacles move with surprising grace, wrapping Umbrath artifacts in protective cloth.

"Grab that bow," he instructs, nodding towards the crude weapon I'd fashioned. "You're damn good with it now."

I can't help but smile wide at the pride in his voice. "Thanks to you," I say, blushing slightly.

He grunts, but I catch the pleased glint in his eye. He tosses me a pack. "Fill this with those herbs we dried. They'll come in handy."

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