Page 59 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

I nod in agreement. "It was. But now..." I trail off, my gaze meeting his. "Now I see a world of possibilities. With you."

He smirks, a rare, genuine smile that transforms his monstrous features into something almost tender.

My eyes drop to the makeshift bowl in my hands. "You've shown me a strength I never knew I had in me."

He leans forward, his gaze intense. "You're a survivor, Bella. You just needed someone to show you that."

I laugh softly, the sound echoing off the cave walls. "And you needed someone to show you that you're not a monster."

His smirk fades, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps I'm still a monster on the outside. But you... you've tamed the beast within."

I reach across the fire, my hand brushing against his. His skin is rough, scarred from countless battles, but his touch is gentle. "I guess we've both changed for the better," I say.

Suddenly, his lips crash into mine with the force of a hurricane. The power of his kiss consumes every inch of my being. My heart thrums in my chest, a frantic rhythm that matches the fervent beat of his own.

I cling to him, my fingers curling into the hard muscles of his arms, anchoring myself to this being who has become my world. His sharp teeth graze my lower lip and sends a jolt of exhilarating fear mingled with desire coursing through my veins. He is all that is dangerous, all that is forbidden, and yet, in his embrace, I find a sanctuary that I never knew existed.

His tongue demands entry, and I yield to him. I am lost in the taste of him, the primal essence that is uniquely Jytos—a hint of the untamed wilds, a whisper of ancient magic, and the undeniable truth of his desire for me.

As we break apart, breathless and hearts pounding, his deep eyes bore into mine. There is a fierce possessiveness in his gaze, a silent vow that he will protect and cherish me until his last breath.

In that moment, I see beyond the sharp teeth and towering form, past the tentacles and the violence that simmers justbeneath the surface. I see the being who has captured not just my heart, but my very soul.

"I want to see it all with you," I say suddenly. "The frozen wastelands, the ancient ruins, the mythical lands beyond the mountains. The whole entire world."

He raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. "You're asking for quite the adventure."

I grin, the excitement of it all making my heart flutter. "I am. And I know you're the one I want to share it all with."

He pulls me closer and says, "I want to share it all with you too."

I am suddenly struck by the realization that our real journey has only just begun. I find solace in the knowledge that no matter what we may face, we will face it as one. For we are not just survivors; we are warriors, forged in the fires of adversity and united by a love that is as powerful as it is forbidden.

As we settle down for the night, wrapped in each other's arms, I can't help but feel a sense of rightness. The world outside is harsh and unforgiving at times, but here, in the embrace of my monstrous lover, I am always safe. I am always home.

Though our future may be uncertain, we will find a way to carve out a life for ourselves, together. A life filled with adventure, love, and the freedom that comes from forging one's own path.

29

JYTOS

Istand by the rocky outcrop near the cave the following day. My tentacles twitch as I survey the familiar landscape one last time. The jagged peaks and icy winds have been my only companions for so long. Now, everything's changed.

"Jytos?" Bella's soft voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Is everything secure?"

I turn to face her, reveling in the sight of her warm brown eyes and delicate features. "Yeah, we're good to go. Just... saying goodbye, I guess."

She nods, a deep understanding in her gaze. "It's been your home for so long."

"Home," I echo, tasting the word. "Nah, it was just a place to exist. You've shown me what home really means."

Her cheeks flush, and I can't help but grin. Even after all this time, I still affect her. Good.

"Come on," I say, holding out my hand. "Let's have one last meal here before we hit the road."

We retreat into the depths of the cave, where I've prepared a spread of our favorite foods. Roasted jangore meat, sweetberries, and even some of that weird bread stuff Bella taught me to make.

As we eat, I can't help but think about how far we've come. From terrified sacrifice to fierce partner, Bella's transformed before my eyes. And me? The solitary beast is gone, replaced by someone who actually gives a damn about another living creature.

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