Page 63 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

"What're you smiling about?" he asks, his eyes scanning the horizon for threats.

"Just thinking about how far we've come in such a short amount of time," I reply, squeezing his hand. "I never thought I'd be here, you know? Leaving everything behind and starting a new life."

He stops, pulling me into his arms, a cocoon of safety and warmth. He asks, "You regret it?"

I look up into his fierce green eyes, seeing the vulnerability hidden beneath the surface. "Never," I say firmly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Jytos. I'd choose you every time."

His answering smile is predatory, full of sharp teeth and promise. "Good. 'Cause you're stuck with me. Forever."

As we continue our journey south, I take one last look at the distant mountains. Goodbye, I think silently. Thank you for everything - the pain, the fear, the sacrifice. It all led me here, to Jytos, to love. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Soon, the air grows warmer, filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and fresh grass. My hand, still intertwined with Jytos's much larger one, feels warm and secure.

"Look," I breathe, pointing to a clearing nestled between two gentle slopes. A crystal-clear stream meanders through it, catching the sunlight and sparkling like diamonds. "It's beautiful."

He grunts, his green eyes scanning the area with predatory intensity. "Defensible position. Good water source. Plenty of game in those woods." His tentacles twitch, betraying his excitement despite his gruff tone. "It'll do."

I can't help but laugh. Trust Jytos to see our potential new home in terms of strategy and survival. But that's one of the things I love about him - his unwavering focus on keeping us safe.

"Is that your way of saying you like it?" I tease, bumping my hip against his thigh.

He grins, and says, "Fuck yeah, I like it. It's perfect for us, Bella."

My heart swells at the word 'us'. And I can't imagine my life without this fierce, protective monster by my side.

We make our way down to the clearing, and I can almost imagine our future here. A sturdy shelter to keep out the rain and cold. A garden full of herbs and vegetables. Maybe even...

"What's got you smiling like that?" he asks, his deep voice pulling me from my daydreams.

I blush, realizing I'd been grinning like an idiot. "Just thinking about our life here. All the possibilities."

He pulls me close. "Yeah? And what possibilities you got in mind?"

I look up at him, feeling slightly awkward. "Well... maybe someday...," I trail off.

For a moment, he goes very still. Then, a slow smile spreads across his face, more tender than I've ever seen. "You mean to tell me you really want little half-Umbraths running around? Bella, I never thought..."

He trails off, but I understand. Neither of us ever expected to find this kind of love, let alone dream of a family.

"We could have it all," I whisper, reaching up to touch his face. "A home, a family, a life together."

He leans down, pressing his forehead against mine. "Already got everything I need right here," he growls gently. Then he claims my lips in a passionate kiss that makes my knees weak.

When we finally end our kiss, I can see the future stretching out before us. It won't be easy - nothing worth having ever is. But with Jytos by my side, I know we can conquer anything.

"Come on," he says, tugging me towards the stream. "Let's check out our new kingdom."

I laugh, following him eagerly. "Kingdom, huh? Does that make you the king?"

He grins back at me, all fierce pride and possessive love. "Damn straight. And you're my queen, Bella. Always."

As we wade into the cool water, hand in hand, I know in my heart that we'll be okay. Whatever obstacles we may face, we'll overcome them together. Because we have each other, always and forever.

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