Page 27 of Sacrificed to the Mountain Demon

"You know,"I say, turning to face him, "for someone so big and scary looking, you can be surprisingly gentle."

He tilts his head,a curious expression crossing his face. "Is that a compliment or an insult?"

I can't helpbut laugh. "Neither. Just an observation."

As I stand up,I find myself studying him more closely. The way his tentacles move with a fluid grace, how his sharp teeth glint in the low light of the cave. He's still terrifying in many ways, but there's something undeniably fascinating about him too.

"What are you thinking?"he asks, his voice softer than usual.

I hesitate,unsure how to put my jumbled thoughts into words. "I'm thinking... that maybe the village elders were wrong about you. You're not just some mindless monster to be feared."

As night falls,exhaustion seeps into my bones. The events of the past few days have left me drained both physically and emotionally. I make my way to the makeshift bed, a pile of soft furs nestled in a cozy alcove of the cave.

"Sleep well,"he rumbles, his deep voice oddly soothing.

I nod,managing a small smile before curling up on the furs. The cave's chill nips at my skin, but the pelts provide a comforting warmth. As I drift off to sleep, my mind wanders to thoughts of home, of the village I once knew...

Suddenly,I'm back there. The familiar wooden houses loom around me, but something's off. The air feels thick, oppressive. Villagers I've known my whole life stare at me with cold, unfeeling eyes.

"Sacrifice,"they chant, their voices rising in a terrifying crescendo. "Sacrifice!"

Elder Belinda steps forward,her wrinkled face twisted into a cruel sneer. "It's for the greater good, Bella. You understand, don't you?"

I try to run,but my feet won't move. Hands grab at me from all sides, dragging me towards a pyre that's suddenly appearedin the village square. The flames lick hungrily at the wood, reaching for me...

I jolt awake with a gasp,my heart pounding. Sweat plasters my hair to my forehead, and I can't stop shaking.

"Bella?"Jytos's voice cuts through the darkness laced with concern. "What's wrong?"

I can't findmy voice, can't form words. The nightmare clings to me like a second skin leaving me trembling and disoriented.

In an instant,Jytos is by my side. His massive form should be intimidating, but instead, I find his presence comforting. One of his tentacles reaches out, gently brushing a tear from my cheek. I hadn't even realized I was crying.

"Bad dream?"he asks softly.

I nod,finally finding my voice. "The village... they were..."

"Shh,"he soothes, his tentacles wrapping around me in a protective embrace. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."

As I lean into his touch, the stark contrast between Jytos and the villagers hits me like a punch to the gut. The people I'd known my entire life, the community I'd trusted, had betrayed me without a second thought. They had dressed me up like a lamb for slaughter, all in the name of their so-called "greater good."

But Jytos,this creature I'd been taught to fear, has shown me nothing but compassion and protection. He's given me food, shelter, and now, comfort in my darkest moment.

"Why?"I whisper, more to myself than to him. "Why are you so compassionate with me?"

He’s quiet for a moment,his eyes searching my face. "Because," he finally says, "everyone deserves some compassion. Even a monster like me."

His words strikea chord deep within me. I reach out, placing my hand on his arm. "You're not a monster, Jytos. Not to me."

The next morning,I wake to the soft glow of light filtering through the cave entrance. Jytos is already moving about preparing for the day ahead. I stretch, my muscles aching from yesterday's exertions.

"Morning,"I mumble, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

He turns,his green eyes locking onto mine. "Do you feel better?"

I nod,pushing away the lingering unease from last night's nightmare. "What's on the agenda today?"

"Gathering herbs,"he replies. "There's a patch not far from here. Could use an extra pair of hands."

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