Page 274 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

I nod.

After a quick, refreshing wash, we slip into clean clothes. I then replace the ruined mattress and pillows with fresh ones.

But as I start to conjure a new fire, I am hit with the realization that something has changed within me. It usuallytakes great effort for me to manipulate heat or create any kind of fire—actions that are completely opposite to my natural abilities. With my normal energy reserves, I would only be able to do so a few times before feeling completely drained.

Yet as the flames dance to life, burning hotter than ever before, I feel only a small dip in my energy levels. It is almost as though my powers have strengthened, evolved even. The fire crackles and flickers, casting a warm glow over our surroundings. And for the first time in a long while, I feel a novel sense of control and strength coursing through me.

That’s… interesting. I must investigate this more. Do deities experience some type of energy charge when they engage in sexual activities? Is it only females or do males experience this too? Is this something that happens across the board regardless of the level of the deity or only for those who have attained a certain level?

“Come here.” Mine beckons, pulling back the warm blanket to make room for me. I slip in beside him, his warmth radiating against my body.

“Since a little ice won’t kill me, I’ll gladly do my duty and worship my little goddess every single day,” he murmurs, his voice low and intimate.

My heart flutters at his words, hope and excitement bubbling up inside of me. “You will?”

“And I’ll even treat you to some donuts,” he adds with a playful smile.

“Both?” I ask in disbelief.

“Both,” he confirms with a nod, delight shining in his eyes.

“You spoil me too much,” I tease, though I’m secretly reveling in his attention.

“What about you? Don’t you want…” I trail off, hinting that he might want me to reciprocate. I’d gladly do it, but we might need to take it slower. While he’s had plenty of material to read,the only knowledge I have is, well…what I know from him and what occurred between us.

Mine shakes his head without hesitation. “All I want is you,” he declares, his tone suddenly becoming serious and intense. “Marry me, Minnie. Say you will marry me.”

“That again.” I sigh. “What do you mean by it? I know what marriage means in my world, but what does it mean in yours?”

“A vow. A promise. A celebration.” He pauses. “We don’t have many traditions, but I would love to vow my love to you in front of my parents and get their blessing for our union.”

I turn sharply.

“Your parents?” I ask, half panicked. “But what if they don’t like me? What if they don’t give their blessings? What if?—”

“Shhh,” he says as he presses a finger against my lips. “They already adore you.”

I blink. “But?—”

“They know all about you and how much you mean to me and they can’t wait to meet you.”

Biting my lip, I nod along, though I can’t help but be nervous about meeting his parents.

He gathers me in his arms, kissing my temple and murmuring how much he loves me.

And that’s how we fall asleep.

But it’s not how we wake up.

“W-what?” I groggily open my eyes, my mind still foggy from sleep. But Mine is already on his feet, his expression tight and focused.

“We’re under attack,” he says gravely.

That’s when I hear it. The unmistakable sound of gunfire hitting the outside wall in rapid succession. My heart races as I realize the gravity of our situation.

“The ice won’t break. It’s indestructible.”

“Might be, but that will only pique their interest. They won’t leave us alone until they find out what this is,” Mine replies, his tone resolute but tinged with worry.

---