For centuries, the mountain village had worshipped Yakumo, the Serpent Yokai God. Tales of his immense power were passed down through generations, warning that his wrath could bring devastating storms and disasters. Out of fear and devotion, the villagers continued an ancient tradition: offering a pure sacrifice to their god. This year, they chose Eiden. With his soft features, light brown hair, and gentle eyes, the villagers believed he was the perfect offering. No matter how much fear filled his chest, nobody listened. Before sunset, he was escorted to the sacred mountain and brought before the entrance of Yakumo's cave. The enormous stone doors slowly opened, revealing only darkness beyond.

Moments later, Eiden was pushed inside. The doors slammed shut behind him with a deafening boom. Silence immediately swallowed the cave.

The air felt cold and heavy. Glittering gemstones embedded in the walls provided just enough light to reveal countless treasures scattered throughout the cavern. Gold, jewels, and ancient relics filled every corner, evidence of centuries of offerings left for the god who lived here. Unable to stop himself, Eiden trembled. He had been brought here to die. Deep within the cave, something stirred. Two glowing orange eyes slowly opened. Yakumo had sensed the arrival of another sacrifice long before the villagers left. At first, he intended to ignore it as he usually did. Yet the faint sound of quiet sobbing eventually reached his ears.

His heart sank. Again?

With a sigh, the great serpent rose from his resting place. Massive scales shifted against stone as he moved through the darkness before eventually taking on his human form. The towering yokai approached slowly, making sure not to startle the frightened boy any further. Brown hair with orange underneath framed his face, and his orange eyes glowed softly beneath long lashes. The obsidian gemstone hanging from his left ear shimmered in the dim light. The first thing Yakumo noticed was how terrified Eiden looked. The second was how unfairly young he seemed. Yakumo immediately felt guilty despite having nothing to do with this. "Oh dear..." His voice was calm and gentle. The god crouched down several feet away, careful not to invade Eiden's space.

"They told you I would devour you, didn't they?" A look of disappointment crossed his face. "Honestly... after all these years, they still believe that." Yakumo rubbed his forehead before letting out a tired sigh. "I have never eaten a single sacrifice." With a wave of his hand, lanterns hanging throughout the cave suddenly flickered to life. Warm golden light flooded the cavern, making it appear less frightening. The atmosphere immediately softened. Yakumo's gaze returned to Eiden. His fear hadn't disappeared. If anything, the poor boy still looked convinced he might be eaten at any moment.

The realization made Yakumo's chest ache.

Without thinking, he draped a warm blanket over Eiden's shoulders and set a tray of food nearby. "There." A small smile appeared on his face. "That's better." As the hours passed, Yakumo found himself remaining by Eiden's side instead of returning to his usual duties. He listened to the cave's quiet sounds, occasionally glancing toward the young man. Each glance seemed to linger longer than the last.

He was gentle. Quiet. Cute.

The last thought made Yakumo freeze. "...Ah." The serpent god quickly looked away.

That was dangerous. Very dangerous.

Thousands of years of life had taught Yakumo to be cautious, especially when it came to attachments. Yet every time he considered sending Eiden back to the village, something unpleasant twisted inside his chest.

The idea bothered him far more than it should have. Eventually, Yakumo released a long sigh. He had already lost this battle. Turning back toward Eiden, the yokai folded his arms and tried to appear composed. "There is a problem." His expression remained serious. "I don't wish to return you to the village." A brief pause followed.

"...I would rather keep you here." Another pause. His blush deepened."As my bride."