Page 40 of Naga General's Mate

“Why not?”

Because it made her want impossible things. Because every protective gesture, every gentle touch, every concerned look had carved a space for him in her heart. Because she’d never meant to fall in love with him, but here she was, terrified and exhilarated all at once.

“Because I believe you.” The words scraped her throat.

Chapter 18

Brivul

The predawn air carrieda chill as Brivul and Mila stood with Ellri outside her hotel. The street lamps cast long shadows across the empty streets, their dim light barely penetrating the darkness.

“You’ve done more for us than we could ever repay,” Brivul said, towering protectively near Mila.

Ellri waved her hand. “Just promise to take care of each other.” She pointed to an approaching delivery truck. “That’s your ride. Quick now.”

Brivul helped Mila into the back of the truck before sliding in himself. The cargo space smelled of fresh bread and cleaning supplies. He positioned himself between Mila and the door, ready to defend her against any threat.

“This shortcut better work,” he whispered as the truck lurched forward.

“Ellri knows what she’s doing,” Mila replied, her shoulder brushing against his arm.

The truck stopped after twenty minutes. Brivul peered out, scanning for danger before helping Mila down. They slipped into a narrow alley that twisted through the underbelly of the city.

“Stay close,” he said, leading the way through the labyrinth of passages Ellri had detailed.

The shortcut took them through abandoned buildings and beneath crumbling infrastructure. Brivul’s warrior instincts remained on high alert, his body coiled and ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

“Look,” Mila pointed ahead where the transport station’s massive structure loomed. “We made it in half the time.”

“Ellri’s directions were perfect.” Brivul surveyed the station entrance. “Now comes the tricky part.”

They crouched behind a stack of cargo containers, watching the station’s security patterns. The morning shift was just starting. Brivul pressed closer to the containers, his scales scraping against the metal as he pulled Mila behind him. Two of Kurg’s guards passed within arm’s reach, their boots crunching on loose gravel.

“The cargo manifest shows three trains heading out,” one guard said. “We’ll need to check them all.”

Brivul’s muscles tensed. They needed to move now while the guards were distracted. He caught Mila’s eye and gestured toward the nearest freight car. She nodded, understanding his silent command.

“Stay behind me,” he whispered, his warrior instincts taking over as they crept from shadow to shadow.

The early morning bustle of dock workers provided cover as they darted between crates and pallets. Brivul kept Mila tucked behind his back.

“There,” Mila pointed to an open cargo door. “That’s our train.”

A guard’s voice rang out behind them. “Hey! You there!”

Brivul quickly spun around, raising himself to his full height as he shielded Mila from view. The guard’s eyes widened in recognition.

“It’s the—”

Brivul struck him before he could finish, his fist connecting with precision. The guard crumpled without a sound.

“Move,” he ordered, boosting Mila into the cargo hold before following. The space was cramped with crates, leaving barely enough room to maneuver.

“Behind those boxes,” Mila whispered, pointing to a dark corner.

They squeezed into the tight space just as boots thundered past their car. Brivul wrapped himself around Mila, using his larger frame to conceal her completely. Her breath came in quick bursts against his chest.

“Clear here,” a voice called from outside. “Check the next car.”

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