Page 60 of Naga General's Mate

Rough hands grabbed her arms, yanking her toward a waiting transport. The afternoon sun caught on her chains, making them gleam. Just yesterday those same rays had warmed her skin as she’d walked freely with Brivul.

“Move it.” A guard shoved her forward.

She caught a glimpse of Brivul gathering Priscilla into his arms before the transport door slammed shut. Darkness pressed in around her as the engine rumbled to life. The metal bench beneath her was cold, matching the emptiness spreading through her chest.

How had everything fallen apart so quickly? Just hours ago she’d woken up in Brivul’s arms, dreaming of a future together. Nowshe was back in chains, heading toward whatever punishment Kurg had planned.

As the transport lurched forward, Mila closed her eyes, trying to memorize every detail of her time with Brivul—his laugh, his touch, the way his tail would curl protectively around her. She’d hold onto those memories in the dark days ahead.

A sob caught in her throat. She wouldn’t cry. Not here. Not where Kurg’s guards could see her break.

Chapter 27

Brivul

Brivul’s claws dug intohis palms as Kurg’s transport took off down the street, taking Mila far away. Every instinct screamed at him to chase after them, to tear through anyone who stood between him and his mate. But Priscilla’s ragged breathing beside him demanded his attention.

“Stay with me.” He scooped up Priscilla’s battered form. Blood matted her golden hair, and purple bruises bloomed across her face. Her skin burned with fever against his scales.

The nearest clinic was three blocks away. Brivul slithered through the crowded streets, cradling Priscilla against his chest. The tang of copper filled his nostrils with each labored breath she took.

“Almost there.” His jaw clenched. Kurg would pay for this—for hurting both sisters. But first, he had to honor Mila’s sacrifice by saving Priscilla.

The clinic’s doors slid open with a hiss. “This woman needs immediate attention.”

“Sir, we require payment before—”

“You’ll treat her now.” Brivul hissed, violet eyes flashing. “Or I’ll ensure this establishment never sees another patient.”

The clerk’s mouth snapped shut. She pressed a button and medical staff rushed forward with a hover-stretcher.

“Multiple contusions, possible internal bleeding,” one medic rattled off as they whisked Priscilla away. “Get her to trauma bay three.”

Brivul’s fists clenched and unclenched as he watched them disappear through the double doors. The warrior in him wanted to tear through the city hunting Kurg. But abandoning Priscilla would destroy any trust Mila had placed in him.

“Your mate?” The clerk’s voice was softer now.

“Her sister.” The words tasted bitter. He’d failed to protect both of them.

“She’s in good hands. Doctor Ren is the best trauma specialist in the district.”

Brivul gave a curt nod and settled into the waiting area. He’d get Priscilla stable and then find a way to rescue Mila. His mate was strong. She’d survive until he could reach her. She had to.

The antiseptic smell of the clinic burned Brivul’s nostrils as he paced the waiting room. His tail lashed against the floor, drawing concerned looks from other patients. Let them stare. His mate was in danger.

“Sir, please remain seated.” A nurse wrung her hands. “You’re disturbing the other patients.”

“Then get me an update on Priscilla’s condition.”

“The doctor will—”

“Now.”

The nurse scurried away. Brivul resumed his pacing, his mind racing through scenarios. A frontal assault on Kurg’s compound would be suicide since the kingpin’s security rivaled military installations. Sneaking in might work, but he’d need detailed blueprints. Intel. Resources.

“Damn it.” His fist connected with the wall.

Going through official channels would take too long. By the time the Council of Seven acted on Talis’s evidence, Mila could be dead.

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