Page 63 of Naga General's Mate

“You look like shit, General.”

“Still outrank you, Lieutenant.” Brivul clasped Lors’s forearm in a warrior’s greeting. The familiar gesture settled something in him he hadn’t realized was unsettled.

Nia emerged next, her violet eyes scanning the perimeter before focusing on him. “Sir.”

“Drop thesir, Nia. I resigned, remember?”

“Once our general, always our general.” Cantos’s deep voice rumbled as he ducked through the hatch.

Kev and Fikleo followed, their weapons clearly visible despite their civilian attire. Good. They had come prepared.

“Didn’t expect all of you to show up.” Brivul’s throat tightened. These warriors had followed him through hell once before.

“As if we’d let you storm a fortress alone.” Fikleo checked his blade with practiced ease. “Besides, it’s been too long since we had a proper fight.”

“This isn’t just another battle.” Brivul’s claws flexed. “Kurg has my mate.”

“Your mate?” Nia’s head snapped up. “The human?”

“Yes.” The word came out as a possessive growl. “And I’ll tear through anyone who stands between us.”

“Then we’ll clear the path.” Lors clapped his shoulder. “The unit’s got your back, General. Always will.”

The others nodded, and Brivul felt the familiar surge of pride. These weren’t just soldiers. They were family. His chest swelled as he looked at each face, remembering countless battles fought side by side.

“Thank you.” The words felt inadequate. “All of you.”

“Save it for after we rescue your mate.” Cantos checked his weapons. “Now, what’s the plan?”

Brivul walked up the loading ramp, and they all followed him faithfully.

The ship’s familiar hum vibrated through Brivul’s scales as he stood at the tactical display. His old unit gathered around, their faces lit by the blue glow of the holomap showing Kurg’s stronghold.

“Three main entry points.” Brivul’s claw traced the perimeter. “Guards rotate every four hours. Priscilla says the east entrance is least defended.”

“Perfect breach point.” Lors leaned forward. “We could split into teams.”

“Two teams.” Nia tapped the display. “One for distraction, one for extraction.”

The tactical planning felt natural, like slipping into old armor. Brivul’s chest swelled with pride at how quickly they fell back into their roles.

“Kev, your stealth skills would be valuable on the extraction team.”

“Already packing sonic dampeners.” Kev patted his gear. “Guards won’t hear us coming.”

Fikleo cracked his knuckles. “Leave the distraction to me. I’ll give them something to worry about.”

“The main challenge will be reaching Mila’s cell.” Brivul pulled up the interior layout. “Underground level, heavy security.”

“Just like that prison break on Niri Prime.” Cantos’s scales rippled with anticipation. “Remember how we handled that?”

“Smoke bombs in the ventilation.” Lors grinned. “Classic.”

“We’ll need to move fast.” Brivul’s tail lashed. “Once they realize we’re there, Kurg might try to use Mila as leverage.”

“Not if we get to him first.” Nia’s violet eyes narrowed. “Cut off the head…”

“And the body falls.” Brivul nodded. His claws dug into the display’s edge. “We go in at night shift change. Lors, Nia—you’re with me on extraction. The rest of you, make sure they don’t know which way to look.”

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