Page 69 of Naga General's Mate

“We’re surrounded, General,” Lors muttered, his weapon trained on the nearest cluster of guards.

“I see that.” Brivul’s mind raced through combat scenarios, discarding each as too risky with Mila injured. His tail coiled protectively around her legs.

Nia’s fingers tightened on her rifle. “Orders?”

The guards pressed closer, their weapons humming with charged energy. One wrong move would turn this corridor into a killing field.

Chapter 31

Mila

Mila huddled behind Brivul’sprotective bulk. Her ribs screamed in protest, each breath a sharp reminder of Kurg’s cruelty. Armed guards blocked both ends of the narrow corridor, their weapons trained on their small group.

“Did you really think you would get away again?” Kurg’s silky voice echoed off the walls. “I own this stronghold. I own you.”

Brivul’s massive tail curled around her protectively. His friends formed a defensive circle around them, but Mila counted at least thirty guards. The odds turned her stomach.

“You own nothing.” Blood trickled down Mila’s chin as she spat the words.

“Stupid girl. My power and influence are far reaching. Soon, all of Jorvla will be my domain.” Kurg’s bulk rippled with arrogance. “And all of you will be dead.”

Sweat beaded on Mila’s forehead as she pressed closer to Brivul. His scales were warm against her skin, grounding her despite the terror clawing at her chest.

Kurg’s eyes fixed on Brivul. “Step aside, and I’ll make her death quick. Fight, and you’ll watch her suffer first.”

“Touch her and die.” Brivul’s voice rumbled through his chest, deep and deadly.

“So be it.” Kurg raised his hand, signaling his guards. “Kill them all.”

Suddenly, heavy boots thundered down the corridor, accompanied by the metallic clang of armor. Mila’s heart leaped as Jorvlen authorities poured in from both ends, their weapons trained on Kurg’s guards. At their head strode Kingpin Talis, her porcelain skin gleaming under the harsh lights.

“Stand down, Kurg.” Talis’s voice rang with authority.

Kurg’s lips pulled back in a snarl. “Come to steal my territory at last?”

“This isn’t about our rivalry.” Talis produced an official document bearing the council’s seal. “By order of the Council of Seven, you’re under arrest for embezzlement and treachery against Jorvla.”

The blood drained from Kurg’s face. Mila savored his expression, though her legs trembled with relief. She gripped Brivul’s arm to steady herself.

“Impossible.” Kurg growled. “You have no proof.”

“The council received quite an interesting transmission from your personal terminal.” Talis’s smile was razor-sharp. “They found your creative accounting…concerning.”

Kurg’s guards lowered their weapons, clearly unwilling to fight the authorities. Some even stepped away from their former master. The cowards who’d helped him torture slaves now couldn’t distance themselves fast enough.

“Secure him,” Talis commanded.

As the authorities moved in, Kurg thrashed and spat threats. “You’ll regret this! All of you! Especially you, slave!”

Mila straightened her spine despite her injuries. “My name is Mila.” The words tasted like freedom on her tongue. “And I’m not your slave anymore.”

A mix of relief and accomplishment flooded through Mila’s body as she watched the authorities drag Kurg away. Brivul turned to her, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“We did it.” His violet eyes sparkled with pride. “Actually, you did it.”

“Not just me.” Her gaze swept over Lors, Kev, Nia, Cantos, and Fikleo. Their weapons still drawn and faces streaked with sweat and grime. “Thank you all.”

Lors grinned. “That was some impressive strategy to take down Kurg.”

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