Page 70 of Naga General's Mate

“Should’ve seen her planning it.” Brivul’s chest swelled. “Mind like a general, this one.”

Heat crept up Mila’s cheeks. Strange how a simple compliment could affect her more than facing down Kurg. The blue scales of Brivul’s arms glinted as he pulled her closer, mindful of her injuries. His warmth seeped into her tired muscles.

“My brilliant mate.” His deep voice rumbled through her.

Before she could respond, his lips met hers in a gentle kiss. Her heart fluttered.

Cantos cleared his throat. “Get a room, you two.”

Mila pulled back, laughing despite her aching ribs.

Talis strode toward them, her iridescent skin catching the harsh lights of the corridor. Mila leaned into Brivul’s supportive embrace, her body aching but her spirit soaring, as the kingpin approached.

Talis’s crystalline features softened into a smile. “You two certainly have impeccable timing,” Talis said. “I’ve spent the last few days trying to convince the council that the evidence you brought me on the data chip wasn’t fabricated. Then suddenly, a transmission from Kurg’s own terminal arrives, confirming everything.”

Mila’s chest tightened with emotion. “Thank you for believing in us enough to try.”

“You’re very welcome,” Talis replied. “Oh, and your sister asked me to tell you she’s doing well,” Talis added. “The healers at my estate say she’ll make a full recovery.”

Relief washed over Mila. “You’re keeping her safe?”

“Of course.” Talis’s sapphire eyes sparkled. “Though she’s quite worried about you. She nearly tried to sneak out and follow Brivul on his rescue mission.”

Brivul chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest where Mila rested against him. “That sounds like your sister.”

“Thank you again,” Mila said, meeting Talis’s gaze. “For everything.” Her voice cracked slightly.

“You did the hard part,” Talis replied. “Both of you. Taking down Kurg will reshape the power structure of Jorvla for the better. The council won’t forget that.”

The weight of those words settled over Mila. She’d started this journey just wanting to save herself and her sister. Somehow, she’d ended up changing so much more.

Mila’s relief soon evaporated as Talis’s guards herded slaves into the courtyard. Her muscles tensed, and she pressed closer toBrivul, her ribs protesting the movement. The familiar sight of downcast eyes and shuffling feet sent ice through her veins.

“What’s happening?” she whispered to Brivul, her fingers digging into his scales.

His tail curled protectively around her. “I don’t know.”

The slaves huddled together in the courtyard’s center. Their fear-filled eyes darted between Talis and the armed guards.

“Did we just trade one master for another?” The words slipped out. Her heart hammered against her bruised ribs as memories of similar gatherings under Kurg’s rule flooded back—inspections, punishments, sales.

Brivul’s arm tightened around her waist. “I won’t let that happen.”

Talis approached the gathered slaves, her crystalline features unreadable. Mila’s throat constricted. Had she been wrong to trust the kingpin? The evidence against Kurg had served Talis’s interests, after all. Maybe this had been her plan all along—eliminate a rival and acquire his assets, including his slaves.

“By order of the Council of Seven,” Talis’s voice rang out across the courtyard, “all slaves owned by the criminal Kurg are hereby…”

Mila’s fingers dug deeper into Brivul’s scales. She’d fought so hard for freedom, only to end up here again. Her mind raced, already planning escape routes and weighing options…

“…emancipated.”

The word hung in the air. Mila blinked, certain she’d misheard.

“What?” A slave woman’s voice cracked with disbelief.

“You’re free,” Talis said simply. “All of you. The council has determined that Kurg’s assets were acquired through illegal means. That includes his claim of ownership over you.”

The courtyard erupted in a cacophony of gasps, sobs, and incredulous laughter. Mila watched, stunned, as decades of bondage fell away in an instant.

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