Page 71 of Naga General's Mate

“I told you everything would work out,” Brivul murmured against her hair.

Tears blurred Mila’s vision as she watched her fellow slaves embrace each other, their faces transformed by joy and disbelief.

Brivul’s eyes met hers, filled with pride and something deeper. His blue scales caught the light as he cupped her face in his massive hands. “You did this. You freed them all.”

“I never dreamed…” Her voice cracked. Tears spilled down her cheeks, but for once they weren’t from pain or fear. “I just wanted to save myself and Priscilla. But now…”

“Now you’ve changed everything.” His thumb brushed away her tears. The gentleness of his touch made her breath catch.

Mila rose on her tiptoes, ignoring the throbbing of her bruised ribs. Her hands found his shoulders, warm scales smooth beneath her palms. When their lips met, the celebrating crowd around them faded away. His kiss tasted of victory and promise, of a future she’d never dared imagine before.

His tail curled around her waist, supporting her weight as she melted against him. The scent of him, leather and something uniquely Brivul, filled her senses. Her mate. The word still thrilled her.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. The words she’d held back, afraid to voice while still bound by slavery, now flowed freely.

His answering kiss was fierce and tender all at once. “My brave mate.” His deep voice rumbled through her. “I’ve never been prouder to fight at anyone’s side.”

Mila buried her face in his chest, overwhelmed by joy, exhaustion, and love. At this moment, Mila realized she didn’t have to hold back anymore. She didn’t have to hide her feelingsor guard her words. She was free to love, free to live, free to be exactly who she was.

Chapter 32

Brivul

Brivul adjusted his formalattire as he watched Mila descend the grand staircase of the council palace. The emerald silk dress hugged her curves, making his breath catch. Her dark hair cascaded in elegant waves, and the birthmark on her temple seemed like an artist’s deliberate flourish.

“You’re staring,” Mila said, a smile playing at her lips as she reached the bottom step.

“Hard not to.” He slithered forward, offering his arm.

The crystalline chandeliers cast rainbow patterns across Mila’s emerald dress as she glided beside Brivul through the council’s grand ballroom. His chest swelled with pride at the way other guests’ heads turned to admire his mate.

“Everyone’s staring at you,” Brivul whispered, his tail curling around her waist.

“They’re staring at both of us. You’re the great general who helped take down Kurg.”

“Former general.”

“Once a general, always a general.” Mila’s fingers traced the medals pinned to his formal uniform. The council had reinstated his rank along with additional honors for exposing Kurg’s corruption.

The marble floors gleamed beneath them. Sweet incense wafted from golden braziers, mixing with the perfume of a hundred exotic flowers arranged in towering vases.

A Niri nobleman approached, his eyes lingering too long on Mila’s exposed shoulders. Brivul drew himself up to his full height, his scales bristling. The nobleman quickly found somewhere else to be.

“You’re adorably protective.” Mila’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Can’t help it.”

“I can take care of myself, you know.”

“Oh, I know. But that doesn’t mean I won’t fight anyone who looks at you wrong.”

She laughed, the sound making his heart skip.

A gong chimed, signaling dinner. Brivul guided Mila toward their seats at the high table, savoring how perfectly she fit against his side. A week ago, they’d been fugitives. Now they were honored guests in the council’s palace.

Brivul pulled Mila’s chair out at the high table, and she settled gracefully into her seat. The golden plates before them caughtthe light from crystal chandeliers, casting warm reflections across her face.

“The council certainly knows how to celebrate,” Mila whispered, leaning close.

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