Page 32 of Naga Warlord's Mate

Andear turned to her then, his golden eyes blazing with protective fury. “I will not let them take you.”

The fierce possessiveness in his voice made her breath hitch. This wasn’t just about politics anymore. This was personal.

Priscilla wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fight back memories of chains and cruel hands. She couldn’t let that happen here. Not to other humans. Not ever again.

The weight of everything suddenly crashed over her like a tidal wave. Her legs gave out, and she stumbled backward onto Andear’s massive bed.

Her body began to shake uncontrollably. The room spun as bile rose in her throat, and she curled into herself, wrapping her arms around her stomach. Tears burned hot trails down her cheeks as the memories flooded back.

“Mila,” she choked out, remembering how her sister had taken beatings meant for her. “She always protected me. She suffered so much...”

The bed dipped beside her as Andear settled next to her. His tail curled protectively around her waist. He didn’t speak, just pulled her against his chest, one large hand stroking her hair while the other held her firmly.

“I can’t let it happen again,” she whispered into his chest. “Not to anyone else. Not here.”

“It won’t.” His deep voice rumbled through her, fierce and certain. “I swear on my life. No one will ever cage you again.”

She pressed closer to him, breathing in his scent. Her trembling slowly subsided under his steady touch.

“You should rest,” he said, his thumb brushing away a tear from her cheek. “You’ve fought enough battles today.”

Priscilla gripped his arm as he started to move away. “Stay?” She hated how vulnerable her voice sounded, but she couldn’t bear the thought of being alone with her memories. “Please?”

Andear’s golden eyes softened slightly. Without a word, he shifted them both fully onto the bed, arranging the furs around them. His powerful arms encased her, creating a fortress of warmth and safety. His tail remained wrapped around her waist, anchoring her to him.

Priscilla soon felt her muscles truly relax. Here, surrounded by Andear’s strength and heat, the memories couldn’t touch her. She closed her eyes, letting his steady heartbeat lull her toward sleep.

Chapter 17

Andear

Thecouncil’schamberbuzzedwith tension. The morning light filtered through the high windows casting long shadows across the polished stone floor. Andear’s tail coiled tightly against the ground as he watched the Xirath leader Zarlok stand before the council with practiced ease. The reptilian’s metallic armor gleamed, a stark contrast to the traditional Niri dress of the council members.

“We have heard disturbing reports,” Council Elder Caenz said, his voice carrying across the chamber. “An attack on the human woman, Priscilla Hess, in our own training grounds.”

Zarlok’s expression remained perfectly composed, almost bored. His scaled hands spread wide in a gesture of innocence that made Andear’s blood boil. “A most unfortunate incident. Our intelligence suggests rogue elements were responsible.”

The lie floated through the air like poison. Andear’s claws flexed at his sides. Memories of the previous night’s violence were fresh in his mind—the assassins’ blood still staining the training center floor, their bodies disposed of by his warriors. The scent of Priscilla’s fear still lingered in his nostrils, feeding the rage burning in his chest.

“These... elements,” Zarlok continued smoothly, “have no connection to our diplomatic mission. The timing is merely an unfortunate coincidence.”

Andear’s tail tightened further, his muscles coiling with the effort of restraint. His warrior’s instincts screamed to tear the smirking diplomat apart for daring to threaten what was his.But he held himself still, watching as several council members nodded thoughtfully at Zarlok’s words.

“The proposed alliance,” Zarlok pressed on, “should be evaluated on its own merits. One isolated incident involving a human should not derail discussions that could benefit both our peoples.”

The casual dismissal of Priscilla made Andear’s scales bristle, but he maintained his silence. He knew Zarlok’s game. The Xirath leader was too clever to leave evidence linking him to the attack. But Andear had seen the precision in the assassins’ movements, the quality of their weapons. This was no rogue element. This was a message, wrapped in diplomatic smiles and convenient excuses.

Andear’s jaw clenched as he watched the council members exchange glances. Elder Caenz’s whispered conversation with Elder Mira made his chest tighten. Their eagerness for Xirath technology practically radiated from their postures. Next to him, Priscilla’s small frame tensed, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.

“The technological advancements alone would advance Nirum by centuries,” Elder Mira finally said, her jeweled robes catching the light. “Surely we cannot dismiss such an opportunity over unproven accusations.”

“Unproven?” Elder Tharok’s tail slapped against the ground. “An attack within our own walls is no small matter.”

The debate continued, voices rising and falling like waves. Andear’s fists clenched as he caught the subtle smirk playing at the corners of Zarlok’s mouth. The Xirath leader stood perfectly still, radiating false patience while the council tore itself apart over his offer.

Andear felt Priscilla shift beside him, her shoulder brushing against his arm. The contact sent a jolt through his body, making his protective instincts flare. Her scent filled his nostrils, reminding him of what he stood to lose if the Xirath got their way.

“The base would be on our moon,” Elder Caenz pressed. “Far from our civilian population. The benefits far outweigh any perceived risks.”

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