Page 39 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Yes, and the warriors are mobilizing as we speak.”Kress’s gaze flickered to Alaysia and then back to Dernin.“Five days.That’s how long it will take to gather enough forces and create a solid plan of attack.”

Relief flooded through Dernin’s body, but he kept his expression neutral.“Five days.I only have one fight left before the finals.”

“You’ve fought in their rings?”Kress’s scales bristled.“That’s no place for a warrior of Nirum.”

“I did what I had to do in order to survive,” Dernin growled.“To protect what matters.”

Understanding dawned in Kress’s eyes as he observed Dernin’s protective stance.“I see you’ve found something worth fighting for beyond duty.”

Alaysia stepped forward, her shoulder brushing against Dernin’s arm.“He’s been protecting me.”

“And I’ll continue to do so,” Dernin added, his voice dropping to a low rumble.

“But what about the Council of Seven?”Alaysia suddenly asked.“Won’t they retaliate if we bring down one of their operations?”

Kress’s scales rippled with amusement.“The Council of Seven likes to pretend they don’t know about these fighting rings, but everyone knows they profit from them.Still, they’re illegal.We have every right to shut them down.”

Dernin’s fists clenched as he remembered Fyret’s earlier conversation with Bariv.“They’re corrupt to the core.The fights are rigged.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Kress said, adjusting his cloak.“The council turns a blind eye to a lot of things they shouldn’t.”

“And Marcella?”Alaysia pressed.“We promised to get her out, too.”

“We’ll get everyone out,” Dernin growled, his protective instincts flaring.His tail curled closer around Alaysia without him consciously willing it.“All the slaves.”

Kress nodded.“Any slaves we find will be freed.The council won’t be able to object without admitting their involvement in illegal activities.”

Relief washed over Dernin’s body, though he maintained his guarded stance.The familiar scent of his old patrol partner brought back memories of easier days, when his biggest concern had been completing his rounds on time.

“Thank you, Kress,” Dernin said, his voice rough with emotion.“You risked much coming here.”

“We’re brothers in arms,” Kress replied.“When I heard you might be alive...”He glanced at the shadows beyond their alcove.“I have to go.Dawn approaches, and I can’t be seen here.”

“Be careful,” Alaysia whispered.

Kress’s scales shifted colors, blending with the shadows.“Five days,” he reminded them and then disappeared into the darkness.

Dernin’s senses remained alert, tracking his friend’s departure until he could no longer detect him.Only then did he allow his muscles to relax slightly, though he remained hyperaware of every sound and movement around them.

His tail unconsciously curled closer around Alaysia, who stood trembling slightly beside him.

“Five days,” she whispered, her voice catching.“We could actually be free.”

The hope in her voice made his heart pound faster.He turned to face her in the dim torchlight.“We will be free.The warriors of Nirum never break their word.”

“And until then?”Her blue eyes searched his face.

“Until then, I’ll keep winning.”His voice dropped lower.“No one will lay a hand on you.Except maybe me if you permit it.”

Alaysia’s cheeks reddened.“I should really get back to my quarters.”

“I’ll escort you there just to be safe.”

They soon moved through the shadowy corridors toward her quarters, Dernin’s powerful form clearing the way.His senses remained alert for any guards or unwanted attention, though his focus kept drifting to the soft sound of her footsteps beside him.

At her door, Alaysia paused, her hand resting on the cold metal.“The final fight is in two days.”

“Yes.”His scales rippled in anticipation.

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