Page 16 of Protected By the Wolven

“Keep your eyes peeled. Pretty soon, they’ll take to the water. They’re even more graceful in the pool.”

That’s hard to believe because the way they move on the Center’s floor is breathtaking.

In a lull between dances, an elderly Naga named Jaaved slides to the podium. Though his shoulders are stooped with age, his presence commands attention.

“Let me tell you the story of the Serpent’s Tear,” Jaaved begins, his voice rich and resonant. “A tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the power of love.”

Everyone in the audience seems to sit up straighter. The children, especially the little naginis, seem mesmerized before Jaaved even begins.

“In the misty valleys of An’Wa, there lived a powerful naga warrior named Zaahir. He was known for his strength, bravery, and his unwavering loyalty to his clan. One fateful season, a terrible drought struck the land, threatening to destroy everything the naga held dear.”

“Oh no!” Almost everyone in the audience—adults and children alike—gasps in concern. Clearly, this isn’t the first time they’ve heard this story. It’s almost as though the audience response is just as scripted as the tale itself.

“Zaahir set out on a perilous journey to find the Serpent’s Tear, a legendary gem said to have the power to bring life-giving rains. Along the way, he encountered Naia, a mysterious creature from the distant mountains, with legs instead of a tail and skin that shimmered like starlight.”

“What was she like, grandfather?” asks one nagini in the front row. While almost everyone else in the audience is in street clothes, this little one is in traditional batik-dyed garb.

Lash leans close and confirms my unspoken question. “The young male is turning ten this moon. It is an honor to be able to ask the question.”

I’m only half listening to the answer, because the other part of my attention is focused on Lash’s tight grip on my waist and the way he’s resting his chin on the top of my head.

“Naia was different from anyone Zaahir had ever met. At first, he was wary of her strange appearance and customs. But as they faced challenges together, Zaahir learned to see beyond their differences.”

Jaaved spins the tale of Zaahir, the brave naga warrior who sacrificed so much to save his village. His gravelly voice fills my imagination with pictures of An’Wa and nagas and strange beasts. I’m completely transported and deeply moved.

“They battled fearsome beasts and overcame treacherous obstacles. Naia’s wisdom complemented Zaahir’s strength, and together they were unstoppable. When they finally reached the Serpent’s Tear, they discovered that only a union of two different beings could activate its power.”

“Without hesitation, Zaahir and Naia joined hands, their trust in each other awakening the gem’s magic. The rains returned to An’Wa, saving Zaahir’s people. But the magic came at a price. Naia could never return to her mountain home, and Zaahir’s form was forever changed, gaining the ability to walk on two legs.”

“Their sacrifice ensured the survival of the naga, and their love became a symbol of the strength found in embracing those different from ourselves. And so, to this day, we honor their courage and the power of love to overcome all barriers.”

“And that is the tale of Zaahir,” Jaaved concludes. “Now let our naga troupe entertain you with their synchronized swimming routines.”

The nagas ease into the water in a graceful flurry of colorful scales and undulating tails. I watch in awe as they glide through the pool, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. The air is thick with the scent of incense and fresh flowers, and the gentle splashing of water against the pool’s edge creates a soothing rhythm.

Lash’s arm tightens around my waist as we lean forward, utterly captivated. His warmth seeps through my dress, and I find myself melting into his embrace. It’s a new sensation, feeling so safe and cherished in someone’s arms. Especially after everything I’ve been through.

The nagas twist and turn in perfect unison, their jewel-toned scales catching the candlelight and casting shimmering reflections on the water’s surface. They form intricate patterns, weaving in and out of each other’s paths with breathtaking precision.

“Wow,” I breathe, unable to tear my gaze away. “They’re incredible.”

Lash hums in agreement, the sound vibrating through me. “Amazing. Almost as amazing as you.”

My cheeks flush at the compliment, and I duck my head to hide my smile. Lash chuckles softly, his fingers gently gripping my waist. The casual intimacy of the gesture sends a shiver down my spine.

As the nagas continue their mesmerizing dance, I let myself fully relax into Lash’s embrace. The troubles of the past, the worriesabout the future… they all fade away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and belonging.

As the dancers retake the stage for their final performance, I feel a shift within myself. A growing feeling of calm. For the swiftest moment, I wonder if, for the first time in my life, I’m right where I’m meant to be.

Chapter Fifteen

Lash

It’s no accident that I wait until almost every living soul leaves the community center. Zoya still seems to be in a trance, carried away by the performance. I wouldn’t want to break her out of her spell. Besides, she’s cuddled so tightly to my side, I’m quite content to wait until one of the elders clears their throat and uses their chin to point toward the door, a not-so-subtle hint for us to leave.

We’ve spent every waking minute together from the first moment I met her. She hasn’t come out and said it, but in addition to Max hurting her physically, I get the impression he wasn’t kind or gentle in what should have been their mating bed.

It’s for this reason that I’m mindful of where I touch Zoya. Although I keep a hand on her at all times we’re out of HQ, tohelp her feel safe, I never dip below her waist and haven’t tried to kiss her. My mind has done far more sexual things than that, but my body hasn’t crossed the line. After all, once the paperwork goes through we’ll have ninety more days to get to know each other better.

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