Page 60 of Chains of Nightshade

"Yes," she agrees, her eyes locking onto mine. "My darling mate."

There's no need for words after that. Our bodies speak a language all their own, a dance as old as time that culminates in a explosion of sensation that leaves us both gasping for air. I feel her shatter around me, her inner walls clenching as she rides out her orgasm. It's too much for me to handle, and with a final, powerful thrust, I join her in blissful release.

We collapse onto the soft grass, our bodies slick with sweat and intertwined in a way that feels both foreign and utterly right. Vera's head rests on my chest, her breathing gradually slowing to match my own.

As we lie there under the starlit sky, I can't help but marvel at the turn my life has taken. I've gone from a solitary prisoner, consumed by hatred and revenge, to a man who would do anything for the woman in his arms. It's a transformation I never saw coming, but one I welcome with open arms.

"I love you, Vera," I murmur, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

She looks up at me, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "I love you too, Aurel. More than I ever thought possible."

The scent hits me first—pineand clove, ancient and powerful. My serpentine body coils protectively as I sense them approaching our valley home. Fourteen of them, their magic rippling through the air like a storm front.

"Vera," I call out, moving to the entrance. "We have company."

She emerges from our dwelling just as they materialize at the edge of our protective barriers. Fourteen women, their presencecommanding respect even from an ancient being like myself. Their leader, Czana, stands at the front, her silver-streaked hair moving in an invisible wind.

"Sister," Czana addresses Vera, completely ignoring me. "We've come to welcome you properly into our fold."

My tail twitches, muscles tensing. The power radiating from them is unlike anything I've encountered—pure, untamed, distinctly female.

"The entire coven," Czana continues, gesturing to her sisters. "We rarely gather in such numbers, but for you..." Her eyes finally flick to me, dismissive. "We made an exception."

"What do you want?" I demand, moving closer to Vera.

One of the sisters, a tall woman with flame-red hair, laughs softly. "The naga speaks as if he has any say in this matter."

"We're here for our sister," Czana says, her voice gentle but firm. "Vera, you belong with us. Your power calls to ours. Surely you feel it?"

I feel Vera stiffen beside me, and my heart clenches. The air grows thick with competing magics—their pine and clove mixing with our combined essence.

"Come," Czana extends her hand. "Let us show you who you truly are."

My muscles tense as Czana steps forward, her silver-streaked hair catching the moonlight. The air crackles with competing magics, but her expression softens unexpectedly.

"We've discussed this among ourselves," she says, gesturing to her sisters. "Your power is unique, Vera. We need someone like you in our coven."

The red-haired witch nods. "Your connection to nature magic through your naga mate is... unprecedented."

My tail coils tighter around our protective circle, but Czana raises her hand in a peaceful gesture.

"We're willing to make an exception," she continues. "Your naga can stay with you. Your bond with him seems to enhance your abilities rather than diminish them."

"What's the catch?" I growl, unable to keep the suspicion from my voice.

The witch with flame-colored hair laughs. "Always so defensive, serpent. There is no catch. We simply ask that Vera join our sisterhood and learn our ways. You may remain her mate, her protector, her... whatever you are to each other."

Vera's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "You're saying I can have both? My heritage and Aurel?"

"Yes," Czana confirms. "Though some of our mysteries must remain between sisters only, you may keep your bond with him. We're not here to separate you. We're here to complete you."

I feel Vera's magic pulse with interest and longing. She's always wanted to know more about her heritage, and now she can have that without sacrificing what we've built together.

I watch Vera's face carefully, noting the way her eyes light up at Czana's words. The hope radiating from her is almost tangible, mixing with her magic in waves that make my scales tingle. My tail coils tighter around our protective circle, an instinctive response to my growing unease.

"Your power calls to theirs," I murmur, keeping my voice low enough that only Vera can hear. "I can feel it."

She turns to me, her expression a mixture of excitement and concern. "Aurel?"

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