Page 17 of Naga General's Mate

“I know these streets better than you do.”

“And I know combat tactics that’ll keep us both alive.”

The distant whine of a patrol speeder cut through the night. Mila’s heart jumped to her throat. She pressed herself against the wall, counting her breaths until the sound faded.

“Fine.” She nodded toward a gap between buildings. “That alley connects to the maintenance district. We’ll have to time it between patrols.”

Brivul touched her shoulder, his skin cool against hers. “Ready?”

There was no going back now. “Ready.”

Mila crept through the narrow alley, keeping to the shadows cast by the towering buildings. Brivul’s massive form blocked what little starlight filtered down between the structures. His tail made soft slithering sounds against the dusty ground as they moved.

A question nagged at Mila with each step. Why had he really helped her? No one on Jorvla did anything without expecting something in return. The kindness in the marketplace couldhave been genuine, but throwing away his position at the clinic? Breaking laws to save a slave? It made no sense.

Her wounds throbbed as they navigated the alleyways. The pain kept her alert, watching not just for patrols, but for any sign Brivul might turn on her. She had no weapons, no friends, nowhere to run.

“Wait.” Brivul held up his hand.

Mila pressed herself against the grimy wall, barely daring to breathe. Heavy footsteps echoed from the cross-street ahead. Guard patrol.

His body curled protectively around her, his scales gleaming in the dim light. The gesture seemed instinctive rather than calculated. Still, she couldn’t afford to trust it completely.

“Why are you really helping me?”

His violet eyes fixed on her face. “Because it’s right.”

“Nothing’s that simple on Jorvla.”

“I’m not from Jorvla.”

The patrol passed. Mila’s heart still raced, but not just from fear of discovery. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“You want to know what I want from you?” His jaw tightened. “Nothing. I saw someone in trouble, and I acted. That’s all.”

The sincerity in his voice made her want to believe him. But a lifetime of slavery had taught her better. Everyone wanted something.

“The entrance is just ahead.” She gestured to a rusted maintenance door half-hidden behind stacked shipping crates. “If you’re planning to turn me in, now’s your chance.”

“I’m not going to hurt you, Mila.”

The way he said her name sent an unexpected shiver through her. But she couldn’t let her guard down.

Suddenly, a shout pierced the night. “There! By the maintenance door!”

Mila froze. Three of Kurg’s guards emerged from the shadows, their weapons glinting under the street lamps.

“Run!” Brivul grabbed her arm.

Pain shot through her ribs as they sprinted down the street. The thunder of boots behind them echoed off the metal walls. Her lungs burned with each breath, her wounds screaming in protest. But the alternative was worse.

“Left!” She tugged Brivul toward a narrow passage between buildings.

Plasma bolts sizzled past them, leaving scorch marks on the walls. The acrid smell of burnt metal filled her nostrils. Her legs trembled with exhaustion, but terror drove her forward.

“Stop or we’ll shoot to kill!”

“They’re bluffing.” Mila’s voice came out ragged. “Kurg wants me alive.”

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