Page 23 of Naga General's Mate

“No,” Mila agreed, warmth blooming in her chest despite her attempts to stay detached. “I suppose you’re not.”

They wandered deeper into the maze of alleys, but the tension had eased. Their conversation drifted to lighter topics like favorite foods and the worst weather they’d experienced. His dry humor drew genuine smiles from her, something she hadn’t expected.

Maybe, just maybe, she could trust him after all.

Chapter 11

Brivul

The neon sign ofthe Desert Rose Inn flickered against the perpetual twilight of the underworld. Brivul’s tail muscles ached from slithering through the maze of streets, but he kept his posture rigid as he approached the front desk. The clerk’s eyes widened at his impressive height.

“Two beds.” Brivul dropped a stack of credits on the counter. “Ground floor.”

“Of course, sir.” The clerk’s hands trembled as he processed the payment.

Brivul’s protective instincts flared as he guided Mila down the dim hallway. Her slight limp hadn’t escaped his notice.

“You should rest.” He unlocked their room, scanning for threats before letting her enter.

“I’m fine.” Mila’s chin lifted in that defiant way that made his chest tighten.

The room smelled of synthetic cleaner and old carpet. Two narrow beds rested against the wall, separated by a scratched nightstand. Not ideal but better than the streets.

“Take whichever bed you want.” Brivul positioned himself by the window, watching the shadows in the alley.

Mila perched on the edge of her chosen bed, her fingers twisting in the thin blanket. “I have a friend who runs a hotel in the lower district.”

Brivul’s scales rippled with interest. “How far?”

“A day’s walk. Maybe less.” She glanced at the door for the tenth time in as many minutes. “They’ll help us. Give us shelter while we figure things out.”

The mattress creaked as Brivul settled his weight on it, positioning himself between Mila and the door. Her constant vigilance, the way she flinched at every footstep in the hallway, made his protective instincts surge.

“No one’s getting through that door.” His tail coiled closer to her bed.

Her voice dropped to barely a whisper. “This place… these kinds of hotels…”

“Look at me.” He waited until those green eyes met his. “Anyone who tries to harm you will have to get through seven feet of angry Niri first.”

She soon curled up under the blanket, but her muscles remained tense. Brivul kept his position, his violet eyes fixed on the door, every sense attuned to potential threats.

Mila’s quiet sobs soon pierced the darkness. Brivul’s tail twitched, every protective instinct demanding he comfort his mate.

“I left her there.” Mila’s voice cracked. “My sister, Priscilla.”

Brivul’s eyes narrowed. A sister. The revelation explained the haunted look in Mila’s eyes since their escape.

“She’s still his slave. What if he hurts her because of what I did?”

“Kurg was going to kill you.” The memory of that bastard’s hands on Mila made Brivul’s muscles tense. “I saw it in his eyes.”

“But Priscilla—”

“Would want you alive.” His voice dropped lower, commanding. “You can’t help her if you’re dead.”

The mattress springs squeaked as Mila sat up. Even in the dim light, Brivul caught the determined set of her jaw.

“We have to go back for her.”

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