Page 28 of Naga General's Mate

Ellri’s gaze shifted to Brivul, measuring him with shrewd calculation. “A Niri protector. Interesting.”

“We need somewhere to hide.” Mila touched the worn desk, her fingers tracing the wood. How many times had she dreamed of reaching this sanctuary? “Just for a little while.”

“Of course you’ll stay.” Ellri reached across the desk, her papery hands clasping Mila’s. “That monster won’t find you here.”

Relief flooded through Mila’s chest. She’d gambled everything on Ellri’s loyalty, on years of shared secrets and small kindnesses.

“Thank you.” The words felt inadequate.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Ellri pulled out a thick registry book. “Kurg’s people have been sniffing around these parts. We’ll need to be careful about where we put you.”

Mila’s stomach clenched. She hadn’t considered that Kurg’s influence might reach even here. A warm pressure against her back made her start. Brivul moved closer, his presence oddly reassuring.

“We can handle careful.” His deep voice resonated through her bones.

Ellri’s knowing smile made Mila’s cheeks heat. “I’m sure you can. Now, let me think where to place you two…”

Ellri led them up creaking stairs to a hidden corner of the hotel. The room she unlocked took Mila’s breath away. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and a massive four-poster bed dominated the space. One bed. Heat crept up her neck.

“The shower’s through there.” Ellri pointed to an ornate door. “No one will find you here.”

Once Ellri left the room, Mila headed through the ornate door to freshen up. Soon, the hot water of the shower washed away days of grime and fear from Mila’s skin. Steam curled around her as she stepped out, wrapping herself in the softest towel she’d ever touched. Her muscles finally relaxed, though her bruises still ached.

“Your turn.” She emerged fully dressed from the bathroom to find Brivul waiting.

Mila busied herself combing out her wet hair, trying not to think about sharing that single bed. The bathroom door clicked open.

Her comb clattered to the floor.

Brivul remained coiled in the doorway, water droplets trailing down his bare chest. The towel rode low on his hips, showing off carved muscle that rippled with each movement. The blue scales on his arms caught the lamplight, gleaming like precious metal. A drop of water traced down his abdomen, drawing her gaze lower…

“Sorry.” His deep voice snapped her back to reality. “I forgot my clothes.”

Mila spun around, her face burning. “It’s fine.” Her voice came out higher than intended.

The rustle of fabric behind her sent shivers through her. She shouldn’t have reacted this way. She barely knew him.

“You can turn around now.”

She did, relieved and oddly disappointed to find him fully dressed. The memory of those water droplets on his skin lingered, making her pulse race. What was wrong with her? They were running for their lives, and here she was acting like some lovesick fool.

A knock at the door made Mila jump.

“Who’s there?” Brivul asked through the door.

“It’s me,” Ellri said softly through the other side of the door.

Brivul slowly opened the door. Ellri bustled in with a tray laden with steaming dishes that made Mila’s mouth water. The rich aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the room.

“Eat up, dears. You both look famished.”

The door clicked shut behind Ellri, leaving them alone with enough food for four people. Mila’s stomach growled at the sight of glazed vegetables and some kind of cream sauce she’d only seen served to Kurg’s special guests.

“I think she’s trying to fatten us up.” Brivul settled his long form beside the small table.

“You could use it. All muscle can’t be healthy.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. Heat crept up her cheeks.

His violet eyes sparkled. “Been noticing my muscles, have you?”

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