Page 39 of Naga General's Mate

“Tell me about her compound.”

“I’ve only seen it from the outside. High walls, armed guards.” She closed her eyes, picturing the sprawling estate. “But nothing like the council’s security.”

“And you’re sure she’d want to take Kurg down?”

“The last time they met, she promised to destroy everything he held dear.” A bitter smile tugged at her lips. “She just needs the right ammunition.”

The data chip seemed to burn through her pocket now. Evidence that could change everything—or get them both killed.

Mila spread the worn transit map that Ellri gave her across the table. Her fingers traced the faded lines that wound through Jorvla’s districts. The evening sun cast long shadows through the hotel window, painting stripes across the weathered paper.

“The cargo train leaves at dawn.” She tapped a station marked in faded red. “It runs straight through to the outer districts where Talis’s estate sits.”

“Same trick as before?” Brivul leaned close, his scales shining in the dying light.

The warmth radiating from his body made it hard to focus on the map. “Similar. But security will be tighter this time. The outer districts are…”

“More dangerous?”

“More exclusive,” she replied. “Rich people don’t like uninvited guests.”

His tail shifted, brushing against her leg. “Good thing we’re not planning to stay long.”

The contact sent sparks dancing across her skin. She stepped away, pretending to study another section of the map. “We should pack light. Just essentials.”

“Already sorted.” He gestured to two small bags in the corner. “Ellri helped me gather supplies while you were checking the train schedules.”

The thoughtfulness of the gesture made her chest tight. When was the last time anyone had thought ahead for her?

“Thank you,” she managed.

Mila rolled the map carefully, her fingers smoothing the worn edges. The paper crackled beneath her touch as she secured it with a piece of twine.

“Mila.” Brivul’s voice carried a weight that made her pause. “You know Talis might not see you differently than Kurg does.”

“You mean she’ll see me as just another slave.”

“She could sell you. Or worse, send you back to Kurg.”

Metal clinked against metal as Mila tucked the map into one of their bags. “I know that.”

“And you’re still willing to take that risk?”

She turned to face him, lifting her chin. The evening light caught his violet eyes, making them glow with concern. “For Priscilla? For a chance at real freedom? Yes.”

His tail shifted restlessly against the floorboards. “There might be safer ways—”

“There aren’t.” She touched the pocket where the data chip rested. “And even if there were, we don’t have any more time. Every day we wait is another day Kurg could grow impatient and hurt my sister.”

Brivul’s massive frame seemed to deflate slightly. “I just don’t want to see you back in chains.”

The genuine worry in his voice made her heart ache. She stepped closer, close enough to catch that familiar scent that clung to him. “Thank you. For everything you’ve done. For caring about what happens to me.”

“I have no regrets.” His hand reached out, but then he hesitated and dropped it back to his side. “I’d do it all again.”

Mila’s heart thundered against her ribs. The certainty in Brivul’s voice and the unwavering devotion in those violet eyes cracked something deep inside her. A lifetime of keeping her emotions locked away shattered in an instant.

“You shouldn’t say things like that.” Her voice trembled slightly.

---