Page 59 of Naga General's Mate

“No!” The cry tore from Mila’s throat. “What have you done to her?”

Priscilla lifted her head, her swollen eyes finding Mila’s. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Let her go!” Mila lurched forward, but Brivul held her back. “Please. She’s innocent.”

“Come back willingly,” Kurg said, “and I’ll release her. Simple trade—you for her.”

Tears burned Mila’s eyes as she watched her sister tremble between the guards. All those years she’d stayed to protect Priscilla, and now her escape had caused this. Her sister’s blood stained the ground because of her choices.

“Don’t,” Priscilla croaked. “Don’t give yourself up for me.”

But how could she not? This was her baby sister, the one she’d raised after their mother died. The one she’d sworn to protect.

“I’ll make it even simpler.” Kurg’s voice hardened. “Either you return to me now, or I’ll make you watch while I finish what I started with her.”

Mila’s chest constricted as memories flooded back—holding Priscilla through nightmares, teaching her to read in secret,sharing stolen moments of laughter in the kitchen. Her sister was all she had left of their family.

“Time to choose, little slave.”

“Don’t do it.” Brivul’s voice cracked with desperation. “We’ll find another way.”

Mila’s heart shattered as Priscilla coughed, blood staining her lips. Her sister’s face was so swollen, yet somehow, she still managed a weak smile for her. The same smile she’d worn when Mila would sneak her extra bread from the kitchen.

“He’ll protect you.” Priscilla’s voice came out as a whisper. “Go with him.”

“I won’t leave you.” Tears streaked down Mila’s cheeks. “I promised Mother I’d keep you safe.”

Brivul’s tail wrapped tighter around her waist. “Mila, please. Stay with me. We can save her together.”

But Mila saw the truth in Kurg’s eyes—that familiar gleam of cruelty. He’d make her watch every moment of Priscilla’s death, drag it out until her sister’s screams echoed through her nightmares forever.

“I love you, sister.” Priscilla’s words came between rattling breaths. “But I won’t be your chain anymore.”

Mila’s chest constricted. All those nights holding Priscilla after beatings, wiping away her tears, telling her stories of freedom—how could she walk away now?

“I’ll find a way to protect both of you.” Brivul’s words carried such conviction, but Mila knew better. She’d seen too many of Kurg’s victims.

“My mate.” She turned in Brivul’s arms, memorizing his violet eyes. “I can’t watch her die.”

“Don’t throw your life away.” His hands cupped her face. “Not when we’ve just found each other.”

A sob caught in Mila’s throat as she pressed her forehead to his. “Keep fighting, my warrior. But I have to go.”

“So touching.” Kurg’s mocking voice cut through their moment. “Your choice, slave?”

Mila pulled away from Brivul’s warmth, each step feeling like daggers in her heart. Cold air rushed between them as she stepped toward Kurg.

“I’ll go with you. Release my sister.”

“Wise choice.” Kurg’s oily smile made her stomach turn.

The guards holding Priscilla dragged her forward, shoving her toward Brivul. Her sister stumbled, barely catching herself. Fresh blood dripped from her split lip.

“No, Mila, please.” Priscilla’s voice cracked.

Metal clinked as shackles closed around Mila’s wrists. The familiar weight settled against her skin, heavier than she remembered. Or maybe it just felt that way after tasting freedom.

“Take care of her.” Mila’s eyes locked with Brivul’s violet eyes one last time. His jaw clenched, scales bristling with rage.

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