Page 12 of Naga Warrior's Mate

He memorized the bracket, noting potential weaknesses in each opponent.Seven fights stood between him and victory.

Tomorrow morning, it would begin.He’d need every ounce of strength, every trick he’d learned in six months of ring fighting.But for her—for Alaysia—he’d find a way.

His jaw clenched.“I’m coming for you, Bariv,” he whispered to the empty corridor.“And this time, I won’t stop until you’re broken.”

The large holding room’s stale air carried the familiar mix of sweat, blood, and anticipation the following morning.Dernin stretched his powerful tail across the stone floor, his golden scales gleaming in the dim light as he focused on his pre-fight routine.His muscles flexed as he worked through a series of exercises.He cleared his mind of everything except his goal.

Bariv’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere.“When I win, that pretty little redhead’s going to learn to like me real quick.”

The slimy Jorvlen’s filaments twitched as he paced the room, addressing anyone who’d listen.Dernin kept his eyes closed and channeled his rising anger into controlled breathing.

“Hey, snake!”Bariv called out.“Maybe I’ll let you watch while I break her in.Show you how a real champion claims his prize.”

A few of the other fighters snickered, but Dernin remained still, his jaw taut.The image of Alaysia’s fierce blue eyes flooded his mind, strengthening his determination.She wasn’t some trophy to be claimed.She was a person.

“What’s wrong?Tongue tied?”Bariv’s heavy footsteps approached.“Or maybe you’re finally accepting that you don’t stand a chance.”

Dernin opened his eyes, fixing them on the far wall as he continued his stretches.His voice came out low and steady.“Save your breath, Bariv.You’ll need it when you’re choking on sand in the ring.”

“Big words from someone who’s about to face Kren.”Bariv’s filaments writhed.“Hope you’ve said your goodbyes.”

“Unlike you,” Dernin replied, finally rising to his full height and towering over Bariv, “I don’t need to talk about winning.I just win.”

He turned away, effectively dismissing Bariv as he focused on wrapping his hands.The tournament wasn’t about proving anything to this braggart.It was about protecting Alaysia, about finally doing what he’d sworn to do when he first came to Jorvla.Everything else was just noise.

A guard appeared at the entrance.“Bariv!You’re up.”

After a few minutes, Dernin slithered through the dark corridor toward the arena, his strong tail propelling him forward with silent efficiency.The crowd’s cheering grew louder with each yard.He positioned himself in the shadows near one of the fighter viewing areas.

Bariv strutted into the ring, his filaments twitching with anticipation.His opponent, a lean Sytheran with metallic skin, circled warily.

“Watch and learn how a champion fights,” another slave fighter whispered to his companion.

The Sytheran lunged first, quick as lightning, but Bariv caught the punch with ease.What followed was brutal efficiency that even Dernin had to admire from a tactical standpoint.Bariv’s fighting style was all power moves and crushing holds, using his superior strength to maximum advantage.

The Sytheran never stood a chance.Within minutes, Bariv had him pinned, one knee pressed into his throat until he tapped out.

“First round goes to Bariv!”The announcer’s voice boomed.“Our champion advances!”

Dernin cataloged every move he’d witnessed, storing the information away for later use.Bariv favored his right side and telegraphed his kicks slightly before launching them—small details that could make the difference between victory and defeat.

“That’s how it’s done!”Bariv shouted to the crowd, his filaments pulsing with victory.“Who’s next?”

Dernin turned away, his muscles coiled tightly with determination.Bariv was good—better than good—but he had weaknesses.Everyone did.And Dernin would exploit every single one of them when the time came.

Chapter 7

Alaysia

Theplumsatindresshugged against Alaysia’s body as she shifted in her seat, the fabric catching the light from the arena below.Her fingers traced the gilded arms of her chair in the private viewing box.She tried to ground herself as Bariv’s massive form dominated the ring.

The Sytheran opponent’s metallic skin flashed under the lights as he ducked and weaved, but Bariv’s brute strength proved overwhelming.Each thunderous impact of his fists against the Sytheran’s chest sent vibrations through the viewing box floor.

“No, no, no,” Alaysia muttered.She pressed herself back as if trying to disappear into the cushions.

The crowd roared as Bariv landed a decisive blow.The Sytheran fell to the ground.Bariv pinned him with one knee pressing into his throat until he tapped out.Bariv raised his arms in victory, his filaments moving with excitement as he soaked in the applause.

“This can’t be happening.”Her words were barely a whisper, lost in the thunderous cheering below.

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