Page 32 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Here.”Marcella stopped at what looked like a storage closet.She pulled a lever disguised as a broken shelf, revealing a narrow passage.“This leads to a service tunnel.Follow it north until you reach a junction marked with red paint.Take the right path.”

Alaysia peered into the darkness.“You’re sure about this vendor?”

“Kira’s solid.She’s helped slaves for years.”Marcella reassured them.

“Thank you.”Alaysia said softly.

“Just remember our deal.”Marcella’s eyes flicked to Dernin.“When the warriors come, I go free, too.”

“You have my word,” Dernin said, his tail shifting restlessly.

“Okay, go,” Marcella urged.“One hour.Don’t be late.”

Alaysia stared at the dark passage.Everything hinged on getting this message out.She took a deep breath.“Ready?”she asked Dernin.

His eyes met hers, full of determination.“With you?Always.”

The secret passage enveloped them in darkness.Alaysia’s silk dress caught on a rough stone, and she yanked it free with a quiet curse.The air grew thick and musty, carrying the scent of old stone and decay.

The service tunnel that Marcella mentioned stretched ahead, barely wide enough for Dernin’s broad shoulders.Her footsteps seemed thunderous in the confined space.

“North,” Alaysia murmured to herself.Her free hand traced the wall, counting the intersections they passed.One.Two.Three...

The junction with red paint appeared ahead, a splash of crimson against the gray stone.Alaysia’s heart quickened.They were close.

“Right path,” Dernin confirmed.

They followed the tunnel as it curved upward.The air grew fresher, carrying hints of night air.A wooden door appeared, reinforced with iron bands.

Alaysia pressed her ear against it.Nothing.She eased it open, wincing at the slight creak of hinges.

The night air hit her face, sweet and cool compared to the underground stuffiness.They emerged into a narrow alley between two buildings, where crates of produce were stacked against the walls.

A figure detached itself from the shadows.“You’re the ones Marcella sent?”

Alaysia stepped forward, keeping her voice low.“We need to get a message to the Niri warriors.”

The woman—Kira—crossed her arms.She was short and sturdy, with callused hands and sharp eyes that missed nothing.Her gaze lingered on Dernin.

“One of their warriors is trapped in Fyret’s fighting ring,” Alaysia continued.“He needs to be freed.Will you help us?”

Kira shifted her weight, glancing over her shoulder down the darkened alley.“Getting close to the warriors?That’s risky business.”She rubbed her chin.“Even if I could find them, information like that doesn’t come cheap.”

Alaysia’s fingers went to the jeweled necklace at her throat.The gems felt cold against her skin, each one worth more than she’d ever held in her life.Fyret had forced her to wear it as a symbol of her status as his prize.

“Will this cover it?”She unclasped the necklace, the weight falling away from her throat.

Kira’s eyes widened at the glinting stones.“That’ll do nicely.”She snatched it from Alaysia’s outstretched hand, tucking it quickly into a hidden pocket.“I’ll get word as close to the warriors as I can.Best I can promise.”

“Thank you,” Alaysia said, resisting the urge to rub her now-bare neck.What would she tell Fyret when he noticed it was missing?She’d have to think of something—claim it broke, maybe, or that she lost it during one of her walks around the arena.

Kira melted into the shadows without another word, leaving Alaysia and Dernin alone in the alley.The night air felt colder now, raising goosebumps on her exposed skin.

“You shouldn’t have had to give that up,” Dernin said softly behind her.

“It was never mine to begin with.”Alaysia turned to face him, lifting her chin.“Besides, I’d rather be free than decorated like some prize horse.”

His golden eyes softened, and she felt warmth bloom in her chest despite the chill.

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