Page 37 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Sealed with iron grates.”Marcella shook her head.“And the smell would give us away before we got ten feet.”

The slave quarters came into view, the familiar heavy door a bitter reminder of her captivity.Alaysia’s chest tightened as they stepped inside.The room spun slightly, the reality of her situation crashing down around her.

“I can’t breathe.”Her hands shook as she clawed at her neck.“I can’t—what if—”

“Hey, hey.”Marcella guided her to the threadbare couch in the corner.“Sit down before you pass out.”

Alaysia sank into the worn cushions, the scratchy fabric grounding her somewhat.She focused on the familiar smell of dust and age, trying to slow her racing heart.

“Deep breaths,” Marcella said, sitting beside her.“In through your nose, out through your mouth.”

“If this doesn’t work...”Alaysia’s voice cracked.“If the message doesn’t reach anyone...”

“Then we’ll figure something else out.”Marcella covered her hand with hers.

The quiet sounds of the slave quarters—soft footsteps, hushed conversations, the distant drip of water—filled the silence as Alaysia fought to control her breathing.Her mind kept circling back to Bariv’s hungry eyes, to Fyret’s knowing smirk, to all the horrible possibilities that awaited if their plan failed.

The tears came without warning.One moment Alaysia sat there trying to breathe, and the next she was sobbing, her carefully applied makeup running down her cheeks in dark streaks.

“I can’t.I can’t do this anymore.”Her voice cracked as the words tumbled out.“If Dernin loses, Bariv will...and then I’ll be...”She put her arms around herself, shuddering.“And even if Dernin wins, what then?We’re all still trapped here.The message probably never made it out.And Dernin—” Her chest constricted at the thought of him being hurt or killed in the ring.“He’s risking everything, fighting so hard, and for what?He could die in there!”

Marcella pulled her close, stroking her hair like a mother would.The simple gesture of comfort only made Alaysia cry harder.

“What if we never get out of here?”Alaysia’s fingers clutched Marcella’s dress.“I thought I was strong enough to handle anything, but watching those fights, seeing how Fyret looks at Bariv...I’m terrified.”

“Listen to me.”Marcella pulled back, gripping Alaysia’s shoulders.“That Niri warrior isn’t just fighting for glory or freedom.I’ve seen how he looks at you.He fights like a man with something precious to protect.”

Alaysia’s heart fluttered at those words.“But what if it’s not enough?What if—”

“No more what-ifs.”Marcella’s voice was firm but kind.“You’re stronger than you know.And Dernin?That warrior has more skill and determination than anyone I’ve ever seen.Have faith in him.Have faith in yourself.”

Alaysia wiped at her tears, smearing more makeup across her face.“I just...”

Alaysia wrung her hands in her lap as she struggled to find the right words.The tears had dried on her cheeks, leaving sticky trails she couldn’t quite wipe away.

“There’s something else,” she whispered.“Something worse than all of this.”

Marcella shifted closer on the worn couch.“What could be worse?”

“I think...”Alaysia’s voice caught.“I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“With Dernin?”Marcella’s eyes softened.“Tell me more.What makes him so special to you?”

The question sparked something deep within Alaysia, and words tumbled out unbidden.“He looks at me like I’m the only person in the whole universe.”She paused.“And he sees me for who I really am.”

Her hands gestured as she spoke, becoming more animated.“And he’s gentle, despite all his strength.”

“Go on,” Marcella encouraged.

“He makes me feel safe, but not because he’s protecting me.He makes me feel like I can protect myself.”Heat flooded Alaysia’s cheeks.“When we talk, he actually listens.And his smile...”She touched her chest where her heart fluttered.“Oh wow, I really am in love with him.Aren’t I?”

“Sounds like it.”Marcella squeezed her hand.“And that terrifies you?”

“Of course it does!I’ve never...”Alaysia stood, pacing the small space.“I’ve never had a choice before.About anything.Especially not about who to give my heart to.”

“Well, if you love him, truly love him, for once in your life, listen to what your heart wants,” Marcella said gently.

Chapter 19

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