Page 41 of Naga Warrior's Mate

The crowd erupted in cheers while Alaysia’s blood boiled.She stood abruptly, the silk of her gown rustling.

“I can’t watch this anymore.”

“Alaysia,” Marcella cautioned, “you’re expected to stay—”

Reluctantly, Alaysia sank back into her seat.Her hands twisted in her lap as she fought to control her breathing.Dernin needed her here, needed to see her face in the crowd.

“His match is next,” Marcella murmured, touching her shoulder.“You can do this.”

The sand in the ring was smoothed out, the workers clearing away the evidence of Bariv’s farce of a match.Alaysia’s heart pounded as Dernin emerged from the fighters’ tunnel.His opponent, a massive fighter with rippling muscles, followed closely behind.

“That’s Grev,” Marcella whispered.“He’s never lost a match except to Bariv.”

Alaysia’s throat tightened again.“Is he—”

“No.He’s not one of Fyret’s.This will be a real fight.”

The bell rang, and Alaysia leaned forward, her knuckles white against the armrests.Dernin’s movements were calculated.His powerful tail gave him extra reach as he struck.But Grev was faster than his size suggested, dodging the blow and countering with a vicious right hook.

“Come on,” Alaysia whispered, watching Dernin shake off the hit.

The fighters circled each other, trading blows that made Alaysia wince.Neither seemed to have the advantage.Dernin’s tail swept Grev’s feet, but the larger fighter rolled with the movement, coming up swinging.

“He’s wearing himself out,” Marcella observed as Dernin took another hit.

“What?”Alaysia’s voice cracked with worry.

“Watch.Grev’s breathing is heavy.Dernin’s pace is steady.”

Sure enough, Grev’s movements were slowing.Dernin must have noticed too and lunged forward quickly.He landed a series of quick strikes that had his opponent stumbling backward.The crowd roared as Dernin’s tail coiled around Grev’s throat.

“Please,” Alaysia breathed, barely aware she was standing.“Please win.”

Grev struggled, his face turning red as he tried to break free.His legs kicked out, catching Dernin in the ribs.But Dernin held on, his muscles straining as he maintained the hold.

Finally, Grev’s hand slapped the ground three times.The bell rang.

“Dernin is the winner!”the announcer boomed.

Alaysia collapsed back into her chair, tears of relief streaming down her face.Below, Dernin raised his chin in victory and then turned to look directly at her.She pressed her hand to her heart, hoping he could see how proud she was of him.

“He did it,” she whispered.“He’s in the finals.”

Alaysia’s heart raced as she watched Dernin in the ring below, his golden scales gleaming with sweat under the harsh lights.Blood still trickled from the cut above his eye, but his posture remained proud and strong.He’d proven himself against one of the toughest fighters in the ring and had done it fairly.

“Look at him,” she breathed, unable to tear her eyes away.“He fought with such honor, such skill.”

Marcella leaned against the railing of their private box.“The way he used his opponent’s strength against him?Brilliant.And did you see how he kept his composure even after taking that hit to the face?”

“He’s incredible.”Alaysia pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her rapid heartbeat through the silk of her gown.Below, Dernin’s powerful tail moved with fluid beauty as he made his way to the edge of the ring.“Not just his fighting style, but his spirit.”

Marcella’s knowing smile made Alaysia’s cheeks warm.“I’ve seen plenty of fighters come through these rings, but something’s different about him.The way he carries himself, how he treats others—even his opponents.”

“He’s a true warrior.”Alaysia watched as Dernin paused at the ring’s edge, his golden eyes finding hers once more.Her breath caught as he gave her a slight nod before disappearing into the fighters’ tunnel.

“And that’s why your heart chose him,” Marcella said softly.

Alaysia turned to her friend, surprised.“What do you mean?”

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