Page 63 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Her hands pressed against his chest.“I learned from watching you in the arena.”

“And now you’ve proven yourself my equal.”His tail curled possessively around her waist.“My mate in every way.”

The sounds of battle were replaced by the organized movements of Thex’s warriors securing the compound.But Dernin’s focus remained on Alaysia, on the way she’d fearlessly led others to safety while plasma fire rained around them.

“We’re warriors, you and I,” he said.“Different kinds, perhaps, but warriors nonetheless.”

A smile curved her lips.“Is that why you chose me as your mate?”

“I chose you because your spirit burns brighter than anyone I’ve ever known.”He put his forehead on hers.“And I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never lose that fire.”

Chapter 32

Alaysia

Thefightingring,oncefilled with the roars of bloodthirsty crowds, now echoed with the soft murmurs of healing.This place that had seen so much intentional harm was being used to mend those who were harmed.The sand that had soaked up blood now cushioned makeshift pallets for the injured.

Alaysia knelt beside a wounded fighter, carefully cleaning a gash on his arm.

“This might sting a little,” she warned, applying the antiseptic solution.The fighter winced but remained still.

Across the arena, Marcella organized the distribution of medical supplies.“We need more bandages over here!”

Alaysia finished wrapping the wound and moved to the next person in need.Her hands worked steadily, remembering the healing skills she’d learned from her mother.

“Get those Fyret loyalists secured in the holding cells,” Commander Thex’s voice rang out.Two Niri warriors marched past with a struggling guard between them.

“Here.”Alaysia handed a water skin to an elderly slave woman.“Small sips.”

Her muscles ached from the constant movement since the battle ended, but Alaysia felt more alive than she had in years.This was her purpose—not being used for a prize but using her hands to ease others’ suffering.

“Need help with that one?”Marcella appeared at her side, nodding toward a fighter with a deep shoulder wound.

“Yes, hold him steady while I clean it out.”

Together they worked through the afternoon, treating wounds, offering comfort, and organizing the chaos into something resembling order.Every person she helped felt like another small victory against everything Fyret stood for.

“You’re pretty good at this,” Marcella observed as they took a brief break to drink some water.

“Maybe this is what I was meant to do,” Alaysia said softly.“Help people who can’t help themselves.”

“Well, you’re certainly making a difference now.”Marcella gave her a warm smile.

The soft scrape of scales against sand made Alaysia look up from bandaging a wound.Dernin approached, his golden eyes warm as he watched her work.Her heart beat faster when she looked at him, still amazed they were both truly free now.

“I think you’ve found your calling,” he observed.“Healing suits you far better than being someone’s prize.”

Alaysia tied off the bandage.“These people need help.After everything they’ve been through...”

“And that’s what makes you extraordinary.After fighting for and getting your own freedom, your first thought is for others.”

Heat crept up her cheeks.The raw tenderness in his voice forced her to pause her work.She stood, brushing sand from her knees.

He reached out and touched her cheek, his eyes met hers.“I love you, Alaysia.”His words carried the weight of absolute certainty.“Not just because you’re my mate, but for who you are.”

“I love you, too, Dernin.”The words came easily now.

“Come to Nirum with me.We could build a life there,” Dernin urged.

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