Page 66 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Dernin’s tail swished with satisfaction as he led Alaysia through the crystal archway into the floating gardens of Veridia the following morning.The platforms of earth and foliage hung suspended in mid-air, defying gravity as they drifted on invisible currents.He soared with pride at her gasp of wonder.

“How is this possible?”Alaysia’s fingers clutched his arm as she peered over the edge of their platform at the hundred-foot drop below.

“Ancient magic.”He wrapped his tail around her waist, anchoring her safely against him.The scent of her hair mingled with the garden’s exotic blooms.“The founders of Niri discovered how to harness the air currents.”

Luminous flowers in impossible shades of blue-gold and violet-silver swayed in the breeze.Crystal vines spiraled up through empty air, creating natural archways between the floating islands.A nearby blossom unfurled its petals, releasing a shower of rainbow-hued pollen that sparkled as it drifted past.

“I’ve never seen colors like this.”Alaysia reached out to touch a flower with petals that shifted from deep crimson to molten gold.“They’re like living jewels.”

“These gardens are one of Niri’s greatest treasures.”Dernin guided her across a bridge of woven light connecting two garden platforms.“But they pale in comparison to you.”

Her blue eyes met his, filled with a joy that made his warrior’s heart sing.“This feels like a dream.Yesterday I was a slave, and now...”She gestured at the floating paradise around them.“How can this be my life?”

“Because you’re meant to be here.”He pulled her close.“With me.”

A flock of crystal-winged birds swooped past, their ethereal songs echoing through the garden.Alaysia’s delighted laugh as she watched them made Dernin’s chest tighten.He’d dreamed of this in those dark days in the fighting ring—showing her the wonders of his world, keeping her safe, making her happy.

“Thank you for bringing me here.”She leaned into him, trusting and warm against his chest.“For giving me a real home.”

Later that afternoon, Dernin guided Alaysia along the crystal-lined path.The rushing sound of water grew louder with each step.He savored her small gasps of wonder as Crystal Falls came into view—a massive cascade of pure water tumbling down cliffs of translucent crystal.

“This is magnificent,” Alaysia breathed, her blue eyes wide.

“Wait until sunset,” Dernin said, leading her to a private overlook he’d scouted earlier.His scales gleamed golden in the fading light as he positioned them perfectly to catch the coming display.

The sun began its descent, and the crystal cliffs caught fire with color.Hundreds of rainbows exploded through the mist, turning the falls into a kaleidoscope of shifting light.Dernin watched Alaysia’s face, memorizing how the colors played across her features and set her red hair ablaze.

His heart thundered in his chest.This was the moment.He unwound his tail from her waist and moved to face her.

“Alaysia.”His voice was rough with emotion.She turned to him, still caught in the wonder of the falls.“You are my mate, my heart, my everything.I want to spend the rest of my life showing you wonders like this.”He sank down and produced a ring of pure crystal that caught and scattered the rainbow light.“Will you be my wife, my mate for all time?”

Alaysia’s hands flew to her mouth, tears sparkling in her eyes.“Yes,” she whispered.“Yes, of course, yes!”

Dernin slipped the ring onto her finger and then pulled her into his arms.The crystal had cost him a small fortune when he’d ventured out at dawn to have it made, but seeing it sparkle on her hand made it worth every coin.

“I love you,” he murmured against her hair as the rainbows danced around them.“My mate, my wife-to-be.”

Alaysia responded by crashing her lips against Dernin’s with fierce passion, stealing his breath away.His tail coiled possessively around her, pulling her closer, and deepening the kiss.The thundering falls behind them scattered light in every direction, casting dancing rainbows across her pale skin and his golden scales.

Her fingers traced the muscled planes of his chest, making his scales ripple with pleasure.The warrior in him growled with satisfaction.His mate had accepted him, chosen him.The crystal ring on her finger caught the light, sending prismatic reflections across their faces.

“Mine,” he growled low against her lips, one large hand tangling in her flame-red hair.

The mist from the falls settled on their skin, making Alaysia’s exposed shoulders glisten.Dernin traced the droplets with his fingertips, marveling at how perfectly she fit against him.

Chapter 34

Alaysia

Thecrystalwallscaughtthe light, sending rainbow prisms dancing across Alaysia’s white gown.Her fingers traced the delicate beadwork at her waist, still unable to believe this moment was real.Two weeks ago, she’d been a slave.Now she stood in the sacred sanctuary of Niri, about to marry the warrior who’d saved her life.

“Stop fidgeting or you’ll wrinkle the silk.”Marcella adjusted the gossamer veil, its iridescent threads shimmering.

“What if I trip?Or say the wrong words?”

“You won’t.”Marcella’s hands were steady as she wove crystal beads through Alaysia’s red waves.“Though I never thought I’d see you this nervous.Where’s that defiant slave girl who stood up to Fyret?”

“She fell in love.”The words came out soft, almost reverent.

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