Page 68 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Dernin leaned down, his golden eyes blazing with an intensity that made Alaysia lose her breath.His warm palm cupped her cheek, his scales smooth against her skin.The tender gesture brought tears to her eyes—so different from the brutal fighting moves she’d first witnessed from him in the ring.

His lips met hers, gentle at first, like the brush of silk.He drew her closer as the kiss deepened.Heat bloomed in her chest as she pressed closer, her fingers sliding over the golden scales of his chest.

The crystal-studded cord around their joined wrists sparkled as rainbow light danced across them.The sacred walls seemed to pulse with energy, or maybe that was just her racing heart.Either way, Alaysia had never felt more alive, more cherished, than in this moment.

She barely registered the priest’s final blessing or the cheers from their gathered friends.All that existed was Dernin’s kiss, his protective embrace, and the knowledge that she’d never be a slave or a prize again.She was his equal, his mate.

When they finally broke apart, Dernin rested his forehead on hers.“I love you, my fierce mate.”

“And I love you, my warrior,” she whispered back, her voice trembling with joy.

Crystal lanterns cast their rainbow glow across the garden paths as Alaysia twirled in Dernin’s arms.The sweet scent of night-blooming flowers mingled with the spiced wine warming her blood.Her wedding gown sparkled with each movement, catching fragments of light like stars.

“To the happy couple!”Marcella raised her glass, her voice carrying across the gathered crowd.

“To freedom,” another former slave called out.

“To love,” added one of Dernin’s fellow warriors.

The cheers echoed through the crystal gardens.Alaysia’s heart swelled as she looked around at all the faces—humans and Naga alike, celebrating together as equals.No more masters, no more chains.Just friendship and joy.

“Dance with me again?”Dernin extended his hand to Alaysia.

“Always.”

He swept her into another dance, his movements fluid and graceful despite his warrior’s build.Here in the crystal gardens, with rainbow lights dancing across his golden scales, he moved like poetry.

“What are you thinking about?”His voice rumbled low, just for her ears.

“How different this is from where we met.How far we’ve come.”

“From prize fighter and slave to warrior and mate.”His hand tightened on her waist.

The music shifted to a traditional Niri melody, its haunting notes drifting through the garden.Around them, other couples joined the dance—Marcella with one of the warriors who’d helped free them, former slaves with their newfound loves.

Crystal wind chimes tinkled overhead, their delicate music mixing with laughter and conversation.Alaysia leaned her head against Dernin’s chest, breathing in his familiar scent.His heartbeat thrummed steady and strong beneath her cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“For what?”

“For seeing me.The real me.Even when I was just supposed to be a trophy.”

His tail tightened around her waist as he pressed a kiss to her hair.“I saw my mate.My warrior.My queen.”

Chapter 35

Dernin

Thesundippedbelowthe horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and deep purple.Dernin stood behind Alaysia, his arms wrapped around her as they watched the spectacle unfold.The air was thick with the scent of blooming night flowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze was the only sound that accompanied the quiet symphony of colors.

“It’s beautiful,” Alaysia murmured.

“Not as beautiful as you,” he said in her ear.

She turned in his arms, her blue eyes locking on to his and a soft smile playing on her lips.“You always know what to say.”

With a gentle squeeze, Dernin guided her toward the secluded bathing pool, its surface shimmering under the caress of the setting sun.The water, heated by natural thermal springs, emitted a gentle mist that danced in the air.

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