Page 11 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Fyret strutted into the ring, his expensive boots kicking up the sand.The kingpin’s gaudy rings caught the light of the arena as he raised his arms.

“My dear patrons!”His voice boomed through the arena.“You’ve witnessed spectacular battles today, but they pale in comparison to what’s coming.”

Dernin tasted the anticipation in the air.Beside him, a brutish Kolgari fighter shifted his weight, making the chains on his wrists jingle.

“Today marks the beginning of our annual tournament!”Fyret’s announcement drew excited murmurs from the crowd.“Seven matches.Single elimination.One champion.”

“Think you can last seven matches, snake?”The Kolgari sneered.

Dernin’s golden eyes narrowed.“I’ll do more than last.”

“The tournament begins tomorrow!”Fyret continued, turning to look at the fighters.“Each victory brings you closer to the ultimate prize.Who among you has the strength, the skill, the determination to claim glory?”

Bariv pushed his way to the front of the gathered fighters, his chest puffed out.“The prize is already mine.”

Dernin’s scales rippled with irritation.His muscles tensed, ready for action despite his exhaustion.He’d faced worse odds in battle.Seven matches?He’d survived months of endless fighting already.

“The bracket will be posted tonight,” Fyret announced.

Fyret’s smile then widened as he gestured toward the side entrance.“And now, my esteemed fighters, behold!”

Dernin’s breath caught in his throat.Alaysia stepped into the ring, the midnight blue silk of her dress catching the light like water under moonlight.Her red hair cascaded down her back in waves, adorned with small crystal pins that sparkled with each graceful step.The dress hugged her curves, the fabric whispering against the sand as she moved.

His tail coiled tighter beneath him as his muscles tensed.The warrior code he’d sworn to uphold six months ago screamed in his mind—protect the innocent, defend those who cannot defend themselves.He’d failed to fulfill his vow when he was captured.He wouldn’t fail again.

“The champion of this tournament,” Fyret announced, taking Alaysia’s hand, “will claim this exquisite creature as their prize.”

Dernin’s jaw clenched as he watched Alaysia’s subtle flinch at Fyret’s touch.Her blue eyes scanned the crowd of fighters, stopping briefly when they met his golden gaze.He saw steel in those eyes, despite her circumstances.

“Like I said,” Bariv growled, “already mine.”

“Over my dead body,” Dernin muttered, his voice low enough that only those nearest could hear.

The heat of protective fury coursed through his veins.This wasn’t just about redemption anymore.Something stirred deep within him when he looked at Alaysia standing there—something primal and fierce that went beyond duty or honor.She wasn’t just another human to protect.She was...more.

“Let the anticipation build,” Fyret proclaimed.“Tomorrow, we begin!”

As guards escorted Alaysia from the ring, she glanced back over her shoulder.Their eyes met again, and Dernin’s resolve hardened like forged steel.He would win this tournament.He would protect her.And then, somehow, they would both taste freedom again.

Later that night, Dernin’s tail scraped against the rough stone floor as he studied the tournament bracket posted on the wall.The flickering torchlight cast shadows across the parchment, but the matchups were clear enough.His golden scales reflected the orange glow as he traced his path through the brackets with a callused finger.

“First fight tomorrow,” a gravelly voice behind him said.“Against Kren.”

The speaker was another fighter, a scarred Velken with cybernetic implants glinting in the dim light.

“The Kolgari brute?”Dernin’s muscles tightened at the memory of watching Kren fight.The beast had torn through his last three opponents like paper.

“That’s right.Better say your prayers, snake.”

“Save your concern,” Dernin muttered.

His eyes tracked further up the bracket.If he won against Kren, he’d likely face T’zar, the four-armed Darzios warrior.

The image of Alaysia in that silk dress suddenly flashed through his mind.The way she’d held her head high despite being paraded around like property.The fire in her eyes when she’d looked at him.

“You’re wasting your time,” the Velken said.“Bariv’s got this locked down.Always does.”

“Things can change,” Dernin replied.His warrior training hadn’t prepared him for underground fighting rings, but it had taught him one thing.Victory went to the one who wanted it most, and nothing in his life had ever mattered more than winning this tournament.

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