Page 22 of Naga Warrior's Mate

The crowd’s roars became a distant drone as Dernin fought to stay conscious.His opponent’s multiple limbs seemed to multiply before his eyes, making it impossible to track incoming strikes.Another hit connected with his jaw, snapping his head back.

Then, through the haze of pain and exhaustion, he caught a flash of red in Fyret’s viewing box.Alaysia stood at the railing, her hands pressed against the glass barrier.Their eyes met across the arena, and something ignited deep within his soul, calling to his warrior’s spirit.

This wasn’t just about his survival anymore.This was about freedom—hers and his.About keeping his word.About proving he was still worthy of his warrior’s code.

New energy surged through his battered frame.His scales rippled as he drew himself up to his full height, his tongue flicking out to taste his opponent’s growing uncertainty.

“Getting your second wind?”T’zar circled warily.“Won’t help you.”

Dernin’s golden eyes narrowed.“Watch me.”

He launched forward with explosive power, his tail propelling him faster than T’zar could react.Instead of engaging with the four arms directly, he twisted mid-strike, using his opponent’s momentum against him.His tail wrapped around T’zar’s legs while his arms locked around the fighter’s throat.

The crowd’s frenzied cheers were a distant echo in Dernin’s ears, drowned out by the primal rhythm of his own heartbeat.

“This is how a true warrior fights,” Dernin snarled, his grip unyielding around T’zar’s throat.The Darzios fighter’s eyes bulged, his face purpling as he struggled for breath.

The referee’s voice cut through the haze of adrenaline, declaring the match in Dernin’s favor.He released T’zar, watching dispassionately as the four-armed fighter gasped for air.

Dernin straightened to his full height, every inch the predator he was.His scales were slick with a mixture of sweat and blood, but he felt invincible.He had faced down a formidable opponent and emerged victorious.He knew he could win this tournament now.The crowd’s roars reached a crescendo as Dernin’s name was announced as advancing to the next round.

His eyes sought out Alaysia in the private viewing box again.Her blue eyes met his, and at that moment, he felt a connection that went beyond the physical.It was as if their shared determination to escape this hellish existence had forged a bond between them, unbreakable and fierce.

He sensed the unease among his fellow fighters as they watched him from the sidelines.They had underestimated him, seeing him as nothing more than a captive fighter, but he proved them wrong.

As he descended from the arena, a figure blocked his path.Krav stood there, his reptilian eyes narrowed.

“Congratulations, snake,” Krav said, his voice a low growl.“You put on quite a show.”

Dernin’s tail twitched in irritation, but he kept his voice steady.“It’s not about the show, Krav.”

Krav’s lips curled into a smirk.“You fight for something more.Don’t you?I saw the way you looked at her.”

Dernin shifted, but he didn’t rise to the bait.“What I fight for is my concern.”

“For now,” Krav said, stepping aside to let Dernin pass.“But we all have our weaknesses.”

Dernin ignored the veiled threat and made his way toward the fighters’ quarters.His body ached from the exertion, but the pain was a welcome reminder of his victory.He would need to rest, to prepare for the next fight.But first, he needed to meet Alaysia.

Dernin’s muscles protested as he turned a corner.He spotted a young slave sweeping up the sand from the fighters’ tunnels.The boy’s thin frame spoke of too many missed meals, but his eyes held a sharp intelligence that caught Dernin’s attention.

“You there.”Dernin’s voice carried the authority of his warrior training.The boy’s head snapped up, the broom freezing mid-sweep.“I have a message for the red-haired slave.”

The boy’s eyes widened with recognition.“The prize, Naga fighter?”

“Tell her Dernin wishes to meet her.She knows where.”His tail shifted impatiently.“Now.”

“Yes, sir.”The boy scurried off, leaving his broom forgotten against the wall.

Dernin pressed a hand against his bruised ribs, willing his body to hold together just a little longer.The fight with T’zar had taken more out of him than he cared to admit.He should really just head back to the barracks and recover for tomorrow’s match.

But he needed to see her, to talk about their escape plan.However, he secretly just wanted to be in her warm presence after his grueling match today.

Chapter 12

Alaysia

Alaysia’sfootstepsechoedthroughthe dim corridor as she rushed past flickering torches.The coarse fabric of the borrowed kitchen dress scratched against her skin, but it served its purpose.No one spared her a second glance.She adjusted the white cap covering her telltale red hair and ducked into the hidden alcove.

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