Page 40 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“What if...”She bit her lip, looking down.“What if you lose?”

The mere suggestion made his jaw clench.“That won’t happen.”

“But if it does?”Her voice quavered.“Bariv—”

“Listen to me.”Dernin moved closer, his tail creating a protective semicircle around them.He took her hands in his, marveling at how small and delicate they felt.“Win or lose, I won’t let anyone harm you.I’d die first.”

Her fingers tightened around his.“I don’t want you to die, either.”

The scent of her fear mixed with something sweeter—something that made his warrior’s blood sing.He brought her hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to each one.“Trust me, Alaysia.Five days from now, we’ll both be free.”

She nodded, though worry still clouded her eyes along with a hint of something else he couldn’t quite name.Dernin forced himself to release her hands and step back, every instinct screaming at him to stay, to guard her door all night.

“Sleep well,” he murmured, watching as she slipped inside.

The metal door clanged shut, and Dernin pressed his palm against it.He allowed himself one moment of weakness before straightening his spine and heading back to his own quarters.He had a tournament to win.

Chapter 20

Alaysia

Thebluesilkgownclung to Alaysia’s curves as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, watching Fyret work the crowd below into a frenzy.The private viewing box offered the perfect view, but right now she wished she could be anywhere else.

“Ready for another exciting round of matches?”Marcella asked, standing beside her chair.

Alaysia wanted to throw up.“How can I be, knowing it’s all fixed?”

“Shh.”Marcella glanced around nervously.“Careful what you say up here.”

Below, Fyret’s voice boomed throughout the arena.“Today, we’ll see which of our mighty fighters advance to tomorrow’s championship!”

The crowd roared.Alaysia spotted Dernin among the four semifinalists, his golden scales shimmering under the lights.Her heart skipped looking at him and then immediately clenched with worry.

“I don’t see how he can win when Fyret’s determined to make Bariv the champion,” she whispered.

“Remember, have faith.”Marcella squeezed her shoulder.“Your warrior’s clever.He’s made it this far.”

Alaysia nodded, though her hands still trembled slightly as she smoothed her dress.The crowd’s excitement felt oppressive, pressing in on her from all sides.She caught Dernin’s eye across the arena and managed a small smile, hoping he could see her faith in him despite her fears.

“Five days,” she reminded herself under her breath.“Just five days until the warriors come.”

Alaysia watched as Fyret and the four semifinalists exited into the fighters’ tunnel.The crowd’s excitement dimmed to a low murmur as workers prepared the ring for the first match.Suddenly, she felt like she was going to pass out, her throat tightening.

“Here.”Marcella pressed a cup of water into her hands.“You look like you need this.”

Alaysia sipped, grateful for the coolness against her dry throat.“Thanks.”

The arena filled with cheers as Bariv entered, his slimy skin catching the light.His opponent, a muscular fighter from the outer rings, followed shortly after.

From the first punch, the match’s outcome was painfully obvious.Bariv’s opponent stumbled at specifically timed moments, his normally precise footwork clumsy and erratic.When Bariv landed hits, his opponent dramatically flew backward while Bariv barely flinched from solid connections to his jaw.

“This is ridiculous,” Alaysia hissed.“Are they even trying to make it look real?”

“Careful,” Marcella whispered.“The walls have ears.”

The match dragged on, each moment more insulting than the last.Alaysia’s nails dug crescents into her palms as she watched Bariv’s opponent practically throw himself into a chokehold.

“And we have our first finalist!”the announcer boomed through the arena.“The undefeated champion, Bariv!”

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