Page 53 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Yield,” Dernin commanded, his voice carrying clearly.

Bariv struggled, his enhanced muscles straining, but Dernin’s hold was unbreakable.After several tense moments, Bariv slowly slapped the ground three times—the signal of surrender.

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers.Alaysia squealed with joy, throwing her arms around Marcella and bouncing on her toes.She didn’t care about maintaining a dignified appearance anymore.

“He did it!He actually did it!”Alaysia’s heart felt like it might burst from her chest.Her eyes stayed fixed on Dernin as he rose, his golden scales reflecting the light.Despite the blood and bruises marring his skin, he stood tall and proud.

“Well, would you look at that,” Marcella said, squeezing Alaysia’s shoulders.“Your warrior pulled through.”

“My warrior,” Alaysia repeated softly, savoring the words.She watched as Dernin bowed to the crowd, his movements still graceful despite his injuries.Pride swelled in her chest at how he’d overcome the drugged wine through sheer determination and skill.

The referee raised Dernin’s arm in victory, and Alaysia noticed him touch the strands of her hair still tied around his wrist.Her heart melted at the gesture.

“I can’t believe we’ll actually be together now,” she whispered, more to herself than Marcella.Tears of joy pricked at her eyes.“After everything they tried to do to stop him...”

“He fought for you,” Marcella said, smiling knowingly.“Love’s a powerful motivator.”

“It is.”Alaysia touched her lips.Now she could kiss him whenever she wanted, hold him close without hiding.The thought made her giddy with happiness.

Dernin’s golden eyes found hers across the arena.Even at this distance, she could see the warmth in his gaze, the silent promise in his slight smile.He had won her freedom—their freedom to be together—through courage, honor, and an unbreakable spirit.

Alaysia’s gaze then drifted to Fyret’s private viewing box.Satisfaction flooded through her at the rage contorting his features.His knuckles whitened against the railing as he glared down at the ring where Dernin stood victorious.The kingpin’s usual smug composure had cracked, revealing the petty tyrant beneath.

“Look at him squirm,” she whispered to Marcella, unable to keep the smile from her voice.“All that planning, all those tricks, and Dernin still won.”

Marcella clicked her tongue.“Don’t get cocky.Fyret’s not one to take defeat gracefully.”

“What can he do?The whole underground saw Dernin win fair and square—well, more than fair considering they drugged him.”Alaysia smoothed the silk of her dress, relishing how the kingpin’s carefully orchestrated spectacle had backfired.

Below, attendants helped Bariv limp from the ring while Dernin accepted the victor’s wreath.The contrast between them couldn’t have been starker—Bariv defeated despite his chemical advantages, Dernin standing tall through skill and determination alone.

“A true warrior indeed,” Alaysia murmured, watching Dernin’s golden scales shimmer in the light.Her heart swelled with pride and something deeper, warmer.

“You’re glowing,” Marcella observed.

Heat crept up Alaysia’s neck.“I’m just happy justice prevailed.”

“Mhmm.”Marcella’s tone dripped with skepticism.“Nothing to do with those heated looks you two keep sharing?”

Alaysia’s gaze returned to Fyret’s box, where the kingpin now conferred intensely with his advisors, his face dark with fury.She should have felt afraid of his obvious anger, but all she felt was triumph.Even with all his power and influence, he couldn’t stop what was meant to be.

“Time to get you ready.”Marcella tugged at Alaysia’s arm.“We need to head down to the fighters’ tunnel.”

Alaysia’s heart fluttered as they descended the narrow stone steps.The musty air of the underground carried the metallic scent of blood mixed with sweat.Usually, these smells made her stomach turn, but today they reminded her of Dernin’s victory.

“Here, let me fix your hair.”Marcella pulled a comb from her pocket.“Can’t have the champion’s prize looking disheveled.”

Alaysia stood still as Marcella worked, but her mind wandered to Dernin.His determination, his strength, the way he’d fought through the drug’s effects.A smile tugged at her lips.Everyone thought she was the prize, but they had it backward.Dernin was her prize… from the universe.

“What’s that look for?”Marcella’s fingers worked swiftly through her red waves.

“Just thinking how wrong Fyret got everything.”The torchlight cast shadows on the tunnel walls.“He thought making me a prize would break my spirit.Instead, it led me to someone who actually sees me as valuable.”

Marcella secured the last strand of Alaysia’s hair.“Well, don’t let anyone else see you looking at Dernin like that until after the ceremony.We still need to play our parts.”

“I know.”Alaysia straightened her shoulders, adopting the demure pose expected of a prize.

The sounds of the crowd above filtered down through the stone as they chanted Dernin’s name.Her champion.Her warrior.Her true prize.

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