Page 65 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Dernin’s powerful arms encircled her, pulling her close.The familiar scent of his skin filled her nose.“I’m going to show you everything.”His voice dropped lower.“Even the secret places where warriors go to be alone with their mates.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks.“I’d like that.”She traced one of the scars on his chest, remembering how close she’d come to losing him.“When can we leave?”

“Commander Thex says we can depart with the first group tomorrow if we want.”His fingers tangled in her red hair.“Though if you need more time—”

“No.”She pressed closer, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat.“I’ve spent my whole life waiting.I don’t want to wait anymore.”

His laugh rumbled through his chest.“Then tomorrow we’ll start our new life.Together.”

Chapter 33

Dernin

ThecrystalspiresofNiri pierced the violet sky as Commander Thex’s ship touched down on the landing pad.Dernin’s chest swelled with pride as he watched Alaysia press her hands against the viewport, her blue eyes wide with wonder.

“Welcome to my homeland.”The word rolled off his tongue, perfect and right.

“It’s magnificent.”Alaysia’s breath fogged the glass.“The way the moons reflect off everything...”

Silver light from Niri’s twin moons bathed the crystalline architecture in an ethereal glow.The city stretched up the mountainside in graceful tiers, each level connected by shimmering bridges that caught and scattered moonbeams like scattered diamonds.

“Your new home.”Dernin wrapped his tail around her waist, pulling her close.The scent of her hair filled his senses—his mate, finally safe in his territory.“That tower there, with the spiral design?That’s where we’ll live.”

“In that beautiful place?”

“Nothing but the best for my mate.”His fingers traced the curve of her hip.Six months in that fighting ring seemed worth it now, leading him to her.

The ship’s ramp lowered with a soft hiss.Cool mountain air rushed in, carrying the sweet scent of night-blooming flowers that grew in the crystal formations.

“The air here...”Alaysia took a deep breath.“It tastes like freedom.”

Dernin guided her down the ramp, his tail maintaining its possessive hold.Other Niri warriors gave respectful nods as they passed.His mate had already impressed them with her courage in the underground ring.

The crystalline path leading to their new home sparkled with each step.Dernin watched Alaysia’s face, memorizing every detail of her wonder-struck expression.This was what he’d fought for—not just escape but giving her a real home, a place worthy of her strength and beauty.

“Those flowers growing from the crystal...”She pointed to delicate blooms sprouting from seemingly solid stone.“How is that possible?”

“The crystals here are alive in their own way.They nurture life rather than hindering it.”Like how she had brought life back to his warrior’s spirit when he’d thought it dead.

Dernin pressed his palm to the crystal door, which hummed in recognition and slid open with a musical chime.His tail curled around Alaysia’s waist as he guided her inside their new home.

“This is all...ours?”Alaysia’s voice trembled as she took in the sweeping main room.Moonlight filtered through the crystalline walls, casting rainbow patterns across the polished stone floors.

Dernin beamed as he watched her.“Every inch of it.”His golden scales caught the light as he moved deeper into the space.“The living quarters span three levels.”

Alaysia drifted toward the window wall overlooking the city below.Her red hair blazed like fire against the backdrop of Niri’s ethereal nightscape.“I never dreamed I’d live somewhere so beautiful.”

“You deserve this and more.”Dernin joined her at the window, his massive frame dwarfing her smaller one.The thought of her previous life as a slave made his jaw clench.Never again would anyone treat her as less than the treasure she was.

“Look at this.”She ran her fingers along intricate carvings in the crystal walls—ancient Niri symbols telling stories of warriors past.“What do these mean?”

“Protection.Strength.Honor.”He traced the symbols with her.“Values every Niri warrior lives by.”His voice dropped lower.“Values I’ll uphold in keeping you safe.”

Alaysia turned to face him, her blue eyes bright with unshed tears.“I still can’t believe this is real.That we’re really free.”

“Believe it.”He cupped her face in his large hands.“You’re home now.No one will ever harm you again.”

The crystal walls seemed to pulse with a soft light, responding to their presence.Dernin felt the rightness of having her here, in his territory, under his protection.The warrior in him settled, satisfied at last to have his mate safe where she belonged.

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