Page 50 of Naga Healer's Mate

Sunlightstreamedthroughthecrystalline windows of their bedroom and cast rainbow patterns across the bedsheets.Islae stretched, still marveling at the softness of their bed compared to the old cot in her clinic on Jorvla.

Nirrn shifted beside her and traced his finger down her arm, making her shiver.

“You should visit the High Temple today,” he said, meeting her eyes.“Many humans gather there.It might help you feel more… settled.”

Islae rolled onto her side, studying the intricate patterns of the orange scales across his broad chest.“You’re not coming?”

“I need to prepare our course materials for the healing program at the university,” he replied.“Unless you’d rather I escort you?”

“I can find my own way.”She started to move away, but he grabbed her hand.

“Islae.”His voice dropped lower.“Look at me.”

She met his gaze, challenging him.“I’m not going to break, Nirrn.I managed just fine on my own before.”

“But you’re not on your own anymore.”He pulled her closer, until she was pressed against his chest.“Nirum is your home now.Our home.I want you to find your place here.”

Home.The word stuck out in her mind.Such a simple concept, yet it felt foreign after years of surviving in the shadows.Yesterday’s tour of the Medical Plaza had left her feeling overwhelmed—so much knowledge and potential, all freely given instead of fought for.

“I don’t know how to just… exist,” she admitted.“Without fighting.Without hiding.”

Nirrn’s hand cupped her cheek.“Then learn.Start with the temple.Meet others who’ve made this transition.But come back to me.”

He leaned in and captured her lips.His kiss was fierce and possessive, leaving no doubt about his claim on her.When he pulled back slightly, his eyes had darkened to molten gold.

“I will always come back to you,” she whispered, meaning it despite her uncertainties about Nirum.“But first, I need to shower.”

He pulled further away from her reluctantly.“The temple services begin at midday.Don’t be late.”

Islae walked through the winding crystal streets of Nirum, marveling at how the twin suns cast prismatic shadows across the gleaming surfaces.The High Temple loomed ahead, its spires stretching toward the lavender sky.

Inside, the temple’s vast chamber hummed with quiet conversation.A group of humans gathered near an ornate fountain, their voices carrying across the polished stone floor.Two women caught her attention—one with flowing brown hair, the other blonde—both radiating a sense of peace she hadn’t expected to find.

“You must be Nirrn’s mate,” the brunette said, smiling warmly.“I’m Mila, and this is my sister Priscilla.We heard about your arrival yesterday.”

“News travels fast here,” Islae said, tension easing from her shoulders at their friendly demeanor.

Priscilla laughed.“That’s Nirum for you.Come, sit with us.”

They settled onto cushioned benches near the fountain.The cool mist felt refreshing against Islae’s skin.

“We were once like you,” Mila said, her eyes knowing.“Trapped on Jorvla, until my mate Brivul helped save me and my sister.He’s a former Niri general.”

“And now you’re…” Islae trailed off, her curiosity piqued.

“Studying law at the university.”Mila beamed.“Something I never dreamed possible on Jorvla.”

“I found my mate here,” Priscilla added.“Andear, the Niri warlord.Now we train warriors together, and I advise the council on human integration.”

Islae’s fingers twisted in her lap.“You both seem so… settled.”

“It takes time,” Priscilla said gently.“But Nirum offers the freedom we never had before.Real choices.Real futures.”

“I still wake up sometimes expecting to be back in slavery,” Mila admitted.“But then Brivul’s there, and I remember this is home now.”

“If you ever need friends who understand…” Priscilla touched Islae’s hand, “we’re here.We can show you around and help you find your place.”

Warmth bloomed in Islae’s chest.“I’d really like that,” she said, meaning it fully.Since arriving on Nirum, something inside her began to settle and accept all this planet had to offer her.

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