“Yes,” she said, squeezing his hand.“Let’s go see our clinic.”
The university’s healing wing stretched before them, its crystal walls shimmering in the late morning light.Islae’s steps faltered as she took in the pristine corridors and state-of-the-art equipment.So different from her makeshift clinic in Jorvla’s shadows.
Nirrn’s tail brushed against her legs as he guided her forward, his powerful form towering protectively beside her.“This will be our teaching space,” he said, using his access card to open a set of ornate doors.
The room beyond took Islae’s breath away—curved walls of smoky crystal, rows of examination tables, and shelves lined with every healing tool she could imagine.
“It’s simply beautiful,” she whispered, running her fingers along one of the pristine counters.
“Not as beautiful as you.”Nirrn’s golden eyes settled on her as he coiled closer, his scaled chest pressing against her back.“Though I must admit, watching you teach will be… distracting.”
Heat crept up Islae’s neck at his possessiveness.Even here, in this professional setting, he couldn’t help marking his territory.“We’re supposed to be setting up equipment.”
“Then by all means, continue.”His hands settled on her hips, keeping her close as she organized supplies.“I enjoy watching you do your work.”
Islae tried to focus on arranging medical instruments, but Nirrn’s presence made her skin tingle.His tail wrapped loosely around her as she moved about the room, never letting her get too far.
“The students arrive tomorrow,” she said, more to distract herself than anything else.“Do you think they’ll accept a human instructor?”
Nirrn’s chest rumbled against her back.“They will respect my mate or answer to me.”His fingers traced the mate mark on her neck.“Besides, your skills speak for themselves.”
“Your protective streak is showing,” Islae teased, but warmth flooded through her chest at his words.
“Always,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.“Now, shall we finish organizing our clinic?”
This was their shared space, their future together.Teaching, healing, and building something special—while belonging completely to each other.
Later that evening, Islae stepped into Mila and Brivul’s home, taking in the elegant crystal architecture.Nirrn’s arm wrapped possessively around her waist as they entered.
Mila rushed forward to greet them, her dark hair bouncing as she moved.Behind her, Brivul’s massive blue-scaled form towered, his warrior’s presence commanding even in casual dress.
“You made it!”Mila pulled Islae into a warm embrace.“Priscilla and Andear are already here.”
“Let them breathe, little one,” Brivul rumbled, his hand settling on Mila’s shoulder.
In the living area, Priscilla sat curled against Andear’s red-scaled chest, their easy intimacy making Islae’s chest tighten with recognition.She’d seen that same comfortable possession in Nirrn’s eyes.
“The newly mated pair arrives,” Andear’s deep voice carried across the room.“How are you finding Nirum, Islae?”
Before she could answer, Nirrn’s tail curled around her.“She’s adapting well.We’re opening our teaching clinic tomorrow.”
“Already working?”Priscilla raised an eyebrow.“I took weeks to stop jumping at every shadow after leaving Jorvla.”
“Some of us are stronger than others,” Andear teased, earning a playful swat from his mate.
They settled around the dining table, laden with traditional Niri dishes.Islae found herself relaxing as conversation flowed, watching how the three couples interacted.Brivul’s protective position behind Mila’s chair mirrored Nirrn’s position beside her.Andear kept one hand on Priscilla’s thigh, his red scales gleaming as he gestured with the other.
“Remember when you first showed up at the training grounds?”Mila asked Priscilla.“You nearly took Andear’s head off during combat training.”
“He deserved it.”Priscilla grinned.“Kept telling me my form was wrong.”
“It was,” Andear growled playfully, nuzzling her neck.
“Speaking of combat,” Brivul turned to Nirrn, “I heard about your fight in the underground rings.Impressive for a healer.”
Nirrn’s chest puffed slightly.“I did what was necessary to protect what’s mine.”
His possessive tone sent heat rushing through Islae’s body.Under the table, his tail stroked along her calf, a subtle reminder of his claim.