Page 16 of Naga Healer's Mate

Nirrn soon slipped out of their shared quarters, his tail rustling softly on the wooden floor.The mate bond tugged at him, urging him to stay close to Islae.Instead, he forced himself to move away.She needed her space, and he would give it to her, no matter how his instincts protested.

The underground sanctuary of Haven spread before him like a hidden jewel.Carved pathways wound through the rock, leading to various chambers and alcoves.Small market stalls lined the wider tunnels, their wares illuminated by hanging lanterns that cast warm light across the rough-hewn walls.The orange glow caught on his scales as he moved past vendors selling everything from dried herbs to handwoven blankets.

His eyes tracked the movement of humans going about their daily lives.Children ran along the pathways while their parents procured their goods.The scent of cooking food wafted from somewhere deeper in the complex.

In a large central cavern, dozens of people gathered around a communal fire pit.The flames cast dancing shadows on the ceiling, and the sound of quiet conversation echoed off the walls.His scales rippled with appreciation for this hidden community.

“Settling in all right?”Joseph approached, his face creased with concern.

Nirrn’s tail curled slightly as he turned.“As well as can be expected.Islae needs time to process everything.”

“The clinic must’ve meant everything to her.”Joseph nodded.“We’ve all lost something to the Jorvlens.She’ll find her footing here.”

“The kindness I’ve seen here…” Nirrn’s gaze swept across the cavern.“It gives me hope.”

“We look after our own.”Joseph paused as he met Nirrn’s gaze.“And those who protect us.”

“Thank you,” Nirrn said.“For giving us sanctuary.”

Joseph squeezed his shoulder and moved away, leaving Nirrn to watch the flames dance and think of the fierce human woman who had captured his heart without even trying.

The mate bond pulsed beneath his scales.He wanted to tell Islae about the electric connection he felt with her.But she was dealing with too much already.The last thing she needed was a Niri male claiming her as his mate right now.

Nirrn soon slithered back to their shared chamber, his scales making a soft whisper against the smooth stone floor.The mate bond pulled at him like a physical tether, drawing him back toward Islae.When he entered, he found her standing near the small table, dressed in the fresh clothes he’d brought earlier.The simple brown tunic hung loosely on her frame, but at least she’d shed the smoke-stained garments.

“Would you like to see Haven now?”he asked, keeping his voice as gentle as possible.

She turned, and his chest tightened at the shadows under her eyes.“I suppose I should learn where everything is.”

Nirrn led her through the winding tunnels, his tail creating smooth patterns in the dust.The underground city sprawled around them, a maze of carved passages and chambers lit by glowing crystals embedded in the walls.Merchants called out their wares, children darted around, and the scent of cooking food wafted through the air.

But Islae didn’t seem to take in any of it.She paced beside him, her fingers twisting together and her gaze darting from shadow to shadow.The restless energy rolled off her in waves that made his scales prickle with concern.He’d seen this before—in warriors after battle, in mothers who’d lost children.That raw, haunted look of someone whose world had been ripped away.

“This is the main gathering area,” he said, gesturing to a large cavern ahead.“The kitchens are through there, and—”

“How many injured are here?”Islae cut in, her voice tight.“Do they have proper medical supplies?Who treats them?”

His tail curled slightly.“Islae—”

“I need to know.I need to do something useful.”She ran her hand through her hair.“I can’t just sit here if people need help.”

He reached for her, his larger hand engulfing her restless fingers.“You need to rest and heal first.”

“I’m fine.”She tried to pull away, but he held firm.

“You’re not fine.You’re barely holding yourself together.”He drew her closer, fighting the urge to wrap his coils around her protectively.“The people here are safe.They have healers.Let yourself breathe.”

She stared up at him, and for a moment he thought she might argue.Then her shoulders slumped, just slightly.“I don’t know how.”

“Then let me help you learn,” he said, his voice low and comforting.

Nirrn guided Islae to the communal fire pit.He curled his tail beneath him as he settled near the fire, watching Islae sink down beside him.The flames cast a warm glow across her face, highlighting the exhaustion etched into her features.His scales rippled with the urge to pull her closer to him, to wrap her tightly in his protective embrace, but he held back.

“Why do you stay here in Jorvla, Islae?Why risk so much?”The questions had burned in his mind since he first saw her working in those dangerous conditions of her clinic.

She drew her knees to her chest, staring into the flames.The silence stretched between the two of them, broken only by the crackling fire and distant voices echoing through the cavern.His tail shifted restlessly, waiting for her response.

“My father was a healer,” she finally said, her voice but a whisper.“The best in our district.He treated everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.”She wrapped her arms tighter around her knees.“The Jorvlens didn’t like that he was helping humans and taking away their profits.They came for us one night.”

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