Page 47 of Naga Healer's Mate

Later that afternoon, the Nirum Medical Plaza rose before them like a cathedral of healing, its crystal walls gleaming in the light from both suns.Islae gasped as she took in the towering spires and intricate archways.Unlike the stark, utilitarian buildings of Jorvla, this place radiated warmth and welcome.

Nirrn slid his arm gently around her waist as they approached the entrance.His orange scales shimmered in the sunlight, and Islae couldn’t help but notice how his presence seemed to fill the space around them.

The doors swept open, and a group of Niri healers emerged.Their eyes widened at the sight of Nirrn, and Islae felt the wave of respect that rolled through them.

“Master Nirrn…” One of them stepped forward, bowing deeply.“We had heard rumors of your return.And this must be your mate?”

Nirrn nodded, his lips curving upward.“This is Islae.She is a skilled healer in her own right.”

Another Niri, her scales a deep blue, approached with reverence.“Your work with difficult births has become legendary here, Master Nirrn.The techniques you developed have saved countless mothers and children.”

Islae glanced up at Nirrn, seeing him in a new light.She had known he was skilled, but this level of admiration from his peers spoke volumes.

“Come,” the first healer gestured.“Let us show you how we’ve implemented your methods.”

As they moved through the facility, Islae marveled at the advanced equipment, the pristine conditions, and the sense of purpose that permeated every room.This was what healing should be—not hidden away in dark corners but celebrated and refined.

Nirrn kept her close, his powerful form coiled protectively around her as they toured the facility.His hand rested possessively on the small of her back, a constant reminder of their connection.When another Niri approached, his tail would tighten slightly around her waist, a subtle claim that made her heart race.

“Your mate bond sure is strong,” one of the elder healers observed, nodding approvingly.“We can sense it.”

Nirrn’s eyes met Islae’s.“She is everything I searched and hoped for.”

The respect these healers showed Nirrn stirred something deep in Islae’s chest.Pride, yes, but also a growing understanding of just who she had chosen for her mate.He wasn’t just any healer here on Nirum—he was a pioneer and a master of his craft.And somehow, impossibly, the universe had chosen her for his mate.

The elder healer turned to Islae, her silver scales catching the light.“We would be honored if you would consider taking a teaching position in our healing program.There’s a small clinic within the university that would be perfect for your practical demonstrations.”

Her breath caught in her chest.The offer hung in the air like crystal chimes, beautiful but fragile.Her fingers twisted in the fabric of her tunic as memories of dark alleys and whispered warnings flooded back.How could she teach others when she’d spent so long hiding her skills?

“I…” She glanced around the pristine facility, so different from her makeshift clinic in Jorvla’s slums.“I’ve never taught before.”

“Which is precisely why we need you,” the elder continued.“Your experience with emergency field medicine, your adaptability—these are invaluable skills our students must learn.”She turned to Nirrn, her expression warm.“And we’d like you to join her as senior partner, Master Nirrn.Your expertise would complement hers perfectly.”

Nirrn’s tail coiled around Islae, pulling her closer to his chest.The familiar press of his scales against her back steadied her racing thoughts.His chest rumbled as he spoke, “Teaching together would be…ideal.”

The word “together” sent a shiver through her body.She turned to look up at him, finding his golden eyes already fixed on her.Pride radiated from him, along with something deeper—a fierce possessiveness that made her heart race.

“What do you think, mate?”he murmured, his voice pitched low for her ears alone.The way he said “mate”—like a claim and a caress all at once—made her knees weak.

Islae studied his face, seeing not just pride but absolute certainty.He believed in her and trusted her abilities completely.And working alongside him every day, building something together instead of fighting alone in the shadows…

“Yes,” she said, surprising herself with the steadiness of her voice.“Yes, I’ll do it.”

The elder healer beamed, but Islae barely noticed.She was too caught up in the way Nirrn’s eyes darkened with pleasure, the way his tail tightened possessively around her waist.This was more than she had ever dreamed possible—not just survival, but a chance to truly live and heal and teach.And to do it all with Nirrn by her side.

Later that day, Islae’s eyes widened as they entered the Floating Gardens of Veridia.The setting suns painted the crystalline structures in deep orange and pink, creating an ethereal glow that seemed to pulse with its own life.Her fingers tightened on Nirrn’s muscled arm as she took in the impossible sight before her—entire islands of earth and vegetation suspended in mid-air, drifting like clouds in a gentle breeze.

“How is this even possible?”She peered over the edge of their platform, her heart skipping at the dizzying drop below.The districts of Nirum sprawled out beneath them, their spires catching the last rays of sunlight.

“Ancient magic.”Nirrn coiled around her, drawing her back against his chest.His scales were warm against her skin, and she breathed in his familiar scent mixed with the garden’s exotic blooms.“The founders of Nirum discovered how to harness the air currents.”

A nearby flower unfurled its petals, releasing a shower of iridescent pollen that danced in the fading light.Islae watched, mesmerized, as the tiny particles caught the light and transformed into miniature rainbows.

“I’ve never seen such vibrant colors.”She reached out to touch a flower whose petals shifted from deep crimson to molten gold before her eyes.

Nirrn guided her across a bridge that seemed woven from pure light, his tail never loosening its protective grip.“These gardens are one of Nirum’s greatest treasures.”His golden eyes met her brown ones, intense and possessive.“But its beauty is nothing compared to yours.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks at his words.Just a few weeks ago, she had been hiding in Jorvla’s shadows, and now here she stood in this floating paradise with her mate.The thought still stunned her.

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