Page 7 of Naga Healer's Mate

Islae stared at her unlikely defender, seeing him with new eyes.He wasn’t just powerful.He was lethal in a way that went beyond brute strength.The precision of his threats, the controlled fury in his eyes… this was someone who understood exactly how fragile life could be and exactly how to end it.

Her cheeks suddenly burned with embarrassment.She should have been more careful over the years running this secret underground clinic.She should have posted lookouts more often to avoid situations like tonight.Such amateur mistakes could have gotten her killed.Her hands trembled as she gathered scattered medical supplies from the floor.

As she straightened up, she whirled on the Niri healer, her anger masking her fear.“I didn’t ask for your help, you know.”The words came out sharp and brittle.

His golden eyes studied her, his massive scaled form blocking most of the dim light from the single lamp in the tiny room.The scales along his arms caught the flickering glow as he moved closer, his serpentine lower body sliding smoothly across the stone floor.

“You’re welcome,” he said, his deep voice tinged with dry amusement.He reached down to pick up a fallen roll of bandages, his movements careful despite his imposing size.“I am Nirrn by the way.I work as a healer at the central surrogacy clinic.”

Islae’s spine stiffened.The surrogacy clinic—where humans were treated like breeding stock.But something in his gentle handling of her medical supplies made her pause.

“I saw you in the market,” he continued, passing her the bandages.“The medical bag caught my attention.I apologize for following you, but…” His tail curled thoughtfully.“I needed to know.”

The sincerity in his voice loosened something in her chest.She accepted the bandages, noting how his scaled shoulders relaxed slightly at the gesture.

“I…” She swallowed her pride.“Thank you.For what you did.I’m Islae.”The words felt inadequate after watching him fight for her, but they were all she had.

His golden eyes softened.“You really should not be alone down here.”

“I’m fine,” she said automatically, though her racing heart betrayed her.Those hunters would be back, and next time they’d bring more.She rubbed her arms, trying to ward off the chill that had nothing to do with the underground air.

Nirrn coiled his massive form, bringing himself closer to her eye level.“At least let me help you clean up.”His scaled tail swept gently across the floor, gathering scattered supplies into neat piles.

Islae watched him, struck by the contrast between his lethal power moments ago and his current careful movements.Her fingers brushed against the bandages he’d handed her, remembering the precise way he’d fought—a healer’s knowledge turned almost deadly.Nirrn was a paradox, indeed.

Islae observed as Nirrn’s strong tail coiled around a fallen cabinet, lifting it effortlessly back into place against the wall.His orange scales gleamed in the lamplight as he moved through her makeshift clinic, somehow managing to make the cramped space seem even smaller with his imposing presence.

“You’ve created quite the setup down here,” he said, arranging medical supplies with surprising delicacy for hands so large.“These organizational systems are impressive.”

“Three years of trial and error.”Islae sorted through a pile of bloodied bandages, separating salvageable ones from those beyond saving.“My father taught me everything I know about medicine.It seemed wrong to let that knowledge go to waste.”

Nirrn’s eyes fixed intently on her face.“And you chose to practice here, in secret?”

“Those who need help the most can’t afford the official clinics.”She shrugged, trying to ignore how his intense gaze made her skin tingle.“I started small—just basic first aid.Word spread.Now I have a network of people who help keep me supplied.”

His scaled tail brushed across the floor, gathering scattered herbs into neat piles.“These medicinal combinations—they’re quite sophisticated.”

“Donations from grateful patients.Everyone contributes what they can.”She gestured to the rows of carefully labeled jars.“Some bring herbs.Others bring clean water or fresh bandages.It’s not much, but—”

“It’s remarkable,” he interrupted, his deep voice firm.“Dangerous and completely illegal, but remarkable nonetheless.”He moved closer, his large form blocking the light.“Though your sterilization methods could use improvement.”

Heat crept up her neck at his proximity.“Oh?And I suppose you have suggestions?”

“Several.”His lips curved into a slight smile as he reached past her to grab a container of antiseptic.“For instance, this solution should be diluted differently for treating open wounds versus cleaning instruments.”

Islae crossed her arms, fighting the urge to step back.“I’m managing just fine.”

“Clearly.”His tail curled around a fallen stool, setting it upright.“That’s why you’re working alone in an underground clinic with inadequate security and questionable sanitation.”

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion on my methods.”

“No?”He raised an eyebrow, continuing to organize supplies with methodical precision.“Then perhaps you’d prefer I left you to handle the next group of hunters alone?”

The memory of his fury during the fight made her pause.She watched him work, noting how his powerful form moved with careful grace through her cramped clinic.Despite his intimidating size, he handled her medical supplies with a healer’s reverence.

“I’ve survived this long on my own,” she said, but the words lacked their usual edge.

His intense eyes met hers.“That doesn’t mean you have to.”

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