Page 22

Alaysia

Alaysia and Dernin hurried down the plush carpeted hallway. The black satin of her gown whispered against her legs with each quick step. Behind them, footsteps echoed off the ornate walls.

“In here,” she whispered, spotting the parlor room she’d noticed earlier.

Dernin slithered quickly inside after her, his powerful tail making barely a sound on the floor. He grabbed a pool cue from the nearby billiards table and threaded it through the door handles.

“That should keep them out,” he said, his golden eyes reflecting the warm lamplight.

Alaysia pressed her back against the wood-paneled wall, catching her breath. The thrill of sneaking away from the celebration made her feel lightheaded, or maybe it was the way Dernin had watched her all evening.

“I couldn’t stand another minute of that spectacle,” she said, smoothing down her dress. “The way they all stare...”

“You shouldn’t have to endure that,” Dernin replied. “Being put on display like some trophy.”

“At least I’m not the only one they’re ogling tonight.” She gave him a small smile. “I saw how uncomfortable you were with all the attention.”

“I’d rather face three opponents in the ring than deal with those vultures.” He moved closer, his presence making her pulse quicken.

The fireplace crackled invitingly as Alaysia turned and moved closer, grateful for its warmth against her exposed skin.

The black satin gown Fyret had chosen left little to the imagination, with its plunging neckline and form-fitting cut.

She caught Dernin’s gaze dropping to her cleavage and felt heat rise to her cheeks that wasn’t because of the fire.

“So, tell me,” she said quickly, settling down on the leather couch, “what’s the most embarrassing thing that happened during your warrior days?”

His golden eyes snapped back to her face. “Besides getting captured?”

“That’s not funny.” But she found herself laughing anyway, and the tension eased.

“This one time during stealth training,” he said, coiling his tail beneath him as he settled nearby. “I was so focused on being quiet that I didn’t notice I camouflaged myself to match a patch of pink flowers.”

Alaysia burst out laughing. “No! You didn’t!”

“My commander couldn’t stop laughing. Said I made a lovely garden decoration.”

“I wish I could have seen that.” She pulled her legs up under her, getting comfortable. The way he smiled at her made her stomach flutter.

“What about you?” he asked. “Any embarrassing moments?”

“Well, one time I accidentally dyed all the master’s undergarments pink in the wash...”

His rich laugh filled the room, and Alaysia found herself mesmerized by the way his scales caught the firelight. She’d never felt so at ease with anyone before, especially not a male. The conversation flowed naturally between them, punctuated by shared laughter and meaningful glances.

“You know,” she said softly, “I never thought I’d find someone in this awful place who could make me laugh.”

“I never thought I’d find someone who’d make me want to.” His voice had dropped lower, more intimate, and the look in his eyes made her breath catch.

The crackle of the fire filled the comfortable silence between them, and Alaysia realized she’d never felt safer than she did right now, with him.

The warmth of laughter soon faded, and cold reality crept back into Alaysia’s thoughts.

Tomorrow’s championship fight loomed like a dark cloud, threatening to steal away these precious moments.

Her hands twisted in the black satin of her gown as she watched the firelight dance across Dernin’s scales.

“I’m terrified about tomorrow,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling flames.

Dernin’s eyes met hers. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“That’s not what I’m afraid of.” She took a shaky breath. “I’m afraid of losing you.”

The words hung in the air between them. Alaysia’s heart beat faster as she pushed herself to continue.

“I know we haven’t known each other long, but you’ve shown me more kindness than anyone ever has.” She stood, unable to stay still, and paced toward the fireplace. “You make me feel safe, respected... and seen.”

Her hands trembled as she gripped the ornate mantelpiece. “I’ve spent my whole life being treated like property, but you... you treat me like a person. Like I matter.”

“You do matter,” Dernin said softly.

Alaysia turned to face him, her blue eyes bright with unshed tears. “I think I’m falling in love with you. And it terrifies me because tomorrow you could...” Her voice caught. “If something happens to you...”

She hugged herself, suddenly feeling exposed in ways that weren’t due to her revealing gown. “I just needed you to know. Before whatever happens tomorrow. I couldn’t bear the thought of never telling you that.”

The silence stretched between them, broken only by the pop and hiss of burning wood. Alaysia’s chest felt tight, her confession hanging in the air like smoke. She’d never been so vulnerable before, never allowed herself to be. But something about Dernin made her want to risk it all.

Dernin moved closer, his tail making a soft whisper against the carpet. “Alaysia.” His voice was rough with emotion. “From the moment I saw Bariv harassing you, I knew you were different. Special.”

The warmth in his golden eyes made her knees weak. She gripped the mantelpiece tighter to steady herself.

“At first, I told myself I was just doing my duty as a warrior,” he continued. “But it’s more than that. So much more.” He reached for her hand, his touch sending sparks through her skin. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Your spirit, your determination... you take my breath away.”

Alaysia’s chest tightened as tears threatened to spill. No one had ever spoken to her like this before.

“I’ve fallen in love with you, too,” he admitted, his thumb tracing circles on her palm. “Every moment we’re apart, I think about you. When I’m fighting, you’re what keeps me going. The thought of protecting you, of being worthy of you...”

She lifted her free hand to his face, tracing a small scar on his cheek. “You already are.”

“I want to give you the freedom you deserve,” he said. “I want to show you everything beyond these walls. I want...” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I want to spend every day making you smile the way you did earlier.”

A tear slipped down Alaysia’s cheek as joy bloomed in her chest. She’d never dared to hope for this kind of love, never thought she deserved it. But here it was, offered freely by this incredible warrior who looked at her like she was his greatest treasure.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

The firelight danced across his golden scales as he leaned down, his warm breath ghosting across her lips. Her heart thundered against her ribs, every nerve ending alive with anticipation. When his mouth finally met hers, the world tilted on its axis.

His lips were softer than she’d imagined, moving against hers with a gentleness that made her knees weak.

Heat bloomed in her chest, spreading through her limbs like wildfire.

She’d been kissed before, but never like this—never with such tender reverence that made her feel precious instead of possessed.

“Alaysia,” he breathed against her mouth, his voice thick with emotion.

She wrapped her arms around him, pressing closer. The hard planes of his chest met the soft satin of her gown, and she gasped at the contact. Dernin took advantage of her parted lips, deepening the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth and Alaysia’s mind went blank with pleasure.

His strong hands slid down her back, leaving trails of fire in their wake. She arched into his touch, wanting more, needing more. The kiss grew heated, desperate. Years of holding herself apart from others, of protecting her heart, melted away under the onslaught of sensation.

“I never knew,” she whispered between kisses, “it could feel like this.”

Dernin’s response was a low growl that vibrated through her body. His tail curled around her legs, supporting her as her knees threatened to give out. The possessive gesture should have frightened her, but instead it made her feel safe, cherished.

Her fingers traced the scales at the nape of his neck, drawing another growl from him. The sound sent shivers down her spine, awakening a hunger she’d never experienced before. She pressed even closer, wanting to dissolve into him completely.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Alaysia’s world had shifted irreversibly. She looked up into Dernin’s golden eyes, dark with desire, and saw her own feelings reflected back at her.

“That was...” She trailed off, unable to find words adequate enough.

“Perfect,” he finished for her, pressing his forehead to hers.