Chapter 22
Mila
The servant’s footsteps echoed against the polished marble floor as she led them down the winding corridors of Talis’s estate. Mila’s heart soared with each step, the weight of the past weeks lifting from her shoulders. The data chip was out of her hands now—safely in Talis’s possession.
“This way, please.” The servant gestured toward an ornate archway.
Mila’s fingers brushed against the intricate wall carvings as they walked. Such luxury. Such freedom to simply exist without fear. Soon she might know what that felt like.
The marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, so different from the grimy corridors of Kurg’s stronghold. No more scrubbing floors until her hands bled. No more ducking her head when he passed.
Her steps quickened. “We could actually do this. Take him down.”
“You did this. Your courage got us here.” Brivul’s eyes met hers.
Her cheeks warmed at his praise. The way he looked at her made her chest tight in the best way.
The grand foyer opened before them, sunlight streaming through stained glass windows and painting the floor in jewel tones. Mila breathed in deeply. For the first time since she’d stolen those transmissions, possibility stretched out before her like an endless horizon.
Priscilla would be free, too. They could build real lives, go to school, work real jobs. No more chains.
“You’re smiling.” Brivul’s tail curled closer.
“Because for once everything’s going right.”
The servant cleared her throat. “Lady Talis will be with you shortly.”
Talis soon swept into the foyer, her skin shimmering in the afternoon light. Her presence commanded attention, but unlike Kurg’s oppressive aura, hers carried an air of refined authority.
“Your evidence will serve nicely,” Talis said with a satisfied smile.
Mila’s heart skipped. Everything she’d risked—the beatings, the fear, running for her life—hadn’t been for nothing.
“My servants will provide you with supplies.” Talis gestured to attendants who carried in bags laden with goods. “Consider it a down payment on my gratitude.”
The scent of fresh bread and spiced meats made Mila’s mouth water. Packages of dried fruits, nuts, and preserved delicacies filled ornate boxes. Fine clothing in rich fabrics spilled from the bags.
“This is too much,” Mila said.
“Nonsense. Kurg’s fall will be worth far more.” Talis’s sapphire eyes gleamed. “Take what you need for your journey. My guards will ensure you leave the premises safely.”
“Thank you,” Mila said, her voice thick with emotion.
“No need for thanks. You’ve given me exactly what I wanted,” Talis replied. “Now I must go.” She turned and walked down a nearby corridor.
Brivul helped gather their newfound bounty while Mila selected practical items for their journey. Her hands trembled as she packed away food that would have fed her and Priscilla for months in their old life. Soon her sister would taste freedom, too.
The hotel’s crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across marble floors that put even Talis’s estate to shame. Mila’s fingers tightened around the strap of her new bag as the desk clerk processed their credits.
“Your suite is ready.” The clerk handed over an ornate key card. “Top floor.”
The elevator whispered upward, all gleaming gold and mirrors. Mila caught glimpses of herself—no longer in rags but dressed in fine clothes that actually fit. The woman in the reflection looked like a different person entirely.
“You okay?” Brivul’s violet eyes met hers in the mirror.
“Better than okay.”
The suite doors parted to reveal a sprawling paradise of cream and gold. Plush carpets sank beneath her feet as she wandered inside. Through gossamer curtains, the city lights sparkled like fallen stars.
“This can’t be real.” Mila ran her hand along the intricate golden wallpaper.
“Very real.” Brivul set their bags down. “You deserve this.”
The massive bed dominated the space, draped in silks finer than anything she’d ever touched. Her cheeks warmed as she realized there was only one bed—and for the first time, the thought didn’t make her nervous at all.
“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” She sank onto the edge of the mattress, running her fingers over the embroidered duvet.
“I have.”
She looked up to find Brivul watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch. The space between them crackled with possibility.
Brivul then blurted out, “We should really sample some of Talis’s generosity.” He gestured to the packages of food. “Seems a shame to let it go to waste.”
The rich aroma of spiced meats and fresh bread made Mila’s mouth water again. She helped Brivul spread the feast across the low table near the couch. Her fingers trembled as she unwrapped each delicacy—foods she’d only glimpsed while serving at Kurg’s parties.
“I’ve never tasted anything like this.” Mila savored a bite of honey-glazed fruit. Sweetness burst across her tongue.
“The look on your face.” Brivul’s tail swished with amusement. He settled beside her on the plush couch, close enough that his scales brushed her arm.
Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “What about my face?”
“Pure joy. It suits you.”
They sampled their way through exotic delicacies, trading bites and commentary. Mila found herself laughing more than she had in years. The weight of constant fear had lifted, replaced by something light and effervescent.
“Try this.” Brivul offered her a piece of perfectly seasoned meat.
Their fingers brushed as she accepted it. The casual touch sent tingles up her arm. When had she started noticing how his violet eyes caught the light? How his deep laugh made her stomach flutter?
“Your turn.” She held out a morsel of sweet bread.
He leaned closer, his presence warm and solid beside her. “Delicious.”
The city lights twinkled through the gossamer curtains, casting them in a dreamy glow. Mila tucked her feet under her, shifting closer to him on the couch until their shoulders touched.
“You’re remarkable. You know that?” His tail curled around her waist.
Their eyes met. The air between them hummed with possibility. Mila’s heart thundered in her chest as Brivul’s hand found hers on the couch cushion.
Her pulse raced beneath his touch. The warmth of his hand against hers sent tingles throughout her whole body. All her carefully constructed walls crumbled with a single caress.
“I think I’m falling for you,” she whispered.
His eyes softened. “I fell for you that first day in the market.”
The confession hung between them for a heartbeat before Brivul leaned forward. His lips brushed hers, gentle and questioning. Heat surged through her as she pressed closer, answering his unspoken question.
The kiss deepened, and the world fell away. His scales were smooth beneath her fingertips as she traced his jaw. His tail coiled tighter around her waist, drawing her nearer until she was practically in his lap.
Time stretched like honey, sweet and endless. Every brush of his lips sent sparks dancing across her skin. His hand cradled the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair.
At this moment, Mila felt complete. No fear. No doubts. Just the perfect rightness of being exactly where she belonged.
When they finally broke apart, she couldn’t stop smiling. Brivul pressed his forehead to hers, his breath mingling with hers.
“I’ve wanted to do that for weeks,” he murmured.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was afraid you’d run.”
She laughed softly. “I’m done running.”
Mila’s heart raced as she looked into Brivul’s eyes. The tenderness in his gaze made her breath catch. She’d never felt so cherished, so wanted.
His scales shimmered as he traced her cheek with gentle fingers. “You’re trembling.”
“Good trembling,” she whispered, leaning into his touch.
Their lips met again, and this time there was no hesitation. Heat blazed through her body all over again as his mouth moved against hers with increasing urgency. His tail wrapped around her waist tighter, drawing her closer until she was fully in his lap.
His hands tangled in her hair even tighter as the kiss deepened. The solid warmth of his chest pressed against hers, and she couldn’t get enough of the sensation of smooth scales beneath her exploring fingers.
“Mila,” he breathed against her lips.
She’d never heard her name spoken with such reverence. Such desire. She pressed closer, wanting to memorize every detail of this perfect moment—the way his muscles flexed beneath her hands, the taste of honey still on his tongue, the sounds he made when she nipped at his lower lip.
In his arms, she wasn’t a slave or a fugitive. She was simply a woman being thoroughly, passionately kissed by the Niri she had fallen for.