The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 64

The walk back to Zafira’s room was quiet but settled, the cool night air wrapping around them as Saphira and Nikolas moved through the corridors. Though the tension from earlier had eased, Saphira could still feel the weight sitting on Nikolas‘ shoulders–the lingering frustration, the unspoken concerns.

She knew they weren’t done with the conversation.

But for now, they had other priorities.

As they stepped into Zafira’s room, they immediately noticed Jed was gone, leaving Zafira resting in the dim light of the monitors.

Nikolas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before turning to Saphira.

“I need to help with the search party,” he murmured, his gaze flickering between her and Zafira. “Will you two be okay for a bit?”

Saphira nodded, offering a reassuring smile. “We’ll be fine.”

Nikolas hesitated for a brief moment before stepping closer to Zafira’s bedside.

She looked up at him, her eyes still heavy with exhaustion, but aware. Present.

Nikolas softened, his voice quieter now. “I’ll be back soon,” he promised, reaching down to brush a gentle hand across her arm. “You’re safe. Just rest.”

Zafira blinked slowly, acknowledging his words with a faint nod.

Then–Nikolas leaned down, pressing a light, careful kiss to the top of her head.

Saphira watched as the gesture settled something in both of them–Zafira’s posture easing slightly, Nikolas‘ expression softening just enough.

Straightening, he turned back to Saphira. “I’ll send someone to bring food,” he added. “You both need to eat.”

Saphira reached for his hand briefly, squeezing it. “Be careful.”

Nikolas held her gaze for a beat, then nodded once, before finally stepping toward the door.

And just like that–he was gone.

Saphira exhaled slowly, turning back to Zafira.

When Saphira turned to Zafira, she immediately caught the sharp, questioning look in her eyes–one eyebrow arched high, the expression carrying silent demand.

Zafira didn’t need words.

Her gaze flickered toward the door–the same one Nikolas had just walked through–then back to Saphira, her meaning clear.

What was that?

Saphira let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing her palm against the back of her neck, the heat creeping up her throat.

“Oh, it’s a long story,” she murmured, waving a hand dismissively as if that would be enough.

Zafira let out a slow breath, the intensity in her gaze softening just slightly. Though she still looked at Saphira with sharp awareness, she–for now–let the conversation drop.

Saphira exhaled, the tension easing in her shoulders.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

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CHAPTER 64

Saphira turned as Amara stepped inside, holding two containers of food, her posture carrying a practiced ease, though her expression was right with something unspoken.

“I thought you two could use something to eat,” she said, her tone casual but clipped. She moved toward the bed, placing the containers down carefully,

Saphira glanced at Zafira before looking back at Amara, offering a small smile.

“Nikolas asked you to bring this, didn’t he?” she asked, something close to amusement in her voice.

Amara huffed lightly. “Of course he did. He’s insistent that you both eat properly.”

Saphira chuckled, nodding as she grabbed one of the containers, the warmth comforting in her hands.

“This is Amara,” she introduced to Zafira, shifting slightly in her seat. “Finn’s mate.”

Zafira blinked, recognition flickering in her expression before she nodded in acknowledgment, still silent.

Amara observed her carefully, her gaze softening at the realization.

“I can’t stay long,” she admitted, adjusting her stance.

Then–something in her posture shifted.

Her expression tightened just slightly, lips pressing together before she glanced between them again.

“I’ll fill you in on everything soon,” she added, her tone carrying something careful.

Saphira narrowed her eyes faintly, exchanging a glance with Zafira.

Fill them in?

That sounded loaded.

Before either of them could ask, Amara straightened, her movements sharper now as she stepped toward the door.

“Enjoy your food,” she said lightly, though there was an edge of distraction beneath her words.

Then she was gone.

Saphira stared after her for a beat before finally exhaling, looking back at Zafira.

They both held the same quiet expression–one lined with questions, with lingering curiosity,

But for now–they ate.

The silence settled between them, companionable, the warmth of the food offering some comfort.

Hours passed and eventually–Saphira felt the weight of exhaustion pressing heavily against her limbs, the quiet lulling her into sleep.

Then-

A voice. Soft. Faint. Her name.

“Saphira…”

She stirred slightly, blinking slowly, feeling the pull of wakefulness settle into her body.

She fully opened her eyes. And froze.

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CHAPTER 64

Zafira was looking at her–her lips parted–her expression uncertain.

And she had spoken.

Saphira barely breathed for a beat before her pulse spiked.

“You’re speaking,” she whispered, her voice filled with quiet disbelief.

Zafira swallowed, struggling briefly–then, hoarse but there-

“I think… so.”

Saphira stared, the weight of the moment settling into her chest.

Zafira was speaking.

Not just murmuring–actual words.

A flood of relief surged through her, and she quickly straightened, a smile pulling at her lips as she pressed a hand against Zafira’s arm, grounding her.

“You’re definitely talking,” she assured, her voice carrying undeniable warmth. “I’m going to get a doctor.”

Zafira blinked, slow but deliberate, before nodding.

Saphira wasted no time.

She moved toward the door, stepping into the hallway with quick, purposeful strides, scanning the corridor for anyone on duty.

She spotted a doctor down the hall, flipping through a chart near the front desk.

“Doctor,” she called, her voice firm but not frantic.

The man glanced up, noting her expression before setting his papers aside. “Something wrong?”

“Zafira is talking,” she said, still breathless with the weight of it.

That got his attention.

He followed her back into the room without question, immediately moving to Zafira’s bedside.

Saphira stood back, watching as he checked her pulse, adjusted the monitors, and observed her carefully, as if trying to determine just how her recovery was progressing.

After a few moments, he exhaled, nodding slowly, an impressed look passing over his face.

“She’s healing at an incredible rate,” he remarked, glancing between them. “We haven’t seen recovery happen this fast before.”

Saphira looked at Zafira, something flickering in the back of her mind–their dragons.

The doctor continued, tapping a note into his tablet. “At this pace, she’ll be released to go home within a couple of days.”

Zafira let out a slow breath–one weighted with relief.

Saphira couldn’t hold back the soft smile tugging at her lips.

“That’s good,” she said, nodding, her voice carrying genuine reassurance. “She’ll be glad to finally get out of here.”

Zafira, still a little hoarse, swallowed and offered the doctor a faint but sincere smile.

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CHAPTER 64

“Thank you,” she murmured, her tone soft but full of meaning.

The doctor returned the smile, tapping something into his tablet. “Just keep resting, and we’ll monitor everything until discharge.”

Saphira exchanged a glance with Zafira, warmth flickering between them.

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