Page 29 of Fated to the Damned

Slowly, the vrakken before me rise as I stay at the front of the room, hands clasped behind my back and wings tucked in tight. They filter out the open doorways into the sunlight. No longer is my temple tucked away in the back of the caverns. Now, it shines in the sun in all the glory it deserves.

As I stand at the front of the sunlit temple, soft murmurings filling the air, I allow myself a moment of quiet introspection. So much has changed these last few months since I took command of this failing base.

Gone are the days of chaos and indulgence. Rigorous martial discipline now reigns, just as it should. Soren and Raziel's warriors whipped even the most stubborn into shape with relentless training. Patrols and scout rotations proceed like a fine-tuned machine. The forges run day and night, readying weapons and armor for the coming conflict.

The temple stands as testament to our renewed dedication to the old ways. No longer does it hide in dank caverns. Vrakken now flock to its light and wisdom with reverence.

In the beginning, some resisted my edicts, clinging to their slack ways. But one by one they fell in line as our preparations took shape. Soon we will be ready to face the dark elves with righteous fury.

I linger within the cavernous temple as the last stragglers of the congregation file out into the courtyard. Soft beams of morning sunlight filter in through the open doors, catching motes of dust spinning through the air.

Taking a deep, centering breath, I make my way toward the doorway, ready to attend to my duties. But as I draw near, a sight catches my eye that roots me in place.

There, just outside bathed in radiant sunlight, is Jessa. She stands encircled by a small group of humans, head bent intently as she speaks to them about the sermon. Her melodious voice carries snippets back to me as she patiently guides them through questions about our rituals and beliefs.

“Our kind was blessed,” she tells them. “Akeldama found a human woman worthy of his gifts and bestowed them upon her…”

Her dedication to learning our ways and worshiping the First and Akeldama these last months has only deepened my attraction to her.

I was hesitant when she first came to sermons, keeping my distance. Lev was the one that taught her and answered her questions as I watched from a distance. He helped her prepare the altars and learn the way of the temple until I was burning with jealousy.

Still, each day, I refuse to give into my baser desires. She’s at the temple nearly as much as I am, and aside from the occasional glances, she hasn’t approached me again. It’s best for us to keep our distance so we don’t repeat our mistakes.

But that has done nothing for my longing.

I halt, unable to tear my gaze away as I drink in her breathtaking beauty. She wears a dress in deep emerald green, an echo of the rich forest hues she so loves. The color brings out flecks of amber and gold in her hazel eyes. Her chestnut hair is pinned up, the curls framing her face in a way that I can’t look away from.

Unbidden, my gaze traces over her alluring curves, the stretch of bare neck revealed by her upswept hair. Desire wells up sharply, my thoughts turning to wondering how she would feel pressed close in my arms, her soft lips yielding to mine...

With an effort, I wrench my mind away from such dangerous fantasies. I cannot afford distraction or weakness. Not when I still have a vital duty to fulfill here.

Even if I want Jessa more and more with every day. Staring at her from a distance feels as if it is my own form of torture…

Especially when she seems to have lost all interest in me.

I watch as she walks away from the group and over to Lev. He smiles at her kindly, I have to fight to keep myself from ripping her away from him. “Do you want help?” she asks, gesturing to the altar.

When he nods, they both ascend the steps, and I feel as if they have forgotten I’m here. I burn with the desire to march up to her and claim her, show Lev who she belongs to.

But I can’t.

Now that martial order has been restored to this base under my command, I must turn my focus to carrying out the High Priestess' edict against human and vrakken bonding. No matter how fiercely I might want Jessa, she can never be mine.

Luckily, she can’t be Lev’s either and he knows it.

I make my way to the bustling training rings, needing distraction from the temptation of Jessa's presence. Better to lead by example and hone my skills than indulge such thoughts.

It’s something I’ve taken up a lot. I spend several hours out here each day, stretching my wings and muscles in a way they have never felt before. I’ve become quite proficient at sparring at this point.

I strip off my shirt, baring my muscular torso to take advantage of the warm sunlight. Grabbing a training sword and shield, I step into the packed dirt of the central ring.

A young vrakken named Theron bows respectfully. "Need a partner?" His eyes gleam eagerly at the prospect of sparring with someone new. Some see me as a great challenge with my wings. Others think I’m weak as I’ve always been in the temple.

But they all learn that I am called Akeldama blessed for a reason.

I return the bow. "It would be an honor. Show me where you are at in your training." I settled into a balanced ready stance.

Theron grins and immediately presses the attack. I smoothly block and parry each of his aggressive strikes. He's fast and fearless, but lacks strategy.

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