Page 41 of Condemned to Love

Her words hit me hard. I've been so focused on keeping her safe, I've overlooked her resilience. "You're right," I admit. "You're one of the strongest people I know, Elowen. I should have seen that sooner."

A flicker of surprise crosses her face. "You're not just saying this to placate me?"

"No," I say firmly. "I mean every word. You're a warrior, Elowen. Your strength complements my own. We're stronger together, as equals."

The tension drains from her shoulders. "That's all I wanted. To be seen as your equal, not someone who needs coddling."

I nod, a newfound respect blooming in my chest. "I see it now. And I promise to push you harder, to help you reach your full potential."

A slow smile spreads across Elowen's face. She crosses her arms, green eyes still burning with determination. "I'll hold you to that, Aldric."

I nod. "You got it, Red," I say, hoping the nickname lightens her up. "I'll prove it to you in our training sessions. No more holding back."

She raises an eyebrow. "And no more trying to coddle me?"

"No more coddling," I agree, feeling a twinge of guilt for my past behavior. "You've more than earned your place here, Elowen. I see that now."

A small smile tugs at her lips. "Well, better late than never, I suppose."

As we talk, I feel the tension between us easing. We're not completely back to normal, but it's a start. And as I look at her, really look at her, I'm struck by how much I care about her. It's more than just attraction or admiration. This fierce, determined woman has become important to me in ways I never expected.

The realization is both exhilarating and terrifying. I push it aside for now, focusing on the present moment.

"So," I say, "ready to show me what you've got?"

Elowen's grin turns predatory. "Always. Try to keep up, old man."

I nod, settling into a fighting stance. Elowen mirrors me, her green eyes blazing with determination. We circle each other, muscles tense, waiting for the right moment to strike.

And this time, I have no intention of holding back.

Elowen moves first, a swift jab aimed at my ribs. I block, countering with a sweep of my leg. She jumps, nimble and impressive, and we're off.

The fight is a blur of motion. Elowen's attacks are relentless, each move flowing seamlessly into the next. I find myself working harder than ever to keep up.

Gone is the hesitation I saw in her early training days. This Elowen is confident, precise, and dangerous.

"Getting tired?" she taunts, ducking under a punch.

I grin, wings flaring for balance as I dodge her counterattack. "Just warming up, Red."

We move across the training room in a deadly dance. I'm struck by how in sync we are, anticipating each other's moves, reacting instinctively. It's exhilarating.

Elowen feints left, then strikes right. I barely block in time, impressed by her strategy. She's not just strong, she's smart.

"Nice move," I grunt, launching a series of quick jabs.

She weaves through them, a fierce smile on her face. "Learned from the best."

The compliment catches me off guard. In that split second of distraction, Elowen strikes. She sweeps my legs out from under me, following me down. Before I can recover, she's pinned me, her face inches from mine.

"Gotcha," she breathes, triumph shining in her eyes.

I'm suddenly very aware of how close we are, her body pressed against mine. Without thinking, I lean up and capture her lips in a kiss. She responds immediately, the heat of our sparring transforming into a different kind of fire.

When we break apart, I can't help but smirk. "So, Red, fancy some company in the showers?"

Elowen laughs, climbing off me and offering a hand up. "You can make it up to me in there."

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