Page 45 of Condemned to Love

They nod, immediately setting to work. I watch as they guide groups to the armory, fitting each fighter with protective gear and handing out an array of blades and bows.

Elowen's voice cuts through the commotion as our ranks settle back into place, looking for new directions. "Remember, we're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for every base, every life the dark elves have threatened. This is our chance to strike back."

Her words seem to ignite a fire in our troops. I feel a swell of pride, both for her and for the warriors before us.

"Alright," I growl, clapping my hands together. "Let's see what you've got. Pair up and show me your best moves. We'll be running drills until every last one of you can fight in your sleep."

As our fighters begin to spar, I move among them, correcting stances and offering advice. Elowen does the same, her keen eye catching details I might have missed.

"Keep your guard up," I hear her instruct a young vrakken. "The dark elves will exploit any opening they see."

I can't help but smile. She's come so far from the fierce but untrained human I first met. Now, she moves with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Pride swells in my chest, mingled with a fierce protectiveness I can't shake. But I know better than to coddle her now. She's proven herself time and again.

After hours of training, we finally let the warriors have a break. "Elowen," I call out, my voice carrying across the training grounds. She turns, her green eyes meeting mine with a questioning look. "I need you to lead the reconnaissance team."

Surprise flickers across her face, quickly replaced by determination. "You got it," she nods, already moving towards a group of our stealthiest fighters.

"Take Jessa with you," I add. "You'll be our eyes and ears out there. I want to know every move those bastards make before they make it."

Elowen's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Consider it done."

I turn to address the rest of our forces. "Listen up! Elowen and Jessa will be leading our scout team. Tomorrow, they'll be providing us with crucial intelligence. Your lives may depend on the information they bring back, so get some rest and be ready to train and prepare tomorrow."

As our fighters disperse for the night, I feel a presence at my side. Elowen stands there, her face set in determined lines.

"Thank you," she says softly. "For trusting me with this."

I meet her gaze, allowing myself a moment of vulnerability. "You've more than earned it. Just... be careful out there."

She nods, understanding the weight of my words. Then she's gone, moving to gather her team.

I watch her go, my chest tight with emotions I can't fully name. But there's no time for that now. We have a war to prepare for, and I'll be damned if I let the dark elves catch us unprepared again.

Our small group gathers in the dimly lit library, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across our faces. It's late, but the energy in the room is palpable. We're all on edge, knowing what tomorrow brings.

We spent every second of the last day and a half getting ready for the attack. And while it left us with little time, we're ready.

At least I have to hope.

"Alright," I say, my voice low and gruff. "Let's go over this one last time."

Raziel nods, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I've got our strongest magic wielders ready. They're prepared to throw up barriers and counter any spells the dark elves might hurl our way."

"Good," I grunt, feeling a small measure of relief. "The squads are as ready as they'll ever be. We've drilled them hard these past two days."

Jessa leans forward, her face set in fierce lines. "Nikolai and I will lead the attack from the far side while you and Elowen attack from the near side. We'll give them no room to breathe."

Nikolai nods in agreement. "We've got some tricks up our sleeves. They won't know what hit them."

Elowen looks around before her eyes land on me. "We're coming at them from all sides, ground and air. There's no way they get through us."

Pride and fear trickle through me as I look at her. I hope she's right, but I know that not everyone will survive tomorrow. As a warrior, though, I know I can't think of that so I block it from my mind.

"And if they do," Selene adds. "They won't get to the base through us." She bumps Raziel who nods.

"We won't let this base go down," the Elder says softly. "The dark elves have to learn that they’ve underestimated us for far too long."

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