Page 50 of Condemned to Love

But there's nothing to do now but wait. Let her rest and see if we were fast enough. The healers said it was too much blood, that she may not recover.

I know Elowen, though. She's a fighter. And she can fight this, too.

I pace the infirmary like a caged animal, my wings twitching with every movement from the healers. The acrid smell of blood and antiseptic burns my nostrils, but I can't bring myself to leave. Not while Elowen lies there, fighting for her life.

My chest feels like it's being crushed, each breath a struggle as I watch her pale face. The fierce, fiery woman I've come to know is so still, so fragile. It's wrong. Everything about this is wrong.

"You got this, Red," I whisper, my voice hoarse. "You're stronger than this. You have to be."

The realization hits me again like a punch to the gut, harder this time to the point that I can't ignore it. I love her. I'm in love with this stubborn, brave, infuriating human. The thought of losing her now, when I've only just figured it out, is unbearable.

I clench my fists, anger and fear warring inside me. Those fucking dark elves. They can't take her from me. Not like this. Not when we've barely begun.

In desperation, I close my eyes, reaching out to a power I've never truly believed in.Akeldama, if you're listening,I think fiercely.Don't let her die. Please. Let me keep her. Let her be my mate, my fierce little human.

I open my eyes, staring at Elowen's still form. "You hear that, Red?" I murmur, moving closer to her bedside. "You're mine. And I'm not letting you go without a fight."

I stare down at Elowen, my heart pounding in my chest. She's so still, so pale. The fiery spirit that drew me to her seems extinguished, and I feel a cold dread creeping through my veins.

"Come on, Red," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Open those eyes. Tell me I'm being an overprotective ass again."

But she doesn't move. Doesn't even twitch. The only sign of life is the shallow rise and fall of her chest, so faint I can barely see it.

I reach out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin is cold beneath my touch, and I have to fight back the urge to gather her in my arms, to warm her with my own body heat.

"You can't do this," I growl, leaning closer. "You hear me, Elowen? You can't leave me now. Not when…" I swallow hard. "Not when I've got something to lose too."

The night before washes over me, the first time either of us had ever indicated that this was something more. Fuck, why did I wait so long?

"Remember what you told me?" I continue, desperation creeping into my voice. "You said you'd never back down from a fight. Well, this is a fight, Red. The biggest one of your life. So don't you dare give up now."

I take her hand in mine, careful not to disturb the bandages. Her fingers are limp, unresponsive. Nothing like the strong, calloused hand that's gripped mine during training, or caressed my skin in our most intimate moments.

"Please," I whisper, bringing her hand to my lips. "Please, Elowen. Come back to me."

24

ELOWEN

Idrift in and out of consciousness, pain radiating through my body. Everything feels heavy, like I'm sinking into the earth itself. Memories flicker behind my closed eyelids - flashes of the battle, the searing agony of the wound, Aldric's face contorted with fear as he carried me.

Aldric. His name echoes in my mind, bringing a warmth that cuts through the fog of pain. I hear his voice, low and urgent, though I can't make out the words. His presence is a constant, anchoring me as I float in this hazy limbo.

In my dreams, I see him. Not just the fierce warrior I've come to know, but glimpses of a gentler side. The way his eyes crinkle when he actually smiles. How his wings flutter when he's pleased but trying not to show it. The tenderness in his touch when we're alone.

I realize with startling clarity that my heart has betrayed me. For so long, I've been consumed by thoughts of vengeance against the dark elves. It's been my driving force, my reason for pushing through every grueling day of training. But somewhere along the way, without me even noticing, Aldric has carved out a place in my heart.

The realization should terrify me. Love is a vulnerability I can't afford. And yet... I find myself clinging to thoughts of him as I battle against the pain threatening to pull me under. His strength. His unwavering dedication. The way he challenges me, pushes me to be better.

I hear his voice again, closer now. "Fight, Elowen," he whispers, his breath warm against my ear. "Come back to me."

And I want to. Gods help me, I want to open my eyes and see his face. To tell him that I understand now. That vengeance isn't everything. That he's given me something to fight for beyond my own anger.

But the darkness is pulling me back under, and all I can do is hold onto the warmth of his presence as I slip away again.

I drift back to consciousness, the world around me hazy and indistinct. Pain throbs through my body, but it feels distant now, like it belongs to someone else. I try to open my eyes, but my lids are too heavy. Instead, I focus on the voices nearby, straining to make out the words.

"...might be the only way to save her." Aldric's voice, tight with worry.

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