Page 52 of Condemned to Love

My brother grins, that gap-toothed smile I've missed so much. "You're the bravest person I know, El. You've got this."

As the dream begins to fade, I feel a sense of peace settling over me. They're right. I don't need to transform to be strong. I've already survived so much.

I slowly drift back to consciousness, the lingering warmth of my family's presence fading like morning mist. The pain is still there, a dull ache throbbing through my body, but it feels more manageable now. As I become more aware of my surroundings, I realize I'm not alone. Aldric's presence is a constant, his hand gently holding mine.

With effort, I open my eyes, blinking against the dim light. Aldric's face comes into focus, etched with worry and exhaustion. When he sees I'm awake, relief floods his features.

"Elowen," he breathes, his voice rough with emotion.

I manage a weak smile. "Hey," I croak, my throat dry and scratchy.

As Aldric helps me sip some water, I think about my dream - no, not a dream. A vision? A message? Whatever it was, it's shifted something inside me. The rage that's fueled me for so long is still there, but it no longer consumes me.

I realize now that I've been so focused on avenging my past that I've been blind to the present. To the family I've found here - Selene, Raziel, Jessa, Nikolai. To Aldric.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, squeezing his hand.

Aldric's brow furrows. "For what?"

"For almost giving up. For making you worry." I take a deep breath, wincing slightly at the pain in my ribs. "I'm not done fighting, Aldric. The dark elves, this war - I'm still in it. But not just for revenge anymore."

His eyes search mine, hope and uncertainty in their silver depths. "What changed?"

I think about my family's words, about embracing the present and allowing myself to heal. To love. "I realized I have something worth fighting for now. Something to live for."

As the vision of my family fades, I find myself drifting in a strange, peaceful limbo. The pain that's been my constant companion seems distant now, and my mind feels clearer than it has in years.

I think about Aldric, about the way he looked at me during our training sessions, the gentleness in his touch when we were alone. I've been holding back, afraid to let myself feel anything beyond the burning need for revenge. But now, I realize that my fear has been holding me captive just as much as my anger.

My mother's words echo in my mind: "It's okay to move forward. To find happiness again." And I want to. Gods, I want to so badly it aches.

I think about Selene's unwavering support, Jessa's fierce friendship, Nikolai's quiet strength, and Raziel's wisdom. They've become my family, filling the void left by those I lost. And Aldric... he's become so much more than just an ally or a mentor.

I don't have to choose between my past and my future. I can honor my family's memory by living fully, by embracing the love and connections I've found. My fight against the dark elves doesn't have to consume me. It can be part of who I am without defining my entire existence.

If I make it through this, I promise myself, I'll tell Aldric how I feel. No more holding back, no more letting fear dictate my choices. I'll fight for the people I love, for the future we're trying to build. And I'll allow myself to be happy, to love and be loved in return.

As I make this silent vow, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. Whatever happens next, I know I'm ready to face it with an open heart.

25

ALDRIC

Ilean against the wall, my eyes never leaving Elowen's face. The rise and fall of her chest is steady now, a far cry from the ragged breaths that haunted me days ago. My wings twitch, aching to stretch, but I refuse to move. Not until she opens her eyes.

The door creaks open, and Selene's scent wafts in. She moves to Elowen's bedside, her pale fingers brushing a stray lock of fiery hair from the human's forehead. She comes by regularly. She might not be a healer, but she once had none and learned to care for herself, and she was close to Elowen.

"She's doing well," Selene murmurs, her amber eyes flicking to me.

"She has a fever," I grunt, trying to hide the pain in my voice.

She shakes her head. "I think it's going to break. I can feel it. You just need to give her time."

I don't respond to that. The hope clogs my throat, and I'm not sure I could answer if I wanted to.

She looks me over. "You, however…" Selene straightens, fixing me with a stern gaze. "Aldric, you need to feed. And rest. You're no good to her like this."

I shake my head, my jaw clenching. "I'm fine."

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