Page 55 of Condemned to Love

Battle is all I've ever known. To fight, to be a warrior. But the second that I saw her go down, I knew that none of it mattered. Nothing mattered more than her.

And I can't shake that realization. Just like I can't bring myself to leave her side. There is nothing on the planet or beyond that I want more than her.

I want her as my mate, and I can't hold that in anymore.

Deciding that Elowen needs to know this, too, I lean closer to her. "I love you," I confess, my voice breaking. "I love you, and I'm terrified of losing you. Please, Elowen. Please stay with me."

I lean closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I promise, if you wake up, I'll tell you every day how much you mean to me. I'll show you every day how much I love you. Just please, don't leave me."

My words hang in the air, unanswered. But I keep holding her hand, hoping that somehow, she can feel me here, waiting for her to come back to me.

26

ELOWEN

Idrift in a hazy sea of half-consciousness, sounds filtering in and out like waves lapping at the shore. My body aches, every muscle protesting as I try to force my body back to consciousness, but the searing agony that once consumed me has dulled to a persistent throb. It's almost bearable now, and I've decided that I can make do with that.

I'm ready. I can feel it pounding through my body.

Selene's voice cuts through the fog, her words a lifeline I cling to. Her tone is soft, soothing, and I strain to make out what she's saying. It's important, I know it is, but my mind feels sluggish and uncooperative.

I try to open my eyes, to focus on her face, but my eyelids are too heavy. For now, I'm content to float in this strange limbo, tethered only by the sound of her voice.

"Her fever's broken. There's no signs of infection. Nothing to worry about." She sounds like she is reassuring someone. "She just needs rest now. Her body has been through a lot."

The news washes over me, and I feel a flicker of hope ignite in my chest. I want to open my eyes, to tell them I'm here, but my body refuses to cooperate.

Aldric's deep rumble follows, his concern evident even through my hazy consciousness. "She should have woken up by now. It's been days of her drifting in and out, never staying fully coherent."

The worry in his voice tugs at something inside me. Days? Have I really been out that long? I struggle to piece together fragmented memories, but they slip away like smoke.

I try to focus, to push through the fog clouding my mind. But exhaustion pulls at me, trying to drag me back down into the depths of slumber. This time, I refuse to go.

When Selene doesn't answer, he adds, "How much longer will her body need?"

There's a bite to his words, but I know he isn't angry. He's worried. I've heard pieces of what he's said, how he's begged me to come back. And if I were in his shoes, I'd feel the same. The concern in his voice tugs at something deep inside me, a warmth spreading through my chest despite the fog still clouding my mind.

I force my heavy eyelids open, struggling against the weight that seems determined to keep them shut. I blink rapidly, trying to adjust to the sudden assault of light that floods my vision.

The world swims into focus, blurry shapes slowly sharpening until I can make out Aldric's worried face as he looks at Selene. His silver eyes, usually so fierce and determined, are clouded with fear and something else I can't seem to place. It's an expression I've never seen on him before, and it makes my heart clench.

"Impatient ass," I croak, my voice rough from disuse.

Aldric's eyes snap to me, relief flooding his features. He rushes to my side, his large hand engulfing mine. "Elowen," he breathes, squeezing my fingers gently.

I try to sit up, but my muscles protest. Aldric's arm slides behind my shoulders, supporting me as I shift. "Easy there,Red," he murmurs, his touch surprisingly gentle for such a warrior.

"How long?" I manage, my throat dry as sandpaper.

Selene appears at my other side, offering a cup of water. "You've been in and out for a little over a week," she says, helping me take small sips. "We weren't sure..."

Her voice trails off, but I catch the worry in her eyes. I force a weak smile. "Takes more than a few dark elves to keep me down."

Aldric snorts, but I don't miss the way his jaw clenches. "You nearly died," he growls. "If I hadn't gotten you back in time-"

"But you did," I cut him off, meeting his intense gaze. Something flickers in those silver eyes, an emotion I can't quite name. "I'm still here, Aldric. Still fighting."

Selene squeezes my hand gently. "We're so glad you're okay, Elowen," she says softly. "I'll leave you two alone for a bit." With a knowing smile, she slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.

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