Page 12 of Condemned to Love

I blink. "Are you saying…"

"You'd be a great warrior," Jessa agrees. "Don't let them underestimate a human." She shrugs with a soft smile. "Or a vrakken if that's what you want to be."

My heart pounds with anticipation and resolve as I step forward, my voice clear and unwavering. "I volunteer to join the battalion," I declare, my gaze sweeping over the gathered vrakken. "I'm ready to fight for our home, for our people."

Aldric steps closer, and I can feel his gaze sizing me up, evaluating every inch of me. My heart races, and I swallow down my nerves, trying not to stare at the bulging muscles that ripple beneath his tight clothing. His presence is overwhelming, a force of nature that threatens to consume me.

"What's your name?" His voice is low and commanding, making it hard to breathe.

"Elowen," I manage to say, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

Aldric raises an eyebrow, his dark eyes scraping over me in a way that makes my whole body heat up. For a minute, I feelexposed, vulnerable under his intense scrutiny. My skin prickles with anticipation and a need I try to bury.

But then he shakes his head, breaking the spell. "It will be great for you to learn self-defense," he says, his tone dismissive. "I'll set up some training for the humans."

His words cut deep, stinging like a physical blow. "Excuse me?"

He shrugs one shoulder. "You should learn to defend yourself. But you're not built for the battalion."

I'm not built for the battalion? The anger surges up inside me, hot and fierce. How dare he brush me off so easily?

As Aldric turns away, effectively dismissing me, I can feel the fury bubbling over. "I'm stronger than you think," I snap, my voice sharper than I intended.

He pauses but doesn't turn back around.

"I've fought dark elves before," I continue, stepping closer to him despite the burning humiliation in my chest. "I won't be sidelined just because I'm human."

Aldric finally turns his head slightly, one dark eyebrow arched in mild interest. But there's still that air of dismissal around him that only fuels my anger further.

He may not believe in me now, but I'll show him—and everyone else—that I'm not just some weak human to be coddled and protected. I'll fight for my place here with every ounce of strength I have.

My jaw sets as I watch Aldric turn to the other vrakken. He won't forget my name again—I'll make sure of it.

7

ALDRIC

Standing in the courtyard, I survey the faces of my kin, and anger burns in my veins. These are the warriors of legend, the ones who should be ready to fight for our survival. Yet here they stand, apathetic and indifferent. The Council's decree was clear; the dark elves are coming, and we must be prepared. But they act as if this is another trivial matter to be dismissed.

My fists clench, nails biting into my palms. I lock eyes with Raziel, hoping to find some spark of determination in him. He's watching me intently, his expression unreadable. Almost like he's sizing me up.

"Listen up!" My voice echoes off the stone walls of the courtyard. "The dark elves have attacked one of our own bases. They’re not going to stop until every last one of us is crushed beneath them if they can help it."

Silence follows my words. I scan their faces, looking for any sign of resolve. Nothing.

"This isn't just about survival; it's about honor!" My gaze sweeps across the crowd again, seeking a reaction, any reaction.

Raziel steps forward slightly, his wings shifting but he says nothing. His silence stings more than any blade.

"We need warriors!" I shout. "We need to protect our people!"

A few Vrakken exchange glances but then turn away. One by one, they begin to leave the courtyard, their apathy hanging in the air like a thick fog.

I step toward Raziel, frustration boiling over. "Why won't they fight?"

He meets my gaze finally, his eyes dark and reflective like deep pools. "Because they don't think it won't affect them," he says simply.

"They took out a base!"

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