Page 16 of Condemned to Love

He charges again. This time I don’t dodge but meet him head-on, deflecting his blade with one dagger while aiming the other at his ribs. His free hand catches my wrist in an iron grip.

I twist sharply, using the momentum to flip over his arm and land behind him. My heart pounds with the thrill of the fight—and something more when I catch sight of his muscles straining under the effort.

Stop it.

I pivot quickly as he turns to face me once more. Our eyes lock for a brief second before he comes at me with renewed vigor. The crowd around us grows silent, their whispers dying down as they watch our every move.

Aldric’s next strike is faster than before; I barely manage to parry it in time. The force sends a jolt through my arms, but I hold firm.

"Not bad," he mutters through gritted teeth.

"Better than not bad," I retort, ducking under another swing and swiping at his legs.

He jumps back just in time, but not without losing balance for a split second—enough for me to dart forward and press an attack. Our blades clash repeatedly in rapid succession; sparks fly from the steel as we dance around each other in the ring.

His strength is undeniable; each blow he delivers feels like it could break bones if it connects fully. But I use my speed and wits to stay ahead—barely.

Every now and then I catch myself glancing at the way his muscles flex or how focused those silver eyes look when zeroed in on me—but then another attack comes my way forcing me back into reality.

I focus on his every move, watching the way his muscles tense before each strike. He’s a formidable opponent, but I know I can outsmart him. He’s used to brute force, to overpowering his enemies. But me? I’m unpredictable.

Aldric lunges again, his blade aimed for my shoulder. I duck and roll to the side, feeling the rush of air as his sword swings past me. As I come up, I throw one of my daggers at him, aiming for his leg. He deflects it with ease, but it was never meant to hit.

The distraction gives me the split second I need. I rush forward, closing the distance between us. He brings his sword down in a powerful arc, but I twist to the side and slam into him with my shoulder. The force catches him off guard, and he stumbles back.

I don’t give him a chance to recover. I’m on him in an instant, slashing with my remaining dagger. He blocks my strikes with his sword, but each one drives him further back. His eyes flash with surprise and a hint of respect.

"How much longer can you keep up," he grunts as he parries another blow. "War is about stamina."

"I could run circles around you," I reply, though I'm panting slightly from the exertion.

I can see the frustration building in his eyes. He’s not used to being pushed like this. It fuels me, makes me push harder. I feint left, then spin right, slashing at his exposed side. He barely blocks it in time.

Our movements are a blur now—an intricate dance of blades and bodies. I dodge under his swing and kick out at his knee. He stumbles again, but this time I’m ready.

I leap up, twisting in mid-air to land behind him. Before he can turn around, I have my dagger pressed against his throat.

The ring falls silent as Aldric freezes. His chest heaves with heavy breaths, eyes wide with surprise—and something else that sends a thrill through me.

"Yield," I demand softly but firmly.

He grunts in frustration but doesn’t move. "Yield," he repeats grudgingly.

I step back slowly, lowering my dagger but keeping my guard up just in case. Aldric straightens up and looks at me with an intensity that makes my heart race for reasons beyond the fight.

Around us, the vrakken murmur among themselves—impressed whispers that fill the air like a hum of approval.

Nikolai and Jessa step forward from where they’ve been watching intently by the sidelines. Nikolai’s jewel-toned amber eyes are alight with interest while Jessa gives me an approving nod.

"You’ve got spirit," Jessa says with a small smile curling her lips. "And potential."

Nikolai adds, "We could use someone like you."

I glance back at Aldric who is still watching me intently and feel a surge of satisfaction wash over me.

Maybe this is just the beginning after all.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I turn back to Nikolai and Jessa.

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