Page 15 of Condemned to Love

He nods once before placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll get through this, Aldric. One way or another.”

I watch as he leaves me alone with my thoughts. The weight of responsibility presses down on me once more. But now, mingled with that weight is something else—something unexpected.

Elowen’s face flashes in my mind again. Maybe she isn’t as fragile as I first thought. Maybe there’s more strength in humans than I’ve given them credit for.

As I sit down on the edge of the bed, I resolve to keep an open mind about our potential allies. Even if it goes against every instinct I have as a warrior.

8

ELOWEN

The predawn light filters through the trees as I step into the training area, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare that clings to my mind. My family's screams still echo in my ears, and I clench my fists, forcing myself to focus on the present.

I stop dead in my tracks when I see him. Aldric, towering and imposing, is pushing a group of vrakken through their paces. The scene stirs a fire within me. The sight of his dark wings spread wide as he barks orders makes my blood boil. Only vrakken are training, no humans in sight.

I march up to him, my heart pounding with anger and determination. "Aldric!" My voice slices through the air, causing several heads to turn.

He looks down at me with those piercing silver eyes, a flicker of surprise quickly masked by his usual stoic demeanor.

"Elowen," he says, voice cool and indifferent. "What do you want?"

"I want to train," I declare, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. And I quickly add as he opens his mouth, "I can keep up."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "This isn't a place for humans," he replies.

My anger flares hotter. "You need all the help you can get," I retort, stepping closer. "And I won't stand by while you prepare for war."

Aldric's lips twitch in what might be a smirk, but it vanishes as quickly as it appeared. "You think you can keep up?" He shakes his head as I raise my eyebrows, looking over his shoulder at another vrakken. "Okay, then. Prove it," he challenges, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Without hesitation, I step into the training circle, facing him squarely. The other vrakken watch with interest, some whispering among themselves.

"I don't trust you to give me a fair assessment," I say as I face him. My eyes scan the gathered crowd when they snag on Nikolai and Jessa.

"I'm the one in charge here?—"

"I want Nikolai and Jessa to determine if I can fight." I suppress a grin as Jessa's eyes light up. I'm starting to really like her. "They watch it, and what they decide goes."

Aldric's expression is unreadable for a beat, clearly weighing his options. Then, he barks out, "Fine." He crosses his arms over his chest and nods toward a nearby weapon rack. "Pick one."

I choose two small daggers, their weight familiar in my hands. For most, they would seem too small, but I know how to use them to my advantage.

Aldric steps forward, drawing his own blade with an ease that makes my stomach twist with both nerves and excitement. "Let's see if you can keep up," he says.

I grip the daggers, feeling their weight, and take a deep breath. Focus. Aldric circles me like a predator, eyes never leaving mine. He’s expecting brute force, but that’s not my game.

He lunges, swift and powerful. I sidestep, slashing at his exposed side. He spins away, barely missing my blade. A grin spreads across his face. "Quick on your feet," he remarks.

I don’t respond, keeping my focus sharp. He comes at me again, a blur of motion. I duck under his swing, aiming a kick at his knee. He blocks it effortlessly with his arm, muscles rippling beneath his skin. For a moment, I’m mesmerized by the sheer power in his movements.

Snap out of it.

I dart back, using my smaller size to stay just out of reach. His strikes are heavy and precise, designed to overpower. Mine are swift and unpredictable, aiming for weak points.

He swings wide; I roll under his arm and slash at his back. My blade grazes him—barely—but it’s a hit.

Aldric snarls, spinning to face me again. "You’re full of surprises."

"Just getting started," I taunt, keeping my distance.

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