Page 19 of Condemned to Love

I stroke myself harder, imagining her beneath me, her nails digging into my back as she moans my name. The fantasy consumes me, driving me to the edge.

With a final grunt, I release, the tension melting away but leaving me more conflicted than before.

When it comes to this little human, I'm fucked. Absolutely fucked.

10

ELOWEN

Sweat drips down my forehead, stinging my eyes as I push through another grueling set of drills. My muscles scream in protest, but I refuse to give in. The skeptical gazes of the vrakken around me are a constant reminder that I need to prove myself. Every punch, every kick, every maneuver is a testament to my determination.

“Faster, Elowen!” Nikolai’s voice booms through the training ground.

I grit my teeth and increase my pace, focusing on the target in front of me. My fists fly, striking with precision and power. The vrakken might be faster and stronger, but I have something they don’t: relentless tenacity. Each strike echoes my resolve to be more than just a human among legends.

The training seems endless, each drill blending into the next. My breath comes in ragged gasps, but I keep going. Pain is temporary; pride lasts longer.

Aldric’s presence pulls at the edge of my consciousness. He’s sparring across the field, his movements fluid and powerful. It’s impossible not to notice him—the way his muscles ripple witheach strike, the sheer grace and strength he exudes. Despite myself, my eyes wander over to him.

I catch a glimpse of him blocking a blow with effortless precision before delivering a counterattack that sends his opponent sprawling. He moves like a shadow, quick and deadly, a predator in his element. For a moment, I’m lost in watching him, captivated by his prowess and raw magnetism.

“Focus!” Nikolai snaps.

I blink and force myself back into the present, redoubling my efforts on the training dummy before me. Each strike lands harder than the last as if I can beat the distraction out of myself. But it’s no use; Aldric’s image lingers in my mind.

Training finally comes to an end, and I feel every muscle in my body sigh with relief. I bend over to catch my breath, wiping sweat from my brow when I feel eyes on me. Glancing up, I find Aldric looking directly at me from across the field.

Our eyes lock for what feels like an eternity. His piercing silver gaze seems to look right through me. Heat rises to my cheeks, and I quickly look away, embarrassed by how easily he affects me.

I gather my things hastily, shoving them into my bag as if keeping busy can erase the moment we shared. With one last glance around the training ground, I head towards the exit, trying to ignore how Aldric’s gaze seems to follow me even when I’m not looking at him.

As I leave the training ground, the murmurs start. The vrakken don’t even try to hide their disdain.

"Look at her, trying to be one of us," one sneers.

"Humans don’t belong here," another adds with a chuckle.

I feel the anger flare inside me. My hands clench into fists, knuckles white. I spin around, glaring at them with all the fire I can muster.

"You think your sneers matter?" I snap. "I’ve survived more than you can imagine. If you have a problem with me, say it to my face."

They fall silent, taken aback by my outburst. I don’t wait for a response, shouldering my way through the crowd, head held high. Each step feels like defiance against their hostility. Their words sting, but I refuse to let them see me falter.

The corridor leading back to my room is dimly lit, the cool stone walls a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of the training ground. My mind races with thoughts of the day’s events, Aldric’s intense gaze still lingering in my mind despite my best efforts to push it aside.

Turning a corner, I nearly collide with Selene. Her honey-colored eyes widen as she takes in my appearance.

"Elowen," she breathes, concern evident in her voice. "You’re hurt."

"It’s nothing," I mutter, brushing past her.

But Selene isn’t one to be easily dismissed. She steps in front of me, blocking my path and gently lifting my chin to examine a bruise forming on my cheek.

"This isn’t nothing," she insists. "Let me come with you."

I hesitate for a moment but then nod reluctantly. Selene falls into step beside me as we make our way back to my room. Her presence is comforting, a reminder that not all vrakken are against me.

"You’re pushing yourself too hard," she says softly.

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