Page 20 of Condemned to Love

"I have to," I reply, my voice hardening. "I need to prove myself."

"You already have," Selene says gently. "To those who matter."

We reach my room, and Selene helps me inside. She’s right—I have nothing to prove to those who don’t see my worth. But that doesn’t make their hostility any easier to bear.

Selene’s touch is soothing as she tends to my cuts and bruises. As the pain ebbs away under her care, I feel a flicker of hope amidst the doubt and exhaustion.

"Thank you," I murmur as she finishes wrapping a bandage around my wrist.

"Anytime," she replies with a warm smile. "We’re in this together."

Selene’s touch is gentle as she finishes wrapping the bandage around my wrist. Her honey-colored eyes hold a warmth that cuts through the cold stone of the tunnels.

"You know," she begins, her voice soft yet firm, "I faced the same kind of rejection when I first arrived here."

I glance up, curiosity piqued. Selene, always so composed and confident, had faced this too?

She continues, "When Raziel brought me into the tunnels, it was like dropping a pebble into a pond. The ripples spread far and wide. The vrakken weren’t exactly thrilled to have a human among them. They saw me as an outsider, a liability."

Her words resonate with me, striking a chord deep within. I lean back against the cool stone wall, letting her story wash over me.

"I had to prove myself every single day," Selene says, her gaze distant as if reliving those moments. "It wasn’t just about survival; it was about earning their respect. And it wasn’t easy."

I nod slowly, understanding dawning on me. "But you did it," I say, more a statement than a question.

She smiles softly. "Yes, but not without pushing myself to the brink more times than I care to admit. And that’s what I’m worried about with you."

Her concern is palpable, and it tugs at something inside me. She sees through my tough exterior to the exhaustion beneath.

"Elowen," she says gently but firmly, "you can’t keep pushing yourself like this. There’s no point in proving yourself if there’s nothing left of you by the end."

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. She’s right, of course. But stopping? That feels impossible.

"Promise me," she presses, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that’s hard to ignore. "Promise you’ll take care of yourself too."

I hesitate for a moment before nodding slowly. "I promise," I say quietly, though my resolve wavers internally.

Selene smiles, relief evident in her expression. "Good. You’re strong and determined, Elowen. But even the strongest need to rest."

She gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before standing up to leave.

As the door closes behind her, I sit in silence for a moment, absorbing everything she said. The weight of my promise hangs heavy in the air.

I know I can't stop pushing myself—not when there's so much at stake—but perhaps... perhaps I can find a balance. For now, though, all I can do is try.

The next morning, I arrive at the training area, the chill of the morning air seeping through my leathers. My muscles are sore, but the fire inside me burns brighter than ever. Today, I need to prove I can keep up.

Aldric stands across the field, his presence commanding. As he strides towards me, I can’t help but take him in—the broad shoulders, the sharp lines of his face, the intensity in his silver eyes.Damn it, Elowen. Focus.

"Ready for another round?" His voice is low, almost a growl.

I nod, determined to keep my composure. "Always."

He raises an eyebrow. "We’re working one on one today. You think you can handle that?"

"Do you?" I shoot back.

A smirk tugs at his lips. "Let’s find out."

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