Page 1 of Condemned to Love

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ALDRIC

The clash of steel and the crackle of chaotic magic reverberate around me. I swing my blade, cutting through the air and a dark elf warrior with equal precision. I prefer the use of my weapon, with the power of my magic behind it.

Daybreak paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, an ironic backdrop to the violence unfolding. The dark elves pour out from the woods, their eyes glowing with malevolent glee.

"Hold the line!" My voice booms over the cacophony. "Don't let them breach the base!"

A fireball whizzes past my head, narrowly missing me. I retaliate, thrusting my sword into a dark elf's chest, feeling the resistance give way under my strength. Blood splatters across my face, mingling with sweat. I wipe it away, eyes scanning for the next threat.

A figure darts towards me—sleek, fast, wielding a jagged blade that hums with magic. I parry the attack, our swords clashing with a screech that sets my teeth on edge.

"You're too slow," he hisses, her violet eyes narrowing.

I grin, muscles tensing as I push him back. "And you're too arrogant."

With a powerful swing, I knock his weapon aside and drive my blade into his gut. She gasps, a mix of shock and rage crossing his features before he crumples to the ground.

"Aldric!" A shout draws my attention to another skirmish nearby.

I turn to see one of my comrades struggling against two dark elves. With a swift motion, I unfurl my wings and leap into the fray, landing heavily behind them. My wings sweep out in a powerful arc, sending one of the elves sprawling. The other turns to face me but hesitates—just long enough for me to decapitate him.

"Thanks," my comrade pants, his relief palpable.

"Stay sharp," I reply, scanning the battlefield once more.

The ground is littered with bodies—both Vrakken and dark elves. Blood soaks into the earth, turning it into a morbid mosaic of life lost and battles won. The smell of charred flesh and ozone fills the air as spells collide and explode around us.

A sudden pain sears through my side; I stagger but stay upright. Glancing down, I see a deep gash leaking blood. No time to tend to it now.

My side burns, but I push the pain aside. The battle rages on, demanding every ounce of focus. Another dark elf approaches, his jagged sword gleaming with dark energy. His sneer is enough to stoke my anger.

"You look tired, vrakken," he taunts, circling me like a predator.

I meet his gaze, unfurling my wings. "I’ll rest when you’re dead."

We clash. Our swords meet with a deafening clang, sparks flying. I parry his blows, each one faster than the last. He’s quick, but I’m stronger. I force him back step by step, channeling my magic through the blade.

A blast of chaos magic explodes between us, throwing us both off balance. He recovers first and lunges at me. I twist away, narrowly avoiding his blade.

"You fight well for a surface dweller," he admits grudgingly.

I smirk. "And you die well for a dark elf."

Our swords lock again. This time I’m ready for his tricks. I sidestep and drive my elbow into his ribs, hearing the satisfying crack of bone. He stumbles, giving me the opening I need to run him through.

Before I can catch my breath, another elf is on me. This one’s more cautious, watching me with calculating eyes.

"Let’s see how you fare against someone who thinks," he sneers.

I charge him, swinging my sword in a wide arc. He dodges easily and retaliates with a slash that grazes my arm.

"Think fast," he quips.

I summon a burst of magic and send it at him. He counters with his own spell, the two forces colliding in a blinding flash of light. The shockwave knocks us both back.

As we regain our footing, he darts forward and swings at my head. I raise my sword to block but too late—I feel the sharp sting as his blade shears through my hair.

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